Estudo de casos de professores

Thanks for joining me today, Silvia! How are you doing?| | I’m very well, thank you!| | Please can you begin by telling everyone what language you teach and why you chose to become a teacher?| | Yes, certainly. I teach my native language, Spanish, as a foreign language. I have always found the field of language learning and teaching very attractive and have wanted to be a teacher since I was very young. I like to help people achieve their language goals, and support a bilingual society because I being able to speak at least two languages is important for people to interact with and understand others from different places and cultures.| | Oh, I think you’re absolutely right! So, you teach Spanish to help people get to know the many Spanish cultures around the world. Where did you study? What are your qualifications?| | I hold a bachelor’s degree in language teaching from Santo Tomás University in Bogotá, Colombia. Currently, I am working on a specialization in Spanish teaching as a foreign language. I have over 15 years of teaching experience online and face-to-face, and have worked with all ages and both small and big groups of students.| | And have you enjoyed working with Language Trainers? What made you want to work with us?| | Language Trainers has been a real blessing. Actually, it is such a great company for any language teacher. I have the opportunity to work from home while connecting with nice, kind, and interesting people from around the world, or I can travel and still continue working. Another thing I would like to highlight is the support Language Trainers provides the teachers. The staff are always very responsive and respectful.| | Can you think of any standout moments of your time teaching with us? Or can you tell us your favorite thing about working Language Trainers?| | My favorite thing, without question, is being able to interact with different people from all over the world.| | As for a standout moment, I cannot pick just one experience. I have taught General Spanish, medical Spanish, and Spanish for business to many students. All of them are great people with very different profiles and backgrounds, from my youngest student, who is 9, to my oldest, who is 65. I am grateful for the contributions they all have made to my personal and professional development.| | So, you have taught a real range of students, then! But is there anything, in particular, you look for in your pupils? Something that tells you they will do well in your lessons?| | I like to have students who understand the value of speaking foreign languages and want to learn.| | Definitely! What about the other way around? What can students expect from you, their teacher?| | I am a teacher who listens to my students. I make a big effort to find the best teaching approach for each student, to help them achieve their specific goals. | | And what about Language Trainers, itself? Why should students enroll in a language course with us?| | Language Trainers doesn’t follow a unique approach to studying languages. Instead, the staff and teachers work together to understand each student’s needs and learning preferences to find the best way we can help them achieve their goals. Further, courses are personalized and students can set their own schedule, so it is very convenient for busy people.| | Well put, Silvia! Thanks again for speaking with me today. Before you go, is there a particular fun fact you teach to your Spanish students? Something about the language?| | ¿Cómo va todo? (How is everything going?) is a useful one. It is an expression that covers ¿Cómo estas? Bien gracias y tú? (How are you? Fine, Thanks and you?) much more quickly. It’s a great general question to use in any situation to break the ice and start a conversation, even if you are a beginner student.| |

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

I teach Spanish and English for Language Trainers. My childhood in Belgium, love of traveling, and desire to communicate instilled in me the value of language learning.

You know many languages. Where did you study?

I studied language at the University of Houston. But growing up in Belgium, you don’t study language; it’s more a way of life. So I’ve been learning and speaking different languages my entire life. By the time I moved to the states, I felt like I couldn't live here without learning Spanish. So I began studying and traveling. By traveling, I learned how language barriers can be a huge impediment and just how much languages should be valued.

What do you look for in a student?

I certainly expect that my students are very involved in their own learning process. That’s number one. I want students to concentrate on doing every day activities in their target language. Through this, I believe teachers can help students gain fluency, without immersion. Some people think, “I only have three weeks to learn a foreign language. I can’t go to (whichever desired country).” But, yes you can! All you need is the knowledge and desire to succeed.

What should students expect in you as a teacher?

I remember once I was at the airport in Tokyo and there were students waiting in line to get their passports checked, just to practice their English. I like to work especially with students in their areas of interest. Like these Japanese students, I prefer that my students do something they would already normally need to do and in their target language. If they like cooking, I advise students to look up recipes in their target language. If they listen to music while exercising, I recommend they search for songs in their target language.

What is one of your favorite experiences from your time with Language Trainers?

I’ve recently been working with a couple in Houston. It was difficult at first because they were each at very different skill levels: the husband knew a lot but spoke little, and the wife knew barely any Spanish. So we set up a system where the husband would start classes first, and then the wife would join in later. All of a sudden, there was this jump. I used exercises in business language with the husband to show how to express himself in the workplace –now the confidence is there, and he speaks with ease and fluency. The wife was more timid, and thought she wouldn't be able to learn, saying she was too old to start from scratch. Now she sits in on meetings, understand the majority of conversations, and contributes to them with ease. Her goal for this year is fluency. It’s been amazing to watch the transformation through their lessons. And it’s the flexibility and diligence Language Trainers provides that allows them to succeed at great lengths.

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

Teaching chose ME as a career after a number of years in the corporate world. I went through a life-changing evaluation of my personal and professional priorities and goals. I wanted to use the international work experience in a way that would “give back” to the world, and I felt this was possible through teaching English and coaching adult professionals on international cultural and business practices.

What age group do you usually teach?

I teach adults and all of my Language Trainers students thus far have been lawyers, investment bankers, IT specialists, politicians, company owners/founders, advertising and marketing executives, and a number of wives of foreign executives. Every student is unique and an inspiration to me to be a better teacher!

What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe that in life, we are all teachers and students to one another. My general philosophy is that our lessons are either positive —or not so positive—and we learn important lessons from both. When I teach, I’m personally and professionally so much happier. I’m helping and mentoring others in a very positive way. Our mutual experiences together as teacher-students reach so many others in the most amazing way!

What do you look for in a student?

On a personal level, I look for curiosity in a student, a willingness to make the most of their experience in NYC and in the USA in general, and the ability to think critically, probe deeper, and understand the bigger picture. On the technical and practical side, I look for a few things and assess these in every class or as often as possible. These are: a student’s need for the targeted language, the student’s motivation, the student’s individual prominent learning style, and any outside learning barriers or interferences.

What should students expect in you as a teacher?

As a teacher, I am enthusiastic, caring, and strongly encouraging of my students that they try their best…and then some! I expect much out of my students and I hope they expect even MORE from me. I do give a lot of myself. I’m empathetic and understanding to their feelings and life situations, as I’ve been in their same situation myself. Many of my Language Trainers students have been ‘shell shocked’ by their working experience in the United States; both at the pace to perform and the workload to handle. Our classes are the one place they can comfortably express this and feel understood.

Describe your favorite aspect of working for Language Trainers.

I love working for Language Trainers as well as the opportunity to work with such fantastic and interesting students from all over the world. I really cannot describe just one favorite teaching experience. Every class and every student is different. What I love most of all about teaching is that my students are teachers to ME. They push me to be a better teacher and a better person. They bring their world to me, and they do so with much grace, charm, humor, and integrity. To Language Trainers I’d like to say, thank you for the privilege to work with such students, and for the opportunity to be their teacher.

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

Teaching was one of my careers, and the other was public policy and advocacy, with extensive writing. I chose teaching because I felt that I would be good at it, and I wanted to reach people in ways that I'd rarely been reached when I was a student. I particularly like to teach upper-level English to adult professionals because we discuss topics of mutual interest, like social policy, the work place, current events, the arts and literature. I love teaching writing in particular, and have many years of professional writing experience.

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

I studied at Ohio Wesleyan University, the University of Madrid, George Washington University and Colgate University. I have taught students from ages 13 to maybe 45. I was a classroom Spanish and English teacher in public and private high schools, and also taught at George Washington and Southeastern Universities. In my second career I conducted workshops on Congress and how to have an impact on public policy.

What do you look for in a student?

I look for clarity of why the student wants to improve his/her English; how he or she will use it. I look for someone with interest in discussing topics in the above-mentioned areas. And I look for someone willing to put some time beyond our tutoring sessions into study.

What should students expect in you as a teacher?

Students should expect a well-rounded adult with a lot of experience in teaching, writing and public policy analysis who listens well and tailors the sessions to the student's needs and interests.

Describe your favorite teaching experience with Language Trainers:

I have had only two students, and enjoyed both of them tremendously. One was a middle-aged German male executive in a high tech firm with two children and a diplomat wife. The other was a young Chinese female accountant who has many, many interests and was willing to read American classics to discuss them.

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

I teach English. And my reason for choosing to teach is simple. There is nothing more important than communication. If I can help a person communicate, they are functional and confident. That is why I teach –to enable effective, confident people to express themselves.

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

I studied at the University of Wisconsin, George Williams College, and Loyola University. I have taught for twenty-five years. I teach adults, of any age. Sometimes I’ll teach kids one-on-one as well.

What do you look for in a student?

Both curiosity and initiative.

What should students expect in you as a teacher?

Students should expect both attention and empathy from me.

What is your favorite aspect of working for Language Trainers?

My favorite aspect of working with Language Trainers is the variety of people and their variety of needs: from reading or writing, to speaking or listening!

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

I teach English and German. I choose this career because I have a passion for teaching and making a difference in a person’s life.

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

I’ve studied at several universities, all in Canada. I have several degrees including a Masters in English Literature.

What age group do you usually teach?

I’m qualified to teach from pre-Kindergarten onwards and I have taught in almost every level, however I focus on adult and high school students.

What do you look for in a student?

Above all, the desire to learn!

What should students expect in you as a teacher?

Students can expect dedication and a love of learning. I work differently with each student according to their learning styles, and I always focus on their needs and what they want to learn. I work in a state of the art teaching style and encourage learning opportunities.

What has been your favorite teaching experience?

All of the students I've received through Language Trainers have been fantastic people. Beyond that, they've been great students to work with –both driven and motivated to learn!

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

I teach English as a second —or other—language. I come from a long line of teachers: both parents, aunts, and uncles are all teachers. To me, there is no career more rewarding. I love to see that sparkle in the eyes of my students when they start to understand. Knowledge is power and I want all of my students to have everything they need to succeed in any endeavor they choose.

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

My focus has been Business English for the most part –however not exclusively. I’ve taught all levels from beginner to advanced. I studied English literature at Fullerton College in Fullerton, California and journalism at University of North Texas. I have the TEFL certification and have completed The Compton Method of Accent Reduction.

What do you look for in a student?

I love to see a motivated student. I also make it my mission to give students the confidence they need. I try to make sure classes are interesting and seek to motivate them through my own desire to learn.

What should students expect in you as a teacher?

Students should expect and receive a program which suits their individual needs. My curriculum is very specific to each student, built according to what they wish to focus on. As a teacher, I will push them; it might get repetitive, and their jaw muscles may hurt, but we will always have fun.

What’s your teaching secret to success?

I always tell my students, “Together, we can do this!” I have said that to all of them. I want their feedback. It helps me build lessons plans specifically for them. I have seen programs that worked, and those that didn’t. From these and throughout my 13 years of teaching ESL, I build successful lessons plans that work for my student.

Describe your favorite aspect of working with Language Trainers.

I get so much support from the team. I’m used to having to bear everything on my own, so the support I get from Language Trainers is essential. From materials for the students, to great links to books, I trust them to send me the best resources. I’ve been working with Language Trainers for three years and I can say with all honesty, they are one of the best schools I have worked with. They care about the students and want the best teaching experience and outcome for them.

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

I became a teacher for two reasons. First, I have always loved studying foreign languages and cultures; and secondly, I enjoy the relationships that develop between my students and myself.

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

I have a Bachelor of Arts from Cornell University in French and Spanish, and a MA from NYU in French Literature. In addition, I’ve lived in both France and Spain. Since the age of 22, I have been teaching almost continuously. I have taught all levels –secondary, college, and language institutes that cater to adults.

What do you look for in a student?

The best language student is both curious and analytical. Most important, he/she is willing to speak and make mistakes in the process! That’s the only way to improve.

What should students expect in you as a teacher?

As a teacher, I have never adhered to only one pedagogical method. I find what works best for each individual.

Describe your favorite aspect of working as a language teacher:

It’s always fascinating to hear how my foreign-born students react to life in the United States. I’m able to view American culture through their eyes.

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

I teach Spanish and chose teaching as a career because I viewed it as a fantastic second job. Also, if a person has experience teaching Spanish, they may be able to combine various forms of experience.

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

I studied at the University of Nebraska, at Kearney, and at Metropolitan Community College in Omaha, Nebraska. I have been teaching for nearly two years and the age group I usually have taught have been adults over the age of 18.

What do you look for in a student?

I like a student who is positive about wanting to learn. I especially like a student who makes an effort to learn, and also understands that what they learn is not only up to the person teaching them, but also up to their own efforts and what they want to get out of learning.

What should students expect in you as a teacher?

Students should expect me to know how to teach a class. I don’t think it is unreasonable to have a teacher who may not know every little bit of information about the subject material, but a keen knowledge should be expected. In any case, there are times in which I have learned from my students rather than the relationship being the other way around.

Describe your favorite aspect of working for Language Trainers:

My favorite aspect of working for Language Trainers is that it allows me to continue to add experience to my teaching credentials anywhere that I live. I am in a career in which I have to move from place to place periodically, and it’s nice to have the experience and connections. The program is really a fantastic one for someone looking for part-time supplemental experience.

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

Well I began teaching at Sofia University immediately after I received my MA in Bulgarian studies. My major is literature, and I began focusing on language relatively recently in 2007. In that year, I became a Bulgarian instructor at the Beijing Foreign Studies University. I realized then that through language, I could do more for my culture. Being a Fulbrighter myself, I started teaching Bulgarian literature and culture to American Fellows at the Fulbright International Summer Institute in Bulgaria. For two years now, I teach also at the Bulgarian School in New York, HristoBotey. I actually came to New York with a perhaps too ambitious project to launch the first Bulgarian academic unit in the city and the Tristate area. This is to account for my visions and intentions –as I haven’t yet given up on this idea.

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

My BA, two MAs (Bulgarian Studies; Cultural Studies) and my PhD (in Literary Theory) I got from Sofia University. I specialize in teaching BA, MA and PhD students but lately I’ve been teaching Bulgarian to children between 5 and 12 year old and also to people between 30 and 70 year old. The approaches are different, but the language is the same, so the challenges are not that unique. Kids learn faster, but men and women value the magic of learning a language more.

What do you look for in a student?

Curiosity; curiosity towards the “mystical” ability of every language to project a world that is not entirely the same. Bulgarian aspects of the verb, for example, always open a new horizon –it’s like an alternative reality, our system of tenses and moods. Diligence and seriousness unhampered by a sense of humor and lightness in approaching language’s strangeness are also important qualities. The most important moment is the “click,” this readiness to collaborate and interact with the teacher.

What should students expect in you as a teacher?

I believe that teaching a new language is an integral process that involves not only repetition, learning by heart, exercising, practicing, creating situations for students to identify/perform, etc. but also to get into language’s character, mentality, and worldview –to get to know the people who speak this language.

What is your favorite aspect of working with Language Trainers?

With Language Trainers, students are monitored and taken care of every step of the way. Not only are they meticulous to the very last detail, but they allow students to be involved in their own learning process every step of the way.

Do you have a favorite teaching experience?

My favorite teaching experience is the moment when I feel that the student has come to the point of entering the language. This is the moment when I discover that the student has already created intuitions, sense, and sensibility about their new language.

Welcome, Fabrizio! Thanks for agreeing to this interview. Can you give me a quick summary of your teaching history and background? How did you come to teach with Language Trainers?

Yes, of course! I was born and raised in a German-speaking country. I first discovered my interest in modern languages in high school, and later continued my studies at college. I decided to become a teacher because the career offers a variety of fun ways to simultaneously learn and teach, while also building meaningful relationships with students from all walks of life. So, I took several classes in teaching foreign languages to maximize my ability to teach and interact with students, and now I teach German regularly. I wanted to work with Language Trainers because the company offers great flexibility: lesson times and locations can be chosen by the teacher, in agreement with the student; likewise, materials can be determined by the teacher in order to best cater to the needs of each student. Language Trainers are very transparent as to what they expect and what they're able to provide. And whenever I am in need of advice, their response time is fast and they provide plenty of helpful hints.

We are always happy to help such hard-working and successful teachers, like yourself, Fabrizio! It sounds like we have really cultivated a great place for teachers to find good working opportunities and support, but why would you recommend students to study with Language Trainers instead of any of the other language schools around?

Students should enroll in language classes with Language Trainers because the course programs offer maximum flexibility and good matching between teachers and students (whenever the chemistry is not there, things can be reshuffled). This is made possible by the efficient monitoring by Language Trainers’ in-house staff of both the students and teachers, which includes, among other things, regularly asking for feedback as to how classes are progressing.

You mentioned student-teacher matching there. Are there any particular traits you look for in the ideal student?

The main feature I personally look for in a student is his or her willingness and eagerness to learn. As long as students come to class motivated, it becomes so much easier for the teacher to meaningfully cater to their needs.

I agree completely! And what about the reverse? What can students expect from you in return for their dedication?

Students can expect from me a high level of preparation and experience. They'll be helped whether they're attempting to learn a language for pleasure or professional reasons, whether they view themselves as slow or fast learners, whether they're more laid back or very ambitious. In other words, I have learned over the years to adjust my approach to each student’s personality, expectations, and talents.

And is there anything in particular you like to teach your students? A fun or interesting phrase, perhaps?

Since quite a few of my beginner students resort to the standard answer of "no clue!" when asked about something in German, I love to teach them that, in German, we say "Keine Ahnung!" or "Ich habe keine Ahnung!" which draws a chuckle from most of them.

Can you tell us your most memorable experience with Language Trainers?

I have had several memorable teaching experiences while working with Language Trainers. But my most rewarding moments have been with those students who come to our lessons with a sense of achievement after having used their skills to understand their friends by communicating in German. Whenever a student gets positive confirmation outside the classroom from their own peers that they've noticed an improvement, and then they come back to class and relate that to me, it tells me that we're on the right track and getting closer to the student’s envisioned goal.

Hello, Piero!| | Hello!| | Thanks for agreeing to share your teaching experiences with us today! Let’s begin with your history, qualifications, and why you wanted to be a teacher in the first place.| | Well, I have always had a passion for languages and travels. I really enjoy socializing with foreigners and learning about their home countries and culture. Teaching my native language, Italian, and also English felt like a natural fit, so I completed my studies as an Italian instructor at Siena, Italy. I. I also got an EF SET certification in Advanced English. Professionally, I started to teach Italian in Italy with a caregiver agency; I mostly taught classes to Eastern Europe students. In 2011, I left Italy, initially to do volunteer work, and I taught languages because it’s something I could do from wherever, allowing me to travel at the same time. Since then, I have had students in the USA, Dominican Republic, Bolivia, and Brazil, including both individual or group lessons. Most of my experience is with face-to-face lessons, but in 2019, I started giving online classes, as well.| | What attracted you to Language Trainers? Why do you like working with our company?| | I was looking for a very good online school that could provide me with enthusiastic students. But even better is the staff; everyone is very professional, friendly, competent, and supportive with all my teaching needs.| | What are the main things you look for in your students? What do you hope they will bring to each lesson?| | I look for students with a big willingness to learn a new language, who attempt to apply the tips I give them, and who do extra activities outside of the lessons to improve, such as completing homework and watching videos in the language they are learning.| | And what do you bring to each course? What can our clients expect from the teachers who work with us?| | All the teachers who work with Language Trainers, including me, are well-prepared, have an understanding of each student’s goals and plan suitable activities to achieve them, pay attention to the difficulties each student is facing, and use comprehensive methods to teach all aspects of the target language, including listening, writing, reading and speaking.| | Can you share with us your most memorable teaching experience with Language Trainers?| | Recently, after just a couple of lessons on verbs, a student said, “I know how to conjugate verbs!” That is not an easy task of Italian grammar, and it is always a pleasure when students master new skills.| | I can imagine that is a wonderful feeling! And is there a fun fact or an inspirational lesson you like to teach?| | I always like to say, “You can do it! Who goes slow and steady, wins!”| | That’s a great message to remind students of regularly, definitely! Finally, Piero, why would you recommend that students enroll in a course with Language Trainers?| | Because of the experience, reliability, competence of the staff, as well as the international recognition of the company and the courses.| |

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!"| |

Hello Marija! Can you tell us about your teaching qualifications and which languages you teach?

Hello, yes, absolutely. I have a Master’s in teaching foreign languages. I have been teaching my native language (Serbian), English and Spanish for with 13 years to students of all ages.

You must enjoy a lot of success as a tutor with so much experience and so many languages you can teach. So, what attracted you to teach with Language Trainers

I’ve been working with Language Trainers for one year now and it has been amazing! The team is very helpful and friendly. Really great company! Language Trainers offers flexibility and the staff have a great work energy. It is a pleasure to work with such professional company who are always give teachers suggestions on our professional development. They let the teachers organize their own classes and trust us to teach how we believe is best for our students.

Speaking of your students, what do you look for in the perfect pupil? What do you expect from them?

I ask my students to expect to spend a lot of our lesson time speaking, so they use the foreign language in a genuine way. Otherwise, I expect my students to work hard, so they learn quickly and efficiently.

That seems fair! And what should students expect from you, their teacher?

Well, if I am always speaking, the students are not. For students to achieve the communicative practice they need, the solution is simple: the less I speak, they will. Otherwise, my goal is to motivate and direct students by creating an interesting and dynamic learning environment, where they can develop their language skills and overcome any communication barrier.

And besides your experienced teaching, why should students enroll in a language course with Language Trainers?

The more languages you know, the richer you become. Language Trainers guarantees a personalized and successful course via their helpful staff and world-class teachers!

That’s very nice of you to say. It seems you have had some good experiences working with us, then. Can you describe your most memorable one from your time with Language Trainers?

I have had one student for over a year now and I really enjoy the classes with her. She is very comfortable in our classes now, so they are easy-going and a lot of fun.

Finally, can you tell us a fun fact about the language you teach or a favorite expression you ask your students to learn?

Since I teach three different languages, English, Spanish, and Serbian, with totally different linguistic roots, I often find very interesting similarities and differences between them, which I like to point out to my students. Otherwise, I like to teach my students slang, idioms, and useful jargon, so they can understand everyday speech and not just the formal speech.