Tandem for Grown-ups
Tandem programmes in Chicago
We list institutional programmes only. We do not match people, keep profiles or run a waiting list: you join through the organiser, on their page. Rules, dates and prices change, so check the official page before you go.
English Conversation Practice Groups with Literacy Chicago at CPL branches (English conversation practice)
Organiser: Chicago Public Library with Literacy Chicago
Students-only scheme; the page says non-students can join
- Who can join
- Open to the public (adult English learners)
- Format
- In person
- Cost
- Free
- Languages
- English
- How to join
- register with Literacy Chicago (info@literacychicago.org) before the first session
The page says:These groups focus on having lively discussions about current events, life in Chicago, and many other topics.
Language and Culture Learning Center Conversation Hours (Spanish, French, Italian, Polish, Russian, Chinese, Portuguese, Japanese, Arabic, German, English, Tagalog)
Organiser: Language and Culture Learning Center (LCLC), University of Illinois Chicago
Students-only scheme; the page says non-students can join
- Who can join
- Open to the public (page states all events are free and open to the public; held in Grant Hall 308)
- Format
- In person
- Cost
- Free
- Languages
- Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog (varies by weekly slot)
- How to join
- drop in; see the Conversation Hours schedule for each language
The page says:The LCLC hosts numerous diverse language and cultural events for the UIC community. All events are free and open to the public
Spanish Conversation Group (Blackstone Library)
Organiser: Chicago Public Library, Blackstone branch (community-led)
Students-only scheme; the page says non-students can join
- Who can join
- Open to the public (adults 18+, beginners to native speakers)
- Format
- In person
- Cost
- Free
- Languages
- Spanish
- How to join
- drop in at the branch; see the CPL event page for dates (Wednesdays 6:00-7:00 PM, e.g. 21 Oct 2026)
The page says:From beginners to native speakers, all are welcome to come and enjoy speaking Spanish in this community-led program.
How it works
- Pick your city and read the cards: who can join, in what format, at what cost.
- Open the official page and check the current rules, dates and the sign-up step. We quote the page and show the date we checked it.
- Join through the organiser. Typically you state the language you speak and the one you want to practise, and a partner or a group is arranged.
- Want to meet people at real events as well? Meet & Mint shows events and people near you; join one alone, chat with the group, meet there.
Questions people ask
Is this a matching service?
No. We do not match people or hold profiles. Each card links to the organiser, who runs the sign-up.
Why only institutions?
Official programmes have a named organiser, published rules and a page you can check. That is what we can verify honestly.
Can I join if I am not a student?
It depends on the programme. The Who can join line says so, and the quote is copied from the official page.
How current is this?
Each card shows the date we checked the page. Always confirm the current rules there.
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