Case Studies: Teachers

Hey Ryan, how are you?

Very well, thank you. And you?

Good, thanks! Thank you for agreeing to talk to me about your teaching experiences at Language Trainers! For our readers, please can you tell me which languages you teach and a little about your history as a teacher?

Absolutely. I teach English and Dutch, although I have to say, I didn´t choose a career in teaching, it chose me! I live in Brazil and many people want to study other languages but don´t always have the means. I have been blessed with the opportunity to study many languages, so I thought it was a great way to give back... And now I love teaching!

That’s wonderful, it sounds like you have found your calling, that’s for sure! Tell us about your teaching qualifications and history.

I don´t have any formal training as a teacher, because I originally studied communications and worked as a communications consultant before I moved to Brazil, but I´m studying and learning every day. In two years of English lessons, studying every week, I learned so much about students, ways of teaching, and how to be confident, and I bring that experience to my own courses.

And what attracted you to teach with Language Trainers? Do you have a favorite thing about working with our company?

I became interested in Language Trainers because it is an international company, and it has great contacts with students all over the world. But my favorite things about teaching with company are the amount of freedom I have in how I work, and the support I get from such an understanding team. And, of course, the opportunity of working with students from all over the world!

I’m so pleased to hear you say that. We offer our teachers as much teaching support as they want, but ultimately, we want you to have flexibility, so you can not only adapt course content to suit the students, but also teach when and how is best for you. So, your students can expect flexible, well-planned teaching from you. What do you expect from your students in return? Does anyone student stand out in particular?

I like all my students because everybody has a different story, different talents and different difficulties. I learn a lot from everybody! But my favorite students are the ones that have a good sense of humor! But my most memorable experience was my first student with Language Trainers: a young man preparing to go on an exchange experience in Holland. I remember feeling a huge responsibility.

In your opinion, Ryan, why should students enroll in a language course with Language Trainers?

Language Trainers offers a unique way of connecting directly with native-speaking teachers, all over the world. No matter where you are, you can have your specific language course, made just for you, whenever you want.

And to close, can you tell us a fun lessons you like to teach about Dutch or English?

Dutch is a fun language, but difficult for some students, especially the pronunciation. I try to refer to words in other languages that have compatible sounds, but it isn´t always possible. Then I´ll just say: "Dutch is verschrikkelijk" which is a very hard word to pronounce, and means "terrible!"