Case Studies: Clients

Good day, Neil. How are you, today? Thank you for agreeing to this interview.

I’m well and thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be of help.

Firstly, would you mind telling us a little about yourself? Who are you, where do you live, etc?

I’m a former education consultant and school inspector, now living on the Isle of Wight. Previously, as a teacher and headteacher, I worked in the UK and overseas. Wherever we have lived, I have tried to acquire at least a bit of the local language.

So, you’ve worked all over. How did you decide which language to study, then?

We spend a reasonable amount of time in Greece each year, and while I can put together enough sentences to just about get by, I am very aware of my lack of understanding and poor Greek conversational skills. I decided that I really needed to address this. (My guilt was increasing every visit!)

And why did you choose Language Trainers to help you achieve this target?

I was looking for a company that could provide a native speaker and offer this locally. I wanted one-to-one lessons and some flexibility.

Was Language Trainers worth it? What did you like most about our service?

It absolutely fits the bill! Unsurprisingly, Southampton is the nearest location to the Isle of Wight with an available teacher. The standard and quality of my tutor (Penny) is first rate. She is flexible and adaptable to ensure we get the best from each lesson while keeping it relevant and enjoyable.

And what has been the most rewarding experience to come from your Language Trainers experience?

The flexibility and adaptability of Penny and her ability to recognise how best to cater the course for my needs and ability, especially during these Covid-19 days.

That’s great to hear! So, would you say the course has been helpful to your language development? Have you noticed an improvement with your Greek?

It is so useful to have someone speaking to me in Greek. The default position, if you are a tourist or visitor to Greece, is that while you may try your Greek, the locals are very happy to reply in English (or in Greek at 400 km/h). I’m now beginning to recognize words more easily but also understand that there is a burden on me to practise, practise and practise some more.

So, would you recommend Language Trainers?

I have already done so!

That’s wonderful, thank you! Well, thanks so much for your time, Neil. Before we let you go, we would love for you to show off some of your new skills for us. What's your favourite saying in your new language?

’Να παραγγείλουμε’ (To order) simply because I’d never known how to say it before. I could also include, merely for the sound of it, ‘έτσι κι έτσι’ (so and so). Come back later for something more intellectual!