“I believe learning a new language is the best way to connect to another
culture and be part of it. It is not just a matter of survival - learning a new
language really makes you stronger and gives you a broader outlook on life.”
Lingua Valley CEO, Jo Araf
is an up and coming entrepreneur focusing on evolving pedagogical approaches
through modern technology. Presently
busy constructing an online platform through website linguavally.org, where
communicative approaches and culture immersion are highlighted.
His aim is to link language
learners to a network of native language speakers; an array of qualified tutors
with various corporate professional and academic backgrounds.
Currently 30 years of age,
he mentions previously experiencing difficulties with communicating effectively
when studying abroad, “I realized that my good school
marks were useless when I traveled to Spain and Australia. I learnt more by interacting with the locals
and international students. As learning
tools, I read local newspapers and watched movies. I also took a few courses at university.” He goes on
to say that traditional methods taught at school were outdated because teachers
put too much emphasis on grammar and tend to overlook conversation and other
interactive approaches.
On his return from Australia to Italy, he decided to pursue a career in
language tuition as he had gained language proficiency while studying abroad. “I was dissatisfied in my
marketing career and decided not to keep on doing something that I wasn’t
passionate about”, he explains, “So I started giving Spanish and English
courses to foreigners.” This
snowballed into collaborations on numerous translation projects and further
courses.
As an experienced foreign language teacher, he has manipulated and
developed many teaching techniques. He
states that his clients come from a wide range of backgrounds being mainly
students and professionals, and notes that all of them have different learning styles,
particular needs and goals, making each person a unique learner. He believes that it is of vital importance to
customise and tailor-make language courses to suit each individual’s requirements.
This is what sets Lingua Valley apart from other institutes – the personalisation
which is offered by each tutor he invites to collaborate in the project.
Interacting in a foreign language has grown enormously over recent
years. It’s well known that in the global scheme of business acumen, knowledge
of other languages is fast becoming vital in the daily work place. Students
applying at reputable universities often need to pass proficiency tests in
order to pursue their dream degrees and advance in careers. Simple language
acquisition for touring other countries as well as immigrating is also valid
but knowledge of customs and culture are even more important.
Job creation is yet another avenue that Jo is optimistic about. There is definitely space in the market for
native language tutors, especially for those with academic or corporate
backgrounds. Most people have access to the internet, so it’s the most
convenient way for students and language providers to connect while becoming
familiar with each other’s culture.
Students will be able to choose tutors whose profiles best suit their
own credentials, be it industry or studies, and may take advantage of a free
introductory session to confirm if the tutor is a good fit for them. Tutors will also have the opportunity to
learn new languages and tutoring skills through the teacher-to-teacher
platform. Students and tutors alike will be able to practice their new
languages socially in a more informal setting on a group or individual basis.
For more information, visit the website: www.linguavalley.org
Translation services are
also on offer, specifically in the area of business and academics. Languages
include English, Italian, French, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Chinese,
Japanese, Russian and Arabic.
