Tandem-learning at the Language Centre

NEW: Expansion of the tandem programme!

The Université de technologie de Troyes – an EUT+ partner of h_da – has joined the h_da Language Centre’s tandem programme! This means that students from France can also sign up, making the tandem programme transnational. We look forward to welcoming the new participants!

Two people who speak different languages join forces to help each learn the other’s language. This allows you to approach the target language in a very natural manner. In addition, learning a language in tandem is an intensive learning experience because you have to speak the language over longer periods of time. Both parties benefit – and because the tandem-learning programme is based on reciprocity, there is no charge for taking part. Only h_da and UTT students and faculty/employees are permitted to enroll. No ECTS points are awarded for participation.

Register for a tandem here!

FAQ

What is a tandem and how does it work?

To illustrate how tandem-learning works, let's take an example: You are a native speaker of German and would like to improve your Spanish. The h_da Language Centre will help you find a suitable partner who speaks Spanish and who would like to practise their German. You can then arrange to meet once a week for two hours, for example. It is important that the learning partnership is based on full reciprocity. Both sides should benefit equally, i.e. in your first session you speak German with each other, in the second session Spanish. You can meet as often and for as long as you like and learn each other's language at an intensity which works for you. In your sessions you can practise anything that helps improve your language skills. And the best thing about it: You're not tied to a classroom situation - instead you can learn about your tandem partner's language and culture during all kinds of activities!

You don't need to be a language teacher to facilitate language-learning for your partner – they will benefit from what you already know about your language!

How do I register for the tandem programme?

To register for the tandem programme, please fill in the online registration. Please note: Only h_da and UTT students and staff as well as participants of the preparatory German language course (Studienvorbereitungskurs) are permitted to register. Persons who are not currently at h_da/UTT (including students from other universities) may not register.

As soon as we receive the completed form, we will try to find a suitable tandem partner for you. Depending on the requested languages, this may take some time. We will contact you by e-mail when we have found a tandem partner.

Your registration will remain valid for two semesters. If you are still interested after this period, you can then reapply. If you would like to withdraw your registration before the end of the two semesters, please send an e-mail to tandem@h-da.de.

What’s in it for me?

You will meet and get to know someone from a different culture, thus learning a new language in a very personal way. In contrast to a language class, the tandem programme offers a lot of flexibility. Together you can choose when, where and how often to practice, so you will be able to learn the target language in exactly the intensity and for the duration that suits you best.

Are there any requirements for registration?

Most importantly, you should be willing to support your tandem partner in learning their target language, as the tandem programme is all about reciprocity. In addition to your interest in the language, you should also show some interest in the other’s culture and of course always behave in a manner that is both respectful and fair. If you’re generally open to new experiences, that’s a plus. A tandem is more likely to turn out a success if you start with at least a basic knowledge of the target language, so you’re ready to actually speak the language.

Please note: Only h_da students and staff as well as participants of the preparatory German language course (Studienvorbereitungskurs) are permitted to register. Persons who are not currently at h_da (including students from other universities) may not register.

How does the coordination between the two universities work?

The h_da Language Centre is responsible for arranging the pairings (matching); no such arrangements are made at UTT. Matching is primarily based on language compatibility, i.e. tandems may be formed between two people at h_da, two people at UTT, or one person at h_da and one at UTT.

To ensure that only h_da and UTT students and staff take part, only those with e-mail adressess from either one of the partner universities can register - private or other e-mail adresses are not permitted.

Why can’t I provide more specific details about my preferred tandem?

Information on

in-person or online tandem
gender of the tandem partner
status (student or staff member)
university (h_da or UTT)

make the matching process very complex and reduce the success rate. We therefore choose not to take these or other factors into account. If you are dissatisfied, please contact us by email. We will be happy to match you again.

How often should we practise?

Get together once a week for at least an hour for a start. That gives you the chance to speak each language for about half an hour. We recommend meeting in a neutral place first, e.g. one of the university’s study rooms or a cafeteria.

Suggestions for activities

When you meet for the first time (for example at spark: C23/04.01), discuss your goals and expectations, so you’re on the same page.
You can watch movies or read newspapers/magazine articles/the lyrics to a song and discuss them.
Of course, you can also help each other draft presentations or write applications.
If you’re interested in some classic language learning activities, try dictation, revising grammar or studying vocabulary.
Immerse yourself in your partner’s culture. If they don’t know Darmstadt that well yet, a walk through the city is a good starting point.
If you get along well, why not cook a typical meal from your home countries together? You’re completely free in how you set up your meetings.
You should just make sure you don’t practise both languages at the same time; instead, set aside some time for each language separately.

What to do if your partner cancels or does not get back to you

Please send us an e-mail tandem@h-da.de. We will try to find a new match for you.

What is an intercultural tandem?

Intercultural tandems: In an intercultural tandem, the primary aim is to explore the tandem partners’ cultures and to broaden one’s horizons without necessarily working on language skills. It is therefore essential that both participants can converse well in English so that they can communicate effectively. If it turns out that there are other languages you can speak together, you are of course free to use them.

When filling in the registration form, it is not necessary to specify the languages you offer or are looking for, nor your language proficiency levels. However, please indicate whether German is your native tongue, so we can make successful intercultural matches.

Any further questions?

Feel free to contact us via e-mail (tandem@h-da.de). We’re always happy to support you.