Frequently Asked Questions
Do you speak my language?
I speak Italian at C1 (advanced) level and have a CELI 4 certificate. I have fluent (C2) French, basic Spanish and basic Portuguese in addition to English. Please feel free to contact me in any of these languages.
Help! I can't book or pay via the website!
Online booking isn't available yet - please contact me using the contact form instead.
Do you have a teaching qualification?
I hold a Certificate in Teaching and Supporting Learning in Higher Education (CertTSLHE) from the University of York (UK) and have studied undergraduate modules in Teaching English as a Foreign Language at the University of Manchester (UK). I also hold professional development certificates in Teaching English Online (from Cambridge Assessment English) and in Applied Linguistics and TESOL (University of Leicester, UK).
What are your academic credentials?
Between 2013 and 2019 I co-edited an academic book and published several articles and book chapters whilst employed as a lecturer/assistant professor at the universities of Manchester, York (UK) and Connecticut (US). See the CV section of the website or contact me for more details. In the past five years I have edited, proofread and translated a vast number of academic articles, all of which have been published successfully, often by leading presses.
Can you help me prepare for an interview or conference?
Yes! I have spoken at academic conferences and know what makes a good paper: I can help you both edit the paper and prepare to deliver it. Similarly, I have applied for (and even got!) academic jobs and am familiar with typical interview formats for teaching and research positions. I recently coached two candidates for faculty positions at the University of Padova - both of whom were successful - as well as a candidate who won a tenure-track position at a US university. In addition, I can help with CV and cover letter preparation and grant writing. I recently consulted for a successful application for a major European Research Council Consolidator Grant.
Can you help me prepare for an exam?
Yes! I have experience in preparing students for a variety of exams, including Cambridge First, Advanced and Proficiency, IELTS, and Trinity. I regularly help high-school students with exams and resits in English language and literature, and have taught professional teachers of English in Italy and from all over Europe. Please contact me to enquire about other possibilities.
Where do you hold your teaching sessions?
I teach online via Zoom or at home in the Taggi' di Sotto area of Padova (on the no. 11 bus route, near the roundabout with the Famila and Prix supermarkets and the cemetery).
What teaching materials and methods do you use?
The teaching materials and methods I use are always tailored to the student and their individual needs. In our initial session I will assess your level and requirements. If you intend to have 10+ hours of regular lessons, I will usually recommend a textbook. If you only want a few hours of classes in total, I will supply all necessary materials. I tend to use communicative methods (but this may vary according to each student's aims and requirements).
What kind of English do you speak?
Originally from South Yorkshire, in the north of England, I am a native speaker of UK English. Having lived in the US, I am also familiar with American English.
How do you charge for your services?
When payment is due I take your name, address and tax code where applicable and invoice you. For English lessons and for coaching sessions, I take advance payment (classes can be postponed or cancelled only with 24 hours' notice). For editing, translation and indexing, payment is due within 30 days of completion of the work. At the moment I prefer to take payment in euros or GBP via online transfer or PayPal, or in cash, but other methods may be possible: please ask.