Euroasia: Language, Culture and Travel

I’m often asked the question “how does one develop greater cross-cultural empathy?”

In my view there’s really no better way than learning a new language. It’s quite straightforward. In learning a new language, you start to feel what non-native English speakers feel when they attempt to speak English. The ideal experience is a full immersion atmosphere, where you spend most of your time in an environment where only the target language is spoken. This may not be practical for most, or even too scary. We far prefer the comforts of relative anonymity in a packed lecture hall with 35 other students. There’s far less risk of getting picked on, and we can enjoy learning about French instead of actually learning French.

No one likes being put on the spot, but sometimes we’ve got to take that additional step in order to really improve. It’s a lot like doing weight training at the gym. The initial work really is about wearing down the muscles, and it’s only the last few seconds, when you’ve reached the pain threshold, that you really build the muscles. This is why it helps to train with a buddy or with a personal trainer who can push you.

Language learning is a bit like that.  If you push yourself just that little bit further and start speaking the language, you improve so much quicker. This is why at Euroasia, we limit our classes to no more than 10 people, and keep the classes interactive, so that every person gets a chance to speak every time they are here. We won’t embarass anyone, but we certainly encourage people to start speaking. We don’t want people to go away learning a lot about the language, but not speaking the language they set out to learn.

The added bonus is that you engage in virtual travel to the distant lands that you wish to explore, every time you turn up for class. It’s great stress relief for the busy professional. What a deal…

International Languages Week is happening soon. (Sunday 17 – Saturday 23 August 2008)

In conjunction with ILW, Euroasia is offering a series of FREE language lessons for Spanish, French, German, Italian, Chinese and Japanese.

These lessons are for complete beginners. No previous knowledge of the language is required.

We will cover the first unit of our standard Level 1 course. At the end of the lesson, you will be able to greet people, give your name and ask how people are.

Limited to 12 participants on a first-come-first-served basis. Feel free to invite your friends. If you can’t make this session, check our timetable for other sessions.

We are also running a few interesting seminars that may be of interest.

Check out what else is happening and sign up online at http://www.euroasia.co.nz/news/international-languages-week.php

Please register on the Euroasia site to confirm attendance.

We think the most effective option for learning a language is full immersion, supplemented by structured classes, in a country where the target language is widely spoken. The next best option is to attend face-to-face classes while you are in New Zealand, guided by an experienced native teacher using a curriculum designed for New Zealanders. However, we do understand that this is sometimes impractical, because you cannot commit to fixed times or there are no suitable classes in your area.

You can consider a guided course delivered over the phone and internet. This is ideal if you are just too busy, or if you are often travelling but can be reached by telephone in any destination. Similarly, if you live in a very remote location, and a teacher can’t get to you, telephone / Skype language lessons are an excellent solution.

This can be supplemented by weekend language courses, lunchtime courses or summer school programmes at a language school (hint, hint). You know how to contact us

Face-to-face classes may not be the right solution for everyone. For every one of the learning options, there are advantages and disadvantages:

What do you think? Have you tried online learning before? Good / bad experiences to share?