Raquel

I’m finding the grammar reviews with Raquel very useful. Besides the obvious opportunity to identify mistakes and improve my Dutch grammar, they give me opportunities to talk naturally without using prepared notes as a “crutch” to lean on and force me to think on my feet. I’m still making mistakes but with further practice, I will keep improving.

I have recently gotten my first Dutch job. This would not have been possible if it had not been for my lessons with Raquel. She has really been invaluable in helping me progress with the language and increase my confidence. Thank you so much! 😊

Today's lesson topic was about students and what sort of stress they might experience on their course. This was an interesting topic as I work in education and dealt with students in this situation so it was an opportunity to present my experience.

We have had to go back to the basics because I have so much going on in my life and Raquel is so patient.

We started with a conversation about what I had been doing since the last lesson and commenting about the weather. Then Raquel gave me an interesting article on taking a sabbatical or career break which we are currently going through and will help me expand my vocabulary.

In today's lesson, the topic was hobbies. Raquel began with a photo of someone using a potter's wheel to make a vase with clay and gave me the opportunity to describe what was happening in the photo. I then had a writing and speaking exercise to give as many advantages of having a hobby, which I found to be very good practice.