Efraín Piña

Efra is everything that's best about italki. If you're new to spanish, language learning, or having a tutor, then it likely helps to know that Efra has endless reserves of charm and kindness to smooth over your nerves about meeting a stranger and trying something intimidating. For gringos too nervous to make the first jump, he does speak ABC but he's winsome enough that you'll want to get his attention with your first spanish words. For those with more intense, long term goals: with Efra's help, corrections, patience, flexibility, creativity over the course of 3+ years, I became the only bilingual social worker in the fancy shmancy children's research hospital in which I work. One final note--if you're going to learn a language with a tutor, you're going to be spending a lot of time together. Pick someone you like. Someone who laughs easily, shows up, stays curious, smart as a whip but too down to earth for you to notice immediately. Someone like Efra. Your life will be richer for it.

Another great lesson with Efrain. The lessons are very fun and engaging. He has great resources to help learn new and relevant vocab. Gives great and useful feedback in the moment. He's very patient when I make the same mistake over and over lol. Lo recomiendo mucho

I loved having a conversation lesson with Efrain! He's great and I will definitely be taking more lessons with him.

I've been taking lessons with Efraín for over a year now, and he's hands down the best teacher I've ever had in any language – and I've had quite a few! Not only is he knowledgeable and experienced, but he's also the kindest, most encouraging, bright, and fun teacher you could ever have! We always have plenty to talk about, and he puts an incredible amount of thought into making his lessons fun and engaging. He gently and helpfully corrects errors, most often by writing the correct version of what you had wanted to say in the chat which allows us to continue speaking without interruption. Efraín is also very patient and allows me plenty of time to speak and think of the words I am trying to say. I never feel bad making a mistake in front of him, which I greatly appreciate because feeling comfortable and relaxed with a teacher is really important to me. I could go on forever saying good things about Efraín. He is amazing and you will see it for yourself if you book a lesson with him!!

It was a pleasure meeting Efrain. He has a great energy and was very easy to talk to. I look forward to the next lesson!

He definitely opened my eyes to how much more conversational practice I need. I will be practicing a lot more. Gracias, Efrain!