Tandem partnerships

The Language Center's tandem service is available to students, PhD/doctoral students, University of Zurich and ETH staff, and members of the Zurich University of Teacher Education (PHZH) and Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK). Our tandem service arranges language learning partnerships free of charge. You do not have to take one of our courses in order to sign up for a tandem partnership.

What is tandem learning?

In a language-learning tandem partnership, two people with different first languages work together to improve their foreign language skills. Tandem partners also learn about their partner’s cultural background.
Tandem learning is an autonomous learning method in which both partners take responsibility for their own language learning. Each partner defines their own learning goals, strategies, content, and timeframes. 

Applications

If you would like to improve your foreign language skills in a tandem partnership, please apply using our online form. As soon as we have found a partner for you, we will contact you by email. Please note that our service is dependent on supply and demand. In our experience, it is easier for us to match up partners if one of the target languages is German.

Cancelling your application

Your application will remain valid until we have been able to find a partner for you. It is therefore vital that you cancel your enrollment by email  tandem@sprachen.uzh.ch if you are no longer interested in a partnership.
 

Information, materials and links

Our Tandem-Guidelines (PDF, 106 KB) give detailed information on tandem learning.