Native Spanish qualified school teacher specialised in English and Spanish to all levels.

Find out more about Alicia

• 1) Do you speak this language fluently because of your origins or because a teacher inspired you to learn?

  I was born and raised in Madrid, Spain, and although I hold a degree in teaching English as a foreign language, I truly enjoy teaching my mother tongue, Spanish. I love sharing not only the language but also the cultural aspects and our unique sense of humour.
  
  I also really like teaching English to foreign students. Since I've been learning English myself from the age of eight and have lived in England for over twenty years, I understand the difficulties they might face because I've been through them too. It helps me explain things in a way that makes it easier for my students to learn.

• 2) Can you name a living, historical or fictional character that you think is the emblematic representative of the language's culture?

  I chose Don Quijote de la Mancha as an emblematic character because he really represents the rich language and culture of Spain. His story teaches important lessons about idealism, not giving up, and the complexity of human nature, which still connects with many parts of our lives today.

• 3) Is there a typical word, phrase, tradition or behavior in the language that you particularly like?

  One phrase I really like and we say a lot in Spain is 'Más vale tarde que nunca,' which means 'Better late than never.' It shows that it's always worth it to go after something, even if it takes a while. I love how it has such a positive take on patience and sticking with it!"

• 4) Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  Teaching both Spanish and English is important to me because it helps people communicate better in real life. Speaking is key to making connections, understanding different cultures, and sharing ideas with confidence. It's so rewarding to see my students become fluent and gain confidence in their speaking skills because it opens up new opportunities for them, both personally and professionally.

• 5) What is the main difficulty in learning this language and what can help the process of learning?

  I think the hardest part of learning Spanish is mastering verb conjugations since they change a lot depending on the tense and subject. I help my students by creating a supportive atmosphere where they feel comfortable practicing. I use fun activities like role-plays, discussions, and games to make speaking interactive. I also encourage them to use Spanish in real-life situations and give them helpful feedback to boost their confidence and skills

• 6) Provide a valuable anecdote related to your language learning or your days at school.

  The funniest and most embarrassing moment I had while learning English was when I didn't know about false friends-words that sound the same but mean different things. One day, I had a cold and told a friend that I was 'constipated' while I was wiping my nose. She just started laughing and told me that 'constipated' actually means having tummy troubles, not what I was trying to say! It was super funny but also a great lesson for me.

• 7) How has travel or a specific trip helped you to increase your skill and knowledge of the language?

  Travel has been a big help in improving my language skills and understanding of different cultures in Spain. Many of my students vacation in places like Andalusia or Murcia and often have a hard time understanding the local dialects. Since I've been visiting these regions since I was young, I'm familiar with their unique ways of speaking. This experience allows me to prepare my students better and give them tips on how to communicate more easily while they're there.

• 8) What makes you a Superprof in language?

  What makes me a Superprof in language is my personal experience, cultural knowledge, and love for helping others learn. Having learned languages myself, I understand the challenges and can give practical tips to help my students feel confident. Growing up in Spain, I bring cultural insights and different dialects to make lessons more interesting. With my experience teaching English and passion for Spanish, I create fun, easy-to-follow lessons that are personalized for each student.