In Conversation With...
Joana Chaves
Portugal
So, I’m Neil. Can you tell me about yourself please?
I’m from Cascais – I’ve always lived here. I’m studying Leisure Management in Estoril. I love my course. I have a job too. It’s with ‘rappel’, canyoning, all the adventure activities.
And when did you start studying at ELC?
I started in January this year.
Why did you start studying here?
Because I’m on a tourism course and English is really needed. I had the basic but I always thought I don’t speak too much. Here – I heard that you speak a lot, you will speak more than you imagine – and that is what is happening!
So, what do you like about studying here?
Here I learn pronunciation, new vocabulary – it helps to speak with a lot of people about different things.
I see. And what areas do you feel you have made most progress in?
You are more relaxing to talk with other people. And I think that happens with me too! I have improved my pronunciation of some words – it’s good when I give presentations in my school.
How do you think English will help you in the future?
For me I have to talk with a lot of English people in my profession, but I have some sports that started in English countries – all the books and instructions are in English. For example canyoning, it’s not a well-known sport, but it’s growing but in English.
What advice would you give to younger / other students?
Don’t live for tomorrow! Try to do the First Certificate. I came to a phase of my life that I know I don’t have a big curriculum so if you start early you will not have the same problem.
Thank you very much for taking the time to have this interview – nice to meet you!
Teacher: Gaynor Doyle
Interviewer: Neil Rush
