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Profile Picture

Sara Valencia

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5.0
map_pinSpain
4:49 PM (GMT+01:00)
class
Spanish
user_group_man_woman
61
time
775
class
Spanish
user_group_man_woman
61
time
775

Speaks

Spanish
Native
,
English
C1

About Me

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and hold three Master's degree in Spanish as a Foreign Language from the Alcalá de Henares University in Madrid. I have over ten years of experience in teaching Spanish to foreign students of various ages, nationalities and backgrounds at the International Languages School "Enforex" in Madrid. Since 2015, I impart Spanish classes to the staff in the United Nations World Tourism Organization in Madrid.

I work with a communicative method which includes the teaching of grammar, speaking, writing, reading, listening comprehension as well as instruction in Spanish culture.

In both my group and private classes, I encourage the exclusive use of Spanish, but if the student feels shy or stuck, I can use as much English as needed to make you feel more comfortable to advance, especially at the beginning. As I have taught students from various backgrounds –Chinese, English, Japanese, American, French, Italian, Portuguese, German, and Turkish-- I can help you with the most common pitfalls in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.

As a Cervantes Institute accredited trainer, I also teach courses at all levels to prepare students for the Spanish as a Foreign Language diploma administered by the Instituto Cervantes (DELE). I have also administered the DELE exam myself on multiple occasions, so I can help you achieve this goal. I offer my students multiple resources such as textbooks, exercises, videos, guided conversation, games, compositions, suggested readings, films, and TV series. I do a quick test to find out each student's level at the start and then test for each level completed. I do believe, however, that each student knows best what his/her needs are; I can, therefore, tailor the lesson to the goals of the student in order to make the learning experience as fruitful and productive as possible. I will also guide each students to many useful on-line resources for self-study.

I consider learning (and teaching) Spanish as a great chance to have a good time! Personally, I cannot conceive learning a new language without enjoying it, having a good time. I always do my best for the students to get the maximum benefit from each lesson as well as to have a fun experience while accomplishing their goal.
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Teacher Stats

watchWithin a day
timetable6 years ago
place_marker95.00%
class775
class_blackboard15.3 lesson average
filled_star5.0

Schedule

Teaching Expertise

Beginner
Upper Beginner
Intermediate
Upper Intermediate
Advanced
Upper Advanced
Castilian Spanish

Résumé

schoolEducation

2010 - 2011
Official Master's Degree as an Expert in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language. 60 ETC credits.
University of Alcalá de Henares - Alcalá de Henares (Madrid), Spain.
The main focus of this Master’s was the profound academical approach to the skills, theory, resources, and knowledge of Spanish Language teaching that is required to start a Ph.D. program in this field.
2009 - 2011
Master's Degree in Compulsory Secondary Education and Baccalaureate, Vocational Training and Language Teaching - Major In Spanish Language and Literature. 60 ETCS credits.
University of Alcalá de Henares - Alcalá de Henares (Madrid), Spain
While working in an international language school, I did this Master’s degree that enables me to teach in the Spanish Educational System with native speakers. It focused on the Pedagogy needed to teach Spanish as a mother tongue, modern Philology and the ways to make students understand, appreciate and enjoy Spanish literature.
2006 - 2009
Master's Degree in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language (specific degree of Alcalá de Henares University). 60 ETC credits.
University of Alcalá de Henares - Alcalá de Henares (Madrid), Spain
After discovering my vocation as a Spanish teacher, I gained profound knowledge in the theory of the linguistic and pedagogical aspects of teaching my mother tongue to foreign students in one of the most prestigious universities in Alcalá de Henares, the hometown of Miguel de Cervantes. I also had a teacher's practice during my internship in an international language school (Enforex International Language School), where I was later recruited as a teacher and where I work at the present.
2002 - 2006
Bachelor´s Degree in Journalism Cardenal Herrera Oria-CEU 2001 - 2006
Universidad Cardenal Herrera Oria-CEU - Valencia, Spain
My passion for mastering the Spanish Language in all its forms and styles, as well as my desire to have a better understanding of the world we live in led me to study Journalism. I gained and broadened my specific knowledge in subjects such as Politics, Economy, Sociology, Literature, History, Philosophy, while working on my skills as an effective communicator in radio, TV, and the printed press. These skills have been very helpful to me in harnessing extensive resources from these fields to communicate better and be more creative as a teacher.

briefcaseWork Experience

2007 - 0
Spanish Teacher on an International Language School
Enforex International Language School - Madrid, Spain
Since 2017, I teach full time at Enforex International Languages School in Madrid for foreign students of various ages, nationalities studying at different levels. Teaching both one-on-one and group classes for more than a decade has afforded me a great knowledge about helping students from diverse and multi-cultural backgrounds to discover new horizons at work or in academia, to enjoy their travel experiences and to be able to communicate with Spanish speakers from all around the world.
2015 - 0
Spanish Teacher on United Nations Organization
United Nations World Tourism Organization - Madrid, Spain
I work with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), which is a specialized agency of the United Nations to improve the Spanish language skills of its staff from different backgrounds and nationalities, using online platforms to work with them while they are on missions abroad and focusing on their communication needs (e.g. correspondence, e-mails, telephone calls, presentations, etc.) and other language applications at the UN.

diploma_2Certifications

2008 - 2008
Instituto Cervantes Official DELE Trainer
Instituto Cervantes - Madrid, Spain
As a Cervantes Institute accredited trainer, I teach courses at different levels to prepare my students for the Spanish as a Foreign Language diploma (DELE). I also administer the official exam on a regular basis, which has enabled me to know exactly what the students need to achieve the level they want and to pass the exam.
2008 - 2008
Advanced English B2 (First Certificate in English).
University of Cambridge
I got my Advanced certificate of English, and have been regularly practicing and improving my level, in order to be able to communicate in formal contexts, teaching, as well as in social events.