Innovation in Language Learning

This paper covers the story of face-to-face Tandem language learning partnership program on Middle East Technical University (METU) campus, a Turkish state university. All the information, from how it began to where it is now, is based on first-hand experiences of METU-Tandem coordinators and feedback from participants. The paper also informs audiences about the participant numbers and demographics of the program, which gives some insight into problems encountered during the management of the program. Tandem language exchange is not a remedy for all obstacles in the process of internationalization but a wise tool. Goal 15 and Objective 15.1 of the METU Strategic Plan for the years 2018-2022 read “to develop awareness of internationalization and multi-cultural life experiences of all the university components” and “to organize activities that will increase our students’ awareness of multicultural life”, respectively. Apart from ever-growing mobility and international cooperation activities of the university, METU-Tandem Language Learning Partnership Program, offered across the campus since 2015, has been contributing to the internationalization efforts of METU, bringing together “Erasmus and International Students” and “Home Students”. The program, an initiative taken by two language instructors upon an Erasmus staff exchange program to Ruhr University where Tandem has its roots, is not new to European countries, especially Italy, Spain, England, France and Germany. However, METU-Tandem is the only regular and widespread application of Tandem language exchange in a campus environment in Turkey.

Keywords: internationalisation, language exchange;