uTalk to launch first PopUp College language class at Putney coffee shop

Customers at the Costa Coffee store on Upper Richmond Road will be more prepared than most to order a cappuccino in style as uTalk prepares to launch Italian evening classes there from 10th January.

The initiative is a pilot for uTalk and PopUp College, who believe that making learning less formal and more social improves motivation and success.

Aimed at beginners and led by a native language tutor backed up by uTalk’s fun software, the six-week course will provide an introduction to Italian conversation in a relaxed, social atmosphere with fun games and quizzes. A percentage of the fees will help The Costa Foundation build schools in coffee growing regions around the world.

uTalk’s chairman Dick Howeson, who lives near the Putney store, says he couldn’t resist the opportunity to provide language learning in a relaxed, fun environment: “Our mission has always been to make language learning simple, fun and a way for people to make friends. Bringing the opportunity to learn to the high street and making it social is a dream come true.”

PopUp College founder Jason Elsom says, “uTalk’s relaxed no-pressure way of learning fits our ethos and we are delighted to have them on board as one of our first partners as we launch our courses across the capital. Traditional adult education courses can be intimidating for many people, so our aim is to provide a relaxed, social learning experience in non-traditional locations, where friends and families can learn together.”

Registration for the PopUp College Italian course in Putney is open now on the PopUp College website. The course fee includes the uTalk Italian app worth £49.99.