Language tandem

If you are interested in the language and culture of other countries, you can apply for a language tandem at the Clausthal International Center (IZC). The IZC establishes contact between interested parties, who can then begin a language partnership.

What is a language tandem?
In a language tandem, two students with different mother tongues work together in pairs,

  • to learn each other's languages
  • to learn more about their partner's culture and home country and
  • to exchange knowledge.

Learning in a language tandem is a partnership-based and self-determined learning process. The course of a language tandem depends on the individual needs and possibilities of the learning partners.

How does a language tandem work?
The tandem partners set their own learning goals and methods. The tandem pair can talk about everyday life, discuss a movie or a book they have read or talk about current news. They can simulate a job interview together or simply cook something typical of the country. A language tandem can also take the form of revising teaching material together, chatting over a cup of coffee or quizzing each other on vocabulary during a walk.

What are the advantages of a language tandem?
Compared to a normal classroom situation, a language tandem is a real conversation situation between peers. The informal learning atmosphere makes it easier to deal with the foreign language. As both partners speak in a language that is foreign to them, they do not need to be embarrassed in front of each other. In addition, the thematic openness makes it possible to exchange information on topics of particular interest to the individual. In doing so, the people face each other as experts in their native language and culture. In the best case scenario, a language tandem develops into a friendship that transcends linguistic, geographical and cultural boundaries.
In some degree programmes, the language tandem is recognized as a social competence with 2 ECTS points per semester. More details in the IZC.

Registration
If you have decided to take part in a language tandem, please send us your registration, stating your language preference and the desired duration. You will find a corresponding form on this page under Downloads.