We thought it would be useful to not only interview our students during this time but our teachers too. Check out what one of our full-time teachers at Euroace had to say about teaching international students, life as a teacher during the pandemic and more. Keep reading…
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1. What’s the best thing about teaching international students?

I’d say the best thing about teaching international students from so many different countries is the cultural exchange we all experience. We can learn different thing from many cultures every day which makes the classes and the learning more interesting!

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2. Tell us more about how students learn Spanish at EUROACE.

We try to make the learning process as natural as possible. For example, we teach the grammatical concepts and vocabulary but we make sure they are directly related to contextual situations. This means the students are able to practice new and difficult concepts within easier, more familiar contexts. In this way students assimilate Spanish through practicing it, and that’s what makes it more natural, and also more fun too!

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3. How is EUROACE different from other Spanish schools?

Euroace is flexible and is always ready to adapt to meet the needs of the students. All of our staff and teachers work hard to understand each student, how they learn, their difficulties, their learning pace and their requirements. We adapt our teaching styles and take a flexible approach to make sure that the student experiences learning success.

Also i’d say all of our teachers are very committed to each of their students and as we only teach in small groups, this enables both teacher and student to reach their objectives.

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4. What are the three most important factors for a successful class?

Number one is the connection between teacher and student. It’s so important to have a good connection so the student understands the topic and learns successfully. Next I think is the student’s motivation which we achieve thanks to the energy and enthusiasm of all the teachers. Number three is creating an environment in which the student has the confidence to practice in, and so they talk in Spanish using what they are learning in class.

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5. Why do you think so many students want to learn Spanish?

Spanish is an important language on an international level, after English and Chinese, and can open many doors in the professional world too. Also, if students are interested in traveling to hispanic countries.

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6. Do students get extra support at EUROACE if they need it?

Yes, they can always ask questions about things they don’t understand and we can give them extra learning materials or support if they need it. Especially with topics and concepts that require more studying at home.  

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7. What’s your favorite thing about being a teacher at EUROACE?

For me the flexibility they give me to teach using my own style and trusting me to be able to adjust the class and the materials I use to the group of students i’m teaching.

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8. What has it been like teaching Spanish during a pandemic?

It has been a challenge. We have had to use more technology than ever before, especially since we had to introduce many online classes to our schedule because of students not being able to attend in person and also because of remote classes. Social distancing and masks have also made the classroom environment a bit different but we are managing despite it all!

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9. What is EUROACE doing in terms of health and safety to keep teachers and students as safe as possible?

We are maintaining social distance, we have the classrooms constantly aired out and fresh, we use hand sanitizer frequently and we always wear a mask on the premises.

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10. What advice would you give to future students who want to learn Spanish?

I would recommend them to get to know the language; listen to Spanish music, watch films and series in Spanish, go to language exchanges, and of course, take a Spanish course in a small group environment where they can practice to the max and learn the language through conversation with native guidance.

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For more information about our Spanish courses in Valencia, just click here.