Denise comes from Campinas in Brazil. She was educated as a psychologist and lecturer in psychology, then decided to give English lessons in Brazil. Ran her own language institute there for a number of years. Has taught Portuguese since coming to the Netherlands.
‘As Portuguese trainers, we think it’s important that students start speaking Portuguese right away. That’s why every lesson has a part in which the student actively speaks the language. That helps! I’m obviously not there as a psychologist, but sometimes I can help a student get back on track with just a short conversation. Some students have ‘blocks’ and then they just don’t dare to speak. But I give them tips on how they can study in an optimal, brain-friendly way. A tip that I often give at the end of the course is that you have to keep doing something in the language every day. If you don’t, you’ll lose it.’
Speaks
Portuguese, English, Dutch
Read more about Portuguese language training at Regina Coeli >