They say you never forget a good teacher. Teaching staff are what make a language school. We caught up with the Language in London team (formerly Camden College of English) as they are about to settle into their new home in Central London.

Why did you become an English teacher?

Aileen: I’d been to Camden College before and seen people teaching and learning and was overwhelmed at the positive atmosphere of this kind of work. Experience with foreign friends also made me keen to teach.

Rachel: I wanted a job that allowed me to travel and meet interesting people.

What are the best bits about teaching English?

Ash: Laughter, Aiding others with their Personal and Professional Development.

Aileen: Seeing progress, meeting so many people, sharing stories from different cultures, seeing students get excited about new words/phrases and using them with their friends.

And the not so good bits?

Rebecca: Photocopying!

What is the funniest thing that has happened to you whilst teaching English?

Aileen: Recently a student asked the meaning of “Barking”. To which I replied ‘the sound a dog makes wuff wuff’. The student then muttered quietly to himself, “Ah okay, Wuff Wuff Station”. (Barking is a place in East London).

Learning English can have it’s comic moments when students get words mixed up, miss pronounce things, what’s the funniest you’ve heard?

Rebecca: From a Brazilian, “Idea a meni biutafol bitfiz in may kantril.”

Aileen: Polish Student, “What are you doing on the bonk holiday?”

What has been the most fulfilling moment for you as a teacher?

Dragan: Many. Delivering interesting lessons and meeting new and interesting people.

Rebecca: Watching low level learners progress.

Aileen: Having students pass exams they’ve been preparing for.

Ash: To witness students grasp the language and embrace the culture. See the progression ‘light bulbs’

Do you speak any foreign languages? If so, what was your experience?

Aileen: A little French.

Rebecca: Spanish in Spain, Argentina, Ecuador, Colombia.

How did it feel, with the tables reversed, being taught as oppose to being a teacher?

Rebecca: I loved learning Spanish but it made me realise that it’s often difficult to concentrate for a whole lesson!

Dragan: Relief! Being able to relax and learn.

What are your top tips for students learning English?

Dragan: Read a lot.

Rebecca: The more you put into studying the more you’ll get out of it!

Aileen: Interact with as many native speakers as possible. And revise, revise, revise!

What makes London a special place for learning English?

Ash: Multicultural, variety of accents, vibrant city with something for everyone. Tradition, Culture, Festival, Customs…

Rebecca: There are so many opportunities to interact with people from different walks of life.

Why should students choose to study at your school?

Dragan: Professional, friendly and good teaching.

Ash: Priority is to provide quality lessons in a realistic context and give students tools they can use in everyday life. We also provide an award winning cultural programme different from any other school as we conduct language lessons in places of cultural interest.

Aileen: Teachers have time for every student because it’s a small school.

Thank you Aileen, Ash, Dragan and Rebecca. If you are interested in studying at Language in London, check out our Special Offer: £699 for 2 weeks of 4 hours intensive course and residential accommodation in Central London. Go to Special Offer to save £25 off before the end of May.

Last week at our French language learning evening we gave away a copy of Emergency French as a prize in our Quiz. If you missed out, then don’t despair. Those kind people at Gazelle Book Services want you to benefit from a fantastic 25% discount offer on all books bought from them when quoting ‘Answer English.’

The Emergency Series Phrase Books are designed to give travelers the key words and essential phrases they need in the most urgent situations. They combine striking covers and page design with a clear layout combined with ’say-what-you-see’ pronunciation. Reply panels and cultural tips make these books a high-quality, easy-to-use emergency reference. Useful for all travelers to the French-Speaking world, including France, Canada and French-speaking Africa.

To take up Gazelle’s offer head to their website to buy on-line.