Hello! My name is Juan Francisco and I live in Mexico City. I enjoy literature, movies, music, and culture in general. I'm very keen on getting to know diverse people and understand their context and their thoughts. I have a bachelor's degree in Latin American Studies and a certificate in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language, both from the National University of Mexico (UNAM). I published a novel in 2022, and I contribute to Mexican magazines on a regular basis. I also write articles on language learning.
I've been a teacher since 2017. I adore languages. I've studied English, French, German and Italian, so I am very aware how difficult it is to learn a foreign tongue. I know how to make the process enjoyable and effective, I can give you lots of tips and guide you through it skillfully.
My classes are tailored to each student, so your needs and objectives are met. Conversation is a great way to make use of online lessons, we can talk about anything you want. We'll complement it with doses of grammar, and I'll also function as a “content-jockey”. I'll always have a suggestion, depending on your level, for a book, a movie, music, a YouTube channel, or an app, etc.
I truly believe in input-based learning. Looking back, that's how I learned English when I was a teenager, just enjoying cultural material without realizing I was studying. I consider having fun with compelling content the best practice. However, I also think that spending some time with grammar (like looking at a map during a hike) can be very useful and speed up the process.
During the trial lesson we will get to know each other a bit. I will ask you about your history with Spanish and your goals. Then we can talk about the structure of the class, the methodology, what you prefer in that area and my own recommendations (you are the boss). Afterwards we will try to speak a little Spanish, if your level allows it, and we will have a few more minutes to answer your questions and hear your comments. Don't stress out! It will be thirty gentle and friendly minutes.
In these few months with Juan, I have gained much more than just the technicalities of effective communication in Spanish. Instead, I have developed a newfound appreciation for truly embracing and embodying a language. I attribute my continued improvement to Juan's distinctive style of encouragement and unparalleled care.
Juan Francisco is warm, intelligent and invested in his students. His good humour and relaxed nature, as well as his literary sensibility and his extensive knowledge of, and love for the arts and the Spanish language, make learning with him so rewarding and enjoyable that I want to keep reading and learning more and more and more!
Juan Francisco is super patient and friendly, plus he knows everything about languages and how to study them. On top of that, he has an encyclopedic interest in literature, film, music, culture - we never run out of things to talk about, and he's helped my Spanish skills increase immensely.