Hola¡ my name is Ben and I studied Spanish at VLLC. I decided to start learning a language for two reasons; firstly after spending some time in Spain, I returned thinking that I would have got more from the trip if I could have spoken the language. I want to go back to Spain, as well as travel to South America, hence my first reason to learn Spanish. The second reason is that my workplace now has an office in Chile and being able to speak Spanish may open up opportunities for me to work in this office or overseas. The VLLC program’s combination of online study and 1-1 tutorials is very enjoyable, the tutors are great teachers and I am finding that what I am learning is sticking, having studied a language at high school the approach of VLLC seems to work much better. I have tentatively tried out my new found Spanish skills in a few restaurants and with colleagues at work, to my surprise they have understood me! It has been very rewarding experience.
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I began part-time language studies with VLLC at the end of January 2014. In May, I decided to move my plans forward by 6 months and audition in January 2015. I commenced full-time German studies in June and completed my Certificate III in Foreign Language Studies assessments in early December, just in time for my departure to Germany on December 30th. I had applied to 5 music academies in Germany and my first audition was at my first preference university; the Detmold HfM (see picture above). What only needs to be said is that the audition process was daunting and conducted only in German. There were many applicants who did not pass the language test and were given 3 months to immerse themselves in German, and then resit the test with the result of being "de-matriculated" if they did not pass the second time. For my second audition, I was billeted in Berlin. A plaque located on the wall outside the apartment block in which I was staying noted that it had been Albert Einstein's residence in 1914, during his composition of the 'Theory of Relativity'. At this time I was notified of my acceptance into Detmold HfM and my success of passing all associated entrance examinations. I didn't continue with any other auditions because my dreams had come true and I made my way back to Detmold. Having been a musician for many years, I know the importance of having elite tutors. Without finding a quality piano teacher and a certified language provider I wouldn't be a student (for the next 4 years) at the Detmold Hochschule für Musik. Joanne, Iris, Marion, Mali and all associated staff at the VLLC seriously understood the importance of my goal, tailored my programme and made the lessons enjoyable and pertinent. They are interested in my progress and continue to keep in touch. One of my tutors, Iris (who I had only ever met online) has since visited me in Detmold and it was my first contact with someone from home since I left in December. It was like a family member had come a calling. I would highly recommend VLLC to anyone who wants to learn another language.
My name is Sue and I am married with 2 teenage children and live at Norton Summit in the Adelaide Hills. Why did I decide to learn Indonesian? I have been wanting to learn Indonesian after visiting Sumatra a couple of years ago and a number of times since. I am expecting to travel to Indonesia a few times a year on an ongoing basis and I want to be able to speak with the locals on their terms and to understand and participate in conversations with them. A bit of background on what I do. It all started when I wanted to take my family on a bit of an adventure holiday to see the orangutans in Bukit Lawang, North Sumatra a couple of years ago. Something really special happened while I was over there, I fell in love with this beautiful country and its people. I came away just wanting to help them in any way I could and decided that the best way to do this was to help them with some new employment opportunities, by setting up a tour and trekking company with a number of local guides. The aim is to attract more visitors to this special part of the world, ensuring that the proceeds of these tours go back to the local people and communities. When I mentioned this idea to them, they became very excited about the creation of new employment opportunities in sustainable ecotourism, as an alternative to mining, land clearance and palm oil. They were wondering how I could help and I said that back in Australia I run an eco winery and guest houses, with my main role being websites, enquiries, bookings, marketing and promotion and I would be happy to help them in a volunteer role. Well they could not believe their luck because these were just skills they needed to make this idea become a reality. So Sumatra Adventure Holidays was born! I set about developing a website and Facebook page over a year ago and before I knew it the enquiries started rolling in from all over the world! As things progressed, I wanted to do even more for the local people, so I suggested Sumatra Adventure Holidays join the Pack for a Purpose Program, where visitors can give back to the local community by bringing supplies with them for the local schools when they go on a school visit. To date we are the only company to be involve in the program in Sumatra, but I hope a lot more will join this program because it is such a worthwhile thing to do. While it is still early days, the local guides, businesses, guesthouses, the community and their families are so grateful to be actively involved in this new tourism venture and they are all hoping that it will be a huge success in the future and so do I. So if you are interested in minimal impact sustainable tourism in places a little off the beaten track and like the idea of tourism where all of the tour proceeds are reinvested in the local community, please consider Sumatra Adventure Holidays for your next holiday :). Please have a look at the amazing tours and treks we have developed on www.sumatraadventureholidays.com I travel back to Sumatra often, so if anyone has any donations they would like me to take over I will be more than happy to take them with me, such as school consumable supplies (the list is on the Pack for a Purpose website on the Sumatra Adventure Holidays page) and good condition clothing. I am also doing a technology drive for the guides and I am looking for donations of old smart phones, laptops, digital cameras and old iPods that people are no longer using) If you can help, please email me on sjdelaney63@gmail.com or call me on 08 83901995. If you are interested in volunteering with any of our environmental or other projects please go to our website www.selangpangeranvolunteer.wordpress.com .
Ratna has been sharing her culture and tutoring Indonesian with VLLC students for many years. She has blessed us with many plates of nasi goreng, sate ayam and various other Indonesian delicacies! Ratna loves her students and helping them communicate in Indonesian. She has had students learn Indonesian for various reasons such as the Defense Force, to get married, to work overseas or just because they want to travel. She often travels to Indonesia to catch up with friends and family. The energetic ladies of Adelindo Angklung were performing traditional songs in "Diaspora SA Bazaar Ramadhan 2016".
#flindersuniversity #indonesiadiaspora #visitadelaide I am learning French to keep my mind active and to try to understand the French news on the TV. I am not quite there yet as the news readers speak too fast for my brain to absorb. I also enjoy coming to VLLC because of the people and the atmosphere. The Tutors are fun and help me to practice and improve. I also appreciate the parking space for the disabled and the coffee is not bad either.
Maureen My name is Yoko and I am one of the Japanese tutors in Melbourne. I have worked with VLLC for over 10 years now. I didn’t realise that time has passed so quickly! My motivation to teach Japanese is simple, yet inspiring. Japanese is a beautiful language created on an isolated island with a unique history. I enjoy sharing the joy of communication in my mother tongue with my students, while being able to respect and understand each other’s culture. I was born in Japan and lived there for the first 35 years of my life. Living in Tokyo, Saitama, Tohoku area was absolutely mesmerizing. Japan is a rather small country, but every area has various scenery and custom. When I think of Japan, I think of temples that are over a thousand years old or shrines behind skyscrapers. What also comes to my mind is the “Kawaii”. The traditional, cute goods based on Japan’s purifying, minimizing method. Also old and new culture coexist peacefully which brings joy to my heart. My absolute favourite time of the year is the “Hanami” (Flower Viewing). It’s when the cherry blossoms open up all over the country. People are delighted by “Sakura”, which magnifies the end of a cold, dark winter. Every year, special weather forecasts for “Sakura” excite people. Sushi, being one of the most famous Japanese foods abroad, is also one of my favourites. “Omusubi” are yummy rice balls and a handy food in Japan. Simple “ume” (plum) “omusubi” are my absolute favourite. I also love “sansei” (edible wild plants), which are only available in a particular season. Japan has a huge population of 130 million people in such a small country. Yet it is rather clean and organized everywhere. Even crowded stations in Tokyo seem so clean and quiet. Not always, but sometimes I miss Japanese public space’s comfortableness. It seems as if people are always prepared to welcome visitors.
Our Japanese Tutor, Kiyo, received this fantastic card from a VLLC student last year, Nicky Bancroft who has completed her Certificate IV in Foreign Language Studies, which she did to enhance her career. Well done Nicky!
My name is Katina, and I have been learning Greek at VLLC for nearly a year! I wanted to learn Greek, as my Father is Greek, and I thought it would be amazing to have conversations with all my cousins and my Grandparents. My main motivation is learning new words and being finally able to have a lovely conversation with my Grandmother. I try to visit Greece every 2 years to visit my family, and maybe a nice swim or two! When I am in Greece I love to go swimming and eat lots of souvlaki. I practice Greek with my parents every Sunday over a cup of coffee and some biscuits. Learning Greek is Amazing, it's such a lovely language.
I began learning Russian with VLLC last year. My family was a big part of my decision to learn - It’s nice to see the smile my babooshka gets when I speak with her in her first language! I am also motivated to get to a fluency which will allow me to read and translate an old family journal, which we haven’t been able to understand because it is written in Russian! I am almost there - I practice with my family, my partner… even with people who don’t understand; I will say something in Russian then repeat it in English – so I get to practice saying all kinds of things every day! One language isn’t always enough – Russian is often more emotive than English, and speaking to someone in their own language allows you to get a lot more out of the conversation.
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Our StoriesHere are some stories about VLLC' students and why they are learning a language Archives
March 2024
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