My problem with the previous English classes I had attended is that even if I actually learned grammar and vocabulary, in the end I always felt that I was unable to really communicate in English. It was in Mike’s classes where I really developed the ability to have real conversations, to speak about everyday topics and to express my opinions in English. With the help of a great variety of games and activities that he conceives himself, Mike has the ability to create an environment where the students feel comfortable to speak and where the learning comes in an easy, almost unconscious, way.
Ana Iriarte – PhD student and teacher, Madrid Spain
I attended Mike’s class for 2 semesters. It was a great experience. Mike’s class is different from most of the classes you find elsewhere. You don’t just sit and write and listen, instead, you communicate, you express yourself, you learn other cultures, you also learn from playing games and having fun, and, last but not least, you will have a lot of new friends by the end of the semester.
Kimberly Gan – Consultant of Residential Relocation, Shanghai China
“Mike is great! I attended his classes for 4 months in 2009. He gave me the opportunity to learn English in a very informal environment, together with people from all over the world. He always arranged a big number of activities also outside of the school, which made his lessons always interesting, and never boring. You got the chance not only to learn the language, but also to make international friends. Attending Mike’s classes are an experience you will never forget.”
Emanuele Rossi – MPS Bank, Rome Italy
Mike is more than just an English teacher. He has a passion in what he does and loves to see his students improve. Since I returned to Brazil I’ve been studying International Relations. I’m so grateful to Mike. He has been a large part of my professional life.
Natalia Angelo Maso – International Relations UNISOL, Santa Catarina Brazil
Being a language instructor myself, I know how tricky it is to teach speaking skills as opposed to grammar and vocabulary. Of course, it is nice to have good grammar and an extended vocabulary, but it doesn’t help to understand what your new American landlord just told you or what the guy sitting next to you in a restaurant is trying to communicate. In Mike’s class, I learned a lot of idioms that people use all the time and feel like many blanks in my understanding were filled. Also, he really emphasizes pronunciation, which helped me develop a better ear as well as reduce my accent. Plus, you can expect to have a lot of fun! The games Mike developed are not only pedagogically helpful; they make you feel like a ten-year-old at a birthday party.
Aurelia Tarchini – French teacher, Geneva Switzerland
I took Mike’s classes while I was enrolled in the MS program in Criminology at University of Pennsylvania from fall 2008 through spring 2009.
Mike’s classes are remarkable for three reasons:
- He was always well-prepared with a wide variety of materials and activities ranging from Internet topics to guest speakers.
- Secondly, it was obvious that he enjoyed teaching English.
- Finally he made every effort to recognize and promote the cultures of his students thereby promoting mutual respect and understanding.
Yu Murayama – Crime Researcher SECOM Co. Ltd. Tokyo, Japan
My experience with Mike completely changed my outlook on studying English. He really understands the meaning of “advanced” conversation and treats his students as intelligent educated people. I’ve also worked with Mike on grammar and pronunciation in order to improve my communicative skills. We’ve even discussed American film and literature. Mike has been the best English teacher I’ve ever had. I hope to keep working with him for a long time.
Oscar Montoya- Spanish Lecturer, University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia
Mike makes learning English enjoyable. During my one and a half years as an au pair, I took several English classes, but Mike’s was the only one that made me feel I was really in America. His classes were very dynamic and he always tried to engage us in conversations related to US Culture. I’ll also never forget his explanation of the Present Perfect tense. The after class activities let me meet really nice people and have lots of fun. Now I’m back in Brazil teaching English!
Paloma Souza – ESL Teacher, Sao Paolo, Brazil
Mike’s classes are great because he has fantastic pronunciation and a clear way of speaking, easy to understand, so students can learn from just by listening.
Dr. Chiara Gentilomo – Venice, Italy
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