Language school is not just exercises and textbooks, it’s mainly experienced and qualified tutors who have already opened the door for many of our students to the world of English. And they are not only professionals in their field, but also interesting people, world travelers and unique personalities. Get to know them better with us.
Emma is a laid-back, empathetic tutor who hails from the Southwest of England. She lived, studied, and worked in London for several years and was essentially brought to The Bridge by chance. Read about how her steps led her through the Czech Republic and Spain to here, and also about what she loves most about her job.
Do you ever get homesick?
Sometimes. I miss my friends in London when I can’t celebrate their birthdays with them and, of course, my family.
How did you come to teach English?
I don’t remember exactly when I first had the idea to do a teaching qualification. It’s definitely not what I planned to do when I was at university. 🙂 But I’m glad I did it and I can’t imagine doing anything else now.
How many years have you been teaching English?
It will soon be ten years, and this is my fourth academic year at The Bridge.
How did you get into The Bridge?
I was working in the Czech Republic at the time and I came to Bratislava for a weekend with a friend. I really liked the city and thought it might be a good place to come to when I was ready to move on from my position in the Czech Republic. When my friend and I walked into a cafe next to a school, which used to be called Eleven books and coffee, and that’s when I saw The Bridge sign on the building next door. About a year later, when I was looking for places to go, I sent my CV to the Bridge and they invited me to an interview.
Where had you worked before that?
Before that I worked in language schools in both Bournemouth and London in the UK, and in the Czech Republic and Spain. I’m very happy to be teaching at The Bridge now, I’ve had opportunities here that I haven’t had at any of my jobs.
How do you think The Bridge is different to those other schools?
The school invests a lot in the teachers, not only in their professional development, but also in them as people. During the pandemic, the school and everyone who works there was very supportive and looked out for our social as well as work related needs. Not only that, but there’s always been very obvious and clear respect for us teachers and what we do. I’ve always felt supported and encouraged in my work.
What is your favourite part of your job?
The fact that I get to meet people who are eager to learn, people who are naturally curious and happy to engage in open discussion on a variety of topics. I like that I also get to learn from my students through their experiences and knowledge, while knowing that I’m helping them along the way to achieving their life goals.
What gets on your nerves the most with your students?
When they themselves are not interested in learning. I understand that English is a world language and also that many people learn it simply because they “have to” because of work, but if the will to learn is not there, it makes my job much harder and more unpleasant.
What is your best quality and what is your worst?
I’m passionate about the things that are close to my heart, but there is a negative side to it. I have to remind myself from time to time that I should take a step back, as what interests me may not interest other people, and they certainly don’t want me to keep bugging them about it.
What do you do in your spare time?
I started running regularly again during the pandemic and, although I still don’t get out as often as I’d like, I try to go at least once a week. I also enjoy cooking and trying new recipes, and I’m known at The Bridge as the queen of serial binge watching.
Fancy improving your English? Email us at kurzy@thebridge.sk or call +421 948 104 916 and maybe one with our friendly tutor Emma will be just the right fit for you.