Self-introductionHi! My full name can be difficult to pronounce if you don't speak Spanish (yet!), so feel free to call me "Mari". マリと読んでください! ^_~
I'm a Mexico City native, but I've lived for in Tokyo (Japan) and Birmingham (UK).

Teaching backgroundWith 20 years of teaching experience, I've taught literature and translation at Mexico's national university as well as private university. For the past five years I've also been working an an international education consulting firm alongside teaching Spanish as a foreign language to expats that have made Mexico City their home.

Teaching styleI come from a family of teachers; Perhaps that's why I love teaching so much.
I know from personal experience that learning a new language can be an intimidating process. After ten years of learning Japanese myself, I still feel very nervous any time I have to use my--quite terrible--Japanese skills. But I believe that learning a different language can also be fun, enriching and life-changing, even.
My goal as a Cafetalk language tutor is to create engaging, meaningful lessons that can help you reach your desired target level.
That might mean an in-depth study of the Spanish or English language from beginner level up to advanced, or maybe you just want to polish you conversation skills. You might also wish to learn enough to survive daily life in a Spanish or English-speaking country. Or perhaps you need some grammar, reading or writing practice for a test.
I understand that language students have all sorts of reasons to study a language and also different learning needs.
I invite you to take a look at my lessons and see which one would fit you best. If you don't find what you're looking for, I encourage you to request a trial lesson so we can speak about your needs and goals, and see if I'm a good fit.
Finally, be it Spanish or English lessons, I'll encourage you to speak in either of these languages as much as possible. However, I understand that sometimes there might be breaks in the communication process. If that happens, I can briefly explain something to you in English or I might try to explain it to you in Japanese (with my very limited--I'm sorry!--Japanese skills).
Also, if you're an absolute beginnger in Spanish, fear not! We'll slowly build up your Spanish skills and at the very beginning we can use English or basic level Japanese.
Fun facts about me!What do I do when I'm not teaching? Well, I love to read (especially contemporary, quirky novels!).
My mom is from Spain, so I can adapt the vocabulary I teach you to either the Spanish Mexican variant or the variant from Spain.
I'm also a language fan. I'm studying Japanese by myself and dream of passing the JLPT N3 or even the N2 one day.
And although I'm also an ocassional writer, I would be happy if could bake all day long!

...Wouldn't it be great if one day you could share with me your favourite recipe in Spanish! or in English!! or in both!?
I look forward to meeting you! (¡
Será un placer!)
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