Promoting sporting, cultural and educational links across Europe
Current Partnerships
Können Sie Deutsch sprechen? Parlez-vous français?
The University of Konstanz enjoys an idyllic setting on the banks of the Bodensee, overlooking the garden island of Mainau
The Richmond in Europe Association works closely with the Tandem-Büro, based at the University of Konstanz, which brings together native speakers to learn one another’s language. All you need to do is to register (free of charge) & the Büro will find you a partner in your chosen language. All levels are catered for from absolute beginners to fluent speakers. You can communicate by email or Skype as often as you like or meet each other in Richmond or Konstanz.
Lisa Schommer celebrating Fasnacht.
One of our members, Lisa Schommer, works at the Tandem-Büro and will be happy to help you. Lisa speaks German & Spanish fluently. English is her third language. She writes,
“Working in the Tandem-Büro is great. We have our offices on the 7th floor &, on a clear day, we can see the Alps. I have been working here for 2 years & each semester is different & exciting. We work mainly with native German speakers, but also exchange students with a variety of languages who want to learn from each other. The programme thrives upon the variety of speakers we have here & without them & their interest in learning different languages we would not exist. We get to know so many people from all around the world & that is something I really appreciate a lot in my work.”
Ingo Seyfried at the Rhine Falls near Konstanz
About 1500 people are registered with the Tandem-Büro, but there are very few native English speakers, who are much in demand. Most Germans learn English from other Germans which is not as good as learning from a native speaker. Ingo Seyfried wanted to converse with a native English speaker so he enrolled with the Tandem-Büro.
To read about his experience please click on the following link.
REA members Anthony Bailey & Alan Mockford on the Swiss-German border. in February 2018
The Tandem-Büro is just one example of the many flourishing connections between the twin towns. Several clubs & associations in the Richmond area already have links with similar clubs & associations in Fontainebleau & Konstanz (and many more are seeking partners.)
For example:
St. Mary’s Tennis Club, Isleworth, has a partnership with Konstanz Tennis Club.
The University of Konstanz enjoys an idyllic location
For further details please contact
studyabroad@st.marys.ac.uk in England
or Melanie Hochstätter in Germany
erasmus.humanities@uni-konstanz.de
Melanie Hochstätter (right) with her colleague Iris BräuningMontana Twinem
Montana Twinem (22) from Konstanz recently read English & Media Studies at St. Mary’s through the Erasmus programme. She says, “The urge to expand my horizon is what led me to study at St. Mary’s. Situated in a peaceful suburban area, yet close to the centre of London, it enjoys a perfect location. However it is not only the social & cultural experience which makes my time here so special. Equally important was the great course choice. With fantastic & demanding lecturers, my classes in English & film/media studies have challenged me to go the extra mile & seize any potential I might have. The people I have met & the things I have learned will stay with me forever and I can only recommend Erasmus & St. Mary’s to anyone who is thinking about a change of scenery.”
Marie Herbert
Marie Herbert is another student from the University of Konstanz who is currently studying at St. Mary’s as part of the Erasmus scheme. She writes,”I am very glad that the Erasmus programme has made it possible for me to study here for a semester. This has enabled me to improve my English & to learn about different cultures & people. I am studying media arts & creative writing, which fit in with the programme in my home university, but at the same time they offer different aspects and a more practice-oriented way of learning. The small size of the St. Mary’s campus made it easy for me to find my way around & there are several places to explore in the vicinity, like Teddington, Richmond & Kingston, which otherwise I probably would not have visited. And of course it is easy to get to the vibrant city centre of London. In addition, St. Mary’s offers a huge range of sports, which gave me the possibility to stay fit during my time away from my team sport at home. My time in England & at St. Mary’s has gifted me with a lot of new experiences & adventures & new friends to enjoy them with.”
The Friends of Richmond Park are linked with Les Amis de la Forêt de Fontainebleau.
which welcomes francophones & francophiles from the Richmond area. For further details please click on the above link or telephone Cedric Marx on 07942 999943
