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Who Are We?
The LanguageLine program, founded in 2018, is an international student-run program that virtually connects senior citzens (60+) who speak German or Russian to students learning that language in university or high school. LanguageLine has already changed the lives of over 200 senior citizens and language students.
How It Works
Step 2: Look For Our Response!
Soon after registering to participate in a meeting, you'll receive an email giving you several meeting options that you can choose from- this includes the link to your virtual meeting and the time.
Step 3: Prepare For The Meeting!
LanguageLine meetings are incredibly fun- but you should still be prepared! Click below to read up on how to be fully ready to join in on the fun!
Step 4: Have Fun and Do It All Again!
Take advantage of the time you time you get during your meeting with your senior or student(s) to practice your language skills as much as possible and of course: enjoy it!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How Can I Prepare For Meetings?
LanguageLine participants should do 2 things to make sure they're prepared: 1) Make sure you've got the correct time in the correct time zone (All of the times given to students and senior citizens are in EST), 2) Download the German or Russian question sheet linked in the Resources section below to use as questions for your meeting, Question sheets are used to facilitate and improve conversation, as well as provide quick translations!
Is There a Long-Term Commitment?
No! Both senior citizens and students have no requirement to continue meetings after their first one, but are always welcomed back!
How Many Students Are There Usually Per Senior In A Meeting?
There are typically 1-3 students per senior in a meeting, as we cap the number of students at 3. However, some students feel more comfortable in a one-on-one environment, of which we're happy to make happen!
Does It Cost Money To Participate?
LanguageLine meetings cost no money for either party!
Are There Any Requirements To Participate?
The only requirements are a stable microphone and internet connection!
Who Can I Contact If I Have Questions/Inquiries/Concerns?
You can contact us at languagelineprogram@gmail.com or using the Contact Us form at the bottom of the page!
Resources
German/English Conversational Questions
Russian/English Conversational Questions
Russian/English Conversational Questions
(Click the picture to access)
Russian/English Conversational Questions
Russian/English Conversational Questions
Russian/English Conversational Questions
(Click the picture to access)
Our Story
LanguageLine is committed to providing a completely unique, unmatched, and, of course, free experience of communicating and learning to students and senior citizens during and long after the COVID-19 crisis. We mourn with those who do and those who don't participate in the program as humanity traverses a difficult time in its existence- yet celebrate the beautiful connections between generations that have been created because of it.
Andrew, the founder and current president of LanguageLine, began teaching himself German in 7th grade when he was 12 years old and realized there was a two-sided need that could be fulfilled between students and senior citizens. The LanguageLine program originally started as small meetings taking place in Andrew's city- Louisville, Kentucky- in 2017, where local German senior citizens would meet with high school students in offices or coffee shops to discuss various topics.
When the COVID-19 crisis hit, however, not only were in-person LanguageLine meetings not possible, but senior citizens and students were affected deeply around the world- socialization and education, with it. Andrew began reaching out to hundreds of teachers, students, and organizations across the world to connect German or Russian speaking senior citizens with students learning that language in school.
Find out how far LanguageLine has come below. We hope to continue providing incredible experiences for students and seniors for countless years to come!
'a language line meeting in 2018'
Accomplishments
University-Level Usage
University-Level Usage
University-Level Usage
LanguageLine has been used as required curriculum at Yale and Vanderbilt, and has been recommended by professors to students at over 23 universities across the US, including Harvard, MIT, UChicago, Columbia, Michigan, and Emory.
Invisalign Changemaker
University-Level Usage
University-Level Usage
LanguageLine was awarded $5,000 in grant money through the Invisalign Changemaker's Challenge, awarded to only 100 projects out of over 800 in the US! Click on the circle above for more details.
International Impact
University-Level Usage
International Impact
Overall, LanguageLine has impacted over 200+ senior citizens and language students from over 7 countries around the world. LanguageLine has found support from German-American clubs across the US, including CaliforniaGermans, the largest German-based organization in California, as well as BAGSO and ServasGermany, two of the largest senior citizen organizations in Germany.