Executive Business English & Communication Consultant (Cambridge CELTA) | Presentations, Meetings, Interviews + IELTS/FCE/CAE/OTE Exam Prep.

Conoce más a Maria

• ¿Dominas este idioma porque es tu lengua materna o porque un/a profe te ha dado ganas de aprenderlo?

  English is not my mother tongue, but I began learning it very early, as a toddler basically, and it has been part of my life ever since. Over the past two decades, English has been the primary working language of my education and professional career in international environments.
  
  What started as a subject gradually became the language I use daily to communicate, collaborate, and think professionally. As a result, I use English at a near-native level in complex professional contexts. Having gone through this long learning journey myself allows me to understand my students’ challenges very well — both linguistically and psychologically.

• Nombra un personaje histórico o ficticio que es, según tú, la fiel representación de la cultura que enseñas.

  A figure who represents English-speaking culture particularly well to me is definitely Sir Winston Churchill — not only as a historical leader, but as an outstanding communicator and strategist. His relationship with language, clarity, and persuasion reflects how English is often used in professional and public contexts: directly, purposefully, and with strong rhetorical impact.

• ¿Tiene este personaje una expresión, una frase, o un comportamiento que te divierte particularmente?

  I regularly read Churchill’s speeches, not only for their historical significance, but because I find them genuinely inspiring examples of effective communication. What I admire most is his ability to combine realism with resilience, and to express complex ideas with clarity and restraint.
  
  One quote that resonates strongly with me is: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” I find it powerful because it reflects both a mindset for learning and the perseverance needed when working with a language over time.

• ¿Por qué consideras que hablar este idioma puede ser importante (tanto desde el punto de vista escolar, como profesional o personal)?

  English plays a central role today as the main language of international communication. Academically, it provides access to education, research, and global knowledge. Professionally, it opens doors to international careers and collaboration. On a personal level, it allows people to connect across cultures and navigate new environments with greater confidence and independence.

• ¿Cuál es la principal dificultad de esta lengua y qué aspecto podría ayudar a aprenderla con más facilidad?

  For many learners, the greatest challenge is not grammar, but confidence — particularly the hesitation to speak freely and accept mistakes as part of the learning process. English is a flexible and forgiving language, and progress often accelerates when learners focus on meaningful communication rather than perfection. My firm belief is that with regular practice, clear guidance, and thoughtful feedback, confidence grows naturally and communication becomes more fluent and effective.

• Cuéntanos una anécdota de tu experiencia como profe o como alumn@.

  I once worked with a professional who had a strong command of English on paper but felt hesitant speaking in meetings. It wasn’t a lack of vocabulary or grammar, but the fear of sounding unclear or losing confidence in front of others. Rather than focusing on abstract exercises, we worked with real workplace situations — how to enter a discussion naturally, how to disagree politely, and how to express ideas clearly under pressure. A few weeks later, the student shared that they had spoken up in a meeting without rehearsing every sentence beforehand.
  
  What stayed with me was not just that they spoke, but that they felt at ease doing so. Moments like these, when language becomes a source of confidence rather than stress, are what I find most rewarding about teaching.

• Ayúdanos a conocerte mejor, cuéntanos alguno de los viajes que has hecho.

  My professional work has allowed me to live and work in diverse regions, including South Sudan and Uganda, Jordan, Ukraine, the Caucasus, and Albania. Experiencing such varied cultural and social environments has deeply influenced how I understand communication, particularly the importance of clarity, cultural sensitivity, and adaptability across contexts.
  
  In Northern Albania, I also volunteered with the Peace Corps, supporting a summer camp as an English teacher. This experience reinforced the importance of making language accessible, engaging, and culturally responsive — principles that continue to shape how I approach teaching today.
  
  Alongside professional travel, I value travel as a source of personal inspiration. Italy and Spain are among my favourite destinations, especially for their art, architecture, and rich cultural traditions. Being immersed in places shaped by history and creativity continues to influence how I see language — not only as a practical tool, but also as a form of expression.

• ¿Qué te hace ser un/a Superprof (aparte de dominar a la perfección tantos idiomas?

  What sets me apart as a Superprof is my ability to balance structure with empathy. I am highly organised and value punctuality, reliability, and mutual respect, which helps create a stable and supportive learning environment. Each lesson is carefully tailored to the student’s goals, keeping learning focused, practical, and engaging. I believe learning works best when it is both serious and human. While I set high standards, I also bring openness and a sense of humour into my classes, so students feel comfortable, motivated, and confident as they progress.