soy-marta

Hola! My name is Marta, a specialist in teaching Spanish as a foreign language, as well as a writer and journalist.

  • MA in applied linguistics to teach Spanish as a foreign language (University of Jaen).
  • Certified Neurolanguage Coach (in progress).
  • Specialised in cognitive grammar.
  • BA in Journalism (Complutense University of Madrid).
  • Over 10 years’ experience in teaching Spanish to undergraduates at University of Bristol.
  • Experienced in teaching Spanish for business at different companies like Orange, BBC, amongst others.
  • Experienced in one-to-one tuition to all ages and levels: kids, retired and young adults.
  • Bilingual: English – Spanish.

My Background

I come from Las Pedroñeras, a small village in Castilla La Mancha where the best garlic in the world is grown!

After studying and working in Madrid as a journalist, I got the itch to live abroad and improve my English skills. I left my job and went travelling around India for 4 months. This trip changed my life in so many ways… but I didn’t learn much English…
Yes! Maybe England was a better place to learn English! I moved to Bristol in 2010 with the idea of staying there for 2 years max.

Don’t ask me how, but I only returned to Spain in 2021… eleven years later.

During the first years in Bristol I worked as a glass collector, cleaner, waitress… whilst in my free time I studied for my Master’s to become a teacher of Spanish. Once I qualified, I got a position at the University of Bristol to teach Spanish to undergraduates. I combined this job with 1-2-1 tuition and delivering lessons in the evenings to small groups.

I loved teaching 1-2-1 as I always ended up creating a special bond with my students and in fact, I’m still in touch with students I taught years ago!

I loved teaching in the evenings to small groups. The atmosphere was really friendly and we always had a laugh (and sometimes tapas and wine!).

Newsletter

Sign up the newsletter "Más que palabras" and improve your Spanish by reading curiosities about the language, culture and learning tips.

foto-estudiantesI loved teaching at University, but after becoming a mum in 2020, I needed to improve my work-life balance. So… I decided to return to the sun and set up my own online business that unites my passion and my knowledge.

I’m passionate about travelling. I’ve been to India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Ecuador (living with the waoranis in the Amazon), Iceland, Morocco, Egypt, Malta, Albania, Greece, amongst others. Pending trips: Canada, New Zealand and Japan.

I love going out for tapas and wine, chatting and dancing! I love enjoying the little things in life.

I’m a bit spiritual. I practise yoga, mindfulness and meditation. I like to think that “everything happens for a reason” and learn from the experiences, good and bad alike.

Since I’ve become a mum, I’ve connected with my inner child. I love spending time with kids and playing with dolls and building castles!

Finally… My laughter is VERY LOUD. I’ve been told off at all my jobs for laughing too loud. You’ve been warned!

My principles

Positive emotions facilitate learning

We will work with interesting and inspiring topics in a relaxed atmosphere. We will make it real, personal and fun!

Different people, different goals, different abilities

My role is to facilitate students with the tools for them to flourish and to become independent. Each student will work at the pace that suits them towards their goals.

The power of the community

Language is about connecting and communicating with others. Come and join our community of like-minded people. It’s fun and engaging!

Progress, not perfection

When you’re learning you’re bound to make mistakes. It’s part of the journey. If you don’t remember a word? Just say use others to get your message across.

No puedes entender realmente una cultura
si no hablas su idioma- Nelson Mandela