Our unique approach

No text books.
No classrooms.
Real life.

Our unique method to learning German & Swiss German

Our approach to language learning is based on common sense and the newest science. Because language is a tool for communication, not a set of rules to master.

We have a new and unique way of learning a language. One-on-one language coaching, pure and simple.

Personalised
learning journey

More important than error free speech is the creation of an atmosphere in which the students want to talk.

Chastain 1971

What do you need to best learn a language? To have your very personal needs met. The language you learn needs to be relevant to your life. You need to enjoy spending time with the person you learn from. The language needs to be actively applied.

We match learners with a coach based on their needs, interests and personality. Together they embark on a very personalised journey. Language is learned in the museum, on a walk, on the market or wherever it matches the learners needs.

More than just a language class.

  • 1:1 with a personally matched coach
  • Language relevant to your life
  • Personalised language journey based on personal needs and goals
  • Grammar learned more naturally & applied
  • Homework and material derived from real life for real life
  • Personalised balance of structure & flexibility
  • Coaches trained in Unu Mondo method
  • No full immersion
  • Real human connection and joy
  • Not another huge project to tackle
  • Progress tracking and needs analysis
  • Safe space to make mistakes
  • Self reflection
Find out more

Our philosophy

More than a language coach -
our coaches are companions

Our language coaches bring a rich variety of backgrounds, each shining with their own brilliance. From professional poker players to entrepreneurs, education specialists to pensioners, life coaches to social workers, they’re a diverse bunch, united by making the clients feel heard and seen. 

Our coaches truly care. We match clients with their personal coach. While bonding over shared interests, an authentic connection can grow, similarities are explored and clients benefit from the coaches’ expertise beyond language. A feeling of belonging arises naturally, and  integration into society happens more easily.

Read more

More than a language class – a place of support

Here, our focus is entirely on meeting the clients’ very personal needs. Our coaches cultivate a nurturing environment where clients feel safe to be authentic and make mistakes.

The clients are supported to mindfully unblock and debunk myths and mental obstacles to reach their very personal goals, nothing defined by a book but by their personal situation. Language learning isn’t just about conjugating verbs—it’s about finding joy in connection, sharing laughs and insights that make learning a breeze and more like a byproduct.

Read more

Language mindset
coaching

We don’t only teach you language, but
the skills you need to learn language
more effectively.

Our coaches are trained in giving meaningful feedback, not just correct, for the brain to receive the relevant information to move forward.

Additionally, we offer language mindset coaching, because most of the time, it’s not a lack of language talent, but a mental or emotional blockage of some sort.

This includes:

  • Observing & noticing patterns (this is the grammar part)
  • Listening to understand instead of to respond
  • Practicing presence & mindfulness
  • Using your intuition
  • Sparking curiosity
  • Getting confident in using  what you have, even if it’s little
  • Ditching perfectionism
  • Learning to deal with frustration
  • Noticing your own progress instead of focusing on all that is still wrong or missing
  • Practicing self awareness & self reflection
  • Getting comfortable with asking questions
Find out more

You probably have a
couple more questions

What about exams?

Exams don’t have to be a struggle. Our highly experienced exam experts will guide you through preparation in an enjoyable way, ensuring you not only work through the material but also learn how to apply the language in real-life situations.

What about grammar?

You will learn grammar more naturally, more like your native language. The myth about grammar is that you need to learn grammatical terms, however, what most people need is to be able to use it correctly in real life. This is learned differently. We show you how.

The Unu Mondo Golden Formula
for learning language

As humans we have the innate ability to learn language, much like how we learned our native language without struggling through grammar. However, it requires specific factors. Through the latest scientific insights and our practical experience we have developed the Unu Mondo Golden Formula for impactful language learning.

Need Relevant input Noticing Output Joy Interaction Effective learning
Understanding your very personal need will ensure motivation and drive. If the need is strong, you will automatically learn more easily. Why do you want to learn the language? Together we’ll get to the core of it. Having a clear need will support your language learning tremendously.
Next:
First and foremost we need language input: hearing, listening, seeing and reading. By hearing the language, the brain will already do its work and start learning on its own. This is a tricky one in Switzerland, we know. We’ll make sure to find the best input ressources for you.
Next:
Nothing is learned unless it’s noticed. A fundamental part of learning a language is to notice patterns, sounds and differences mindfully by observing and by being present. Noticing is where one learns all the grammar.
Next:
If you want to be able to speak, you have to speak. It’s that simple. We’ll encourage you to use the language from day one. Applying what you know, as often as possible, is key and we’ll support you to find the courage.
Next:
Learning a language should not be painful, it’s meant to be fun. We don’t have to explain to you that this will make learning much easier, right? It’s common sense by now, even though there are also endless studies to prove it. If the sessions are not fun we’ll make sure to change what’s needed.
Next:
Science shows that face to face interaction helps learners acquire the language twice as fast, even faster, via meaningful connections.
Real language is best learned from real people in real life situations. We don’t want you to speak like a grammar book, but like a human.
Next:
Of course, factors like the time you can invest, your mental capacity for learning, and how often you can practice the language all play a role. However, the Unu Mondo Golden Formula provides the essential foundation for success.
Next:

Real experiences, real results

I had a fantastic learning experience. Stefan was amazing and we got on really well together, he was super positive and helpful he always encouraged me and supported me with my German, we always had so many different subjects to talk about and I learned lots of new words and phrases. I really enjoyed my experience and I feel Stefan could not have done anything different he always made me feel comfortable, confident and was supportive and patient letting me learn at my own pace, I can’t give enough praise to Stefan he was wonderful and made me feel like a friend. I would highly recommend Uno Mondo to anyone looking to learn or improve their Language skills.
Derek
By spending my learning time talking to a native German speaking Zurich local about topics that mattered to me without constant interruptions with distracting corrections I was finally able to grow. I was able to get a feel for the language in a way not possible in a class. My fluency increased dramatically, very quickly. By having my locals take me to places that matched my interests, they opened up new avenues for me to practice my German on my own. More than that, they connected me to places and people I felt at home with. My locals opened up whole new parts of Zürich for me that would have taken me years to find alone. They made me feel comfortable speaking German and thus willing to practice it all the time in my daily life.
The coaching sessions were equally important for my language acquisition as I really had become so frustrated learning German. I had put so much effort into trying to learn grammar and vocabulary in classes but so little of it seemed to stick. I was at the point of giving up. Through coaching, Larissa helped me let go of my negative mindset and become positive about learning again and it made a complete difference.
Felicia
I’m getting exactly what I wanted from Unu Mondo. My main goal was to be able to converse more easily in High German and better understand Swiss German.

After almost 9 months and just 3 sessions per month my active vocabulary is 10 x larger than it used to be and I can have spontaneous conversations just about anything.
Jo
From England, in Zurich
My sessions with the Unu Mondo team have helped me tremendously in increasing my confidence to speak German. The mentors are very patient and approachable.

They make you feel comfortable which helps you in producing a ‘smooth’ flowing conversation. In addition I’ve also gained friends and I feel more at home here in Switzerland. Thank you!
Joy
From Philippines, in Zurich
Unu Mondo is probably the best thing that happened to my German! The structure of the program means I have learnt all sorts of useful things about living locally in Zurich, and best of all, made a good friend!

I would recommend this program to anyone, at any stage of their language journey.
Lars
From the USA, in Zurich

I want to get started as

A company
An individual
Schedule time with me