In the summer semester of 2024, a group of students in the English Studies Master's programme developed a concept for tandem language learning and put it directly into practice with Capital of Culture volunteers over a period of five weeks. 12 students from Chemnitz University of Technology met regularly with 25 volunteers for Chemnitz 2025 to practise English together.
"The volunteer programme involves many people who want to improve their English skills so that they can communicate with international guests in English. The idea of bringing students and volunteers together to learn English came about through discussions with Dr Stefanie Troppmann (HD officer at the TUC) ," says Delfina Zdebel, who herself studies at the TU and works as a student trainee in the volunteer programme for Chemnitz 2025.
The three students Quynh Nhu Dinh, Julia Walter and Shuying Wang developed a concept for language learning, developed learning materials and organised workshops as part of lecturer Dr Isabelle van der Bom's course. The kick-off event at the end of May focussed on getting to know each other. Based on common interests, tandems were organised who met individually between the workshops for the whole group to improve their language skills. The groups also used the time together to explore the city.
Students and volunteers met again at the beginning of July to take stock of the collaboration so far. They also discussed future tandem activities after the students' examination period. This meeting was also organised with entertaining exercises, such as a "word hunt", in which the participants had to find letters hidden around the room and put them together to form a word.
"From my point of view, the tandem learning was a great success. I very much hope that our tandem continues and that we continue to learn and spend time together," summarised one volunteer. "Speaking English with previously unknown people is always a benefit."
Dr Isabelle van der Bom adds: "Chemnitz will welcome many international guests in 2025 as the European Capital of Culture. The volunteers act as ambassadors and make a valuable contribution to the success of this unique project. The TUC can participate in this process through tandem language learning and strengthen the connection to the city's society."
