Language Tandems for Staff

Course description

What is a language tandem?

Two academic or administrative staff members from two EUniWell universities are paired together to practice a foreign language they are learning. They meet regularly via videoconference to practice their oral language skills. They are completely autonomous in organising their tandem learning.

For this second session, we are opening two tandem format options:

• Option A – Two-language tandem. 

Each participant is learning a language spoken fluently by their tandem’s partner. They practice two languages together. Example: An Italian speaker working at UNIFI and learning German is paired with a German speaker working at UKON and learning Italian.

• Option B – One-language tandem. 

The two tandem partners do not have the same native language and are learning the same language. They practice this language together. Example: An Ukrainian speaker working at KNU and learning English is paired with a French speaker working at NU also learning English.

Why participate?

If you are learning a foreign language, participating in a language tandem will allow you to:

• Practice your oral skills flexibly and informally with a native or fluent speaker or with another learner of the same language
• Improve your confidence when speaking in a foreign language
• Expand your professional network and engage with your peers
• Develop your intercultural skills

How does it work?

• Step 1: Assess your language level

Evaluate your level in the language you would like to practice, using the CEFR self-assessment grid, or lor the “Self-evaluate your language skills” tool developed by the Council of Europe

• Step 2: Fill in the matching form

It will find you the best tandem partner based on the language you would like to practice, your language level, the language(s) you speak, your preferred tandem option, your position, and the topics you would like to discuss.

• Step 3: Start the sessions with your tandem partner

Once the tandem is formed, you can organise your sessions as you prefer, using the videoconference tool of your choice.