How can language learning become a stronger tool for international connection? This is one of the questions bringing Language Tandem Coordinators from across the ACE²-EU Alliance together in Gdańsk this week.
On 16–17 September 2026, the Medical University of Gdańsk is hosting the ACE²-EU Language Tandems Coordinators Workshop — a two-day meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between the people responsible for developing the Language Tandems initiative across partner universities.
The workshop brings together ACE²-EU Language Tandem Coordinators and invited guests for a programme combining practical workshops, peer exchange, discussion and joint planning. Rather than focusing only on language learning itself, the meeting looks at the wider potential of tandem learning: building international connections, encouraging intercultural communication and creating opportunities for students and staff to learn from one another.
From communication to innovative language learning
The first day focuses on international communication and promotion, with particular attention to social media and practical ways of communicating multilingual, intercultural and student-centred activities across different countries and institutional contexts.
Participants are also sharing their own experiences of coordinating Language Tandems, identifying common challenges and discussing ways to make the initiative more visible and engaging across the Alliance.
The second day turns towards modern approaches to foreign language learning. Trainer-led sessions explore peer learning, conversation-based methods, microlearning and intercultural learning, giving participants an opportunity to consider how these approaches can be applied within the Language Tandems initiative.
The workshop will conclude with joint action planning, including discussion of participant engagement, monitoring progress and practical tools such as the Language Tandem Card, meeting logs and progress notes.
Building a common approach across the Alliance
The workshop is an important step in developing a shared operational and promotional framework for ACE²-EU Language Tandems. By bringing coordinators together in one place, the initiative creates space not only to exchange good practices, but also to agree on practical solutions that can be used across partner universities.
The Language Tandems programme, coordinated by the Medical University of Gdańsk, is a NAWA-funded initiative running from May 2026 to May 2027. It connects students and staff from ACE²-EU partner universities for mutual language learning, based on their language preferences and learning goals.
Through online tandem meetings, peer learning and intercultural exchange, participants have the opportunity to develop their communication skills while getting to know people from other universities and countries.
The coordinators’ workshop is therefore about more than planning the next stage of the programme. It is about creating the conditions for languages to become a bridge between people, universities and cultures across the ACE²-EU Alliance.
