This past summer, Jessica Sanderson, a Mechanical Engineering graduate at ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and currently pursuing a dual degree in World Languages (BA) focusing on Spanish and German, had a memorable encounter while traveling through Europe. Jessica met her e-tandem partner, Vincent, after connecting with him through the LinguaeLive e-tandem program. This program is a component of Professor Jennifer Hosek’s German courses at Queen’s University and connects students with peers from Professor Andrea Reimann’s English courses at Strickhof College in Switzerland.
Reflecting on her experience, Jessica shared:
"While traveling through Europe by train this summer, I had the opportunity to meet up in Zürich with my tandem partner Vincent. His family was very welcoming and invited my mother and me for a raclette dinner. Despite not having any German classes right now, Vincent and I are still keeping in contact to practice each other's languages. Learning multiple languages has not only given me skills in those languages, but also experiences like this one that I would have never expected!"
The LinguaeLive platform, created and managed by Professor Hosek, has connected thousands of students globally, enabling them to practice each other’s languages and gain intercultural experiences like Jessica’s. This innovative tool continues to enhance language-culture learning for LLCU and other students, fostering global connections. SSHRC and Queen’s have funded Linguae Live, which is currently in need of support.