LANGUAGE IS A CALLING

“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  He goes on to say that traditional methods taught at school were outdated because teachers put too much emphasis on grammar and tend to overlook conversation and other interactive approaches.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.