On any given day, walk into a coffee shop or rec centre within the Tri-Cities and take a look around. What you’ll see is a reflection of a myriad of cultures and backgrounds. What you’ll hear spoken are languages from all over the world. There will be families with young children, retirees, and everyone in between. In essence, you will see a rich and diverse tapestry of life, all right here in our own backyard.
It is this diversity that makes the Tri-Cities fertile ground for the very first language school of its kind: Europa Language School. With classes starting in January to include (a) English for Canadian Life, Next Steps and the Workplace, and (b) Spanish for Adults and Children, Europa is proud to be able to help people truly open doors through language.
Founders and Coquitlam residents Upasna and Sid Sharma speak five languages between them thanks to their experiences living in six different countries around the world. They appreciate the power and value of language. They have also instilled the love of language in their two children, both of whom have been exposed to four different languages from a very young age – including Spanish and French.
For the Sharmas, Europa is more than a business — it is a calling. According to Upasna: “It is a dream, a vision, to equip individuals with the power of language, enabling them to enjoy the variety of cultures the world has to offer and celebrate beauty in diversity.”. Reflecting upon the interconnectivity of the world, as well as the divisions that exist, Sid feels that learning a language can break down barriers: “In times of segregation and individualism, there is a need to go beyond the norm to make our lands and lives more inclusive.” For the founders, Europa Language School stands for connection and opportunity.
In part, the idea for the school was born out of their challenge to find high quality language instruction for their own children. The entrepreneurial duo began planning for the school a year ago, and the idea gathered support from the Tri-Cities community. Today, a 2500 square foot facility on Lincoln Avenue, top quality instructors and curriculum, a diverse and knowledgeable board of governance, and a healthy dose of passion brings them to the eve of their Grand Opening Open House, taking place on Saturday, December 10th.
The choice of the first two European languages offered – Spanish and English – is a reflection of the market. Coquitlam boasts over 125,000 immigrant families, many of whom may come to thrive in their careers or daily lives with additional language skills. And globally, Spanish is the second most common language spoken worldwide. Additional European languages will be added to the offered programs during the coming year.
