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Linguistic Tandems: From Language Practice to Lasting Connections

The first edition of the INGENIUM Linguistic Tandems programme has brought together students from across the Alliance to learn languages, discover cultures, and forge meaningful international connections.

Although the programme is not yet fully completed, the initial results are already promising.

At a Glance

186 participants successfully matched into linguistic tandems
9 INGENIUM universities represented
More than 30% of participants submitted their learning journals to earn the INGENIUM Linguistic Tandem badge
Another 15% actively took part in the programme without applying for certification
Many participants intend to continue their connections beyond the official end of the programme

A Promising First Edition

A total of 186 participants, representing 9 INGENIUM universities, were successfully matched into tandems. Students met regularly online to practice their target languages while helping their partners improve in theirs, creating a reciprocal learning experience.

To date, more than 30% of participants have submitted their learning journals in order to obtain the INGENIUM Linguistic Tandem badge, demonstrating a strong commitment to the programme and a genuine investment in their learning journey. Through these journals, students reflected on their progress, cultural discoveries, and the relationships they developed throughout the experience.

In addition, another 15% of participants met several times without applying for a badge, proving the inherent value of the initiative and highlighting that, for many, the experience itself was reward enough.

More Than Language Learning

The participant’s feedback reveal that the programme’s benefits extend far beyond language practice. Students expressed gratitude for the opportunity to connect with peers from other European countries in an informal environment and build relationships they had not expected when signing up.

“We matched really well in personalities and we both learnt a lot from one another. I’m really glad for this chance that led to me making a new friend and I hope that this is just the beginning with our collaboration with this program”
Linguistic Tandem Participant

Another student shared:

“This program has been one of the most valuable experiences of my academic year. It gave me not only a foundation in the Italian language but also a deeper appreciation of Italian culture and a friendship I didn’t expect to find. I am sincerely grateful to the INGENIUM team for creating and organizing this opportunity.”
Linguistic Tandem Participant

From Virtual Exchanges to Real Life Friendships

Several participants indicated that they intend to continue meeting their tandem partners even after the official end of the programme.

One particularly inspiring example comes from a tandem pair who, after weeks of online exchanges, will meet face-to-face during the summer, turning a virtual connection into a real-life friendship.

A Celebration of Cultural Diversity

The linguistic diversity of the programme was equally noteworthy. While a wide range of languages were represented, English and Italian featured as one of the two languages in more than half of all tandem partnerships, reflecting both the popularity of these languages and the strong interest in intercultural exchange across the Alliance.

What’s Next?

Building on the success of this first edition, INGENIUM is already preparing the next steps.

A second edition of the Linguistic Tandems programme for students will be launched in October 2026. In addition, a first edition specifically designed for staff members is also planned for the autumn, extending the benefits of the programme to the wider university community.

As this first edition has shown, sometimes the most meaningful outcomes go beyond language acquisition: they are the friendships formed, the cultures discovered, and the sense of belonging created through simple conversations across borders.