Karin has been in Italy since 2005. She has lived in Emilia Romagna, Udine and now Lucca, where she has lived since 2010. She has also lived in Austria and the USA, but is originally from Canada. So she knows what it’s like to have to adapt to a different culture or language. She knew no Italian when she moved to Italy, but now Italians tell her she speaks very well. They are often convinced that she comes from the North of Italy (Bolzano area).
Karin absolutely dislikes boredom, especially when it comes to teaching or learning languages. Thus, hands-on language learning is the main focus at Karin’s Language Lab. Whether it be children, teens or adults who desire to learn English, or Expats who would love to have more opportunities to learn and practice Italian, Karin wants to make it fun, interesting, and intellectually stimulating. She wants her students to jump right in and get involved, so all her activities are created with these aspects in mind.
So what does Karin’s Language Lab have that can be of use to the Expat Community?
‘Walk and Talk’ Bilingual language labs
At the moment, these interactive and in-person Labs are presented in the private Facebook Group “Walk and Talk Bilingual Language Labs” and the “WhatsAPP Walk and Talk Group,” which you can join by requesting to be added. All upcoming activities and events are posted there, as well as photos, videos and the vocabulary learned at the labs after the event has been completed. Member interaction and comments are encouraged within the Facebook group.
Activities are varied and are often related to Italian culture, traditions, food and most importantly to the locals, so that real-life interaction can take place between expats and locals, like local artisans, business owners, craftsmen, museums etc. Sometimes the group hikes local trails (Cork Tree Trail… coming soon), sometimes it does a walk, followed by a “cultural lab” (Gelato-tasting Lab), sometimes just a culture lab (Bonito Coffee Lab), other times groups collaborate with tour guides or archeologists who teach us about the history of the area (coming soon in Camaiore, with ceramics lab).
All the WALK AND TALK LABS are bilingual, so you don’t have to worry if your Italian isn’t perfect. Everyone who participates is in the same boat; also the Italians who want to improve their English.
It’s a lovely way to meet new people, meet locals, learn Italian in a fun and stress-free enviroment and just get out and do something different.
NEW TO WALK AND TALK LANGUAGE LABS:
PRIVATE EVENTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. SO IF YOU’VE GOT FRIENDS COMING AND WANT TO INTRODUCE THEM TO THE “WALK AND TALK EXPERIENCE” YOU HAD, OR A SIMILAR ONE, YOU CAN CONTACT KARIN AND SHE’LL WORK WITH YOU TO FIND THE PERFECT SOLUTION AND ACTIVITY THAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR.
Facebook: karin’s language lab
instagram: ks_language lab
CONTACT INFO: 347 8545374
e-Mail: karinkueng1@gmail.com
