Empezamos una nueva serie de blogs entrevistando a empleados de Cambridge House English Schools. ¡Pensamos que podría ser interesante para los alumnos escuchar las opiniones de los que estamos al otro lado de la mesa! ☺

Hoy vamos a conocer a Jason, profesor de clases en Talking with Cambridge House.

How long have you been working in Talking and can you describe the type of classes you give?

I have been working for Talking since December 2020. My classes are relaxed, conversational, and relatable to everyday life.

Llevo trabajando en Talking desde diciembre 2020. Mis clases son relajadas de conversación y útil para la vida diaria.

Where do you live?

I currently live in a small town, White River, South Africa

What’s a normal work day like for you in CH?

Depending on the lessons that have been booked for the day, preparing appropriately.  Each lesson comes with its own challenges and extension. 

Según las clases reservadas ese día, preparo lo correspondiente.  Cada clase tiene sus propios desafíos y tiempo requerida.

What’s the best part of your teaching job?

Hands down, meeting new students, personalities, and differences of perception and way of thinking.

Sin duda, conocer a nuevos alumnos, personalidades y sus maneras de pensar.

Can you tell us something about the 30 – minute speaking English classes?

Sometimes 30 minutes is not enough! But, 30-minute lessons are a good way for students to apply vocabulary in context and having the opportunity to use those in conversation.

A veces, los 30 minutos no parecen suficientes. Pero, las clases de 30 minutos son una buena manera de usar el vocabulario en contexto y tener la oportunidad de usarlo en conversación. 

 

Why do you enjoy teaching English?

Personally, seeing the development and confidence grow within each individual student

Personalmente, viendo el desarrollo y confianza crece en cada alumno.

What aspect of English do you think you would you find most difficult to learn if you were Spanish and just a beginner to the language?

I think it would be the grammar and choosing the correct word for the situation.

Creo que sería la gramática y elegir la palabra justa para cada situación 

Describe the main qualities you think a student needs to learn English well. 

Dedication, perseverance and willingness to make mistakes.

La dedicación, perseverancia y la falta de miedo de cometer errores. 

 

What’s the difference in time between South Africa and Spain?

Currently the time difference is the same, but in summer (Spain), we are +1 hour

 

Have ever visited Spain?

Yes, I think it was 15 years ago. I visited Madrid, Malaga, and went on an MSc Cruise around the Mediterranean – it was great.

 

What languages do you speak?

English, Afrikaans, Siswati

 

How come you speak English?

My mom is British, and my dad is Irish (born and bred English speaker) but they emigrated to live

 In South Africa.

 

Can you tell us something about life where you live?

I live a very down to earth life. I am married with 2 daughters aged 9 and 7. We live on the outskirts of a small town on a farm. My garden is bigger than my house. We have 5 dogs, a cat, and 3 bunnies. A normal day involves waking up at 5am, tending to the kids (and pets), getting them to school, general housework/maintenance, teaching, gardening, fetching the kids, homework, outdoor activities, and supper.  

Llevo una vida muy normal. Estoy casado con dos hijas de 9 y 7. Vivimos en una granja   en las afueras de una ciudad pequeña. Mi jardín es más grande que mi casa. Tenemos 5 perros y tres conejitos. Un día normal para mi es levantarme a las 5, cuidar de los niños y los animales, llevándoles a la escuela, hacer las tareas de casa, dar clase online, trabajar en el jardín, recoger a los niños, hacer los deberes con ellos, hacer un poco de ejercicio fuera y la cena. 

That sounds like a very enviable life Jason – good luck with everything and thanks for your time!