Rising Polyglot Grades: When Language Learning Becomes an Adventure
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What if learning a new language felt more like playing a game than sitting in a classroom?
That question is at the heart of Rising Polyglot Grades — an Erasmus+ project that transforms traditional language learning into an imaginative, story-driven experience.
The project is coordinated by Sosped Foundation (Finland) in partnership with Fryshuset (Sweden) and is co-funded by the European Union.
Turning language study into play
In Rising Polyglot Grades (RPG), learners don’t just memorize vocabulary — they play.
They create a character, choose a language island, and complete missions that mirror real-life situations: ordering a meal, having a short conversation, or writing a short story in their new language.
Each achievement earns experience points (XP), and progress is tracked through colorful maps and collectible patches. The game is built around motivation, creativity, and inclusion, and it’s designed to meet learners where they are.
“In this world, you’re the main character. You’ll explore new islands, meet characters, complete missions, and grow stronger in your language skills as you go,” explains the Project Coordinator. “We wanted to create a method that brings fun and storytelling into something that often feels intimidating; learning a new language.”
Learning through stories makes a real difference
The goal of Rising Polyglot Grades is to make language learning motivating, practical, and inclusive.
The project supports learners in building real-life communication skills, discovering new routes to education and employment, and connecting across borders.
“We’re combining role-playing games, storytelling, and real-world language use,” says the Project Coordinator. “The idea is to make language learning more active, social, and creative — without losing structure or depth.”
“Across Europe, many young immigrants and newcomers struggle with language barriers that affect their confidence, studies, and chances of employment. Traditional classroom methods feel slow, disconnected to this modern age, unmotivating, or just don’t fit everyone, especially for learners with diverse educational backgrounds or additional needs. We wanted to design something that meets learners where they are,” continues the Coordinator.
“Rising Polyglot Grades offers a more flexible and inclusive alternative. By approaching language learning through fun, imagination, and creativity, the project helps participants build skills while also gaining a sense of belonging and self-expression. Being a character allows people to feel less afraid of failure and just focus on having fun and improving. Language is not just a skill; it’s connection. Through this game, learners can explore that in a way that feels empowering and doable.”
Rising Polyglot Grades invites everyone to see language learning not as a test to pass, but as a world to explore — one mission, one island, and one story at a time.
Free materials available
All materials are free to use and available in three languages on the project website!
Rising Polyglot Grades is co-funded by the European Union.