The Interview … with myself!
As a sole trader, as I’ve mentioned before, I do not benefit from department heads to busy themselves with getting into various subjects and then briefing me for discussion on the business. Therefore, because I have no Marketing Department I have decided to interview myself and let Chamber readers peek behind the curtains back stage so to speak.
What made you decide to become a French tutor?
Initially I trained to be a Primary School Teacher so education is something important to me and something I have always enjoyed doing. When I first came to Britain in the 1990s I took a job working as French Tutor for the Berlitz language school and that was the spark that ignited my passion for the role. I very quickly realised that I loved teaching French and seeing my students progressing with the language skills. It’s very rewarding.
What do you like best about helping people with the French language?
Honestly speaking, I prefer to teach French to adults as I believe like all languages, French is supposed to be spoken. In my experience I find that the curriculum for GCSE and A-levels focuses too heavily on written and grammar skills which is important of course but fundamentally, my role is a people business and getting people conversant speaking with each other is a real joy. You can always learn to read and write the language a little later but the pleasure of a learning a language, and where it’s easier to see real success quickly is being able to speak to be understood and to understand the response.
You have students from all over the world. Do you find any differences in how people like to learn?
Differences are not really because of their geographic location but more about the individual’s learning styles. People learn differently whether they are from Britain, Singapore, Dubai or anywhere else. I tailor my lessons to the individual’s learning style, their needs and their personal preferences.
It’s not just French language tuition that you do but also consultancy. Tell us more about that.
I also help people living in-county in France with day-to-day tasks. Being able to buy bread at the bakery, have a chat with the Butcher or run round your local Hypermarket is completely different that talking with a solicitor about a house purchase or a local problem or talking with medical professionals about healthcare issues on behalf of your partner. That’s where I can help be the intermediary between a professional and a native English speaker. One such instance was the healthcare issue where a client’s wife was very ill in hospital and whilst the husband could do the shopping and navigate their way around town, the complex nature of the healthcare discussion was beyond his and her capability. I got to know both the husband and wife and engaged with the hospital on their behalf. I understood the situation, the concerns and expectations of the patient and her husband plus the options, benefits and risks from the hospital’s perspective. And with the benefit of today’s technology it’s a very cost effective solution too during situations when people are otherwise lost and quite vulnerable.
What are your top tips for learning French?
Exploring, testing, trialling, making mistakes (it’s part of the learning process) and having fun are essential. I would also say that patience with the learning process is important as is being realistic with your expectations. For all of these reasons, this is why I tailor lessons to suit the individual’s own learning style, their needs and what interests them.
Whatever your motivation, whether you are starting from new and always wanted to learn the language, whether you are more experienced and want to develop your conversation, you might be looking for guidance in-country with healthcare or house buying or perhaps you are looking for support for your business, give me a call with no obligation on 07930 444 078 or email me on [email protected] anytime.