ESL Homestay and Tutoring Oakland, California
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I enjoy devoting myself to helping others grow. Teaching ESL has become something I feel very good about in that I know I am helping the world by helping us all communicate.  My favorite part of the teaching challenge is assessing a student and providing him or her with the feedback and tools to make growth possible.  After teaching for 7 years, I've discovered many systems to improve pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar and writing.  I have also reviewed hundreds of ESL teaching materials, and feel confident I can choose the best one for you.  At the end of your stay here, I want to send you home with all you need to stay in charge of your learning progress.

I believe the key to life is balance.  As with life, so with language acquisition.  Learning a second language requires hard work, but it also requires time spent using the language in pleasurable situations.  While you stay with me, I will make sure social situations will be available to you. These students, Carmelo (Italy) and Dolly (Taiwan), joined me in my home for dinner, and after dinner we played an interesting game called "celebrity" which involves the use of language and creates much laughter.  I also invited them to an art gallery opening, and an informational interview with a business professional.

From 1989 to 1999, I lived in Seattle, Washington and spent a lot of time in the Cascade and Olympic mountains.  I got certified with The Mountaineers, which is a well-known climbing organization in this country, and got certified in Mountaineering First Aid.  I spent three years leading treks into the Himalayas and teaching outdoor photography.  Hiking, camping, mountain climbing, sailing, and photography are some of my other passions (outside of ESL).  If they interest you too, why not plan to spend some of your study time in the beautiful wilds of the California coast?  I am able to organize, outfit, and guide a two night camping trip to the coast.