Beyond Words
Language, culture, travel, and stories from the Speak! community
GERMAN STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: ANNIKA
“Learning German has taught me that no matter how different a language is, we are all human.”
Spanish Student Spotlight: Donna and Jim Horn
“We are excited to continue working with John and Christina and feel that they are on this journey with us!”
Student Spotlight: SUSANNAH
“These types of human connections that were the highlights of my trip would have been impossible without Stefanie and Speak!“
Spanish Student Spotlight: Jeff – From “Jefe” in 8th Grade to @CaminoJefe on the Trails
“It has been interesting learning about Franco’s home country and the various places he has lived while we worked together.”
Japanese Student Spotlight: Mark
“Learning Japanese feels like expanding my mind—it makes me see the world differently.”
Spanish Student Spotlight: Erich
“The regularity that Speak! offers has made the difference. It keeps me accountable and focused.”
Spanish Student Spotlight: Brynn
“Studying on my own was easy to do passively. In-person lessons make it impossible to hide behind fear or doubt.”
Spanish Student Spotlight: Full-Time Nurse Kat Mirate
“Our Spanish class is one of the highlights of my week. Nattachya’s joyful energy makes learning fun, even on my hardest days.”
Spanish Student Spotlight: Sandra Mirkil's Love Affair with Argentina
“Speak! Is a treasure to me. The different Spanish classes and teachers and the German instructors are all excellent.”
Italian Student Spotlight: Anne Pfister
“A big part of the course is based on an overview of Italy and its culture.”
Spanish Student Spotlight: Sharice Welch, UVA’s McIntire School
“The individualized attention from Franco in the one-on-one classes is really great; he is able to tailor the classes according to my needs.”
Partner Program Spotlight: English for Healthcare
Speak! partnered with UVA’s Pipelines and Pathways Program and Human Resources to support four newly-hired international employees with tailored English language instruction, equipping them with the essential skills for success in their roles as Patient Safety Companions.
From Paris to C-Ville: Allison Zinder on the History of the French Restaurant
I’ll never forget a dinner I enjoyed in Paris with Allison Zinder. I was traveling with my best friend and our daughters, and on a hot summer evening in 2016, we met Allison for a classic French bistro meal at one of her then-favorite brasseries - Le Petit Lutetia.
Student Spotlight: Sociology Professor Fiona Greenland Learns Ukrainian to Support her Work and Travels
“Tatiana has a lot of experience teaching Ukrainian to English speakers, and it shows.”
French Student Spotlight: Miles Gilbert's Fluency Goal
“Lessons with Anne have given me the confidence that I can learn a new language.”
Japanese Student Spotlight: Caroline Laco
“I like that I can ask a question about a topic I'm unclear about and instantly have it explained to me.”
Spanish Student Spotlight: Career Coach Melissa Hannah
“Speak! Language Center has the perfect format for practicing your target language”
Spanish Student Spotlight: Marley Mainelli
“I plan on continuing lessons until I can speak Spanish fluently at a conversational level!”
Spanish Student Spotlight: Jess Wenger
“Hearing questions from classmates (and hopefully them hearing mine) helps us all learn and grow on our Spanish journey.”
ENGLISH STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: Pedro Henrique Giacomeli de Almeida
The coaching sessions with Alexis have been incredibly beneficial to my preparation for the Darden MBA program and beyond.