Case Studies: Clients

Hello, Caroline! Thank you ever so much for agreeing to be interviewed today. Can you begin by telling us a little about you, the language you chose to learn and why?

I am 55, a housewife, mother, accountant and I live in Essex, near the coast, in Maldon. A few years ago, we bought a house in Rhodes, Greece, and although all the Rhodians speak excellent English, I decided I wanted to learn Greek, so I could talk to my new Greek friends in their own language as well as being able to speak to the people at the bank and in the shops, etc.

That’s very commendable! And what brought you to Language Trainers?

I had worked through a couple of language apps but it soon became obvious that I was missing out on actual conversation. I tried some online lessons but, frankly, they were too easy to miss or not take seriously. I needed the interaction and accountability of a face-to-face teacher; one I could build a rapport with. So, I researched online and found Language Trainers. They did all the hard work of matching me with someone suitable and setting up the lessons.

Can you summarise the most helpful aspect of your course?

The best thing about studying with my teacher through Language Trainers is her understanding when I struggle and, therefore, the speed at which I have improved. My confidence has grown and I am now much more willing to have a go at speaking in Greek. I also really believe that it is the best kind of ‘brain-training’ as I am learning in a fun and supported way and acquiring lots of new vocabulary!

Similarly, what is your favourite thing about studying with Language Trainers?

Easily, my favourite things are the flexibility and adaptability of the individual lessons, along with the friendliness of the teacher and her genuine desire to see me grow in confidence in speaking, understanding and writing Greek. I really like and need the face-to-face lessons as these really have given me what I hoped for, which is the accountability to keep going!

What has been your most rewarding outcome from this experience?

I have been speaking with and writing to my Greek friends and they have all been very complimentary on my accent as well as the amount of vocabulary I have and the understanding of more nuanced phraseology. I still have a long way to go before I’m thinking in my new language but some words and phrases are ‘just in there’, so I am confident I will have a competent degree of fluency in the future.

I have no doubt! It sounds like you have the perfect combination of the correct attitude and excellent support. Finally, why should other students enroll in a language course with Language Trainers?

I would personally recommend enrolling with Language Trainers as the administration aspects are very efficient, the staff are easy to get hold of and friendly and I believe I have experienced very good value for money with the standard of teaching I have received