Language(s) I teach: Czech for foreigners
What and where I studied: Faculty of Arts, Masaryk University: Czech language and literature
Since when I have worked at Correct: July 2019

Why and how did you become a professional Czech teacher?

During my studies I participated in a teaching internship in Kyiv, the capital city of Ukraine, where I accidently fell in love with teaching. Later, when I got home, back to the Czech Republic, I started searching for an opportunity to teach. At Correct, I found a supportive and friendly background, where I can do what I incredibly love doing.

How did you like Kiev?

The semester spent in Kiev was unforgettable for me. Since I only speak Russian and Ukrainian to a basic level, this stay was a big adventure for me. Just going shopping or buying a bottle of water was really adventurous. In any case, I´m already looking forward to returning to Ukraine.  

What was most surprising for you?

When going east, one can expect that many things will not work as normal. Thanks to that, I was able to react to commonly unannounced power outages with humor (even though I lived on the 11th floor).  However, once I was returning home on Kiev Boulevard in the evening and all the street lights suddenly went out for a couple of minutes. I was really quite surprised.

What do you enjoy most about working as a teacher?

In each course, I meet students of various nationalities and language skills. It´s always problematic in a way because with my limited language skills I can´t grasp all of my students´ native languages. So every time I explain something, I realize each student has troubles with different matters. And that´s what I enjoy most about this job it´s always different and always challenging.

How does working with students inspire you?

I study the Czech language myself and I am increasingly finding out how incredibly difficult our language is. And yet, with each new open course, there are several brave people who want to master this language. That´s why they go to lessons regularly, do homework, learn vocabulary. And due to their hard work, they are constantly making slow but visible progress. It gives me the courage to do great things in my life and the patience to keep my effort.

What do you do when you´re not working?

I like to walk, both in the countryside and in the city. I already have my favorite routes in Brno. I also like to relax with a book, preferably with contemporary Czech prose. And if I really want to treat myself, I get tickets for a ballet performance.  

What is the motto of your life?

You can find something positive in everything, you just have to be willing to look for it.