Irena Galkina
VIP Tailor-made Course for Integration in Cyprus
Irena Galkina, the founder of the international capoeira school "Arte do Brasil," relocated from Ukraine to Cyprus in 2022 due to the war. Irena approached me for an individualized course based on the recommendation of another English language instructor.
Learning
For a swift integration into life in Cyprus, Irena needed to speak English fluently. At the time of her relocation, Irena had an A2 proficiency level in English. She experienced discomfort due to the inability to communicate freely in English, often relying on others for assistance.
After our initial interview, I presented Irena with two options: to undergo a standard general course or to develop a customized VIP course tailored to her specific needs. She preferred the latter.
To develop the course, a thorough needs analysis was conducted. In addition to identifying goals, I explored her past learning experiences and preferred learning style. We discussed which assignments she enjoyed, which ones she didn't, the topics she wanted to cover, and those she deemed unnecessary. We also delved into her hobbies, interests, and the kind of materials Irena wanted to comprehend.
Module-based Learning Journey
We established the general direction and selected several immediate objectives. The first module focused on the topic of small talk, aimed at acquainting Irena and facilitating conversations with her neighbors. In the second module, we honed her business English skills to broaden her professional opportunities. The third module involved the systematic organization of knowledge regarding verb tenses.
The remaining topics were determined gradually, depending on Irena's ongoing needs. In subsequent modules, we delved into how to communicate with her 6-year-old son's teachers at the elementary school in Cyprus, interact with doctors, and engage with auto service professionals. We explored themes such as relocations, future plans, and the arts, while also practicing spontaneous conversation on various topics.
After relocating to Cyprus, Irena decided to resume managing her Instagram page. With a growing number of English-speaking acquaintances, she aimed to write posts in English. We dedicated a separate module of the individual course to this objective. Among other things, we developed a content plan for English-language posts for the month.
Results
Irena immediately applies what she learns, successfully overcoming language barriers and accomplishing her goals. As her current needs were addressed and Irena reached a B1 level, the necessity for specifically tailored lessons diminished. We continued her education with a standard English course at the B2 level. Currently, Irena confidently navigates her way while traveling with her family to various countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States. She manages her Instagram page in English, and I occasionally review her posts before publication.
Testimonial
“There was never a desire to cancel a session; on the contrary, I wanted to study even in challenging conditions – whether feeling unwell, having a fever, during a trip, or in an uncomfortable environment. I truly wanted to continue the progress, which became evident quite quickly. I appreciate Ksenia's individual approach, creating an environment that maximizes self-discovery. It's a place where things are not done for you but for you. Also, I value her ability to present the material in a way that suits you personally.”