What inspired you to join the team at Na’atik Language and Culture Institute?
The opportunity to meet people from different countries and share my Spanish knowledge with them.
Describe a typical day/week as a Spanish Teacher at Na’atik.
The first day of class is from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. I usually arrive at 8:30 a.m. to prepare my class. At 9:00 a.m. I meet my new student. The first day I try to get to know the student, their Spanish level, as well as the purpose of learning the language. I try to know what my student likes and prepare my future classes based on that.
In a normal four hours class, I give vocabulary and certain grammar structures, most of the grammar I give them are with illustrations for a better approach. Then we start making our own sentences and questions. After studying for two hours we have a break. During the break the student can meet other students or eat something. Me, as a teacher, I take the time to prepare my two hours classes and chat a little bit with other members of the staff. And that will be a day in Na’atik.
Wendy with one of her students
What is your favorite part of your job?
Meeting new people from different places. And all of those people want to learn Spanish, get immersed in Mexican culture, and help this little community.
You speak Spanish and English, studied Italian for six months, and are currently learning Hindi. It’s safe to say you enjoy learning languages! Can you tell us about some of the challenges you face in learning a new language and how you overcome them?
The challenges I face in learning a new language is to understand certain phrases or words that do not have a translation in my language. So I need to adopt not only the language but its culture because you cannot learn a language if you do not understand the country and the people who live in it.
Also, some sounds can be difficult to pronounce because my language does not have those particular sounds, so it is completely new for me. The only thing I have to do is practice and practice until I could almost pronounce it correctly.
What advice would you share to people who are starting a new language learning journey?
Never give up! You would not be able to learn a language in a week or a month or even a year. You are learning all the time and you will never stop learning. It takes time and dedication, but if you love something, you will approach your goals.
Can you tell us about a moment that made you particularly proud of the work that you do?
Every time my students can speak Spanish, can understand a conversation, when I see their happiness on their faces because they can see their improvements - all of those little things make me proud.
What makes Na’atik special?
Na’atik is an institution not only to learn languages but to interact with locals. In the mornings, people from different countries go to learn Spanish and they stay with a homestay family for a deeper Spanish immersion.
Also, in this area of Mexico, Maya is a common language for some people, and if you would like to learn that language, Na’atik offers that opportunity too. In the afternoons, people from town can learn and practise English with excellent native teachers. The staff is excellent and soon you will feel part of Na’atik family. I think that what makes Na’atik different and special.
Why is it important for people to experience new cultures and learn new languages?
At the moment you decide to learn a language, automatically you are learning its culture. I think is important because you will be able to understand your own language from another perspective and see the beauty of others.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
You discover yourself. You will never be the same after coming back from a journey, you become mature in your life and in your decisions, you meet people who are like you, who share the same ideas and goals even though you are from the other side of the world. You start to value life and the simple things of life and you do not take anything for granted. Memories and experiences are better than material things.
What are your hopes for the future of Na’atik?
I hope Na’atik continues to grow and many people get to know about this institution. It is a good place to work and to learn. A whole amazing experience to meet incredible people.
