About
My name is María Alejandra Espinosa Vázquez (yes, it is a long name, therefore my initials for MAEVA), I was born in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. I am a Spanish tutor with more than 8 years of teaching experience in languages. One of my greatest passions is to travel, meet people, and learn about different cultures.
After traveling in the USA and Europe for more than 14 years, I came back definitely to Mexico in 2012 and I settled in the city of Merida, Yucatan, where I actually live with my 4 year old daughter and my dogs. And I decided to focus all my energy into doing what I really enjoy the most: learning about different cultures, sharing my own culture, and most of all, helping other people reach their goals by learning a new language.
My classes are mostly in Spanish, English (or other languages) are spoken only when strictly necessary. My teaching method is very dynamic, as I adapt to your personal interests, professional goals, and hobbies. Conversation is the main point of my teaching method, therefore you will be speaking Spanish since the very first class. My job is to teach permanent knowledge (that means 100% assimilated), and I also want my students to enjoy and have fun as they learn.
You will be working with material specially designed and conceived for you, consisting mostly on word documents, PDF, videos, audios, Power Point, etc.
My specialty is working with just one student at a time or with very small groups, as I am convinced that's the most effectif way of learning a language fast and for real.
Highlights
Specialties
Current reading level
Current speaking level
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Reading and writing goals
Speaking goals
Student's age
Photos and videos
Reviews
Tracy B.
Alicia
Raymond M.
Angelika L.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
The first contact between a teacher and a student is the most important. When a student is interested in learning Spanish with me, I offer a free 30 minute class. During this first class the student will be able to know me and my teaching method and most of all, he/she will know if he/she feels comfortable during the class. We will also talk about his/her needs and goals, and I will get a better idea of the precise level he/she needs.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I studied Art History and Archaeology in Paris, France, where I lived for 13 years and graduated from a PhD at the Sorbonne University. After finishing a post-doctoral research at the Yucatan University and working as researcher and Archaeology teacher, I decided to focus all my energy into doing what I really enjoy the most: learning about different cultures, sharing my own culture, and most of all, helping other people reach their goals by learning a new language. During 5 years I took profesional courses to become a language teacher and at the same time I worked in several private schools.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Trial lesson free - 45 minutes
1 private lesson 25 USD - 55 minutes
5 private lessons 120 USD
10 private lessons 235 USD
How did you get started teaching?
My first teaching languages experience was at the Alliance Française, as a French teacher. I realized that I really enjoyed working and exchanging knowledge and I decided to continue teaching.
What types of students have you worked with?
My experience has been with all kind of students: children, teenagers, adults, and seniors. I love working with all of them but I prefer to focus on working online with adults and seniors, as I understand very well their needs and in my experience I have learned how to guide them.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Many anecdotes have filled my heart, they represent the biggest reward for me. I remember one student sending me a small present with a note saying "thanks for teaching me a lot more than a foreign language, as I learned that I had to pursue my dreams no matter what..." (yes, in my classes we don’t only talk about grammar and vocabulary, but also about dreams, energy, goals, values, etc).
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
If you are planing to learn Spanish you will need three basic things: be persistent, be patient, and be positive.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What is your experience with Spanish? How long have you been learning? How do you assess your level? Why do you want to learn Spanish?