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Advice on Getting Started

At the beginning of your tandem learning, you and your partner should consider these questions:

What do you expect from the language tandem?

Define your goals as concretely as possible so that you can plan activities appropriately:

• What are your long-term ambitions?
• What are your objectives for the first few sessions?

How much time are you willing to invest in the language tandem?

• Are you looking for a longer-term learning arrangement or is your interest limited to a certain period of time?
• When and how often would you like to meet with your partner?
• It is recommended that you avoid meeting too frequently at first (twice a week at the most); you can make additional appointments further down the road; start out by making fixed weekly appointments and stick to them.

Where would you like to meet?

• Be aware that the place you choose best be suitable for work and learning.
• At the beginning a neutral environment tends to be more appropriate (e.g. the student cafeteria, a pub, or a café), ideally at less busy times.

How long should the conversations last and what should they be about?

• A tandem session should not exceed 60 minutes (at the beginning even less) so that both partners can stay fit and receptive.
• Inspiration (in multiple languages) for various getting-to-know-you and practice activities can be found on this website in the collection of materials for tandem learning arrangements. There are also regular workshops offered by the Marburg Tandem Team in which we exchange ideas and experience and share materials.

You can download the information flyer on getting started (PDF).

You will find additional advice on language tandems in the information brochure on language tandems.