These kids are getting ready for post-Putin Russia, in ever-growing numbers
For years, we have made good use of expat language partners:
Chinese, Japanese and Russian families living in Europe, North America and Australia
have partnered with teenagers who are keen to learn and practice their language.
Chinese, Japanese and Russian families living in Europe, North America and Australia
have partnered with teenagers who are keen to learn and practice their language.
The Russian invasion in Ukraine and the way military operations have developed have had an astonishing effect on young Global Natives. They're more keen to learn Russian than ever. Why? Here's what they say:
"I have always had this thing for Russian food and literature.
And of course I've always hoped to see a free and democratic Russia
- but I thought, to be realistic, this would be in the distant future.
But now? It is within reach!
Putin can't win now. And I can see a new Russia without him!"
The demand for Russian native speakers in Western countries has grown tenfold.
These kids and young adults see tremendous potential in Russia and in Ukraine as the end
of the war will call for dialogue on all levels: there will be need for political and economical, for educational and scientific, and for cultural and humanitarian conversations.
Young Global Natives want to be able to hold these conversations, to play their part in thinking a new balance of powers and in planning carefully and wisely for a stable future.
These kids and young adults see tremendous potential in Russia and in Ukraine as the end
of the war will call for dialogue on all levels: there will be need for political and economical, for educational and scientific, and for cultural and humanitarian conversations.
Young Global Natives want to be able to hold these conversations, to play their part in thinking a new balance of powers and in planning carefully and wisely for a stable future.
"When this is over, there is so much to rebuild.
There will be so much demand for fair and intelligent exchange.
I want to be ready, and I'm looking forward to it."
Just as fascinating: The demand for Chinese-speaking partner families has grown, too.
It has multiplied by the factor of 4,2 (as compared to 2019).
Want to find out more on how our kids learn languages? Come this way!
Post scriptum: There has been some criticism, stating that not all young people share this optimistic point of view. That, of course, is true. However, the Young Global Natives in question are not only exceptionally interested in global politics, they all are in constant dialogue with people and media on both sides. We believe, it is exactly their inquisitive and careful consideration of all available information that will eventually prove them right.
