Guidelines and practical tips to get started with your language tandem
• You can meet with your partner wherever you want. At least for the first meeting, however, we recommend that you meet in a public space which is not too loud, such as a café on campus. A good idea is to meet at places of common interest, such as an exhibition, a museum, a music or sports event...
• Arrange regular meetings with your partner (at least one or two hours a week) during the ten weeks of the term. Always arrive on time, and inform your partner well in advance if you are going to be late or cannot keep the appointment.
• You can bring to the tandem sessions any material you think may help you to carry out the sessions or to learn, such as books, magazines, newspaper articles, pictures... Depending on your language level, it is advisable to bring a dictionary.
• Each time you meet, be sure to divide your time equally between the two languages so that you both contribute equally and benefit from the experience to the same extent, alternating in being the "teacher" and the learner.
• Practise each language separately, and avoid mixing languages.
• Adjust your speech and speaking speed to your partner's level of ability. Always speak loudly and clearly. Be nice and considerate to your partner, and encourage and help him/her to learn and progress.
• Clarify the way you would like to learn and to be corrected, and the way of giving and receiving feedback.
• Listen carefully and give your partner enough time to find a word or to correct himself/herself.
• Ask questions in case you did not understand your partner.
• Should you encounter organizational problems regarding your language partner (lack of interest, failure to attend scheduled meetings without prior notice...) and should you be unable to solve these among yourselves, do not hesitate to e-mail us.
• Arrange regular meetings with your partner (at least one or two hours a week) during the ten weeks of the term. Always arrive on time, and inform your partner well in advance if you are going to be late or cannot keep the appointment.
• You can bring to the tandem sessions any material you think may help you to carry out the sessions or to learn, such as books, magazines, newspaper articles, pictures... Depending on your language level, it is advisable to bring a dictionary.
• Each time you meet, be sure to divide your time equally between the two languages so that you both contribute equally and benefit from the experience to the same extent, alternating in being the "teacher" and the learner.
• Practise each language separately, and avoid mixing languages.
• Adjust your speech and speaking speed to your partner's level of ability. Always speak loudly and clearly. Be nice and considerate to your partner, and encourage and help him/her to learn and progress.
• Clarify the way you would like to learn and to be corrected, and the way of giving and receiving feedback.
• Listen carefully and give your partner enough time to find a word or to correct himself/herself.
• Ask questions in case you did not understand your partner.
• Should you encounter organizational problems regarding your language partner (lack of interest, failure to attend scheduled meetings without prior notice...) and should you be unable to solve these among yourselves, do not hesitate to e-mail us.