Thank you for your interest in PSL's language exchange program (Tandem Program)!
Université PSL is glad to count with around 20% of international students and researchers among its population. At the PSL Welcome Desk, we do our best to ensure that they are well integrated into Parisian life. Besides our support with administrative procedures, we know that exchanging with locals and other international members is an opportunity for learning and broaden the horizons of the whole of PSL. We propose the Tandem Program as a way to increase PSL members’ connections by exchanging in different languages.
The Tandem Program is a language exchange program. The PSL Welcome Desk's Partner@PSL platform pairs different language speakers according to their preferences indicated in the registration form. It is up to you and your partner(s) to establish the conditions of your meetings (e.g. the duration and frequency of the meetings, the time allotted to each language, etc.).
The Partner@PSL software will automatically propose a match, which will then be validated by the PSL Welcome Desk. Pairs are proposed according to the languages you indicated in the form as well as your hobbies, preferences, and any special requests. Please note that the more inclusive you are, the more likely you are to have a match.
1. Write to and/or respond to your assigned partner.
2. Act in a manner consistent with the University's role and guiding values.
3. Act with integrity and show respect for others.
Regularly meeting with your partner to practice your language(s) is at the core of the Tandem Program. The PSL Welcome Desk supports the Tandem Program by organizing several events for all program participants. Nevertheless, don’t to hesitate to go on cultural outings together!
Respect for the individual
Université PSL safeguards the application of the law which prohibits and sanctions all forms of discrimination as well as hazing, and any other form of humiliating or degrading treatment of an individual, regardless of where they take place.
Against gender-based and sexual violence
Université PSL is committed to the fight against gender-based and sexual violence. The University oversees the prevention and fight against sexual harassment and all forms of gender-based and sexual violence.
In case of need, write to the CEV (Helpline against harassment and violence) counseling and care unit of PSL: cev@psl.eu
If the pairing is not working for you and your partner, please do not hesitate to let us know by writing to welcomedesk@psl.eu. If it is not possible to resolve the situation, we will assign you a new partner.
Please, remember to respect your partner’s time and set realistic expectations with them. However, if you are having trouble getting a response from them, don't hesitate to write to the PSL Welcome Desk: welcomedesk@psl.eu
The time it takes to find you a language partner often depends on the number of people who speak the language(s). As soon as there is an availability, we will match you with the appropriate partner.
Language level is also taken into consideration when assigning partners. If you the language level does not end up meeting your expectations, please email us at welcomedesk@psl.eu so that we can find you a new partner.
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages can help you identify your level of command of a language.
My partner attends a different PSL school, and we are unable to coordinate schedules
One of the goals of the Tandem Program is to connect PSL members across different schools. If it really isn't possible for you to coordinate with your partner, please write to us at welcomedesk@psl.eu, and we will assign you a new partner.
I don't want to be available for any more new matches
If you do not want to be available for more matches, please log into to your account and select “Manage my options”, then uncheck the box in which you indicate that you are available for new matches. If you have trouble with this process, please write to welcomedesk@psl.eu