I was so eager to learn another language when I started my International Relations major but the commitment to take courses seemed daunting. Frankly, I was scared my GPA would drop and I could use the time (and money) for other courses.
Cut to a few months later, I began to attend events at the Global Lounge, where I got to know UBC tandem—a free language learning program for the UBC community. I've been so busy that I haven't participated in the program yet—but there are plenty of reasons why you should!
UBC tandem pairs you with someone who can teach the language you want to learn and wants to learn the language you can teach. During facilitated sessions and one-on-one meetings once a week, pairs do fun activities to practice each other’s language in a relaxed environment, with free snacks and did I mention, coffee!?
You don’t need any teaching experience or space in your schedule to fit in homework. Just bring your enthusiasm!
Learning doesn't only happen in the classroom
Learning a language can be a lot of work on your own. It’s not like doing your readings or math homework and voila, you’re done!
From a few failed attempts at learning French, I know that it's difficult to keep up with language learning without interacting with other speakers.
So whether you're taking language courses or not, tandem offers an opportunity to try learning outside the classroom, with friends. The result isn't grades, but understanding someone better through the love of language.
Find a community
You may also be interested in making new friends from across the world, just as I was. UBC tandem provides the perfect opportunity for those interested in building a diverse community to come together under the same roof to share a common passion.
Since you spend 1.5 hours each week with your language buddy and other tandem pairs, you can make friends and connections that last you through university and beyond. It can’t get any easier to build your community than over food, fun and some language learning.
I myself made a few very close friends in the beautiful Global Lounge space during various events. You can too!
