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Franglish: the language exchange event for native Italian and English speakers

01 Apr

There’s an exciting new way to practise your language skills in Milan. It’s called FRANGLISH and we spoke to Franglish co-founder Steven Annonziata to find out all about it…

NetworkMilan.com: What is Franglish?

Steven Annonziata: Franglish is a language exchange event (Italian/English exchange in Milan and Rome) taking place every week in some of the best venues across your city. The goal of FRANGLISH is simple: to learn a foreign language in a relaxed atmosphere and to improve your language skills in a great environment where you can start meeting locals and forming friendships! It’s more of a social event than a language lesson. Our experience abroad taught us that the best way to learn a language is to talk about things we know and like. With FRANGLISH you can talk about anything and everything without the fear of being judged.

Network Milan: How does Franglish work?

Steven: Firstly, you start by registering through the website http://www.franglish.eu, then the participants meet up in a bar or restaurant with a floor or room dedicated to Franglish, from 7pm to 9pm, for the price of 10 euros including one drink. After the welcome drink, they start their first one-to-one mini-conversation. Each session lasts for 15 minutes; Italians and anglophones alternate half of the time in Italian, half in English with at least 5 different people. After the 15 minutes is over, they switch tables and meet a new partner! Out of inspiration? If needed, a bilingual organiser is there to help people break the ice and guide them via conversation suggestions.

Network Milan: Where do Franglish events take place?

Steven: Franglish events take place in bars and restaurants, usually on Tuesdays or Wednesdays from 7 to 9pm. A room is dedicated to Franglish.

Network Milan: Which cities / countries does Franglish operate in?

Steven: We organise Franglish events in Italy (Milan and Rome), France (Paris, Nice, Lyon, Lille, Montpellier, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Strasbourg and Grenoble), Belgium (Brussels), the UK (London and Cambridge), the USA (Chicago and San Francisco) and Canada (Toronto).

Network Milan: Where did you get the idea for Franglish?

Steven: I founded FRANGLISH with a friend, Nicolas Saurel. We have lived abroad, and back in France we started thinking about how we had only had a few opportunities to practise English with native speakers: it is not that easy to meet and create friendships with anglophones in France. We had tried many options spanning from very formal and quite expensive lessons to big parties where it can be sometimes difficult for attendees to overcome shyness. In essence, we couldn’t find a happy medium, so we decided to create it ourselves and came up with FRANGLISH.

Franglish is about making progress while having fun. In the friendly atmosphere of the best venues we offer anglophones and italians the opportunity to discover and share their language and culture while having a drink together. Not hidden behind their computer screens, but in person, in real life.

Network Milan: Is Franglish speed dating? If not, what are the differences?

Steven: FRANGLISH is not an ‘aperitivo’ or a new approach to speed dating: it is a social event that allows you to (re)discover a language and a new culture. Franglish aims to create a link between communities that have a lot to learn from each other. So if your goal is to practise a language while making new friends, Franglish is made for you. If you’re looking for the love of your life, then I’m sure there are plenty of events made for you, but not Franglish I’m afraid.

Network Milan: What sort of people is Franglish aimed at?

Steven: Franglish is aimed at people looking to improve their language skills. Practising is the key, and practising with native speakers is even better.

Network Milan: Are there any language levels / minimum language skills required, etc?

Steven: Not really, all levels/ages are welcome at Franglish. Of course, it will be easier if you’re able to hold a conversation in the language you’re learning, but it’s not a necessary requirement of FRANGLISH.

Network Milan: How much do the events cost (typically)?

Steven: The average cost is 10€ and it includes a welcome drink.

Network Milan: Why is Franglish different from / better than straightforward language exchanges / lessons (classes), etc

Steven: Franglish is different from any other language exchange because of its format/organisation. The one-to-one conversations allow people to practise their language skills during the two-hour-long event. You sit with a native speaker in front of you and you have no choice other than talk to them! So even if your language skills are not that great (at least if that’s what you think) or if you are a bit shy, it won’t be a problem at Franglish.

People come back every week and we get great feedback so we’re pretty sure they really like it!

Network Milan: Franglish is already in a lot of places. Do you plan to expand it even further?

Steven: Yes. Within a year we are aiming to launch Franglish in a lot of new places, especially in Europe and the USA.

Network Milan: How can I find out where Franglish events are taking place in my area?

Steven: That’s quite easy. Just visit our website www.franglish.eu and select the city where you live. All the information is updated every week. Signup is mandatory on the website so don’t forget to do it.

Network Milan: Thanks for taking the time to speak to us!

Steven: Thanks for the interview and I hope to see a lot of expats, students, language enthusiasts and people who just want to practise speaking English or Italian at Franglish soon.

Interview for NetworkMilan by Robert Dennis.

You can discover more Franglish events in Milan on the Club Tutti Expats International of Milano MeetUp group, including dates, locations and photos of recent events.

If you would like to attend a Franglish event, however, it is VERY IMPORTANT that you register with Franglish via their website http://www.franglish.eu.

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Posted in Business English, Networking, Speaking

An evening of networking and discovery at the first-ever Teachers’ Lounge in Milan

02 Jun

Last Thursday the first-ever Teachers’ Lounge event was held at Fiori Oscuri bar in Milan. The event’s organisers, Robert Dennis of the Milan Business English Network and Russell Lewis of Pearson, were both surprised and delighted by the positive reaction from guests and feedback on the event, which was attended by over 30 teachers and professionals involved in language training.

The Teachers’ Lounge combined the networking and socialising of a typical MBEN event with a unique opportunity to discover more about Pearson’s dedicated range of specialist ELT materials, including a wide selection of online resources as well as books covering everything from grammar to exams to English for Special Purposes (ESP).

In a relaxed and stylish setting, the Teachers’ Lounge allowed guests to mingle and chat (with free refreshments provided by Pearson) while Russell and his team of experts from the world’s largest education company showed off the latest in blended learning solutions, such as MyEnglishLab and the online and offline versions of bestselling courses including Speak Out and Market Leader.

Attendees were also given an interactive card equipped with a NFC chip and a QR code which provides access to special offers from Pearson. These are updated regularly and can be accessed using the Teachers’ Lounge card simply by tapping it with an NFC-enabled smartphone or by scanning the QR code.

During the evening, Robert introduced Russell, who made a short speech thanking everyone for attending and introducing the NFC/QR card to guests. Both organisers thanked Andrew Shearn of Fiori Oscuri for providing such beautiful accommodation: the stunning lower ground floor lounge, complete with tropical plants, sofas and some lightly-chilled ambient beats.

Following the success of the launch event, another Teachers’ Lounge is currently being planned for the autumn. Watch this space for more details or contact Robert Dennis or Russell Lewis to find out how you can register for the event.

Looking forward to seeing everyone again – plus some new faces – at the next Teachers’ Lounge!

Contact details:

Robert Dennis, Milan Business English Network
Russell Lewis, Pearson

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Posted in Business English, Events, Networking

Introducing… the Teachers’ Lounge!

20 May

Staff meetings were never like this: what happened?

The revolution will not be televised, but it may well end up going viral on YouTube: launching later this month, The Teachers’ Lounge will be quite unlike any teachers’ meeting you have ever attended. An evening of great networking in a fabulous setting and the latest edtech ideas and hands-on demos, it’s guaranteed to be a night to remember for the teachers who make their way to the Fiori Oscuri bar on Thursday 29th May at 7:30pm.

Organised by the Milan Business English Network, in association with Pearson, The Teachers’ Lounge will feature a laid back and leisurely look at some of the best teaching materials currently on offer – especially the new apps and online resources that are driving the move towards digitalization in the classroom. The evening will also be a chance to mix and mingle with other colleagues in the elegant surroundings of Fiori’s subterranean lounge.

Russell Lewis, an Education Consultant with Pearson based in Milan, will be on hand with his team to allow teachers to experience first-hand some of the latest innovations in classroom technology (and in fact, mobile tech that goes beyond the classroom itself). While you may have heard about platforms such as MyEnglishLab or are familiar with some of Pearson’s vast range of titles for all levels of learners, the Teachers’ Lounge will provide the ideal setting in which to see these in action – guided by experts who will be delighted to explain the benefits and efficacy of the products and services.

As well as having the chance to see online learning on an iPad you can discover how to simplify many of your everyday teaching and administrative tasks – and save time and energy – while ensuring that your students’ learning outcomes are improving.

At the same time, attendees will be invited to sign up for some exclusive freebies and offers – plus a few other surprises that will be revealed on the night itself. Milan Business English Network events are always a great way to expand your range of contacts as well as meet up with old friends and have a great night out. The combination of MBEN plus Pearson should give you not only access to ideas and resources, but also help boost your professional teaching career. Running parallel with the live event, The Teachers’ Lounge will provide access to a wealth of tips, links and solutions to make your teaching life both easier and more rewarding.

Teachers who have registered on the Eventbrite site can enjoy free drinks, courtesy of Pearson and for anyone who has never been to Fiori Oscuri before you will be surprised and delighted at this hidden gem of Anglo-Italian chic located right in the heart of the trendy Brera art zone.

There will be a strict limit on numbers at this event, so if you haven’t signed up already, you’d better skates on: we’re filling up rapidly!

For more details and any queries relating to the Teachers’ Lounge, please contact either Robert Dennis of the Milan Business English Network or Russell Lewis at Pearson.

School’s out. The Teachers’ Lounge is in. See you there!

THE TEACHERS’ LOUNGE

Thursday 29 May 2014, 19:30 – 22:00

Fiori Oscuri (Sports Bar S.R.L)
Via Fiori Oscuri, 3
Milano

Dress code: smart casual

Click here to register (Eventbrite)

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Posted in Business English, Events, Networking

The Milan Business English Network and Riverstone team up for a networking aperitivo this Thursday…

23 Jan

Come and develop your professional network with us this Thursday

How can you develop new contacts and use your English skills too? What’s the best strategy for advancing your career and extending your professional network? Where can you spend a great evening in sophisticated surroundings with interesting people who share the same approach to doing business as you?

The answer is simple: come to this event – and give your business a boost!

The Milan Business English Network – in conjunction with Riverstone Language & Communication – is holding a business networking aperitivo at the elegant and comfortbale Fiori Oscuri bar in the Brera district. The evening will start at 7:30pm and anyone who has signed up on the event page or belongs to the Milan Business English Network is welcome. You may also bring friends and colleagues. (However, space is limited so please let us know if you plan to come with a group.)

Not only will have a great time, but you will also have the opportunity to make some useful contacts.

For more details, please contact Robert Dennis or Helen Fish.

Why should you join the Milan Business English Network?

We are a rapidly-growing group of professionals with an interest in using, learning or teaching business English. Our members include people from a wide range of business sectors and backgrounds. The Milan Business English Network was founded and is managed by Robert Dennis, a freelance business English teacher and co-founder of Riverstone Language & Communications. You can read articles and interviews about business topics and developing your professional profile here in our online news magazine, NetworkMilan.com. We also have two active online groups which you can connect to via facebook and LinkedIn. The Milan Business English Network organises regular networking events and is a great way of meeting other professionals who want to improve their communication skills and meet new people in Milan and beyond.

How can Riverstone help you extend your network?

Making connections

Success in business today is all about making connections: finding the right people to build great teams, locating new customers and clients – and sourcing the best suppliers and freelancers to help you grow your business.

Riverstone can help you develop the network of contacts you need, especially international contacts in the English-speaking countries.

In order to help companies and individuals make the right connections and contacts we are organising a programme of networking events where you will have the opportunity to meet people and organisations you can do business with.

In collaboration with the Milan Business English Network and other partners we will be hosting a series of business networking events, seminars and workshops.

Date: 24 January 2013
Time: 7:30pm
Location: Fiori Oscuri, Via Fiori Oscuri 3, Milano, Italy

Visit the Riverstone website to discover how they can help your business…

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Riverstone: a new approach to learning business English, networking and social media marketing

23 Jan

Integrating language activities in a company helps achieve success.

Traditionally, language learning has been seen as either a service (or duty) provided by companies to their employees, while communications activities such as translation and providing content for the company website have been seen as separate tasks that can either be done in-house by the marketing team or outsourced to an agency.

Riverstone Language & Communications takes a totally different approach.

A dynamic, new organisation for business English, Riverstone believes that all language-related activities in a company should be integrated and harmonised: the way employees answer the phone and write emails; the language used to present the company in sales meetings with customers; the tone and content on the company’s corporate website and social media presence; and even its advertising media – all of these should resonate with one clear voice that is easy to understand, inspires trust and promotes the core brand values of the business.

By raising the quality of the entire company’s language skills and ability to speak directly to customers and clients, Riverstone can help any organisation achieve its business objectives and assist in building strong, lasting relationships.

Riverstone are also active in helping companies and professionals in a wide range of sectors to put their English language skills into practice by attracting new business and extending their network of contacts. With a programme of regular business networking events and specialist language workshops, Riverstone can enable any company or freelancer to give themselves a competitive advantage in the market place – especially in key foreign markets where communicating in English is essential.

Changing the way companies use English

While many companies have embraced the benefits offered by social media, Riverstone also understands that businesses need to be able to tailor and target their message effectively on a variety of social media platforms, such as facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and other services. They have developed sophisticated language-based training programmes that help companies focus on the key objectives of communicating effectively via social media: establishing trust; conveying a sense of professionalism and integrity; engaging customers with a clear, compelling message; and building communities based on brands, as well as B2B networks.

Riverstone is owned and managed by Milan Business English Network founder Robert Dennis and entrepreneur Helen Fish. Together they are redefining the role of business English training and communications inside a company. Their model is one of collaboration and discovery: allowing management, employees and customers to speak to each other in a shared, inclusive dialogue that is both natural and productive.

“I would like people in business to think of Riverstone as a single solution for all their language needs: training, internal and external communications, and a stepping-stone towards accessing new markets and customers,” says Helen.

If you would like to discover how Riverstone is shaking up the business English world – and how they can help you business to maximise its potential through an integrated approach to language and communications – please contact either Robert Dennis ([email protected]) or Helen Fish ([email protected]). They will be delighted to provide you with information about their training programmes, workshops and business networking events.

NEW! The Milan Business English Network in association with Riverstone Language & Communications is holding a business networking event at Fiori Oscuri bar in Milan this Thursday. To find out more about this event, please visit the Milan Business English Network facebook event page or see the Riverstone website for details.

Find out more: http://riverlang.com/