Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Giulia Saugo. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Giulia, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?
As a native Italian content creator woman who has traveled extensively and lived in the United States for two years, I developed a deep appreciation for the global interest in Italy and its language.
Inspired by the admiration people expressed for Italy’s art, cuisine, and cultural heritage, I felt a strong desire to share my language and culture with a wider audience. That’s why I decided to create my social media channels as Giulia Explorer.
What set my approach apart was the intention to teach Italian not just as it is written in books, but from an exploratory and everyday life perspective. Having experienced firsthand the difference between learning English from books versus conversing in everyday situations, I understood the importance of providing a practical, immersive learning experience for Italian language learners.
By combining my native fluency in Italian, cross-cultural experiences, and understanding of the challenges faced in real-life conversations, I aim to offer a comprehensive learning journey that delves into the intricacies of the language as it is spoken and used in everyday settings. With a profound emotional connection to my heritage and a deep passion for fostering cross-cultural connections, I embarked on this venture, confident that it would provide learners with the tools and experiences to navigate the Italian language and culture authentically.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am a native Italian woman creator who has had the privilege of traveling around the world, immersing myself in different cultures, and living in the USA for two years as an au pair. Being born and raised in Italy, about an hour away from Venice, I grew up surrounded by the splendor of our artistic heritage, the mouthwatering cuisine, and the warmth of our traditions.
These incredible experiences have profoundly shaped my passion for sharing the beauty of the Italian language and culture with a global audience.
Through my extensive travels, I have had the opportunity to explore diverse countries and witness the power of language in connecting people from all walks of life. It was during my time living in the United States that I realized the universal interest in Italy and the Italian language. Conversations with people from different backgrounds further ignited my desire to teach Italian not only as a formal language but also from an everyday life perspective. That’s why I decided to create my social media channels as Giulia Explorer.
My content is designed to help individuals understand Italian culture and traditions, while also focusing on the practical, colloquial aspects of the language. I recognize that language learning from textbooks alone often falls short when it comes to real-life conversations and interactions. Drawing from my own experiences of living abroad and interacting with diverse cultures, I strive to bridge that gap by providing resources that reflect the way Italians speak and communicate on a day-to-day basis.
What sets me apart from others in the field is not only my native fluency in Italian but also the insights gained from my global travels and immersion in different cultures. This broader perspective allows me to create content that resonates with learners from various backgrounds, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the Italian language and culture.
I am incredibly proud of the positive feedback I receive from students who have successfully used their newfound language skills to navigate Italy, connect with locals, and delve into Italian literature and media. Their achievements highlight the effectiveness of my approach and reinforce my commitment to making the Italian language and culture accessible to all.
Potential followers and fans should know that my brand offers an authentic and immersive journey into the Italian language and culture, enriched by my experiences of traveling around the world and living in the United States. Together, let’s embark on a linguistic and cultural adventure that not only teaches you the language but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of our global community.
Join me as we explore Italy, its everyday language, and its vibrant culture, forging connections that transcend borders and celebrate the beauty of our shared human experiences.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
A significant lesson I had to unlearn was the way I viewed dreams and aspirations. Growing up in North Italy, within a family of five, I was raised with the belief that dreams were simply fantasies that would remain unattainable. It seemed that many families in Italy instilled a risk-averse mindset, often discouraging the pursuit of ambitious dreams. While this approach had its merits, such as keeping one grounded and humble, it also had the unfortunate consequence of stifling the potential for dreaming big and taking bold actions.
It was during my two-year stay in the United States that I had a transformative realization and had to unlearn this limiting perspective. In stark contrast to my upbringing, I observed that American families, from a very young age, believed in their children and actively supported them in pursuing their dreams. Parents not only encouraged their kids to dream big but also provided the necessary support and motivation to make those dreams a reality.
Initially, I viewed this mindset as somewhat illusory, almost too optimistic. However, as time went on, I began to see the tremendous benefits of starting with a mindset of dreaming big and believing in oneself. By embracing the idea that dreams are within reach, we become more inclined to take the necessary steps towards their achievement, even while acknowledging the potential obstacles along the way.
Unlearning the notion that dreams were unattainable or not worth pursuing allowed me to broaden my horizons and embrace a more ambitious approach to life. It opened my eyes to the countless possibilities that exist when we have faith in ourselves and our dreams. While I still appreciate the grounding aspects of the Italian upbringing, I now combine it with the American perspective of embracing ambition and striving for greatness.
This lesson has had a profound impact on me, as it has empowered me to dream bigger and encouraged me to support others in their own aspirations. I have learned to believe in the potential within myself and in the potential of those around me. By unlearning the limitations imposed by my previous mindset, I have been able to overcome self-doubt and take bold steps towards turning my own dreams into reality.
Overall, the journey of unlearning the notion that dreams are mere fantasies has been transformative. It has taught me the importance of embracing ambition, nurturing self-belief, and supporting others in their pursuit of their dreams. I am grateful for the contrasting perspectives I encountered and for the valuable lessons I gained during my time in the United States.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
For me, as a native Italian creator and woman, the most rewarding aspect of being creative is the impact I have on my followers and fans. Knowing that my content resonates with them and inspires them to dive deeper into the Italian language and culture is truly fulfilling.
Every time I receive messages from individuals who express their love for my work and share how it has motivated and helped them, it reaffirms the purpose of my creative journey. It’s incredibly rewarding to see others embracing the beauty of the Italian language and immersing themselves in the richness of Italian culture because of the content I provide.
Being able to connect with people on a personal level and contribute to their learning experiences brings me immense joy. Witnessing their progress, witnessing their newfound confidence in speaking Italian, and witnessing their genuine interest in exploring Italy’s traditions and heritage is a gratifying experience that fuels my passion even more.
Moreover, the relationships I build with my followers and fans are incredibly meaningful to me. Engaging with them, answering their questions, and being a part of their language-learning journey is a privilege I cherish. It’s a constant reminder that I have the ability to make a positive impact on others’ lives through my creativity and knowledge.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giuliaexplorer/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@giuliaexplorer
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@giuliaexplorer?lang=en
Image Credits
Roberta Mascotto