About Language Corner

Isabel

Co-founder

Hi everyone! My name is Isabel, and I am from Chile. I co-founded Language Corner with Eric (Dutchie) some years ago. I have always enjoyed travelling and knew English would be essential. So, I decided to complete my degree in English language teaching. When I started teaching, that became one of my passions because I found great joy in the learning process. I lived in the USA for a while, then in the beautiful city of Melbourne, Australia, and then in Amsterdam until today.

When learning a new language, I strongly believe that it is very important to have teachers who make you feel enthusiastic and in a safe environment by teaching you something new, interesting, and useful in every lesson. Remember to join our language exchange Bar Nights! They are also a great way to meet new people and practice languages.

In my free time, I love dancing salsa and bachata at socials in Amsterdam (and abroad). I also love doing yoga, playing the guitar, meeting with friends, and reading books to chill out.

I hope you have a great time learning at Language Corner and that you become part of our community! I look forward to meeting you soon.

Eric

Co-founder

Hi people! My name is Eric and I founded Language Corner together with Isabel. I am not a teacher myself, but I focus mainly on the administrative and digital side of the company.

I love sports – football in particular. Besides that, I enjoy traveling the world, seeing new places and meeting new people. What I learned from traveling is that a language really connects people. It’s hard to communicate and understand the culture of each other when you don’t speak the same language.

The goal is to make Language Corner an international company so people all over the world have the ability to learn a language in a professional and fun way! Because learning another language enriches your life ?

Katie

English teacher

Hi! My name is Katie and I am from Wales in the U.K. I have always been really interested in languages and the importance of combining language with knowledge of culture. Therefore, I completed my degree in English Language and Linguistics and during that my interests developed in teaching and speech therapy. During my degree I studied in Amsterdam and realised that this was the place I wanted to be in the long term due to the multicultural nature of the city. I undertook a course in TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and gained experience in teaching in the U.K before moving to The Netherlands to broaden my journey in teaching.

I am very passionate about teaching English in an encouraging and engaging way. I like to get to know my students so that their learning path is tailored to them and their interests. I really love to see what a difference English can make to the lives of others.

During my free time, I love to read, explore the outdoors, and socialise with friends. You will always catch me with a nice cup of English Breakfast tea in my hand too.

I very much look forward to meeting you and making you feel at home at Language Corner whilst building your confidence with English. I hope to see you very soon!

Vivianne

Dutch teacher

Hi!

My name is Vivianne and I’m a Dutch teacher at Language Corner. From the moment I walked into the school I felt so at home and when I started as a teacher finally my two greatest passions came together; languages and getting to know people from all over the world.

Having lived in different parts of the world and with a background in international business, languages & intercultural communication being a teacher for me is more than just teaching a new language. I recognize cultural differences and I am able to translate certain perceptions into ‘how a Dutchie would act’ in daily situations. I like to make classes interactive and to share my enthusiasm with students.

When I’m not teaching I like to do yoga, stroll around in Amsterdam and have coffee with friends. Like many others I like to travel to discover new places, cultures and if I’m able to; speak the local language! I hope to meet you soon at Language Corner.

Anna

English teacher

Hello everyone! I’m thrilled to be part of the Language Corner team, bringing with me a unique blend of experiences from Chicago to the Netherlands. As a singer and voice coach by trade, I am now excited to explore the intricacies of language alongside you all.

Since my recent move in August, I’ve been immersing myself in the culture of this beautiful city, often accompanied by my faithful four-legged friend, B. Whether it’s discovering the hidden gems of the local music and art scene, enjoying new cuisine, or gliding across the canals on a paddleboard, I’m all about embracing new experiences and staying active.

I can’t wait to embark on this linguistic journey with each of you. Let’s make language learning an adventure to remember!

Ashley

English teacher

Hi everyone, my name is Ashley. I’m originally Canadian but just recently became Dutch as
well, after having lived in The Netherlands for more than a decade! While it was never my
plan to stay here, I fell in love with the country and decided to make it my home-away-from-
home. I have extensive international travel and work experience and love that my job allows
me to meet people from all different backgrounds and cultures.

I started teaching in 2019, very quickly realised my passion for the English language, and
wanted to share that with others. As someone who has learned a new language myself, I
understand first-hand the challenges, as well as the importance of feeling confident when
communicating. One of my favourite things about teaching is seeing students’;
confidence increase.

I always strive to be the best teacher for my students through creating a safe space for them
to learn and be themselves (and make mistakes!). I appreciate that all learners are different
and everyone has their own unique goals and learning styles. Therefore I always try to
create a safe learning environment that encompasses respect and authenticity. I’m also
strictly good-vibes only, and therefore believe that learning can and should be fun!
Besides teaching, I also enjoy reading, gardening, travelling and playing with my cat, Milo.

I look forward to meeting some of you in the future!

Beau

Dutch teacher

Hi, my name is Beau. I was born and raised in Amsterdam and next to teaching Dutch, I work as a Personal Trainer and an actress. No week looks the same, but working with people always gives me energy!

I have always found languages interesting. After my HBO education, I decided to see the world first and I traveled for 5 years, where I came into contact with many different languages ​​and cultures. Here it became even clearer to me how much difference willpower can make in learning a language: at school I had 5 years of compulsory German lessons, but I didn’t speak a word because of a lack of interest. In South America I could speak Spanish fluently after three months.
Where there’s a will, there’s a way!

Daniël

Dutch teacher

Hi there!

My name is Daniël Vis and I was born in Leuven, Belgium. At one week old, I was smuggled across the border to the tiny Dutch village of Maasdam, where I grew up amidst fields of sugar beets. Leaving the heavy clay behind, after high school I moved to Utrecht to study philosophy and to work on a career as a
poet and writer.

I’ve lived in Amsterdam since 2022, combining my literary work with teaching Dutch. As my partner is from Brazil, I know how it feels to learn a new language as an adult. I use a lot of humour in my classes and try to intertwine the formal with the playful, giving students a solid foundation on which they can build while inviting them to be spontaneous.

I hope to meet you all soon.

Daniela

Spanish teacher

Hi everyone! My name is Daniela, I am from Bogotá, Colombia.

I love learning different languages, and that’s how I realized that helping others learn my mother tongue would be supportive and useful. I love learning about other cultures and getting people to know mine. Furthermore, I speak Spanish, English, Dutch and French.

I’m certified with the Cervantes diploma to teach Spanish lessons. Apart from adapting my lessons to the student’s needs, I focus on the four language skills and my student’s mistakes. In this way, they can improve their development with the language. Motivation is one of the most important elements during my lessons, I will try to make our lessons as varied and enjoyable as possible. See you soon!

Estani

Spanish teacher

Hola hola!! Me llamo Estani ( Estanislao) and I am from Spain, specifically from the beautiful city of Sevilla, the city of the Flamenco and the oranges.

I am passionate about teaching my language and my culture, as I believe knowing spanish open so many doors as it´s one of the most spoken languages and it enables people to understand so many cultures and visit so many spanish-speaking countries. I have multiple interests like sports, music ( singing and guitar), psychology, arts, dancing, etc… Vamos a aprender español ! 🙂

Eva

Dutch teacher

Hi all,

I’m Eva! As a true Dutchie, I have a lot of energy to introduce you to the Dutch language as well as a bit of the Dutch culture.

I was born in Haarlem (small Amsterdam), but have lived in Amsterdam for ten years. After working in the fashion industry for some time and presenting several collections, I became a yoga teacher and started teaching yoga. At that moment, it became clear that I like to be really connected to people. I like to create a space where you can be safe and open. In this way, I hope you can feel confident in speaking and learning. You will find out that will help to fully integrate into the language. Of course, we will do plenty of games, role-playing games, and quizzes together so we can have a lot of fun!
I have been traveling frequently in my campervan. I meet many travelers and have experienced beautiful days with people from all over the world. I was inspired by these stories. I am therefore very curious about you guys.

I hope we can meet soon!

Eva

Gillis

Dutch teacher

Hi everyone,

My name is Gillis and I am born and raised in Amsterdam. Next to a teacher of Dutch I am also an
historian. My interest is mainly in the radical transitions to violence in Europe’s interwar politics. My
scholarly work and my personal life are aided by my passion for the spoken word. I enjoy learning
new languages and I very much like to help others mastering the art of speaking Dutch.

Physical exercise is important to me. I give classes in both boxing and kickboxing. Also I am a certified
instructor of fitness. My commitment to a healthy lifestyle is occasionally challenged by my profound
love for culinary delights.

Hanna

Dutch teacher

Hi there! My name is Hanna. I’m a born and raised Amsterdammer and I’m very passionate about sharing my beautiful native language: Dutch! For as long as I can remember I’ve been interested in different languages and cultures. I study French and Russian in university, and recently started learning Arabic too. I’ve also followed courses on ancient Hittite language and culture, because I absolutely love history. Everything from the Sumerians up until the Cold War, I wish I could know all about it. In the same way the past is the key to the future, I believe language is the key to culture.

Apart from the obvious love of language and culture, I’m very fond of Russian literature. Nothing beats Goncharov and Turgenev if you ask me. If I’m not reading, teaching or studying, you’ll most likely find me playing guitar, bouldering or binge-watching the latest season of Rings of Power.

As for teaching, I really want to make sure students do more than just learn the language. My goal is to make sure you have fun, so that you may come to see the charm of Dutch, rather than just its difficulties. Whether you would like to discuss difficult grammar, ponder over etymology, or just converse for a few hours over a cup of coffee, I am happy to teach you! 🙂

Hannah

Dutch teacher

Hi!

I’m Hannah, and I’m from Utrecht. Right now, I’m converting a van into my dream tiny home because, let’s be honest, finding an affordable house in the Netherlands is nearly impossible! One of the things I love most about my job as a remote Dutch teacher is that it lets me stay social and meet people from all over the world who are interested in learning Dutch.

I know learning a new language can be tough and sometimes feel a bit uncomfortable, like breaking in new shoes. But don’t worry, I want to make it fun and as smooth as possible. With my background in interdisciplinary social sciences, I’ve always been interested in people and how they learn. I want to incorporate this into my lessons, focusing on making them both engaging and useful. Let’s dive into Dutch together, and maybe by the end, you’ll be ready to talk about your own life adventures (or at least ask where the nearest stroopwafel stand is!).

See you in class!

Irith

Dutch teacher

My name is Irith Fuks.

Originally from Amsterdam, I moved to the US at 16. I studied film and psychology in Vermont and now work as a Dutch teacher and freelance filmmaker. In my Dutch classes, I strive to create a fun yet valuable learning experience where students learn through practice. I am patient and enthusiastic about the learning process, sharing each step with my students.

In my free time, I enjoy playing football, going to the cinema, and organizing hiking and biking trips. I look forward to meeting new students and helping them become fluent Dutch speakers.

Jinke

Dutch teacher

Hi there!

My name is Jinke, born in Amsterdam and raised in Spain.

After spending most of my life travelling and living abroad I am now back in Amsterdam and my love for languages continues as I am studying linguistics at university.

Having grown up in an environment with multiple languages I now speak Dutch, English and Spanish fluently. However, this didn’t happen overnight but it has made it very clear to me how valuable it can be to know (multiple) languages!

I love that I can share my passion for languages and language-learning with others and I think my own experience helps me understand the students’ point of view. My goal is to motivate students to enjoy learning as much as I do and to discover what works best for each student, because everybody is different and learning a new language should be fun!

See you in the classroom!

Josefina

English teacher

Hi! I’m Josefina, an Argentinean born and raised in Buenos Aires.

I’ve always had a passion for languages and education, which led me to pursue a degree in English teaching and later a master’s in education. For the past 10 years, I’ve worked as a teacher in different contexts and have enjoyed every minute of it.I love tailoring my lessons to meet my students’ needs, ensuring they feel confident and motivated in their learning journey.

In my free time, I enjoy reading,traveling and spending time with friends. At the beginning of 2024, I moved to Amsterdam and have fallen in love with this vibrant, multicultural city. I’m excited to be part of this amazing community and share my love for language learning with you all!

Kiril

Dutch teacher

Hi Everyone,

My name is Kiril, aka. Kai and I am a Dutch teacher. I was inspired to pursue teaching by my grandmother, who spoke 6 languages fluently. I am also a certified coach, which helps me to offer something quite rare, which is a blend between language teaching combined with coaching. Likewise I show my students how to learn most effectively and efficiently while having fun at the same time.

Lisa

English teacher

Hello!

My multicultural and multilingual upbringing has profoundly influenced my passion for culture and languages. Born in Norway and raised in the United States, I understand the challenges and rewards of navigating different linguistic and cultural landscapes. This background led me to pursue a Master’s degree in Cultural Geography.

Professionally, I have worked with international firms and my own consultancy, focusing on marketing and communications. My native fluency in English and strong writing and translating skills have been invaluable in helping clients communicate their brands across diverse platforms. I am very excited that my love of languages has evolved into a teaching role, which is extremely rewarding. I also know what it’s like to be a student! I have taken a few Dutch language courses in the past and I know how important it is to be patient and offer a lot of positive feedback, while encouraging students to step outside their comfort zones. Hope to see you in the classroom.

Lizan

Dutch teacher

Hi there!

My name is Lizan and I was born and raised in Amsterdam.  Although I am a real Dutchie, I’m also teaching English as I am half Australian. Best of both worlds!

I love to travel and to meet people from different cultures. The last 5 years I have been travelling while teaching adults and kids all over the world. I know what it’s like to live in a different country as an expat. I also know how easy life can be when you speak the language! It can open so many doors for you and create a deeper understanding of the people and the culture you are living in.

What I love most about teaching is getting people excited to learn a language. To see someone speak with confidence after starting off shy and being scared of making mistakes is one of the most rewarding things for me as a teacher.

Be ready for some high energy classes filled with positive vibes and creative exercises that will leave you feeling confident and up for the challenge of learning a new language.

I hope to welcome you in my class!

Madeleine

English teacher

Hey there! I’m Madeleine. I was born and raised in the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. After spending about five years in New York studying opera and linguistics, my passion for language and culture took me on an unforgettable adventure to Amsterdam! I first came to Amsterdam on an aupair visa, but almost as soon as I arrived, I absolutely fell in love with the city’s charm. Now I’m so happy to call it home!

With years of experience teaching children, I truly enjoy being in the classroom and getting to know my students. I believe that learning a language is not just about grammar and vocabulary, but also about making meaningful connections. I’m excited to help you on your language journey, and I can’t wait for us to learn and grow together!

Magdalena

English teacher

Hi there!

My name is Magdalena and I have been an English as a Second Language teacher for 9 years. I got my degree in my home town in Argentina, and there I taught in high schools and institutes. Teaching English has always been my passion, and getting to do it in a city like Amsterdam is truly a dream come true.

I strive to provide language lessons that are relevant to real-world use and communication through classes that are engaging and fun. I can’t wait to meet new students and see them develop their language skills.

Hopefully, I’ll see you soon!

Martijn

Dutch teacher

Hi guys! My name is Martijn and I teach Dutch at Language Corner. I am originally from The Netherlands, but also grew up in New-Zealand for a while when I was young. Still, Amsterdam is my favourite city and I have been living here for quite some years now.

I have a degree in law but soon found out that I get a lot more energy from working with people and teaching things they can use in everyday life.

I love surfing and traveling around the world to meet new people from other cultures. During my travels I noticed that it’s really so much more fun when you can communicate with the people around you. I started taking Spanish classes rapidly when I was in Central America and soon found out that I wanted to start teaching professionally myself. I have been doing this now with great pleasure ever since!

Learning a new language can be challenging but also a lot of fun! I know this from my own experiences and therefore like to create interactive classes that contain lots of energy and pleasure for everyone.

Michelle

Dutch teacher

Myrthe

Dutch teacher

My name is Myrthe, and I was born and raised in the Netherlands. With most of my family living in the United States, speaking different languages came naturally to me from an early age. In addition to Dutch and English, I also speak German and some Spanish, which I picked up during a Spanish course while traveling through South America.

Traveling has always been my passion, and meeting new people and experiencing different cultures inspired me to study Cultural Anthropology. Although I loved my studies, my true passion has always been cooking and eating. After founding several food-related businesses, I decided it was time for a change. Language was always my favorite subject in school, and I understand how crucial communication is for truly connecting with those around you.

That’s why I’m eager to help you on your journey to become the best Dutch version of yourself. Feel free to ask me for tips on cooking—especially vegetarian cuisine—or recommendations on the newest places to eat and drink. I also enjoy tennis and festivals, so don’t hesitate to reach out if we share any of these interests!

Roxanne

English teacher

Hello! My name is Roxanne, and I am from the beautiful city of San Francisco in the United States. I followed my heart to Europe many years ago, and now I am happy to call Amsterdam ‘home’. I have a background in Early Childhood Education and a CELTA certification. Teaching English in Milan, Italy was one of the highlights of my professional experience.

Learning a new language can be a very fun and rewarding adventure. Don’t be afraid to try! At Language Corner we will do our best to support and encourage you on your journey. Meeting new students and making a difference in their lives is what makes us smile : )

Salie

Dutch teacher

Hi my name is Salie and I am a Dutch teacher. I have graduated my
B.A degree in Dutch Culture and Language at the University of
Amsterdam. Later on I followed my M.A. in Literary Science with
emphasis on Dutch Language. I have a passion for my mother tongue
and I am happy to say I am even more passionate about teaching
others this wonderful language. I have been teaching Dutch for the
last 7 years and it has been a very joyful experience to meet many
people from all over the world, diverse cultures, languages, a true
enrichment. I love the playful interactive lessons at language corner
and happy to be part of the team!

Sara

Spanish teacher

¡Hola! This is Sara and I am a Spanish teacher from Barcelona. Yes, I know… now it’s when you are wondering “why did she change the sun and the sand of the Mediterranean shore for this rainy, cold and windy city?”. Well, the answer is simple: at the end of 2017 I came here as an au pair “for a year” and I fell in love with this city, its culture, its atmosphere and all its nuances.

Anyway, since I was a teenager I always dreamt about living abroad. When I was about finishing my bachelor degree in Philology (catalan language and literature) and getting ready to do the next step in order to become a High School Language teacher in Barcelona, I spent some months in London working -also- as an au pair. The fact of being living abroad for the first time in my life made me feel extremely good, free and alive. Then, since that moment, I had to be very honest to myself and recognize that I was definitely made to live in other countries. Also, in some way, London opened the door that drove me to become a Spanish teacher for non native speakers -the best job in the world. That’s the reason why, later on, I studied a Masters in Spanish teaching for foreign people.

Besides teaching, you can find me dancing salsa and bachata, writing, getting lost around the Amsterdam streets fascinated by its endless beauty or eating ice creams and poke bowls.

And last but not least: what to expect from my clases? Well, I am the biggest advocate of the fact that there’s more Spanish beyond the official textbooks, which means that most likely after each class you will go back home with a little touch of informal Spanish and slang in your brain. But you knew about the famous Spanish temperament, right? 😉 This tiny and sassy Spanish teacher is looking forward to meeting you and helping you to learn one of the most spoken languages from the world. Nos vemos in class!