"Philosophy:

When I was growing up I told my father that I wanted to be multilingual. I studied French, Spanish, Italian, German, Russian and Arabic. In addition to Portuguese and English, I now speak, read and write (native fluency), translate and interpret three of the six languages listed above.

I also told my parents that I wanted to be a world traveler and learn about other cultures. I did so and lived, worked and traveled in and to around 37 countries. My linguistic skills helped me break the ice and fit into those cultures, while my interest in history, geography and world religions (acquired through conversations with my grandfather) coupled by international relations and international business (derived from my studies and foreign service experience) further helped developing and maintaining interpersonal interests aroused.

I basically taught all my life: piano and dance, foreign languages, history and geography, linguistics, ESOL, wherever I lived and wherever I worked. I like the interaction with people. And I like teaching them and opening their horizons. My father and grandfather taught me the importance of reading and studying and be prepared at all times. They also taught me the importance of listening, yet, being interactive by asking and answering questions.

This is how I teach my students and this is what I bring in my bag: preparation in my subject, patience, persistence, willingness to do whatever it takes to help someone achieve the best of his/her potential. I do not believe in memorization, but rather the understanding of what the matter is about, the development of that understanding and the ability to recall the information when that is needed. I believe that teaching is a two-way street: it requires a teacher to teach and a student to study. The teacher teaches, the student reviews the information in class and after class. Reviewing what was studied helps the brain retain the information. And the learning process is completed.

I require my students to be seriou" less...