Ricardo Pagone

Hi, my name is Ricardo Pagone, I'm from Venezuela.

I want to tell you about my experience learning a new language. When I left my country, I understood English in a casual way, I was able to understand English speakers like you in a general way, but in my head I needed to translate little by little to answer you and have a basic conversation. I've met people from all over the world during my stay in Colombia, so certain accents have been difficult to understand (even Colombians). But by paying attention to pronunciation and not being afraid to ask, I made my life so much easier, until it got to the point of making that click in your head where you already think, speak and analyze in English. I even talk to myself in English now!

So, as a Spanish teacher,
Above all I'm going to strive to help you in the same way that many helped me. Like American and British English, Latin America has many words that have double meanings and can mean different things in different countries, without mentioning slang! So, the most logical thing for me to do is to help you expand your vocabulary and know how to use it in different contexts, daily life, in a casual or technical way. The idea is for you to be able to unfold and get involved in any conversation that might present itself to you.

My lessons & teaching style
For myself, it is impossible to encapsulate the learning of a language simply through technical classes and focusing on specifics. Believe me, it is what I experienced all of my life in Venezuela, and although they will obviously be necessary to learn, I think that in the same way that it worked for me and my students, it will work for you - through conversation. By simply speaking on all kinds of topics, you are exposed to different words and phrases, and this will gradually boost your knowledge on the topics that you are most passionate about, and enrich your vocabulary around them so you can participate in the conversation