Who can take part in the TANDEM programme?
Basically, all students of the University of Münster can participate in the tandem programme if they have a basic knowledge of the target language (for German, for example, a B1 level and/or 31 points in the C-test is required) and are willing to help another student learn their own mother tongue.
How do I apply for the TANDEM programme?
Registration is only possible via the online registration form on our homepage. Please try to answer as detailed as possible so as to increase your chances of finding a suitable tandem partner. Add, for example, information about your interests/hobbies as well as your preferences concerning a tandem partner. Please, however, take into consideration that there are fewer possibilities of finding a suitable tandem partner if you are learning a less common language. In that case, you should be willing to be flexible regarding your preferences.
Can I apply for several languages at the same time?
Yes, you can apply for several languages and you can also offer more than one language if you had a bilingual or multi-lingual upbringing. In any case, please fill in one form for each language.
When can I apply and for how long is my application valid?
Application for the winter semester begins on 1 September and for the summer semester on 1 March. It is very important that you sign up before lectures begin so that we can find a partner for you before the introductory session. You can only get ECTS points if we find a tandem partner for you before the mandatory introductory session. All relevant dates can be found on our homepage.
How long does it take until I get a tandem partner?
We will try to find you a tandem partner as soon as possible. Please understand that placement for highly demanded languages (e.g. French, Spanish, English) or very rarely demanded languages (e.g. Arabic, Turkish, Norwegian) can take a little longer.
For how long will my application be valid?
Your application will remain valid throughout the semester. If we cannot find you a tandem partner at the beginning of the semester, you will therefore still have the chance to be matched later on. (If you cannot take part in the introductory session as a result, please contact us as soon as possible.) Please note though that for obtaining ECTS points it is necessary you have a tandem partner at the beginning of the semester.
You will have to apply again in the following semester if you want us to find you a partner again.How will I know if I have a TANDEM partner or not?
Once the matching is successful, we will send you an email with the contact information of your tandem partner.
What happens after I get a tandem partner?
You should contact your partner personally and organize a meeting. In the first meeting, you should get to know each other and talk about how you would like to organize your tandem sessions. Where and when would you like to meet, what do you want to practice, how would you like your partner to correct mistakes and give constructive feedback?
If your partner does not respond within one week, please let us know by sending an email to: tandem.matching[@]uni-muenster.de.In order to obtain ECTS points or if you want to take advantage of our counselling sessions, you have to attend the introductory session. The introduction will give you information on how to make learning in a tandem successful as well as on the conditions for obtaining ECTS points.
How does the language learning in TANDEM work?
The individual tandems are completely free in deciding how to organize and carry out their mutual learning. However, both tandem partners should keep the following basic rules in mind: The meetings should take place regularly at least once a week for at least two hours. Each language should be given equal time. Both of you are experts for your respective native languages and as such will be advising and supporting each other in turn. To maximise your full learning potential in the tandem, we recommend you attend the Language Counselling Service as well as the workshops on different aspects of language learning in tandem. You should evaluate and reflect on your learning progress (and process) by taking notes after each tandem session or using your logbook.
Why should I take advantage of the Language Counselling Service?
Unlike traditional language courses, where, on the whole, students follow a framework provided by the teacher to reach set learning objectives, language learning in tandem requires that you set your own learning goals, choose suitable materials, plan your sessions wisely, monitor your learning process etc. In order to achieve the full potential of tandem learning, it is often helpful to take advantage of our language support offers. At the beginning of each semester we offer an introductory session. Furthermore, we offer (individual) counselling sessions, workshops that will provide you with information about different aspects of foreign language learning (learning goals, strategies, partner feedback, correcting, materials, vocabulary etc.), as well as evaluation sessions. Autonomy in language learning has to be learned, and the language centre will support you in doing so!
What should I do if I no longer want to take part in the TANDEM programme?
Please send an email to tandem.matching[@]uni-muenster.de so that we can delete you from our database.
What can I do if my tandem partner quits the programme or does not respond?
Please send an email to tandem.matching[@]uni-muenster.de. We will try to find you a new tandem partner as soon as possible.
Can I get credit for language learning in TANDEM?
Yes, that is possible. In order to receive ECTS points, you must, however, keep a language learning diary (tandem logbook), make use of the language learning counselling, take part in the workshops and an evaluation session at the end of the semester, and also present a project (5 ECTS) or a padlet (3 ECTS) in the concluding session. You will get more information on this in the mandatory introductory session.
