About Martina

When I was a teenager, I used to teach private lessons after school. I got addicted to seeing that look on the face of somebody when they suddenly “got it”. Then in uni, while studying Business Administration, I took Cambridge CELTA. Before finishing the course, I already had a job offer in the same school I was training to become an English teacher. I accepted the offer, and the rest is history.

I will always remember my first lesson. My first time, completely on my own, in front of students. Their faces. I knew I wanted to become the most motivating teacher they ever had. I still have that goal in mind every time I start a new course. Every time I start a new lesson. Every single time.

Honestly, deeply in my heart, I feel that teaching is the best job in the world. I say that to my students. And they smile. They always smile. And that takes us to the next point in this list.

Smiles change everything, they are incredibly powerful. Even on my worst days, stepping into the classroom or opening an online session, smiling, and receiving a smile in return… That cures almost everything for me.

After more than 8 years teaching languages, I’ve realized the same is true for my students. No matter how stressful their day has been or how chaotic their week might feel—whether it’s kids, traffic jams, or simply the everyday demands of life—class leaves them feeling lighter and re-energized.

What a wonderful superpower that is! Lesson time might be hard because learning another language is hard for our brain. But lesson time might also be rewarding.

Two options: feeling frustrated or feeling proud of your work. You choose. The secret lies in the power of words we use to talk to ourselves. And that takes us to the next point in this list.

I’ve been studying languages for as long as I can remember. I grew up surrounded by Spanish and Catalan. Lucky me! Two languages for the price of one.

I started studying English. When I got to C2, I kept studying. Spoiler: I am still studying. It never ends. And I love that.

Later, I studied Italian for a year. Up to A2. Un po' capisco! Then, German, and, well, I’m still fighting that battle! Let’s just say it’s a journey, ein langer Weg. I also picked up some French, and my level is far from parfait, but I enjoy it anyway. And Dutch. It all started when I first bought the book Dutch for Dummies. Doei doei!

Very recently, I started Mandarin Chinese. I feel absolutely fascinated with the complexity of its writing and the simplicity of its grammar. My favourite word so far is 耐心 (nài xīn). Meaninng: “Patience. The ability to persevere in frustrating situations that require self-control and calm.” Basically, 耐心 is what we need to learn a new language.

There are hundreds of motivational quotes about learning languages, one Google search away. No need to copy one here. However, I truly believe that the ultimate goal in life is learning. About oneself and about others. That’s why we need to keep learning languages. And that takes us to the next point in this list.

“What do you want to achieve by the end of this course?” it’s the question I ask when I first meet my students. After working at more than 20 international companies and universities, these are the most repeated answers:

“Moving to another country. Having a relaxed coffee-break conversation with my coworkers. Delivering powerful presentations at my company. Helping my kids with their homework. Boosting my professional profile. Learning for the sake of learning.”

There’s always a way. No matter how impossible your language goals may seem, there’s always a way to get there. It’s not an easy path. There are no shortcuts or fast lanes. There might be a bit of suffering between point A and point B. But great things will also happen along the way. And you’ll learn with every step. Doesn’t that sound like simply “being alive”?

I want to be the most motivating teacher you ever had. Can’t wait to meet you!