I am a CELTA (Cambridge University Teaching English to Adults)certified ESL teacher. Students can come to me or I can teach online Via Skype or Other online services like Google hangouts. I got my certification from Cambridge University in June 2012. Additionally, I have an MPhil degree from New York University in sociology, and I have taught at the undergraduate level in the U.S., Africa, and India. I have lived in France, Sweden, Africa, and India. I served on Columbia University Campus Fulbright committee for 3 years. I have also worked in the U.N. related International agencies. This extensive international experience has given me an understanding and sensitivity to other cultures which is very important in teaching, especially ESL.
I have been teaching English at the beginner, intermediate and advanced levels to adult students. For the last 4 years, I have been in Portugal teaching ESL to university students, professionals and to other adults who are seeking to expand their language skills. Students learn grammar, reading using the phonemic system which is a key to pronunciation. Students quickly gain confidence and improve their communication skills.Having lived in different cultures gives me an even better understanding of the difficulties of learning a foreign language as an adult. It has further improved my teaching. I use writing exercises not only to unlock the grammar but also to introduce cultural similarities and differences. This exchange draws attention to many funny incidents. Laughter is the best way to overcome inhibition or shyness when learning a foreign language, and I speak from a personal experience. I am able to discern the weakness of individual students and tailor the lessons to help them with their specific needs. It gives me great joy to see my students progress rapidly, develop flexibility to communicate with confidence and develop a real love for the language.
I never cease to learn from my students and grow richer in understanding the global world. I find teaching is a continuously exciting project where you continue to improve and learn about different cultures. But the best gift is to see my students going off on their own not requiring my services any more. They have achieved their goal which means I have achieved mine and a supreme satisfaction which money can't buy. I have helped students write their statement of purpose, resume, research papers and job application letters. To have helped them to get a command over the language to be confident to march on ahead was exciting for me. It was thrilling to see my students admitted to the top university in London.
I look forward to meeting you.
