A few months back, I heard a cry for help.
I was heading home from downtown when I passed a man on the street. He was very agitated, locked eyes with me and said: “APUA! Minä tarvitsen apua.”
I froze…
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What winter reminds us…
December 18th, 2020 Posted by irina Life
Much of what I do is these days is inspired by the cycles of nature, so I thought I’d share with you what this time of year means to me… and what cold, crisp air, lmited energy and huddled warmth has to teach us.
Honestly, it took me a couple of years of living in the north to really appreciate the rhythm of the seasons. Every ebb has its flow…
Pure Love and Passion for Languages with Lindsay Williams
December 1st, 2020 Posted by irina Interviews
I’ve come to find that the best way to keep the process of learning rolling is to touch base with other learners, who share a passion for the process. So I reached out to Lindsay in the hopes that an interview could capture the positive energy, insatiable curiosity and growth mindset I’ve come to know her for…And did it ever!
Lindsay’s openness to so many languages makes her a great person to speak up on behalf of the value that languages have to offer at any stage of the journey.
Read more...What if nothing needs to change? (Hear me out…)
September 8th, 2020 Posted by irina Insights
“The grass is always greener on the other side…” I notice the tendency in myself and others to overrate what we don’t have. It seems we’re waiting for external conditions to fall into place (things we achieve, own, become…time and the weather!) so we can feel better on the inside. It seems that the grass really is greener on the other side, until we realize: it can’t work both ways! It can’t actually be greener.
Read more...3 ways you can help advance the Finnish language discussion!
July 10th, 2020 Posted by irina Blog, Life, News | Announcements | Updates
It’s exciting to see lately is much more attention given towards diversity, inclusion and equality in the Finnish media. Yet this isn’t one of those “sit back and watch things change” scenarios though. We have an opportunity – yes, and we have a role to play. So if you want to advance the discussion in small but tangible ways, I invite you to participate in the 3 following ways…
Read more...What Summer Can Teach Us
June 23rd, 2020 Posted by irina Life
Over the past 10+ years of living in Finland, I’ve found nature’s ability to adapt and flow with the cycles to be the most inspiring teacher there is in my own transition abroad. Whether for you it’s the plasticity required to adapt to another language or the fluidity that other cultures ask of us – or both at once – nature has lessons to help us navigate the terrain with more grace. Here’s what summer has to teach us…
Read more...Introducing: Simple Finnish Sentences
June 18th, 2020 Posted by irina News | Announcements | Updates
It’s a pretty simple idea: an invitation to learn how to put together simple sentences in Finnish. We’ll explore from the beginning, but with a twist!
Read more...What’s my creative type?
March 15th, 2020 Posted by irina Resources
I recently came across a quiz to determine your Creative Type! I thought it’d be fun to share because it’s my belief that: 1) Learning a language is a creative endeavour and, 2) we’re all creative in different ways. Take the test here!
Read more...What impossible dreams are you dreaming?
February 21st, 2020 Posted by irina My Story
Around a year ago, I found myself in an internal tug of war:
• I wanted to be more intentional about the things I did and the direction my life was headed in.
• But writing my intentions down felt incredibly scary. What if I’d disappoint myself?
• Then again, how would I ever know if I didn’t try? (Round and round, I went.)
Here’s what happened next and why I’m sharing this with you…
Read more...The 3 Missing Links we Overlook in Traditional Language Learning
January 26th, 2020 Posted by irina Language
In this post, I share the 3 missing links at the root of the vast majority of why people struggle to learn Finnish (or other languages). I’ve built my entire career around helping educate people and support them in integrating these 3 missing pieces into their approaches to learning Finnish. This is the 1st time I talk about these in this way, so I’d love to hear your insights, questions and reactions in the comments below!
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Hi! I’m Irina.
I’m a multibelonger to Finland, Canada and Romania, without ONE language or culture to call my own – I have several. My intention is to be present where I am and find inner peace and harmony where ever life takes me. I’m embracing the gems of the ongoing cultural and linguistic transition which is my life and hope to inspire others interested in doing the same. Click here to find out more!
