PIASTA
PIASTA
Language Tandem & Culture Tandem
What is a Language Tandem?
When two students meet to teach each other their native languages. For example, if your native language is Spanish and you would like to improve your German, we match you up with a tandem partner whose native language is German and who would like to learn Spanish!
It goes without saying that tandem partners also learn about one another’s native countries, but the main goal is improving language skills. Both participants should have sound basic knowledge of the foreign language and both languages should be practiced equally (e.g., one hour per language).
The language tandem is an opportunity to put your language skills into practice as well as to meet new people and find out more about their country and culture.
What is a Culture Tandem?
When two students meet in a cultural exchange—while they might not always improve their language skills, they can learn a lot from one another. For example, if a student from Kyrgyzstan and a student from Germany meet, they can talk in German and find out if it is possible to explore Kyrgyzstan by foot, what German families do at Christmas, how to make Plov, or what their favorite children’s books were. Even though the focus is on intercultural exchange, a German student might just pick up a few words of Kyrgyz!
Use the culture tandem as an opportunity to discover a new world. Contact with people from other countries about which you know very little can reveal new worlds and perspectives worthy of exploration!