Language Connection

In part two of my conversation with Ed Lewis-Smith, who works for the British government in the department of business and energy, we discuss the intricacies of the climate crisis and the imperfect decisions that goverments make when considering the future. We talk about transistioning away from fossil fuels to more sustainable energy methods, as well as what Bolivia should do with its lithium supplies. (21 mins)

Fusion Power could change the world drastically over the next few decades and be the major key to stopping the climate crisis. I talk to Ed Lewis-Smith, who works for the British government as a civil servant, about what the Uk is doing with its fusion project. Firstly, what is fusion power, why do we need it, and is it safe?

Before we get into fusion, we start by discussing the general work of civil servants and the role they play in running a country, as well as Ed's career path into the civil service. Just how did he end up writing letters for the Queen at one point in his career before moving through different posts before landing on the business and energy sector?

Jake, from the UK, will be coming to teach in Language Connection in 2021. What does he expect from his Bolivian experience? How did he stumble across Bolivia as a country to move across the world for and why is he already looking forward to his first salteña? (17 minutes)

Luke catches up with former Language Connection teacher Melinda, who lives in the USA. Melinda keeps up a passionate travelling habit, and we discuss her tips to take full advantage of your next vacation. How can you prepare yourself for a vacation? Is it better to travel alone or in a group? How much should you plan you trip in advance and how much should you post to instagram? (30 mins)

In this episode, Luke talks to Bolivian actor Gisely Ayub about her move from Bolivian theatre and TV to life in Los Angeles, California. We talk about her journey to this point, dedicating yourself to your craft, seizing opportunities when they come, when you can call yourself an actor and how to support your dreams; including the importance of working as a waiter at some point in your life. (25 mins)

Language Connection is nearly 5 years old, and we've come a long way since day 1 when we only had 2 students. Miranda and Joe founded Language Connection back in 2016 and so in this episode we talk about the trials and tribulations of running a Language institute in Bolivia. Is the entreprenerial lifestyle as glamourous as many make it seem? What does the responsibility feel like? And what is Miranda up to since moving on from Language Connection 18 months ago?

Holly, along with her brother, were my first ever students when I home-schooled them on their avocado farm in Tanzania back in 2013 and we were long overdue a catch-up. She goes to school in South Africa and so for this episode we talk about moving to a different country to study at a young age, as well as reasons to visit different countries in Africa.

In our opening episode Luke talks to Ollie Levido, one of our teachers, about his time in Bolivia including an Austrailian impression of life in Bolivia from food to dancing and sport. Is Austrailia a recommended destination for our students for work or study? What are the benefits and difficulties of life on the other side of the world if you trade Austrailia for Bolivia or vice-versa? (22mins)