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Language Tandems

What is a Language Tandem?

A language tandem at ULB gives students a unique chance to improve their language skills by practicing with native speakers. You work with a partner whose native language is the one you’re learning, and in return, you help them progress in your own language. It’s a true exchange where both of you learn from each other.

Why join?

Types of Tandems

Credited Tandems

Credited or Free Tandems

(credited) 5 ECTS
or
(free) a certificate
for
ULB, VUB, UAntwerpen regular students and Erasmus students

Virtual French–Spanish Tandems

For students from ULB, UQAM (Canada), UCA (Spain), USAL (Spain) and the University of Abidjan (Ivory Coast)
Goal: Strengthen language and cultural skills, and raise awareness of linguistic variations

Integrated Tandems

Integrated Tandems French -Dutch

Pairing a VUB or UAntwerpen student learning French with a ULB student learning Dutch.

Virtual French–Italian Integrated Tandems

For regular or Erasmus students in Italian at ULB and students in French at the University of Florence.

How to find a tandem?

Looking for a tandem partner? A platform has been specially designed to help you find the right match.
To access the platform and connect with your partner, visit the link below:

FIND A TANDEM

Testimonials

Mar
Universidad Autónoma de Madrid

Dans le tandem tu peux t'enrichir tellement.... seule condition: tu dois être prêt à t'engager.

Aleksander
Jagiellonian University, Krakow

Je suis plus fluide à présent et j’hésite moins à engager le dialogue, ce qui m’a beaucoup aidé pour la vie en général en Belgique.

Mathilde
Université de Nantes

Tandem was an amazing and enriching experience, not only to improve my English skills but also to make friends.

Clara
Université libre de Bruxelles

It was a very interesting and rewarding experience. I could speak freely without embarrassment, since my main goal was to learn and improve the language.

Project Coordinators

Name	Role
Sabina GOLA	Academic coordinator, Tandem project
Evie TOPS	Academic coordinator, Tandem project
Beatriz CALVO MARTIN	Coordinator for virtual French - Spanish Tandems
Esther FALLA	Coordinator for credited tandems
Laurent NICAISE	Coordinator for integrated tandems
Barbara LOUWAGIE	Coordinator for VUB

Frequently Asked Questions

I am not a student at (ULB, VUB or UAntwerpen) or I have already graduated. Can I still participate?

No.

I couldn’t find a partner for my tandem. What should I do?

Send an email to Tandems@ulb.be

Can I participate in a language that isn’t my mother tongue?

Yes, as long as your level is at least C1.
If possible, provide a certificate. If you don’t have proof, please contact the coordinator to arrange a quick level test before forming a tandem.

Test your level at http://www.languagelevel.com/index_fr.php
Check the self-assessment grids of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)

Can I cancel a tandem or change partners?

You can cancel your tandem if needed. Please contact the coordinator by email to inform them of the cancellation and the name of your new partner, if any.
To find a new partner, follow the same procedure.

What are the course codes for credited tandems?