Tandem for Grown-ups
Tandem programmes in New York
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 and We Speak NYC English Conversation Classes (English conversation practice)
Organiser: Queens Public Library, Adult Learner Program (volunteer-led)
Students-only scheme; the page says non-students can join
- Who can join
- Open to the public (adults learning English, intermediate/advanced; ESOL students)
- Format
- In person
- Cost
- Free
- Languages
- English
- How to join
- no registration required; see the schedule links on the page
The page says:ESOL students can join us at the Library for our English Conversation Practice Groups and We Speak NYC English Conversation Classes. No registration is required.
We Speak NYC Conversation Classes at NYPL branches (English conversation practice)
Organiser: The New York Public Library (e.g. Countee Cullen Library)
Students-only scheme; the page says non-students can join
- Who can join
- Open to the public (adult learners 16+, speak some English)
- Format
- In person
- Cost
- Free
- Languages
- English
- How to join
- no registration needed, just come to a class
The page says:Come to the Library and meet other people who are practicing English, just like you!
We Speak NYC conversation groups (English conversation practice)
Organiser: Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs, City of New York (We Speak NYC), with partner sites incl. public libraries
Students-only scheme; the page says non-students can join
- Who can join
- Open to the public (adult English learners, all five boroughs)
- Format
- In person and online
- Cost
- Free
- Languages
- English
- How to join
- use 'Find a Class' on the We Speak NYC site
The page says:We Speak NYC organizes conversation groups that meet in 8 week conversation classes in all five boroughs and online.
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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