Why language mentoring?

‘Learning Russian just makes me feel like I’m on a train that’s going really fast – and I just want to get off’ said one language learner we know.

This is a sentiment many of us have shared if we have ever engaged in learning a language, particularly for the purpose of living and working in another country. 

As language learners ourselves, we know that effective language skills pave the way for better connection with a host culture. 

Without these skills, work in another country can often be less effective, we can feel isolated and, at worst, it can make us want to ‘get off the train’ and go home. 

This is where language mentoring comes in. 

We also know how it feels

We both love learning languages, but that doesn’t mean it has always been easy for us – learning a new language is a journey of smooth roads and easy turns, but also of slow uphill climbs and even tumbles down the mountainside. 

The journey not only takes you through grammar, vocabulary and phonetics, but it gets right to the heart of your identity, uncovers emotions you might not recognise, and takes you on ups and downs that you didn’t know were possible. 

We have been there, many times, and we know all too well the emotional road that language learning takes you on, at the same time as you are trying to get to grips with a new culture and way of life. 

Whether it is the successes of that sense of belonging amongst local friends in a host culture, or not having to repeat yourself to be understood, or the pits of feeling like an outsider for weeks and months on end, the ordeal of learning how to ask for groceries at the market, or the shame of being laughed at for mistakes you make, we get it, and we want to be with you on your journey.

What is language mentoring?

Language mentoring is a structured programme of guided 1-1 or small group conversations that help you to step outside of your learning journey and objectively view how you are doing. 

We are not talking about how you are doing in terms of CEFR, ACTFL or language school exams – we are talking about how you are doing and how we can help. 

There are so many factors that affect our learning journey – our personality, our previous experience with languages, other people’s expectations and opinions, the language school we attend and our occupation in the host culture. 

It is precisely factors like these that our Language Up mentors help you to explore over the course of the one-year programme. 

They will take you through eight structured sessions which encourage you to think critically and carefully about learning your language and what you can do to help yourself progress and have greater confidence and success. 

Our mentors are ready to listen, to hear your honest reflections, whether you are feeling great or not, and to guide you to take practical steps which will help you along the way. 

Our aim is not to teach the specific language, but to help learners explore the process of language learning, to support them in the ups and downs and equip them with skills to more efficiently, effectively and ultimately successfully learn the language. 

Ultimately, we believe you can succeed with the right support, and we would love to be a part of that support.