About Dina
Hello everyone!
My name is Dina and I am from Istanbul. Besides Turkey, I have also lived in England, Myanmar (Burma) and Georgia. Although I have a degree in computer programming, my passion has always been languages. I speak Turkish, English, Spanish and a little Georgian.
I have been teaching English for 20 years and have helped hundreds of students, kids, teenagers as well as adults, improve their English, pass international exams and communicate better in the workplace. My students' progress/success really makes me happy and this is one of the reasons why I love teaching.
Having travelled extensively (48 countries so far), I have met many interesting people from different places and cultures. Working remotely allows me to do this on a different level.
If you need any help with your English, I would be more than happy to assist you.
In conversation with Dina
What sparked your passion for English, leading you to tutor in this subject?
As a non-native speaker of English, my interest in the language started when I was a teenager. I enjoyed listening to music in English, and it helped me express myself. Later, living in the UK helped me further develop my knowledge of the language.
How has your background in English shaped your life or career path?
Even though my degree was in computer programming, I realised in my early 20s that I wanted to become a teacher. Having worked with many English teachers, I realised that I could do the same, so I decided to study English language teaching and obtained my first teaching qualification in the UK in 2002.
For someone unsure about diving into English, what advice would you give?
Make sure you have time to study English consistently, and be patient! Learning a language takes time, and you have to be prepared to make an effort.
What’s your preferred method for teaching complex English structures?
When I was doing my DELTA (Diploma in English Language Teaching), our tutors encouraged us to make the most of emergent language. So, instead of simply teaching a structure to a learner, it’s often best to introduce it when the need arises. As an experienced teacher, I feel comfortable with this approach, even if it means providing explanations and plenty of examples on the spot.
Is there a particular area within English that you find most fascinating, and why?
The sheer number of words in the English language fascinates me, particularly adjectives. I find it amazing how many different ways there are to express a particular idea or describe something. English has an enormous vocabulary, and there is always another word, expression or nuance to discover.
Can you share an experience where understanding English profoundly impacted you or someone you know?
Speaking and understanding English has allowed me to meet so many people from around the world and travel independently to far-flung countries. Most of my students have passed exams, been promoted, or become more confident when giving presentations in English.
What do you believe is the most rewarding aspect of tutoring in English?
Seeing students make significant progress is truly rewarding. You get students from all walks of life - doctors, teachers, sales executives, expats and even pilots. Ultimately, it comes down to how hard they work, but being part of their learning journey is what makes my job so enjoyable, even though I’ve been teaching English since 2004.