I’m thrilled to introduce myself as a new contributor to the Craving English Blog! My name is Zachary, and I’m eager to share my insights on language learning and teaching, as well as my personal language learning journey.
My Language Learning Journey Begins
I’m originally from New Jersey, USA, a small state known for its beautiful beaches, delicious breakfast sandwiches, and proximity to the world-famous cities of New York and Philadelphia. Having lived there for the first 24 years of my life, I developed a deep appreciation for its diverse culture (and also a slight New Jersey accent!)
During my childhood years, I immersed myself in Spanish language classes, studying the language throughout elementary, middle, and high school. This early exposure started my passion for languages and set me on the path that I would follow later on in life.
A Dream Realized: Living Abroad
After graduating from The College of New Jersey with degrees in education and music, I started my career as an elementary school music teacher. I loved working with young students, organizing concerts, and sharing my enthusiasm for music. However, a lifelong dream continued to bounce around my head: living in a Spanish-speaking country and immersing myself in the language and culture.
In 2018, I took the plunge and moved to Mexico City, a vibrant metropolis that offered countless opportunities for language immersion. With just two suitcases and a backpack, I stepped into a world where English was a foreign language. I had no choice but to speak Spanish all the time, and I realized that my abilities were growing exponentially! I no longer spoke like a gringou, but rather found myself saying no manches, wey with a perfect Mexican accent. The experience was challenging, yet incredibly rewarding!
Becoming a Language Teacher
To further improve my language teaching skills, I completed a TEFL certification when I arrived in Mexico City. Over the years, I’ve worked for several online English academies, where I’ve enhanced my teaching abilities and connected with thousands of students from around the world.
In 2022 I joined the Craving English team, and immediately fell in love with the conversation-based methodology, engaging lesson materials, and friendly teachers (my amazing coworkers!). I started my journey at Craving English as a teacher, but my passion for language education led me to explore other roles. Today, I’m proud to contribute to the lesson creation team and serve as a mentor and supervisor to my fellow teachers.
Key Takeaways for Language Learners
Given my experiences as both a teacher and a learner, I’ve come to three important realizations over the years that could potentially help you on your own language learning journey:
- Following your passions is always worth it, as long as you have a sustainable plan to support yourself.
I had a lifelong dream of living abroad and experiencing a new culture, but the prospect of leaving behind everything I knew and loved was scary. I had many doubts, but I reasoned that the potential rewards outweighed the risks. That being said, I didn’t embark on this journey without any preparation. Upon arriving, I took a TEFL course to acquire the necessary qualifications to teach English abroad. This strategic move ensured that I had a viable way of supporting myself while pursuing my dream. By securing a teaching position, I was able to immerse myself in the language and culture while earning a living. This practical approach allowed me to balance my passion for travel and personal growth with financial stability.
2. Immersing yourself in a language is one of the most effective ways to learn it quickly.
While moving to a different country isn’t always possible, there are many ways to create an immersive language learning environment. When I was learning Spanish in the US, I made a conscious effort to surround myself with the language as much as possible. I listened to Latin American and Spanish music, watched movies and TV shows with and without subtitles, and attended cultural events to gain a deeper understanding of the language and its associated culture. By immersing yourself in the language, you’ll be exposed to a wide range of vocabulary, grammar structures, and accents. This exposure will help you develop fluency and confidence in your language skills.
3. A dedicated and skilled teacher can significantly impact your language learning journey.
When I moved to Mexico, I was determined to learn Mandarin Chinese, a language known for its complexity. I looked for a qualified teacher and found Dandan, who proved to be the key to my success. Our lessons were far from boring; Dandan’s engaging teaching style made learning Mandarin enjoyable and interactive. Instead of dry memorization, we had meaningful conversations, creating a comfortable and supportive learning environment. Dandan’s ability to improve my Chinese fluency while keeping the learning process enjoyable was a testament to her teaching skills. I’m grateful for her help and the positive impact she had on my language learning journey. One of the reasons I love working at Craving English is that our teachers have the same philosophy. We prioritize creating engaging and supportive learning experiences for our students, in the same way that Dandan had on my own language learning journey.
In Conclusion…
Remember, learning a new language is a journey, not a destination. It takes time, effort, and dedication. But with the right mindset, resources, and support, you can become fluent and unlock a world of opportunities. If you are interested in starting your language learning journey, why not schedule your free trial class with Craving? See you in my next blog post!