Don't know what a tandem is? Maybe it will sound more familiar to you if I tell you a language exchangeSurely you've met a foreign Spanish student who has suggested a tandem session to practice the language. A tandem session is simply a meeting between two people to discuss various topics, during which each person will speak for a while in their native language so that their partner can practice the language they're studying.
You may think that you've already invested enough time in learning English and that you don't need to do any tandem work, but you're wrong. Tandem is something complementary to your English classes, as it's primarily focused on improving your oral expression. One of the most difficult aspects of improving your English is speaking fluency. Due to embarrassment or simply a lack of opportunities, this skill is often the one that lags the most in our progress.
Is it possible to do an English tandem in Cartagena?
Of course. Nowadays, there are no geographical limitations for those who want to learn English. In Cartagena, you have the opportunity to do tandem classes in person or online. We'll tell you how you can do it. find a tandem in Cartagena:
- Search Facebook groups
On this social network, you can find language exchange groups in various languages with people who, like you, want to improve their conversational speaking. Check out the group's wall and look for interested people. Write to them and try to find some free time to meet and start your tandem.
2. Search local portals
On local or regional portals, such as Informajoven, you can find information about different exchange groups that meet weekly at a particular location in the city. Go to one of these gatherings and, if you like the atmosphere, try to strike up a conversation with someone. There are sure to be many native English speakers interested in practicing Spanish.
3. Download Tandem Apps
As you've probably noticed, there are apps for everything these days, and of course, that's also true for tandems. With these types of apps, you can practice English wherever and whenever you want, so you no longer have an excuse. All you have to do is create your user profile and you'll start receiving requests from other people who want to chat with you. It's true that it's more impersonal than a face-to-face meeting, but if you have a busy schedule, it can be a great solution.
Reasons to do a tandem
We have already told you how easy it is to find a partner to do a language exchange, but you may still be wondering what good a tandem will do for you.
- It will help you with your exams.
As we mentioned before, oral expression is one of the areas where English students are weakest, so it is important to strengthen it. If, for example, you are preparing for the official cambridge examWorking in a tandem will make you feel more confident when it comes to speaking. Practice as much as you can with your tandem partner before the exam day, and you'll arrive with much more confidence.
2. It will help you improve your skills
On a tandem, you'll not only practice speaking English, but also listening comprehension, as your partner will be a native speaker. Even if you have some difficulties at first, don't be discouraged. Get used to your partner's colloquial way of speaking, as this is the "street English" you'll encounter when traveling to any English-speaking country.
3. You will learn other accents
It is very good to study formal English in one of the best English academies in Cartagena, but it is also important to go out and know the different English accents that exist around the world. You'll already know that the British accent is very different from the American or Australian accent. Find tandem partners from different countries so you can familiarize yourself with their accents and learn the vocabulary differences in each country's variety.
4. You will do cultural exchange
It's not all about practicing English; it's also important to broaden our horizons, and a tandem is the perfect opportunity. Chat with your partner about life in their country, the food, the culture, or whatever. The important thing is to learn.
5. You will help another person
Contributing to another person's learning is a wonderful thing, and you know your partner will be very grateful. Working as a team requires availability, patience, and effort to be productive. Do your best to reciprocate during your time together.
6. You will meet new friends
Perhaps during your conversations you'll discover that you have things in common and that you can make plans together outside of the tandem time. An exchange is a great opportunity to meet people and make new friends.
5 tips to make the most of your tandem
If you want to get the most out of your language exchange, follow the tips below:
- Find a partner at your level
Make sure your partner's level of proficiency in your native language is similar to yours, otherwise it will be very difficult to have a conversation flow.
2. Set a date for your meeting
To take advantage of this exchange, you must practice regularly, at least once a week. Commit to meeting one day a week at a specific time and reserve that time. No last-minute excuses.
3. Prepare conversation topics
A tandem is informal, but if you have some conversation topics prepared, it will be much more beneficial. If you prepare them beforehand, you can ask your partner questions and have them resolved instantly.
4. Divide time fairly
Don't forget that a tandem session is an exchange, and both partners should benefit. Establish a timeframe for the session and divide the time so that both partners practice equally during their time.
5. Make corrections
To learn well, we all need corrections. If the conversation is going well, don't stop your partner. Just bring a notebook, jot down corrections, and share them with them at the end of the session. They'll definitely appreciate it.
That's all we wanted to tell you about the wonderful experience of tandem riding. We hope we've convinced you that it's one of the most fun ways to learn English. We definitely recommend it; you won't regret it!