Eleonora Podestà

I studied languages at university but I really learnt English and French living in Dublin for three years and then in Bordeaux. I believe that the best way to learn a new language is through conversation, reading and listening. In fact, during my lessons I propose conversations on topics that interest my students so that they can be involved and participate; I propose reading articles on current affairs, travel, cinema, and listening to short videos or interviews.

I organise lesson trying to expand on privious knowledge and encouraging students to explore new and interesting possibilities and construct their own learning, in an environment that stimulates and helps to realise their full potential. Depending on the level of the student, during my lessons I can propose conversations on topics that interest my students so that they can be involved and participate; I propose reading articles on current affairs, travel, cinema, and listening to short videos or interviews. All the material I use in class I share on the screen and then via email with the student. In addition, I always keep a shared google document that the student has free access to and can work on whenever they want

I teach Italian and English to children, teens and adults. I have two years of experience. For a year I worked as Italian and English teacher in a company specialized in translation, interpreting and language courses whereI was able to gain experience and skills in teaching, both in classroom and online. In addition, I could carry out translations and teach English to children from 3 to 10 years old in an English language school in Milan, Italy. Currently, I am still working with this Italian company but since September 2023 my collaboration is fully remote. My students generally are adults learning Italian for work purposes or because they have moved to Italy. I have also a part-time job in an English language school with which I run courses in two primary schools.

Through my studies and especially my experiences abroad, first Ireland and then France, I developed and cultivated my great interest in foreign languages and cultures. After graduating in Foreign languages and literature I attended a course of translation of children’s books, and a course in order to teach Italian to foreigners. I have been a language student and an expat for most of my adult life. I have been through the whole process of learning English and understanding the culture, and I am doing it all over again with French! So I know and understand the challenges one can face when learning a new language and living in a foreign country. My aim is to make people learn the real Italian spoken by natives as well as to make them feel more confident when speaking Italian, and understand it better. This is something I needed but didn't have when I moved country so now I help and guide anyone who wants to learn Italian.