Since you are responsible for determining the content of tandem learning with your language partner, you are in a position to control what and how you learn, and how intensively you follow up certain areas.

Tandem language learning will generally help you to improve your understanding of the foreign language and how you express yourself in it. Together, you and your partner practise writing and conversation in real-life situations, you talk or write about the things that interest you and alternate between the two languages in the process. You learn from what your language partner writes or says in their native language and from the corrections and assistance they offer you.

By communicating with your language partner, you not only learn the language but also about your partner's everyday life, their experiences at work, school and in their spare time, their thoughts and opinions. Although some of these experiences will be specific to your language partner, and are by no means true for everybody, your knowledge of the language and culture of their native country will grow nonetheless. Learning in tandem gives you a first-hand account of everyday life in an unfamiliar country and an opportunity to ask questions about different traditions and customs.

It is always worth remembering that your language partner is not meant as a substitute for a dictionary. Your partner does not know everything and may make mistakes - just like you.

Learning a language in tandem is an ideal way of preparing yourself for a stay in a foreign country. It also gives you an opportunity to make some initial contacts with people from the other culture through your language partner.