Two languages. One language tandem.

This programme is intended for students at the University. Participants are expected to have a basic knowledge (A2+) of the language they wish to learn and a high level of their own language (mother tongue).

If you have not learned the desired target language yet or are at a beginner’s level (A1–A2), we recommend that you first attend a language course at the University’s Language Centre de until you have reached level A2.2–B1.1.

To register for the language tandem, please complete the following formExternal link.

Once you have registered, the information you have provided will be saved. As soon as a suitable language partner has been found, you will receive an email with their contact details.

Important: You will not receive a confirmation after registering! We will contact you as soon as we have found a suitable language partner for you.

The matching process begins once you have sent us your completed registration form. As soon as your details have been checked, we will search our database for a suitable match who meets the preferences you specified on the form.

The date of registration is important here: if two registrations have the same preferences, the one submitted first will be processed first.

Matching times vary and depend on whether and when a suitable tandem partner becomes available for you.

No, participation in the University’s International Office’s language tandem exchange is free of charge.

If you no longer wish to take part in the language tandem programme, please send us an email at sprachtandem@uni-jena.de . Your details will then be deleted from the database immediately.

A language tandem is a language exchange between two people with different first or native languages. The tandem partners aim to improve their respective foreign language skills together. In other words, they act as both learners of the foreign language and teachers of their own native language to one another.

Depending on their own preferences, tandem participants can meet either in person or online (Zoom, Discord, WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.). The important thing is that the meetings are regular and work for both tandem partners. You decide for yourselves how often and for how long you want to meet. It is recommended that you meet for 1–2 hours each week.

Mutual learning
Both languages are practised in equal parts so that both partners benefit from each meeting. For example, you could speak only one language for half an hour, followed by half an hour speaking the other. If half an hour feels too long, you can, of course, switch more frequently and at shorter intervals.

Decide for yourselves
You decide for yourselves what to talk about, what to do together, and how often and for how long you meet. Each person is responsible for advancing their own learning and developing their skills.

•  Focus on your own language needs and target reduction of insecurities
•  Setting your own learning priorities
•  Flexible language learning independent of the university’s course schedule
•  Getting to know another culture and an authentic, everyday style of language

Would you like to share your experiences with other language tandems or drop in on a language-related workshop? Then join the community of our language tandem club, because successful language learning happens brick by brick.

Invitation link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/BUWlZ7MIY473gTp533eTvrExternal link