Una Europa Language Tandem Tool

The Una Europa Language Tandem Tool can help you find your language conversation “buddy” based on your language goals, proficiency level, and interests.

A person speaking and waving to someone on their laptop.

About the tool

The Una Europa Language Tandem Tool connects you with a language partner, giving you both the opportunity to practise your vocabulary and conversation skills.

A range of languages may be available on the tool, dependent on the native languages indicated by participants. You can expect to find the languages of the Una Europa alliance, such as:

  • Spanish
  • French
  • Dutch
  • Finnish
  • German
  • Irish
  • Italian
  • Polish
  • Swedish.

However, the international community of staff and students within the Una Europa alliance means you may also find native speakers of Arabic, Chinese, Turkish and more.  

Create a personal account to find out what languages are currently available.

The tool is open to all students, academic staff and professional services staff at participating Una Europa universities, including the University of Edinburgh.

However, we recommend that you have at least a basic grasp of the language before you start your language exchange. In most cases, your partner will not be a qualified teacher of your target language but might be a native speaker or a fluent learner. While they can help you with your speaking skills, they might not be able to offer you a formal introduction to grammar or language structure.

If you are a complete beginner, we recommend using a textbook, language-learning app or an online course to learn the basics, such as:

  • self-introduction
  • numbers
  • days of the week
  • common words and verbs
  • basic word order
  • grammar rules.

Using the tool

To access the Language Tandem Tool, follow the instructions outlined below.

  1. Go to the Language Tandem Tool website developed – available in the Key links section below – and hosted by KU Leuven’s Language Institute, and click on the University of Edinburgh logo.
  2. Double-click to copy the unique access code with your EASE login and create your personal account. The unique access code is available under Key links below.
  3. Once you have created an account, you can create your profile. Introduce yourself and indicate the language(s) you master and the language(s) you would like to learn.  
  4. Indicate your level of proficiency, your availability, and your preferred meeting type (online or face-to-face).  
  5. Once your profile is complete, search for a tandem partner and send tandem requests.

When a tandem request is accepted, the Tandem tool will share your tandem partner’s name and email address with you. From there, you and your tandem partner can arrange the details of your language exchange.

Key links

Language Tandem Tool website

Unique access code

Demo video

Step-by-step guide

Once you've found a partner, no monitoring or support is provided by the Tandem Tool. It is up to you and your buddy to decide how you want to practise your respective languages, including:

  • platforms, such as phone, video call and in-person
  • dates and times, considering the different timezones
  • session length and frequency, including the total length of the exchange
  • conversation types, such as structured topics or free conversations.

To make the most of your language tandem, please bear in mind the following recommendations: 

  • Please warn your tandem partner in time if you are unable to attend a session. If you are comfortable doing so, you may also exchange phone numbers to facilitate communication if something comes up at the last minute.
  • Be mindful of your partner’s time and your own. To ensure that both partners benefit from the exchange, make sure to agree on how often and how long you are planning to meet based on your respective availabilities.  
  • If life gets in the way, or your availability changes, remember to let your partner know! This will allow them to find another potential language partner if you are no longer available to meet.  
  • If something doesn’t feel right, remember that you are free to end your exchange at any point. If you have any safety concerns, you can also contact the Una Europa team at Edinburgh to discuss your situation in confidence.  

Contact us

Practising a language with a partner is a fantastic way to improve your language skills, vocabulary and confidence whilst making new friends from across all corners of Europe. If you have any questions about the Tandem Tool, please get in touch.

Contact the University's Una Europa team via email at una.europa@ed.ac.uk or by clicking the button below.

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