Meeting your Tandem Partner
We recommend that you meet up with your partner weekly to get the most out of your language exchange. Why not come to Potterrow for a coffee or chat over a drink and a board game in the Library Bar?
If your partner has just started learning your native language, then they probably have a strong interest in your culture as well.
Talking about your own country can provide a good basis for your first discussions. Beyond this, we have compiled a list of our favourite tried-and-tested icebreakers:
Watch a film in each other’s language
Edinburgh has plenty of cinemas and rental outlets (try the Cameo or the Filmhouse for foreign language films) and subtitles can help you understand the dialogue at first.
Introduce your partner to a society or activity you’re involved in
or come along to one of EUSA’s ‘Give it a Go’ sessions to try out something completely different!
Exchange newspaper or magazine articles in each other’s language
Chat about news and magazine articles – there are all sorts in the library.
Go and visit a tourist site that you’ve not visited before
or just take a walk around the city. This is a perfect excuse to visit the Zoo, for educational reasons of course!
Try these tips for learning a new language!
Keep in mind
Although Tandem is a social tool designed to get people together in a fun way, there are some things that we need to be serious about.
Before you meet up with your Tandem partner, please remember a couple of key points.
Arrange your first meetings with your partner in a public space. This is more relaxed and safer than meeting in your accommodation.
Avoid late night meetings. Lunch or coffee in the afternoon is often a good time to meet.
Avoid revealing detailed personal information until you feel comfortable and trust your partner.
Overall, use common sense! It is your job to look out for yourself, EUSA cannot take responsibility.