Many people use English words and terminology every day at work. We use expressions such as Benchmark, KPIs, Revenue, Networking, etc. However, what is it like to work at a company where English is the main language? Would you be ready to discuss a wide range of topics that go from time management to work ethics? We recently launched the Advanced Business English Course which covers, in detail, all you need to know in order to gain confidence and use English everyday at work.
But, who is this awesome teacher that made this possible? In this blogpost I will tell you more about Teresa González who will become a great influence in your professional career.
Where were you born?
I was born in México city.
Where have you traveled or lived?
I have lived in Mexico city most of my life, in Geneva, Switzerland for 2 years, in Maryland, USA for 4 years and in Sao Paulo, Brazil for a few months. I worked in Washington, DC as an illustrator when I was in college. I worked in Sao Paulo as a teacher for a while, and in Mexico city too.
Which is your favorite place in the world?
My favorite places are: Mexico, of course, London and Rio de Janeiro. I also love any place near the ocean.
Which languages do you speak and how did you learn them?
I can speak Spanish because it is my mother tongue. I learned French when I was 6 years old because I lived in Switzerland for two years. My level of French is around a B2. I learned English in Mexico because I loved to read. I went to college in Maryland. I studied advertising design there, and that’s when I really learned to write in English. I can speak a little bit of Portuguese.
How has speaking different languages helped you?
Speaking different languages is great because it helps me understand different kinds of people and temperaments. It also works as an instrument to infer words from other languages.
When you were little, what would you say you wanted to be?
When I was little I wanted to be a ballerina.
How long have you been a teacher and what do you like the most about it?
I have been a teacher for over 20 years. What I enjoy the most about teaching is that I get to know and understand different types of people. It has also trained me to speak in public and to adapt to new situations. I have also learned more about the subjects I’ve taught.
Tell us about your course and how was your experience recording courses in Platzi?
I really enjoyed both, writing and taping the advanced English for work course. It was the first time I worked with this format, so it was a bit nerve-wracking, but it was fun and I think I learned a lot. The team was very patient, and they guided me through every step.
This course is what I call an immersion course. Since it is advanced level, we concentrate on a topic that will benefit students who are focusing on their careers and who want to expand their business vocabulary. When students have an advanced level, they tend to reach a plateau, so studying structures doesn’t really help anymore. By this time, L2 has become more like a tool than like a subject. Therefore, they need to be exposed to advanced vocabulary in a meaningful context in order to use it and thus become more fluent.
Which are your top 3 tips to improve English speaking skills?
In order to improve speaking skills in a new language, it is important to read. This will give you passive vocabulary and an understanding of grammar that you cannot acquire just by studying it.
It is also good to find a way to practice with other people. People who play video games or who interact socially with native speakers tend to have more vocabulary and fluency.
Another thing that helps a lot is to take initiative as a learner. Active, curious learners tend to learn a lot faster than those who sit back and expect a teacher to explain every single word. Every aspect of life is a learning opportunity.
I highly recommend Teresa’s course! If you completed it please share your feedback in the comments section below.
Curso Avanzado de Inglés para el Trabajo 2020
