Success Of International Language Week
The recently concluded International Languages Week (ILW) provided an
excellent opportunity to develop the community's awareness of the
languages around them and to highlight the benefits of learning
additional languages.
In conjunction with International Languages Week, Euroasia in Auckland
offered a series of free Spanish, French, German, Italian, Chinese and
Japanese language classes to the local community. Additionally,
seminars on how to work with people from other cultures were
presented. These classes were well received, and over the course of
the week, Euroasia received in excess of 100 enrolments across all
languages, mostly from people who have never studied a language with
Euroasia previously.
This is further testimony to the fact that New Zealanders are keen to
experience new languages and cultures. Kenneth Leong, Director of
Euroasia says "We were amazed at the level of response, particularly
seeing we didn't advertise the availability of the classes that
widely. In some situations we had to turn people away, simply because
we were inundated."
Leong adds: "I think our existing clients just forwarded emails and
the news just spread like wildfire. We would certainly look at
offering more free classes, especially for those who expressed
disappointment that they missed out".
Recent developments such as the signing of the China Free Trade
Agreeement and the Olympics also dramatically increased interest in
Chinese language and culture. Euroasia is seeing greater interest from
savvy businesspeople who understand the value of language skills in
dealing with Chinese businesspeople.
Leong's response to critics who say "everyone speaks English" is:
"That's true, but it simply means your ability to speak another
language would make you stand even further apart from the crowd"
ENDS