Maarten (馬騰)
Visited 20 hours ago
Maarten (馬騰)
Professional Teacher
Teaches
Dutch
Native
English
Native
Speaks
Chinese (Mandarin)
Spanish
Native Dutch/English instructor with 14+ years of experience! 不会说英文或荷兰文？没关系！成人、孩子都教！
Teaches
Dutch
Native
English
Native
Speaks
Chinese (Mandarin)
Spanish
Native Dutch/English instructor with 14+ years of experience! 不会说英文或荷兰文？没关系！成人、孩子都教！
From NetherlandsLiving in Other, Spain (12:00 UTC+02:00)
About Me
italki teacher since Aug 24, 2021Interest topicHistoryEnvironment & NatureFilms & TV SeriesScienceTravel
I was born in the Netherlands, but also grew up in Belgium and America. When I was eighteen years old, I moved to China to study martial arts and eventually became a master of Chinese swordsmanship eleven years later. I love adventure and travelled over 80000km, to the most remote areas of South China, on motorbikes and documented the trips through photography, also trekking through jungles and caves. I enjoy watching films - especially those of the science fiction, action and horror genres. I majored in science at an American university and relish discussing scientific topics at length. Languages are another passion of mine and I am currently learning Spanish to enjoy my new life in Spain!Me as a Teacher
I have been teaching for well over a decade now. I was a language instructor in China for ten of the eleven years that I lived there (and an adventure tour leader for one!) and have also been teaching online for over three years now. My students have ranged from kindergarteners all the way up to adult professionals. I lived and worked in Guilin, Chongqing and Jiamusi and have developed a deep understanding of the people and culture of the country, although I enjoy learning about all cultures. After leaving China, I worked in law enforcement for a year and went back to school to pursue a degree in environmental science, but came back to teaching because I missed it!My lessons & teaching style
I am a fun-loving, but serious teacher that pays a lot of attention to detail. I measure my success as a teacher by the success of my students. I speak clearly and teach my students to speak clearly - heavily focusing on pronunciation and communication skills. We read articles, write short compositions and make presentations for a more targeted approach to learning. You will find me a very sociable person, interested in wide range of subjects that we can discuss. I change my teaching style to adapt to my students needs and find material that relates to their interests or profession. Whatever your needs may be, we can find a way to achieve your goal!My teaching material
- PDF file
- Text Documents
- Audio files
- Image files
- Video files
- Articles and news
- Homework Assignments
Certificates
Teaching English as a Foreign Language - I-to-I - 2020I received this 120 hour certification in additional to the 40 hour certification that I had already received in 2005 during my first year in China.
Certificate uploaded
Education
2020 - 2021
Bachelor’s - University StudiesDue to the pandemic, my original programme, Freshwater Science and Sustainability, was cancelled and I graduated with a BA of Science in University Studies with concentrations in biological and environmental science and Mandarin Chinese. I achieved a perfect average grade and was awarded Summa Cum Laude and a certificate for Excellence in Chinese.
Work Experience
2006 - 2007
Foreign Language InstructorTaught English to students from kindergarten to high school levels.
Developed the curriculum and prepared lessons and examinations.
2007 - 2008
Foreign Language InstructorPrepared lessons and taught English to children from first to sixth grades.
Facilitated parent/teacher conferences.
Taught martial arts during their P.E lessons twice a week.
Taught select students to sing and hosted events like a talent show for the parents.
2011 - 2013
Foreign Language InstructorPrepared lessons and taught English at this Chinese middle school.
Prepared examinations and facilitated parent/teacher conferences.
2013 - 2015
Foreign Language InstructorPrepared lessons/activities and taught English at this Chinese kindergarten.
Served as a liaison between local and foreign staff and taught the latter Mandarin.
Served as school photographer during special events.
2016 - 2018
Foreign Language InstructorTaught English to students from kindergarten to high school levels.
Developed the curriculum and prepared lessons and examinations.
Served as a liaison between foreign and local staff.
5.0
Rating
301
Students
2,478
Lessons
100%
Attendance
100%
Response
English Lessons
English
Dutch
Trial Lesson
176 lessons completed
USD 15.00+
Structured Conversation Practice
A2 - C1Conversation Practice608 lessons completed
USD 15.40+
Package with 10% off
Basic/Children’s English Course (基础／儿童英语课程)
A1 - A2General380 lessons completed
USD 18.20+
Package with 10% off
Availability
Based on your timezone (UTC+00:00)
124 Reviews
All
English
Dutch
Barry
211 English lessons
Teacher’s pick
Maarten is a very wonderful teacher. He help me to improve my pronunciation and how to describe more precise. He is also very funny teacher. He can talk different topics.
Feb 24, 2023
Gavin
13 Dutch lessons
Teacher’s pick
Maarten has been helping me improve my Dutch from an absolute beginner level to being able to hold a conversation in Dutch. Due to his adventurous life, he has lots of stories to tell, which can be quite entertaining. He is always punctual and prepared and we never run out of things to talk about.
Surely one of the best teachers on Italki!
Jan 24, 2023
Anne van den Bedum
18 Dutch lessons
Teacher’s pick
Maarten is the best Dutch teacher I've found so far. He is well prepared, always shows up on time, and is enthusiastic about sharing his expertise. Mijn uitspraak is zeker vooruit gegaan na de lessen van Maarten! :)
Dec 9, 2021
Aysha
7 Dutch lessons
Great teacher and a nice lesson as usual! Dank je wel Maarten!
Apr 23, 2024
Anne van den Bedum
18 Dutch lessons
Tijd vliegt met Maarten. Hij geeft je alle aandacht die je nodig hebt om beter te kunnen worden.
Apr 17, 2024
Aysha
7 Dutch lessons
Maarten is really easy to talk to and I appreciate that he focuses a lot on correcting my pronunciation and mistakes. Looking forward to future lessons!
Apr 8, 2024
Trial Lesson
USD 15.00
Your final payment will be made in USD