The development of global communication has increased the need for language learners to develop intercultural communicative competence in addition to linguistic competence. Conversely, opportunities for genuine intercultural engagement outside structured educational environments remain limited. Digital language exchange platforms, such as the Tandem App, offer potential avenues for international collaboration and intercultural learning. Therefore, this study aims to explore learners’ perceptions of their intercultural communication experiences through the Tandem App, identify the challenges and enabling factors encountered during interaction, and examine the role of the Tandem App in supporting the development of intercultural communicative competence.
This study used a qualitative case study approach carried out online, looking at how people communicate across cultures using the Tandem App. The participants were five people who actively used Tandem and often talked with others from different cultures. The researcher interviewed them using open-ended questions to gather information.The responses were carefully reviewed to identify common themes and patterns in how learners experienced intercultural communication.
The results show that most learners see their intercultural encounters as positive and important. Through these interactions, learners have a better awareness of different cultures and learn how to deal with communication problems better. The Tandem App helps people from different cultures talk to each other by making it easier for them to have real, learner-centered conversations outside of the classroom.

Keywords: Tandem App, intercultural communicative competence, intercultural communication, global collaboration, language learning.