Teacher Case Studies

What language do you teach, and why did you choose teaching as your career?

Icelandic - I started out teaching after the Icelandic association reached out to me looking for a private teacher, and a little later Language Trainers approached me for the same. I love my native tongue, and I really like teaching.

Where did you study, and how long have you been teaching, and what age group do you usually teach?

I studied in Iceland, Norway and USA. I have been teaching for 3.5 years and my students have varied from 5 years old to 55 years old.

What do you look for in a student?

I really am not looking for anything but their wish to study, what the student wants/needs to learn and for the student to have fun while learning. The method of teaching each student has become highly shaped by the needs and interest of the student with all the people that I have taught. Some focus more on conversations, other students wanted to focus on reading Icelandic sagas, and with my youngest students I have taught by using arts and crafts. I have also taught via Skype when needed.

What should students expect in you as a teacher?

To have fun while learning a lot!

What’s your favorite part about teaching?

To learn from my students just as much as I can teach them, and to meet all the wonderful people I have met so far.

Hi Marilisa! Thank you for speaking with me today. Before we discuss your experience with Language Trainers, please can you tell us why you chose a career in teaching, your qualifications and history, and which language you teach?

Hello! I am a native Brazilian Portuguese speaker, which is the language I teach my students. Language and cultures are my passion, so I enjoy not only teaching my students but exchanging knowledge with them and learning from them, as well. I am a person who likes to help people, so I thought teaching would be a good opportunity to use my skills to benefit others. So, after graduating in Portuguese Literature and Language from PUC (Pontifícia Universidade do Paraná), I started teaching Year 1 classes. Later, I formed my own company and represented international language schools and helped prepare students who intended to study abroad.

That’s excellent. It sounds like you were doing very well in your career. What attracted you to Language Trainers?

Language Trainers is a very professional and worldwide company that provides students with the opportunity to learn a whole array of languages from skilled teachers. This approach inspired me, and I am proud to work for them.

That’s very kind of you to say. We are so pleased we could inspire you. What would you say is your favorite thing about working with Language Trainers?

I believe it is the company’s friendly, committed, and expert staff. They provide a lot of support to both the teachers and students.

You mentioned we only work with highly skilled teachers, but what else should students expect from you as their teacher?

I would like your clients to know that I have a responsible and positive outlook in life. I am always looking to create new experiences in every language lesson, such as using games, music, quizzes, etc. to keep my students interested and engaged. In this way, I tailor my lessons to focus on each student’s needs, ensuring we both enjoy our time together and they get the most out of each opportunity.

And conversely, what do you look for in the perfect student?

For me, commitment is the key to success, especially when it comes to learning a language. Specifically, "I want to" is different from "I need to," and when a student shows that he/she wants to learn a language, I immediately notice more passion and higher interest to learn about a new culture; both of which make the learning experience smoother and more successful.

If you could highly your most memorable teaching experience with Language Trainers, what would it be?

During the unusual and difficult coronavirus period, Language Trainers solved a big problem of mine by making an essential coursebook available for download for one of my students. This is just one example of where Language Trainers has provided me with useful support materials, tips, and guides.

We’re so glad we could be of help! Anything to make your job easier and more effective! It seems you really enjoy working with Language Trainers, but why do you think students should students enroll in a language course with us?

Language Trainers is a company that students can trust; they will always receive a very good and reliable service.

We’re glad you think so, Marilisa! Last of all, please will you tell us a fun fact about the language you teach or your lessons?

Once, I had an adult student that just wanted to have conversation lessons and learn about the Brazilian culture. He enjoyed practicing his bilingualism, so despite me teaching the class almost entirely in Portuguese, he loved to answer my questions in English. Despite the language shift, he would always respond correctly. He was a lovely student!

Hello, Min Jon, thanks for sitting down with me this morning. I’d love to share some of your history and experiences with our readers and students if that’s alright with you! Let’s jump right in with an easy one: What language do you teach and why?

Hi. I teach Korean, and I do it not only because I am a native speaker, but because I love meeting people through the sharing of knowledge.

Korean is quickly becoming more and more popular for second language speakers. What teaching qualifications and experience do you have?

I have a Ph.D. in composition, a TESOL qualification, and a certificate to teach secondary-level English. I’ve taught Korean and English for more than 25 years at the college/graduate-school level, at training institutes for in-service teachers, and at lifelong education institutes. Also, I have been tutoring many of my students for 10 years or more.

That’s quite the resume! So, what attracted you to teach with Language Trainers instead of somewhere else? What is the best thing about teaching with us?

The Language Trainers staff are prompt, clear, and rational in dealing with work matters, while still being kind and courteous. And they work hard to provide me with as many students as possible.

Speaking of students, what do you look for in your perfect language pupil?

A good attitude is all that’s necessary. A strong will and enthusiasm to learn, punctuality, and politeness.

And conversely, what should students expect from you as their teacher?

The same—hard work, punctuality, and enthusiasm—as well as a love for my students and their success, open-mindedness, and a strong knowledge of humanities.

And is there anything, in particular, you like to teach your students? Perhaps a fun Korean phrase or fact?

The real and original meaning of "BTS" is said to be 'The boy Scouts created by Bang, Si-hyuk'. Create it is pronounced /tan-saing-si-ki-da/. So, "BTS" is an acronym of 'Bang, Si-hyuk Tan-saing-si-kin Scouts' from Korean word order. This is the general knowledge of most Korean people, however, some other people point out that this expression is the taboo word [laughs]

What is your most memorable teaching experience with Language Trainers?

One of my students, a British girl, has demonstrated incredible improvement in her Korean language proficiency after only 10 hours of lessons. Bear in mind, she didn’t know anything about the language at the beginning! She has always taken her learning seriously and worked hard on the homework. To see her language skills develop so quickly with my help is a huge pleasure.

That’s a remarkable experience. Congratulations to you, both!

Good morning, Rose! Thank you for accepting our invite to this interview. It’s a pleasure to share your teaching experience and insights with our clients. Please can you begin by telling us what language you teach and why you chose a career in teaching in the first place?

Hello, it’s a pleasure to talk with you today. I teach English as a second language, and I was attracted to a career in teaching because my background made me feel I had a lot to give this profession.

And what is your background, exactly? Perhaps you might tell us something about your teaching qualifications and history?

Of course! I’m a linguistics graduate, and I know a great deal about the cultural and psychological aspects of learning a language. I have been teaching for almost twelve years now.

That’s some phenomenal experience! I imagine you would have few problems find a teaching job anywhere. So, what attracted you decide to work with Language Trainers?

Language Trainers is a global business that works with clients from all over. Working with the company was a chance to work with a range of students of all backgrounds, cultures, and levels of ability.

And what is your favorite thing about working with Language Trainers?

I think it is having the opportunity to meet and teach a variety of students from different cultures.

It’s pleasing to know we have helped you meet students of different cultures and backgrounds. I imagine that makes your classes even more interesting and varied. But what else do you look for in a student?

A willingness to work on their own account, and to mix as much as they can with native English speakers.

Definitely! A desire to work hard and practice are certainly the fastest way to learn a new language. And what should students expect from you as their teacher?

First, a high degree of professionalism. Next, an in-depth understanding of their problems, and a willingness and ability to work through them.

That’s great to hear! Between your flexible approach and the hard work of our clients, I imagine you have had some great moments with your students. Can you describe your most memorable teaching experience with Language Trainers?

Oh, yes! It was when I was teaching a very intelligent and lively lady from Lithuania. Unfortunately, she had little opportunity to mix with native speakers, or get out and about, because she was at home looking after her granddaughter. But she was very quick to learn, nonetheless, and a pleasure to teach.

That’s nice! While we encourage our clients to practice their language skills with native speakers, it’s not always easy to do so. It’s nice to know you could adapt to this and still help her. Is this one of the reasons you would recommend students to enroll in a language course with Language Trainers?

Absolutely! And because they can expect well-organized, efficient courses, and competent teachers.

Thank you for your time, Rose! To finish, can you tell us a fun fact about the English language or a favorite expression you ask your students to learn?

I like to teach my students the expression, “it’s raining cats and dogs” (it’s raining very heavily), when I teach them about idioms. Most of them think it is very funny!

Hi Hassen, thank you for agreeing to this short interview. I would just like to ask you a few questions about your teaching career and what it is that appealed to you about working with Language Trainers.

Absolutely, I am happy to share my story!

Great! Can you start by telling us which language you teach and why?

Teaching is my passion. It is something I have wanted to do since my childhood. I love not just to teach others, but also to learn new things from others, as well. I am a native Somali speaker and semi-native Swahili, so these are the languages I teach to others.

And can you share a little about your teaching history prior to working with Language Trainers?

Of course. I started teaching and interpreting back in 2010 as a volunteer for a community-based project. I loved it and have been teaching ever since. I have lots of experience teaching both native and non-native students. Many native speakers of Somali and Swahili speak the language fluently but do not learn to read and write, so I would teach them the skills and techniques to do so, especially adults. However, I primarily taught non-natives the full range of skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing). It was in my classes with non-natives that I learned the value of being flexible. So, if a student wants to focus on one particular area or demonstrates a keen interest in certain topics, I consider this when planning my classes.

Well, then it’s no wonder you found your way to us! Besides your desire for a flexible teaching approach, why else did you want to teach with Language Trainers?

I believe Language Trainers is the right place for me to teach while also improving my skills. The staff are incredibly supportive and provide as much guidance as I need. They communicate with me regularly to make sure I have everything I need and that the lessons are going well, and the payment is very fair and reliable.

It sounds like you are getting everything from us that you could need. And what about you? What can your students expect from you in their lessons?

Definitely a friendly and open teacher who is always punctual and excited to help you reach your expected targets and goals. I offer the student choice over their timetable and the main areas of focus throughout the course.

That’s great, Hassen! And what do you expect from them in return?

The same, really. That they are eager to learn, motivated, punctual, and friendly. My message to all my students is to never give up and you will reach your goals by the end of the course.

Excellent advice, I must say! Do you have a standout favorite memory from your time working with our clients?

Not really. I have been blessed that Language Trainers has consistently provided me with great students who are proactive and have good attitudes to learning.

Well, that’s very nice of you to share that with us! If you had to convince a potential student to study with Language Trainers instead of another school, what would you say?

Without a doubt, Language Trainers is the best place for them to make their language dreams come true. It is the only place where they can get such reliable, responsible, and native teachers.

Thank you so much for speaking with us, Hassen!

Please can you tell us a little about your teaching experiences with Language Trainers, Terry?

I consider myself fortunate to work with Language Trainers. I mostly teach English to company employees working in warehouses in Dunstable and Hemel Hempstead in the UK. All of students are admirable people with a real desire to improve their communication skills.

What do you tend to focus on in your courses? What are the goals of your students?

Each of my students has their own goals and they range in ability from basic and intermediate to so advanced that sometimes I even learn things from them. Some seek formal, recognised qualifications, to whom I teach courses devised by Cambridge English Language Assessment, an organisation operating under the auspices of Cambridge University. These courses culminate in invigilated exams and International English Language Testing System (IELTS) qualifications. Others prefer to learn for intrinsic benefit and fun without the stress of examinations. I fully respect and cater to both choices.

Do any of your students or teaching experiences stand out as being especially memorable?

Oh, yes. Many. One of my students chose to study for an IELTS qualification. We did exercises from the Cambridge Assessment A2 book covering listening, speaking, reading, writing and grammar at the intermediate level. She had a very original sense of humour, so I devised custom supplementary exercises to make her laugh. They didn’t work for other students, but we had a lot of fun and I was overjoyed when she got a distinction. Another student went through a dispirited patch, disappointed with life in England, a country she had hoped would be rather more elegant than the surroundings in which she found herself. My sense of national pride kicked in as I insisted: “But England is elegant.” I introduced her to the works of Jane Austen and I prepared vocabulary, grammar and elocution exercises based on excerpts from the Pride & Prejudice novel and TV series. My student enjoyed the lessons so much more and has cheered up, even going so far as to earn a promotion at her work. Finally, another student who comes to mind was too advanced to be excited by standard English course work. She was extremely demotivated as a result. But she was also highly articulate, knowledgeable, and given to strong opinions. So, after I assessed that she mainly needed to improve her writing, I de-emphasised the course work and instead asked her to produce written opinion pieces prior to lessons. Then, we analysed the content, structure and grammar during the lessons. Specifically, we focused on her main area of interest—Polish history and politics—which was all new to me, but really helped to keep her motivated.

Those are truly wonderful examples of your flexibility as a teacher, Terry. Well done!

You’re very welcome! It’s been a pleasure to get to know all the 18 students I’ve taught since I started working for Language Trainers. I’ve enjoyed their company immensely, and I’ve enjoyed adapting lesson plans to suit each student’s varying abilities, interests and personalities. Plus, I’ve certainly learnt as much, if not more, from them as they have from me. It’s been quite the privilege.

Hi, Flavia! Let’s start with a broad question: why are you a teacher?

Hello! Well, I started teaching Romanian right after graduating. I have always been passionate about languages, so a career in teaching seemed to fit. That being said, when I first started teaching, I didn’t think that I would necessarily stick to it. But, five years down the road, I am still teaching, still learning from my students and still finding joy in helping others discover a new language and culture.

That’s great! It sounds like teaching chose you, rather than the other way around. And what are your qualifications and experience?

I have a degree in Philology, majoring in Japanese and English. At university in Romania, I took the “Teacher Training Module”, which is the equivalent of the UK QTS. After graduating, I started teaching Romanian as a foreign language and English. After 2 years, I moved to Japan and taught English as a second language in cram schools, nurseries and colleges. My youngest student was 3, while my oldest was 70 years old. After another 2 years, I moved to London, worked as an Early Years’ Practitioner and, later on, I started working for Listen & Learn.

Wow, quite the globe trotter! Speaking of Listen & Learn, that brings us nicely on to what attracted you to the company.

My brother recommended Listen & Learn. Initially, I needed a part-time job and the work Listen & Learn offered was the perfect solution. But I was really impressed by their care for the students and teachers: the detailed, monthly reports; the assessments; and the overall care for both parties really appealed to me.

So, would you recommend students wanting to learn a foreign language to enrol in a language course with Listen & Learn? What can our clients expect from teachers like you in their classes?

Listen & Learn is a very good option for people who want to discover a new language. The classes are tailor-made, and the company always makes sure that both the students and the teacher are pleased with the teaching experience. As a teacher, I like to have fun in lessons to spark the students’ creativity and make them think outside of the box. I also believe that learning a language cannot be separated from learning about its specific culture. So, I always teach students not only the grammar, but also how to think in the distinctive way specific to that culture to aid language development.

How interesting, can you give me an example?

Sure. Every year in March, people in Romania celebrate the coming of spring, offering each other a small object that symbolizes good luck, called “Martisor”. I taught this custom to some students, who then surprised me with a hand-made Martisor. It brought home a little closer to me, while also helping them to remember the vocabulary and expressions associated with this particular event.

That’s lovely! What a nice memory to have from your teaching experience. Besides receiving the occasional gift [laughs], what else do you look for in your students? How do you know if a student will do well in your lessons?

As long as there is a desire to learn; I think that all the rest can be built on that. Patience, passion, creativity or perseverance can all come along the way.

That’s great! Very open-minded of you! Finally, will you please tell me a fun Romanian expression that you like to teach your students?

The Romanian language has lots of “interesting” phrases. We, as native speakers, don’t really think about the meaning behind the words when we use them, but translating them for my students made me realise how interesting is our way of thinking. To give you an example, if we want to say that we are annoyed, we use the following expression: ”Ma scoti din pepeni”. The literal translation is “You take me out of the watermelons”. Another example is the expression for “I am surprised”. In Romanian, we would say “Mi-a picat fata”. The literal translation is “My face has fallen off”.

Good morning, Yulia! Please will tell our readers a little about why you teach and the languages you specialise in?

I teach English, Russian and Russian literature from beginners to advanced level. I enjoy working with people to pass on my love of the spoken and written word. It is exciting to see how my students progress from learning the alphabet to understanding and sharing feelings, thoughts and intentions in a foreign language. Learning new languages helps people to make new friends, to live, study and work in different countries, and contributes to continuous development and positive mental health.

You are certainly one of our most experienced tutors. Can you tell us about your qualifications and history as a teacher?

I graduated from Moscow State Linguistic University (MSLU) in 1989 (BA in Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and taught advanced English there to first and second year students. In 1995, I received an MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from the University of Northern Iowa, USA. Between 1996 and 1999, I worked in an international holiday exchange company as a translator and a quality assurance supervisor in Moscow. In 1999, I moved to Cork, Ireland, where I worked as a manager and a trainer of new multinational recruits. I undertook further studies in Cork, and obtained a certificate for training and development from the Irish Institute of Training and Development in 2002. I also designed and taught an adult continuous education evening course on Russian culture and language at University College Cork. Later, I studied for an MSc degree in social research at Trinity College Dublin (granted in 2004) and received a PhD in psychosocial (mental) health from Dublin City University in 2010. I worked as a social researcher at the Irish Health Research Board in Dublin from 2004 till 2011. I lived and studied French in Strasbourg from 2011 till 2013, where I received a DELF B2 certificate in French from the University of Strasbourg. I am currently based in London, where I am engaged in freelance translating, tutoring and desk research. As you can see, languages, teaching and mentoring have always been part of my life.

Wow, absolutely! It seems you live and breathe them! What about Language Trainers made you want to teach with us?

I like your collaborative and professional approach to teaching. Plus, the company is very efficient, proactive and helpful. For example, at the time of COVID-19 lockdown in London, when my face-to-face lessons had to move online, the team provided me with advice, links and extra materials suitable for online teaching.

With such immense experience teaching, you must have a pretty good idea of your ideal student, right?

Certainly! I hope for curiosity, drive, perseverance, open-mindedness and a sense of humour. Also, acceptance that mistakes are normal and constitute an essential part of the learning process.

And what do you feel you bring to your lessons as a teacher?

I am energetic, engaging and patient. There will be fun, there will be homework, and time will fly quickly. In every lesson, I develop and engage students’ skills, such as reading, writing, speaking, listening, and sometimes singing (if they like singing, of course). I offer personalised courses, create my own exercises and use additional audio and video files in addition to the course materials. Students have no time to get bored and make good progress.

And are these the main reasons you would recommend students enrol in a course with Language Trainers?

Absolutely. Students will get experienced teachers, high-quality books and materials and a systematic approach to learning and testing their progress.| Wonderful! And to end, what are some fun expressions you like to teach your English and Russian language students?

My favourite expression that I ask my students of English to learn is: “Where there’s a will, there’s a way”. Meanwhile, I teach my Russian students the expression, “Глаза страшатся, а руки делают". Literally, it means, “Your eyes may be scared, but your hands still do the work”, or in other words, “feel the fear and do it anyway”.

Hello, thanks for agreeing to this short interview! Please can you tell us a little about you and your work history?

Hi, my name is Irene and I teach Spanish. I do not think I chose a career in teaching, but that it chose me. I remember playing as a teacher as a child, instead of cradling a doll.

[Laughs] That does sound like a calling, if ever I’ve heard one. So, what route did you follow to realizing your dream?

When I finished secondary school, I studied to be a teacher and a translator at university. I have studied English, French and German, and I have been teaching German at a public school in my city since 1989.

That’s wonderful that you are still at the same school after so many years! What made you want to also teach with Language Trainers?

I was introduced to Language Trainers by another teacher. It is great to work for Language Trainers; the company is reliable, serious, responsible and very professional.

Well, thank you for saying so! Is there a particular favourite thing about working with us?

The company has an awesome team that is very attentive to anything we teachers could need and everyone is very helpful, too. Also, I love being able to teach people all over the world. To know different cultures is an awesome experience that only Language Trainers can give me.

And what inspires you in your lessons? What keeps the job fresh and exciting for you?

I feel proud of my students when I hear them build correct sentences and speak fluently.

Oh, yes, that must be a wonderful moment! And how do you get your students to that point?

Well, I am a bit obsessive and I stubborn about helping my students to achieve their goals.

Persistence and determination are certainly key, that is true! If you were to convince a potential student to enrol in a course with Language Trainers, what would you say?

Well, students learn the foreign language from native professional teachers. That is a premium service. It is very possible that one cannot find a native teacher in their city, but Language Trainers will, for sure. This is true even for languages that are not so common, for example, Azeri. And then there is the flexibility. Students can learn from home, from the office, even while they are travelling. Schedules are flexible, students learn at their own rhythm and classes are tailored to their needs. Every course is designed according to the student’s requirements.

Thanks so much, Irene. Lastly, will you tell us a fun fact about the Spanish language? Something you like to teach your students?

The accent mark is very important in Spanish, because the same word with and without the accent mark mean different things. For example, El bebe means he drinks, but El bebé means the baby. So, we can make sentences like, El bebé bebe su leche—The baby drinks his milk. It is always funny to find words like this and make funny sentences to practice Spanish.

Hi, thanks for speaking with me today! Please can tell our readers your name, the language you teach and how long you have taught with Language Trainers?

Hello! My name is Florencia, I work for Language Trainers as a Spanish trainer, and I started working for the company in June, 2020.

And what is it about teaching languages that inspires you?

Learning languages gives people the chance to communicate with the world at any moment of their lives. It gives people freedom and independence to travel, work and study all over the world.

So, you’re still quite new to working with Language Trainers, then. How are you liking it so far?

I have felt really comfortable for many reasons. First of all, the staff are kind, lovely, friendly, and ready to help at any time. At the beginning, I was given loads of material and all the information I could need, but I was also told that I could plan the lessons the way I preferred. So, freedom in how you work is another of the key aspect of this company.

What are your typical lessons like?

I deliver my classes online using Zoom or Skype. Both platforms work very well and I like that teachers and students can screenshare. In my classes, I use a course book called Aula Lautina 1, with plenty of activities, images and grammar to learn Spanish. But also, I consider it crucial that my students learn from many channels, so I also use resources from YouTube, Google docs and slides, websites for games, etc.

Hi, Maria! Please can you tell us a little about you and your professional background?

My name is Maria and I have taught online for Language Trainers since April 2020. As a native Greek speaker, I offer language teaching services in Greek but both my professional training and background involve teaching English, French, Spanish and Italian.

Wow, you’re quite the polyglot, then! What are some of your qualifications?

Having a genuine passion for language learning and constant development, I completed an undergraduate degree (a BA in Translation and Interpreting with French and Spanish at the University of East Anglia) and a postgraduate degree (European Master’s in Translation and Interpreting at Swansea University) in the UK, where I spent a large part of my adult life as a student and employee. Also, I have professional teaching qualifications from the University of Cambridge, Instituto Cervantes and the French Ministry of Education.

And how did you come to work with Language Trainers?

Actually, Language Trainers kindly approached me. At first, they suggested I carry out a 30-minute taster with a potential student and I was more than happy to address their request as I immediately thought it would be an ideal opportunity for me to put all my language knowledge to very good use. Having established a well-determined career path in the translation and interpreting market, I seized the opportunity to work alongside a language teaching provider which would gladly live up to the expectations of any professional in the field.

Well, you obviously did well and were contracted to work with the company. What have you enjoyed most about it?

I love conveying my language knowledge to people of all ages, origins and cultural backgrounds who are always eager to learn, regardless of their country of residence and place of work. In that respect, every time I was in need of immediate assistance, Language Trainers has been kind enough to offer valuable support by liaising me with members of staff to assist me with organising my materials, resolving any issues encountered during my classes, and always providing useful guidance through their dedicated advice team that comprises a wide range of industry professionals i.e. course coordinators, academic advisors etc.

You mentioned that you primarily teach online. Some people worry they will not get the same benefit by learning virtually as when student and teacher are in the same room. What do you think about this?

Students who study their preferred language online should expect the results to be no different from those who learn through face-to-face classes. In fact, having taught professionally for quite a few years now, I can confirm that, on some occasions, my online students demonstrated greater achievements than those receiving in-person tutoring. One major advantage to online classes is that the teaching material can be better monitored and recorded. This ensures both the student and the tutor have a better understanding of the performance goals and, more importantly, the variety, form and quality of the teaching resources is practically infinite. Apart from the traditional textbook, students can benefit from a huge variety of internet sources, ranging from up-to-date grammar and vocabulary websites to online video streaming and speaking and listening practice material.

If you had to summarise your time with Language Trainers, what would you say?

Overall, if I had to choose one word in order to describe my experience working with Language Trainers so far, that would be “exceptional”. As the great philosopher Aristotle once said, “Teaching is the highest form of understanding.”

Hello Christian! Thank you for taking the time to be with us today. Could you start by telling us which language you teach and why you chose a career in teaching

For Language Trainers, I teach German as a second language. Even before I finished my teaching training, I helped friends of friends who had moved to Germany. It did not become a career until much later when I looked at my qualifications and thought: "Now, what could I do with that?" (laughs)

So, teaching was not your first career choice. How did you prepare to become a teacher? Tell us about your teaching qualifications and history.

I graduated in Modern and Medieval History and German Language and Literature in 2005. But I did not start teaching languages until 2009, after I graduated an MBA programme in Marketing. The aftermath of the international financial crisis in 2008 was not exactly the best time to look for a job, so I took to teaching among various other self-employed activities.

And how did you end up teaching with Language Trainers? Were you attracted to the company by something in particular?

The one-to-one teacher-student concept is certainly fitting for my talents. Also, the fact that the students are usually adults interested in learning, and bringing a certain intrinsic motivation, was appealing to me. I did not have any experience using Skype or other types of video-call technology to teach, but I was very curious about it when I started. Fortunately, remote teaching made me a believer almost instantaneously. It offers so many benefits and additional possibilities that I would prefer over the old blackboard-and-chalk classroom any day.

So true! And is that your favourite thing about working with Language Trainers? Or is there anything else?

The best thing, in my opinion, is that every student brings a whole new experience. I have had students from all over the globe, with different cultural backgrounds, different native languages and different initial levels of proficiency. I have to adapt to each new student, which is completely unlike, for example, working in a German school and teaching the same lessons to different groups over and over again for 25 years.

Given that your students come from very diverse walks of life, do you look for something in particular in a student?

I want my students to have the motivation to set goals for themselves and see them through. Learning a language involves some tedious work. I can help and make it more comprehensible and, hopefully, fun. A student who decides to take a course should set themselves a precisely defined and attainable goal about the proficiency level they want to acquire and dedicate enough time and effort to achieve it. If you do that, you won't get frustrated - I promise!

That is very true. And what can your students expect from you as their teacher?

They can expect dedication, motivation, punctuality, adaptability; a decent level of English until conversations can be held in German; and, according to some students, a sense of humour. Being German myself, I find that rather hard to believe (laughs).

So far, what has been your most memorable teaching experience with Language Trainers?

I love that moment when a student realises "Wow, I just had a conversation in a new language and it worked!" It even happens with advanced learners when they feel like they've just solved a puzzle they've been working on for ages and, all of a sudden, the bits and pieces fall into place and they achieve a new level in their language skill.

I completely agree. That is one of the best feelings a teacher can have. And why do you think students should enrol in a language course with Language Trainers?

Learning a new language always opens your mind to a new way of thinking. Not only does it bridge the gap to another culture, it also helps you understand yourself a little bit better.

You mentioned that your students love your sense of humour. Could you tell us a fun fact about the language you teach or a favorite expression you ask your students to learn?

One true fun fact about Germany is that Germans have no sense of humour whatsoever. I have a reservoir of German jokes for every proficiency level, from Beginner to Advanced, to prove beyond the shadow of a doubt that Germans are no fun at all. And if you enjoyed Mark Twain's essay about the “horrible German language,” here is another one for you.| You “fall in love” in English. In German, the same thing does not involve falling. We use the verb "verlieben", which shares the prefix ver- with many words that are usually negative and often involve losing. “Verirren” means to lose the way, “verlieren” to lose, “verzählen” to lose count. So, philosophically speaking, love in English involves the danger of breaking your leg. In German, you get divorced even before the first date... If you find that funny, see a language trainer as soon as possible!

Hello Asmita! Could you start by telling us a bit about your professional background? What languages you teach, why you chose a career in teaching, and which are your teaching qualifications and history.

I teach Nepali, my mother tongue, and Hindi. I chose a career in teaching because I always wanted to learn and, ironically, I think teaching is a great way to learn. I have a Master’s in Graphics and Animation and I also went to film school. After that, I got into interpreting and translation when I was volunteering in communities around London, which got me into teaching English to seniors who don’t speak English, and young kids who don’t speak the language of their parents.

Your experience is very diverse, Asmita! And what attracted you to teach with Language Trainers? What is your favourite thing about working with us?

The Language Trainers team is very easy to work with. They are very good in terms of communication and giving right type of guidance. Also, once you are in their system, they will keep track of your hours and performance, and balance the relation between student and teacher, which I find very helpful. Another thing I like is that the work is very flexible in terms of hours.

I’m glad to hear that! What do you look for in a student?

Eagerness and enthusiasm to learn.

That sounds fair. And what should students expect from you as their teacher?

They can expect patience, continuity and enthusiasm to teach.

In your experience working with us, what has been your most memorable teaching experience?

Students writing to me thanking me for my patience. Also, each lesson is fun and interactive and throughout the session there are many funny things we learn about each other. I find it very uplifting.

That’s amazing! Why do you think students should enrol in a language course with Language Trainers?

As I said before, the Language Trainers team makes learning a language very easy because they connect you with the right students and teachers depending on their experience. In this way, both teachers and students end up with the perfect match for them.

That’s very true. And to conclude, could you tell us a fun fact about the language you teach or a favourite expression you ask your students to learn?

I always teach the phrase “La La”, which means “ok”, “right on”, “right”, “alright”. I love it because it has so many uses and is very rhythmic.

What language do you teach, and why did you choose teaching as your career?

I teach English and Russian. I have always been passionate about languages and there is nothing more rewarding than to see the progress that students make with every lesson.

Where did you study and how long have you been teaching?

I am bilingual (Russian and English). I studied at University of Sheffield, University of Bath, State University of St. Petersburg and University of Havana. I’ve been teaching for 5 years and I usually teach all age groups at all levels. Apart from teaching, I am also a qualified interpreter and translator with Russian and English.

What do you look for in a student?

Enthusiasm, perseverance, motivation, determination and, most of all, desire to learn a new language.

What should students expect in you as a teacher?

Respect, understanding, and motivation. Learning a new language is hard work but with a bit of encouragement and motivation from the teacher, you can achieve your goals. Don’t be scared to make mistakes as you will learn from them and, chances are, you won’t make the same mistake twice.

Describe your favourite aspect of teaching for Language Trainers:

As a teacher, you get to meet so many different people from all over the world. It’s all about developing a good rapport with students, winning their trust and helping them to believe in themselves and their abilities. What can I say, I absolutely love my job!

What languages do you teach and why did you choose teaching as your career?

I teach French, German, and Farsi, as well as European History to private students of all levels. Teaching was not a career choice, but rather a second occupation for which I have a passion.

Where did you study, how long have you been teaching, and what age group do you usually teach?

I have taught for the past twenty-five years, with students ranging between 18 and 45 years old. I studied at the London School of Economics & Political Science, obtaining my Master’s degree in International Development. After, I studied at the Sorbonne University in Paris for a post-graduate diploma in ‘Langue et Civilization Francaises’; the Goethe Institue and Akademie fuer Fremsprachen in Berlin to obtain ‘Das Grosse Diplom in Deutsch als Fremdsprache’; and finally at the Universite Libre de Bruxelles for a full post-graduate degree in Spanish Language and Literature. All were degrees in language.

What do you look for in a student?

I look primarily for interest, enthusiasm, and the recognition that learning a new language is a manner of getting closer to people whose culture is unknown to us, in order to broaden our horizon in life.

What should students expect in you as a teacher?

Students should expect interest in teaching, an ability to motivate them to learn and to help them appreciate the value of learning as a whole –and an appreciation for learning languages in particular.

Describe your favorite aspect of working for Language Trainers:

I have enjoyed the discipline and understanding experienced in all aspects of working with Language Trainers, including inquiries via telephone or email, request for relevant information and the like. Their team is extremely helpful. I certainly look forward to further assignments in the future!

What language do you teach, and why did you choose teaching as your career?

I teach three languages: English, Spanish and Portuguese, but I speak six (Italian, French and German). I was brought up as a polyglot; we spoke several languages at home and I studied at international schools at home and abroad. I always felt that it was a privilege to be able to speak many languages and wanted to share my knowledge. Teaching came naturally to me, as people were always asking me to correct their homework or to explain grammar or pronunciation. <br/><br/>When I started teaching, I was on an exchange programme in Brazil where I was improving my Portuguese. My students were university lecturers and I was teaching them English. At first, I was terrified as I was going to teach such well-known individuals but that fear soon disappeared as I was confident in my knowledge and simply loved the experience. Teaching is incredibly rewarding and it gives me great pride to say that many of my students now live abroad and some even teach languages themselves.

Where did you study, how long have you been teaching, and what age group do you usually teach?

I have studied at several schools abroad, as well as at Malvern Girls College and Cheltenham Ladies in the UK. For the past fourteen years, I have had the privilege of teaching adults and children of all ages and abilities in Spain, Brazil, Panama and the UK.

What do you look for in a student?

Students that succeed in language training have great determination, focus, and are able to fit learning into their schedule. A great student is one that can relax and see the chance to learn a language as one of the most rewarding opportunities they will have.

What should students expect in you as a teacher?

My manner is jovial and I have a good relationship with my students, and make sure that they are able to relax and enjoy their journey into becoming proficient in a language. I always adapt the classes to students’ needs. If they have to make a presentation in the target language, for example, I will work along with them to ensure they succeed. Likewise, students will be able to do well in exams and day-to-day encounters abroad.

Describe your favourite Language Trainers teaching experience:

I have taught hundreds of students and always feel it is a privilege to accompany them during their learning progress. Even after many years, students have maintained contact and some have become great friends. There are many success stories amongst these people but the one I remember vividly is when a student wanted to get a job as an engineer in a well-known multinational company. She had the appropriate experience for the job itself but her language skills were not at their best. She came to Language Trainers, and began daily classes during a span of three months.Not only did she get the job that she wanted, but she was promoted soon after and her career is now growing. I feel proud to have helped achieve her objective.

What language do you teach, and why did you choose teaching as your career?

Teaching is something that has always come naturally to me; to my mother’s surprise, I taught my younger brother to read when I was 10 years old. Professionally, I also work as a translator and interpreter and when I was at university I used to help my peers with their Spanish grammar and always received excellent feedback so teaching felt like the right thing to do.

Where did you study, and how long have you been teaching, and what age group do you usually teach?

I studied my BA and MA at the University of Salford. I have been teaching for 4 years and the age of my students has ranged from 14 to 60.

What do you look for in a student?

I look for someone who is committed, someone who is eager to learn. Given that the student is motivated, together we can achieve great things!

What should students expect in you as a teacher?

I’m a very reliable person who will commit 100% to their teaching and will adapt each lesson to meet their needs and expectations. I try at all times to bridge the pre-conceived gap that exists between teacher and student. To me, we are two people working together towards a common goal, which is for them to grow in confidence, without feeling pressured whilst learning.

What is your favourite part of teaching?

Language Trainers’ staff has been very supportive from the start. My favourite aspect of teaching is to see the students’ reaction when they realise that they are able to hold a conversation in Spanish. That’s the best part of this job!

What language do you teach, and why did you choose teaching as your career?

I teach mainly English for business. When I decided I’d like to live in Spain and learn Spanish, I decided to do a Celta. Instead of just staying for a year though, I ended up working for language schools over seven years. When it was time to come home to London, the first port of call work-wise was in teaching English.

Where did you study, and how long have you been teaching, and what age group do you usually teach?

I got my degree from Queen’s University Belfast. I had such a great time there. Being thoroughly English, and moving to a different place culturally helped prepare me for when I headed for Northern Spain later. I did my Celta at city of Bristol, and the Delta at International House London.

What do you look for in a student?

Since one-to-one teaching is inevitably an interpersonal exchange, I always appreciate a sense of humour. I think it’s crucial that learners are willing to take risks and not worry too much about mistakes –it’s the communication that counts. I also appreciate learners who are patient enough to get the most out of the teacher. It helps if each student is able to initially guide their teacher to provide what they want.

What should students expect in you as a teacher?

Professionalism for me means being able to wear a number of different hats and change roles as necessary, according to students needs. The basics include having clear aims, and a minimum level of organization and planning. Beyond that, students should expect their teacher to highlight not just meaning, but structure and pronunciation as well.

Describe your favourite aspect of teaching with Language Trainers:

I like teaching because you meet so many interesting people. I’ve taught quite a few bankers with Language Trainers, and they’ve always been a pleasure to teach. Among my favourite moments in teaching was when my student who was a trader came in, looking tired and worn. We began our lesson, then asked if he was okay. He confided, “You know Lehman Brothers? By Monday they’ll be bankrupt.” Talk about first hand breaking news!