Matt
Matt has spent a lot of his teaching career in Thailand, which has influenced his choice of cinema and cuisine with his favourite food being Thai Green Curry and his favourite film the 2005 action movie Tom-Yum-Goong. As well as his interests in photography and music, Matt is an avid reader and lists as one of his favourite books Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.
| What did you study? | Philosophy at the University of Sheffield |
| Where have you taught? | Thailand and London |
| Why One to One English? | The school has a very welcoming atmosphere |
| What are your hobbies? | Photography and DJing |
| One thing students MUST do during their stay in London? | Get out of London and see the rest of Britain |
| Why did you become a teacher? | It allows me to meet many interesting people from a variety of different cultures |
Charlotte
| What did you study? | English Literature and Philosophy MA |
| Where have you taught? | South Korea, Bath and London |
| Why One to One English? | The intensive classes that enable students to progress more rapidly |
| What are your hobbies? | Reading and going for walks around London |
| One thing students MUST do during their stay in London? | Go to see the big dinosaur at the Natural History Museum |
| Why did you become a teacher? | To help people achieve their goals and to learn more about the world |
Diane
I'm interested in other peoples' viewpoints even if they differ wildly from my own. I'm independent but have been known to socialise. Foreign languages interest me a great deal.
| What did you study? | Humanities |
| Where have you taught? | Russia, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Pakistan and here in Covent Garden, London |
| Why One to One English? | There is a remarkably positive attitude amongst the students and teachers (everybody seems to like it here) |
| What are your hobbies? | Reading international literature, cinema and travel |
| One thing students MUST do during their stay in London? | Visit the Wallace Collection |
| Why did you become a teacher? | To meet new people from around the world |
John
Like most Londoners, John wishes he possessed the ability to control its temperamental climate, preferably from the snug of a traditional London pub like the Charles Dickens pub near Tower Bridge. In fact, all things Dickensian interest John, who lists Oliver Twist as his favourite film. A keen cyclist - hence his desire to control the weather - John will watch anything by Martin Scorsese, and he listens to The Stone Roses to unwind.
| What did you study? | Social Policy at Newcastle University |
| Where have you taught? | China and London |
| Why One to One English? | Small class sizes let you get to know the students and their individual needs |
| What are your hobbies? | Sports, reading, travelling and music |
| One thing students MUST do during their stay in London? | Discover London's parks |
| Why did you become a teacher? | Teaching is a fantastic way to see the world; you can become a real part of a country |
Kate
I'm originally from London, but have studied in Bristol, Naples and Martinique. I spent over two years teaching English in Portugal in both Coimbra and Lisbon, but now it's nice to be back in my hometown. I'm really enjoying teaching at One to One English, both because the school is so nice and friendly, and because Covent Garden is such a lovely location. I love London – it's so varied and exciting – and if the weather was better it would be the best city in the world! When I'm not at work, I like to make the most of what London has to offer and spend time with my family and friends.
| What did you study? | French and Italian at Bristol University |
| Where have you taught? | London and Portugal |
| Why One to One English? | Smaller classes mean you really get to know the students |
| What are your hobbies? | Reading, going to the cinema and theatre, bowling |
| One thing students MUST do during their stay in London? | Go to the art galleries which are free and so diverse |
| Why did you become a teacher? | Because I like working with people and it's never boring |
Emma
I've been teaching ever since I graduated with a degree in Hispanic studies and Portuguese from the University of Birmingham and really enjoy my job because you get to meet a lot of varied and interesting people every day, and help them to achieve their goals. Teaching English is great for allowing you to work and travel and so far I have taught and lived in Murcia (Spain) and Aveiro (Portugal), which was an amazing experience. Some other places I've been in the world include: Australia, China, Thailand, Tunisia, Italy, Turkey, Holland. Travelling and exploring new places is one of my hobbies and when I'm not working you'll find me out and about in London, jumping on a cheap flight to Europe, taking my car on a road trip or around the UK playing the guitar and song-writing.
| What did you study? | Hispanic studies and Portuguese at the University of Birmingham |
| Where have you taught? | Spain (Murcia), Portugal (Aveiro) |
| Why One to One English? | It's great to see students progress and small class sizes mean they do this quickly at this school. |
| What are your hobbies? | Playing the guitar, singing, song-writing, travelling, photography. |
| One thing students MUST do during their stay in London? | Sit at the front of a double decker bus and get a sightseeing tour for the price of a normal bus ticket. |
| Why did you become a teacher? | I have always loved languages and working with people, and being an English teacher means I can do both of these. |
Ann
Ann's favourite books include War and Peace and Lord of the Rings, two mighty pieces of work. Indeed Ann cites finishing them as among her greatest achievements. In fact, if you were to tackle these mammoth texts you would need to create as comfortable and relaxing environment as possible. Ann constructs this reading nirvana by surrounding herself with her favourite things: The Beatles, Beethoven and (the smell of) baked bread, in front of a roaring fire with a nice glass of red wine... bliss.
| What did you study? | English and Drama at Royal Holloway College |
| Where have you taught? | Russia, London and York |
| Why One to One English? | The freedom to tailor the classes to the specific needs of the individual |
| What are your hobbies? | Theatre and classical music concerts |
| One thing students MUST do during their stay in London? | Check the theatre scene beyond the West End, London has a wide selection of theatres |
| Why did you become a teacher? | I wanted to have a career that is creative and gives me a chance to work with people |
Caroline
I'm from east London but now live in the north (which is much posher). In my former life I was a secondary school teacher, which involves lots of marking, complaining and sometimes dodging bullets (well maybe it wasn't that bad). I've lived and taught in North Italy and studied in Amsterdam in the past, but I'm happily residing in London when the sun shines.
| What did you study? | English Literature |
| Where have you taught? | Belgravia College and LTC College in London, and a small private school in Italy. |
| Why One to One English? | The small classes and opportunity to provide individual attention. |
| What are your hobbies? | Amateur dramatics, writing, walking and drinking. |
| One thing students MUST do during their stay in London? | Have champagne at Tower 42 for the fantastic views. |
| Why did you become a teacher? | To help people and do something worthwhile, not just for financial gain. |
Anna
Luckily I live in the heart of London, which allows me to sample all of its delights, especially Regents Park and Marylebone village which always has a very relaxed yet fun atmosphere. However, having lived in Norfolk from a young age I'm a country girl at heart, so at the weekend I love to decamp to Norfolk and relax with my family in the countryside, the coast and the Broads. Whenever I get the chance I like to hop over to the French Alps to visit my family who live in a tiny tucked away village. This allows me to taste the French culture and mainly cuisine! Having travelled, studied and worked abroad I often have the opportunity to visit friends in these foreign parts.
| What did you study? | Modern European Languages and Culture at Durham University |
| Where have you taught? | Ile de La Reunion, France, Mexico and London |
| Why One to One English? | Small groups allow me to focus on individual needs. It provides a structured, friendly and pressure-free environment for effective language learning. |
| What are your hobbies? | Rowing, winter sports, travelling and tennis. |
| One thing students MUST do during their stay in London? | Where do I start? Check out the art galleries! |
| Why did you become a teacher? | I recognise the value of learning languages and I get a lot of satisfaction out of helping a student to believe in their potential for success. |
Elaine
| What did you study? | Maths, but people are way more interesting than numbers! |
| Where have you taught? | Cambridge, sunny Lisboa and London |
| Why One to One English? | Everything! The staff are some of the loveliest people you will ever meet, the small class sizes are perfect for learning/teaching English and the location is one of the best in London! What more could you ask for?! |
| What are your hobbies? | Despite my small frame, I love food (and good wine!), so eating out with friends and family is number one! I also LOVE London and discovering bits I never knew existed. World cinema is also one of my passions, as are music (although I'm a bit out of touch these days!), cooking, reading in bed, swimming (never seem to have enough time!) and walking. |
| One thing students MUST do during their stay in London? | Walk along the Thames from London Bridge all the way to the London Eye, calling into Borough Market, Southwark Cathedral, Shakespeare's Globe, the Tate Modern and finishing along the Southbank for a spot of culture! The BFI (British Film Institute) is a must-see! It shows classic films and has two great bars! |
| Why did you become a teacher? | I love people! |
Katie
I love to be active, I always have a project on the go and I like to expand my horizons, through travel, study and meeting new people. I've been trying to learn Spanish for over six years and am determined that one day I will be fluent!
| What did you study? | Psychology |
| Where have you taught? | London and Spain (Madrid and Seville) |
| Why One to One English? | The small classes, the friendly atmosphere and the motivated students |
| What are your hobbies? | Pilates, netball, sewing and making things |
| One thing students MUST do during their stay in London? | Take the boat from central London to Greenwich on a sunny day (and then have an ice cream!) |
| Why did you become a teacher? | To meet people from all over the world |
Lucy
Lucy loves to climb mountains, although if she possessed her preferred superpower of flight she could reach the summit by this less arduous means. Once ensconced in her idyllic alpine retreat, Lucy would relax by reading her favourite book: The Sirens of Titan (Kurt Vonnegut) or watching a Hitchcock thriller. Alternatively, once refreshed Lucy may feel inspired to produce a follow-up album for her band On the Offshore whose first album she feels is one of her proudest achievements.
| What did you study? | Music and German at Royal Holloway College |
| Where have you taught? | Germany and London |
| Why One to One English? | The method is excellent; it provides an opportunity for lots of speaking practice |
| What are your hobbies? | Reading, cycling and walking in mountains. I also sing in an electro pop band. |
| One thing students MUST do during their stay in London? | London has a fabulous underground music scene |
| Why did you become a teacher? | I adore meeting new people from different cultures |
Miriam
I am fascinated by different cultures and enjoy travelling whenever I get the opportunity. Most recently, I have spent a lot of time in China and Taiwan and am currently addicted to a number of Taiwanese soap operas! Having grown up in London, I am pleased to be living here again and look forward to making the most of all London has to offer, especially in the summer months with lots of outdoor theatre plays and picnics in the parks!
| What did you study? | Chinese at Cambridge University |
| Where have you taught? | Hungary, China, Taiwan, London (Beckenham and Greenwich) |
| Why One to One English? | Smaller classes mean you can really get to know the students as individuals. The school is a very welcoming and friendly place. |
| What are your hobbies? | Travelling, learning languages and eating good food! |
| One thing students MUST do during their stay in London? | Go to the Globe Theatre as a 'groundling' |
| Why did you become a teacher? | I wanted a career that is varied and rewarding. I'm fascinated by different cultures and love meeting people from all around the world! |
Rachel
| What did you study? | Drama and Performance |
| Where have you taught? | South Korea, Egypt and London |
| Why One to One English? | Small and friendly and the opportunity to get to know students |
| What are your hobbies? | Performance Art, Reading and Cycling |
| One thing students MUST do during their stay in London? | Swim in the ponds at Hampstead Heath |
| Why did you become a teacher? | Enjoy face to face engagement, and helping/facilitating people in their learning |
Sally
| What did you study? | BA in Photography, MA in Linguistics |
| Where have you taught? | China and England |
| Why One to One English? | It's fun but professional |
| What are your hobbies? | Learning languages and bowling |
| One thing students MUST do during their stay in London? | London has a wide variety of international cuisine – try as much as possible |
| Why did you become a teacher? | I'm interested in linguistics. Meeting people from all over the world is a bonus. |
