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Take a Trip to the Languages Universe

Travel the Universe without leaving the classroom — one language at a time

"Take a Trip to the Languages Universe" is an immersive language-learning initiative that connects Colombian teacher trainees with diverse educational communities across Latin America and the U.S., offering free English and French classes to children, youth, and adults in vulnerable contexts. Through virtual, synchronous sessions designed around real-life communication, students learn languages wh

Overview

Information on this page is provided by the innovator and has not been evaluated by HundrED.

Updated April 2025
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Target group
We envision an education system where language learning is not confined to textbooks, but is lived, shared, and rooted in real-world connections with gamification strategies. Through Take a Trip to the Languages Universe, we hope to shift language education toward a model that is more inclusive, intercultural, and socially engaged

About the innovation

Why did you create this innovation?

We created Take a Trip to the Languages Universe to bridge the gap between foreign language learning and real-world intercultural experiences in underserved communities. In Colombia and across Latin America, many children, youth, and women lack access to meaningful English and French learning opportunities. At the same time, teacher trainees often struggle to find practical, socially impactful

What does your innovation look like in practice?

Take a Trip to the Languages Universe functions as a virtual bridge between language teacher trainees and diverse learning communities in Colombia, the United States (Florida), and Latin America. Trainees from UNIMINUTO University offer free English and French classes to children, youth, and adults through synchronous online sessions. Each class follows a structured syllabus aligned with CEFR levels, and integrates themes like interculturality, empathy, inclusion, and global citizenship.
The sessions take place twice a week via platforms like Teams or Zoom. For example, primary students in Colombian schools join English or French classes during scheduled class hours, while Colombian women in Miami participate in evening sessions adapted to their schedules. In Peru, vulnerable children and public servants receive weekly instruction as part of the foundation's social mission.

How has it been spreading?

Take a Trip to the Languages Universe started with a few pilot partnerships in Bogotá and Chiquinquirá. Due to its success and scalability, it has organically expanded through formal agreements and word-of-mouth recommendations among schools, social foundations, and international partners. Today, the innovation has active collaborations with schools in Colombia, a women's initiative in Florida, and upcoming plans with institutions in Peru.

Its growth has been supported by UNIMINUTO's academic network and by the leadership of engaged faculty members who recognize the project's value in promoting equity and educational innovation. Every semester, new cohorts of teacher trainees are trained and integrated, creating a sustainable cycle of impact.

If I want to try it, what should I do?

To join as a partner school, foundation, or educational agent, simply reach out to our coordination team. We'll schedule a virtual meeting to understand your context and co-design a plan that fits your community’s needs. If you're a teacher trainee or university interested in replicating the model, we offer training guides, syllabi, and mentoring to help you implement it locally

Implementation steps

Identify Your Target Community
Select the group you want to reach — this could be children, youth, or adults from underserved communities in your country or abroad. Define their language learning needs (English or French) and logistical availability.
Establish an Educational Partnership
Connect with schools, foundations, or local organizations willing to host the language sessions. Schedule an introductory meeting to explain the innovation’s goals, timeline, and mutual benefits.
Recruit and Prepare Your Team
Assemble a group of language teacher trainees, volunteers, or educators. Provide training in inclusive teaching, intercultural communication, and digital tools. Share a ready to use syllabus aligned with CEFR levels.
Co-Design the Teaching Plan
Together with your partner institution, define the session schedule (typically twice a week), the preferred online platform (Zoom, Teams, Google Meet), and the number of learners per group.
Launch the Classes
Begin with a virtual meet and greet session to build rapport. Deliver lessons using the proposed methodology: day one focused on interactive content and day two on grammar and skill reinforcement.
Monitor and Support
Hold regular check ins with both the teaching team and partner institution. Provide mentorship, troubleshoot challenges, and document progress through feedback forms, reflections, and class recordings.
Evaluate and Improve
After the teaching cycle, collect feedback from learners, educators, and institutional partners. Assess language progress and reflect on the social and pedagogical impact. Use these insights to adapt and scale your implementation.

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