In a language tandem or 'Sprachtandem' partnership...
Learning a language just from books is not only boring, but it will never achieve the desired result. What really helps is active talking. If you are looking for a suitable tandem partner to have actual conversations in a certain language, we can help you to find a someone. That way you can practice together and learn from each other while having much more fun.
To register for the Sprachtandem, just click on this link: Sprachtandem Form
More than 300 participants are matched each year!
...or speak with many people.
The Café Lingua is an international, multilingual café, where you can sit together, have a coffee, tea or beer while practicing the languages you like. Here people interested in languages come together.
Other possibilities
Especially for those among you interested in the French culture and language the French-German Cultural Institute offers a variety of classes and other programmes in French and German. You can find the homepage with this link.
What exactly is a "Sprachtandem" (language partner)?
The idea is to bring two persons with different native languages together so that they can learn from each other.
It entirely depends on you how you plan your meetings. You can either do some grammar or you can simply have interesting discussions with your partner about films, books or your activities during the last weekend. At the same time you will be able to extend your cultural horizon and to get in touch with nice people.
Here you can apply your knowledge acquired in classroom lessons in real life.
How does this whole thing actually work?
Step 1: Registration
If you are looking for a language exchange partner, you will first of all have to fill in the Sprachtandem Form.
Please take care to only check those languages you feel confident teaching, respectively those you want to learn. You can mention your other languages in the comments section. This allows us to assign you the right tandem.
Step 2: How INCAS finds a language exchange partner for you
As soon as we find a partner for you, we will send you his/her information. It will be up to you to get in touch with each other.
Step 3: As soon as you have found a partner
It is entirely up to you on how you do your language exchange. It might be helpful if you choose an activity that provides you with enough topics to talk about: cooking typical dishes, going out or also just plain grammar studies.
Any Questions?
What do you do if the language exchange does not really work?
In this case, please contact us and we will help you to find a new partner.
You might think that your language knowledge does not suffice?
Don't worry, you can still apply and get a partner even though your level of proficiency is not that high. If you are interested in meeting someone from a different country who speaks a different language, e.g. Chinese, then you have the possibility simply get in touch through more of a "cultural exchange".
You would like to let others know how the Sprachtandem-programme influenced your language learning experience?
Send us an email! We will publish the most interesting reports in order to give a better overview of the possible varieties of the programme and to encourage more people to start a tandem.
Contact
If you have any further questions regarding our language offers just send us an email through our Contact site.
We are looking forward to hearing from you,
your INCAS Team
Foreign languages are best learned by practicing, having an intercultural dialog and therefore also lots of fun. Our "Café Lingua" offers you a perfect opportunity to do just that.
Usually on the second Tuesday of each month, INCAS organizes a multilingual café for you. In this event you can get in touch with students of different mother tongues. The INCAS team members set up tables for different languages, promote the communication and are open for your questions or proposals.
By the way, it does not matter whether you registered for our Language Tandem. The more you practice, the better. In case you are looking for a partner to practice individually you might even find someone here. So have a seat - it's time for Café Lingua.
Current events can allways be found through our Event calendar.
The world is waiting for you!
The "Internationaler Dienstag" department is basically the main crew behind the events that take place on Tuesdays at Humboldt-House, which means they're the members that take responsibility for planning and implementing the events and also making sure that Humboldt-House stays in tip-top-shape after each event.
The "International Tuesday" is a weekly event where you can get in contact with many students from numerous countries in a nice and easy-going atmosphere. You can play games and spend a beautiful evening together. Inexpensive warm and cold beverages are also available here.
When and where does it take place?
Every Tuesday from 8 pm till midnight
in Humboldt-Haus, Pontstraße 41
...related to the "Internationaler Dienstag", we offer you a special program:
- Country Evening
- Café Lingua
- Barbecues in Summer
- Music Nights
- Easter Celebrations
- Christmas Celebrations
- Pub Quiz
- and more...
You can receive the current information about upcoming events simply check our Event calendar.
The INCAS team and Aachen's international community cannot wait to meet you! See you next Tuesday!
Country Nights
You are very welcome to give a presentation about your country. You can choose the topics you want to talk about, no matter whether it is cultural information, geographical aspects, the economy, your national sport, an interesting movie, a dance or some of each! Of course we will also support you during the preparation in case you need any help from us. The language used should be either English or German. Share with us impressions from your country!
Barbecue
In summer, when the weather is good, we often organize barbecues. The INCAS team prepares different salads, bread and snacks for free. You can bring your favourite meat or sausages. Join our barbecue every Tuesday at 8 pm.
Music Night
Can you sing or play an instrument? Do you play in a band? We are excited to hear your voice and your music.
Special Celebrations
How do people celebrate Easter and Christmas in Germany? Join us in our events to celebrate together so that you learn about special German or local traditions. We will paint easter eggs, cook traditional German food together, bake cake, or sing typical Christmas songs. And much more. Just come and let us surprise you!
You have your own idea?
Do you have further ideas or questions regarding our "International Tuesday"? Just contact us.
We are looking forward to hearing from you,
your INCAS Team
You are new in Aachen and would like to explore the surroundings?
You want to make new friends?
You want to learn more about German culture and history?
You want to see as many cities as possible in your time in Aachen?
Then you should join us on an “INCAS Weekend” (IWE)!
INCAS offers a day trip to a city or sight in Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, France or Luxemburg once a month!
Our trips usually include a guided city tour and/or a guided tour in a museum or sight. We have visited the city of Luxemburg, the underground caves in Maastricht and walked up to the “Drachenfels” near Bonn… Every month, we offer a different destination for you!
Each trip will be announced at least 2 weeks in advance on our website and our social media channels. The cost is approx. 10-25€, depending on the destination. You have to register by the contact provided with the event.
We are looking forward to seeing you soon!
FAQ
- When are the trips?
The trips are on a Saturday, once a month. The specific date is announced approx. 2-3 weeks before the trip.
- How can I register?
You have to register by the contact provided with the event description.
- Can I also register my friends?
You can only register 1 person, whether that is your friend or yourself. You cannot register more than 1 person e.g. a group of friends. Everyone has to register themselves.
- In which language are the guided tours?
The guided tours are always in English. If we go to a museum with audio guides, you may also get German, Spanish, French etc., but we cannot guarantee this.
- Who can participate?
Every student of RWTH and FH Aachen, students at the Sprachenakademie (German courses) and PhDs.
- Are you doing multiple-day-tours, e.g. to Italy?
We are only offering regular day tours. If we exceptionally offer a multiple day tour (which happens every 1-2 years or so), we will let you know as early as possible.
- I got another question, whom can I contact?
You can us through our contacts site here on the website.