Case Studies: Clients
Brett Foster
A Language Learning Story Full of Love
My German has definitely improved! I am also better able to understand Swiss German as a result. I have been able to use my skills to speak with my wife and her family, as well as in German-speaking areas in Switzerland.
Good morning, Brett! Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. Why don’t you tell us a little about you and the language you chose to learn and why?
I am an educator that grew up in New York, but also lived in South Carolina and Portland, Oregon. I chose to study German because my wife is from the German part of Switzerland and I wanted to be able to speak a language other than English with her. My wife's native language is Swiss-German, which is very different from High German. It is important to me to speak the language my wife thinks in. The path to learning Swiss-German is having a firm base in German.
Congrats on your decision of learning Swiss German! Your wife must appreciate that a lot. And what attracted you to learn with Language Trainers?
I chose Language Trainers because it was possible to buy a large package of classes at an affordable price, so it was a good deal. It was also great that Language Trainers listened to what I was hoping for from a tutor and paired me with someone who was able to meet my needs. My tutor, Erik, is great and we even became friends outside of German tutoring.
What an amazing experience! And what is your favorite thing about studying with Language Trainers?
My favorite thing about Language Trainers is their willingness to change things around when I need them. I took some hours from my German course and used them to learn Italian, as I now live in an Italian-speaking region.
It’s great to know that staff was flexible and could accommodate your needs so well. What was the most helpful aspect of your course?
The most helpful aspect of my course, hands down, is my tutor. Erik is awesome and always rolls with the punches. He develops great plans, but is great at going off the rails when I have questions.
What has been your most rewarding outcome from this experience?
The ability to speak a language other than English. Americans are usually pretty bad at speaking something other than English and I am glad to be able to diversify my skills.
Speaking foreign languages can certainly open many doors in life. And do you believe your language ability has improved? Have you had an opportunity to use your new skills in the real world?
My German has definitely improved! I am also better able to understand Swiss German as a result. I have been able to use my skills to speak with my wife and her family, as well as in German-speaking areas in Switzerland.
That’s such an inspiring experience! Why do you think other students should enroll in a language course with Language Trainers?
Students should enroll in a language course with Language Trainers if they have even just a little interest in learning another language. It has been rewarding!
Thank you, Brett! Before we finish, could you share with us your favorite word, phrase, or expression in your new language?
I think this changes as I learn because I am still learning. Currently, my favorite word is " quatsch ". There is not a perfect translation, but it is something to the effect of "get outta here."
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