As the world becomes increasingly globalised, English has become the lingua franca, spoken by millions of people across the globe. As a result, there is an ever-increasing demand for English teachers, and this has led to the growth of the English language teaching industry. As someone who is passionate about languages and teaching, I decided to become a self-employed English teacher, and I have not looked back since.
I first moved to Bilbao in 2016, and I fell in love with the city and its people. Bilbao is a vibrant city that is rich in culture and history. It is located in the Basque Country, an autonomous region in the north of Spain. The Basque Country is known for its unique language, culture, and cuisine, and I was eager to learn more about it.
I decided to teach English as a foreign language, as I believe that language learning is one of the most enriching experiences that a person can have. Being able to communicate with people from different backgrounds and cultures opens up a whole new world of opportunities and experiences.
I specialise in teaching Cambridge English exams, specifically the First (FCE) and Advanced (CAE) exams. These exams are widely recognized and respected by employers, universities, and governments around the world. The exams are designed to test a candidate's ability to use English in real-life situations, and they are divided into four parts: reading and use of English, writing, listening, and speaking.
I chose to specialize in these exams because I believe that they provide my students with a clear goal to work towards. By preparing for and passing these exams, my students can demonstrate their proficiency in English and improve their job prospects, gain admission to universities, and even emigrate to English-speaking countries.
One of the reasons why I decided to become a self-employed English teacher is because I enjoy the flexibility that it offers. Being self-employed means that I can set my own schedule, choose my own clients, and work from anywhere. This flexibility is particularly important to me because I have a young family, and I value the ability to balance my work and personal life.
Another reason why I prefer being self-employed is that I am in control of my own business. I am responsible for marketing my services, setting my own rates, and managing my own finances. This level of autonomy is empowering, and it allows me to take ownership of my career and build a business that aligns with my values and goals.
In addition, being self-employed has allowed me to build meaningful relationships with my clients. When you work for a language school or a company, you are often limited in your interactions with your students. However, as a self-employed English teacher, I have the opportunity to work one-on-one with my clients and get to know them on a personal level. This not only makes my job more enjoyable but also enables me to tailor my teaching approach to their individual needs and goals.
I studied Italian and Spanish at Cardiff University, and I have a university degree in these languages. This has been invaluable in my teaching career, as it has allowed me to understand the difficulties that my students face when learning a foreign language. It has also given me a deep appreciation for the nuances of language and the importance of cultural awareness.
Furthermore, my background in languages has allowed me to connect with my students on a personal level. As someone who has struggled with language learning, I understand the frustrations and challenges that my students face. This empathy and understanding have helped me to create a supportive and encouraging learning environment that empowers my students to achieve their goals.
In conclusion, becoming a self-employed English teacher has been one of the best decisions that I have ever made. It has allowed me to pursue my passion for teaching while also providing me with the flexibility and autonomy that I need to balance different aspects my life.
