Communicate confidently with locals
Are you learning Italian or Spanish but feel stuck at the stage where you can handle the basics — ordering a cappuccino, booking a table, asking for directions — yet struggle to go further into natural conversation?
Scoring high on apps like Duolinguo? Or maybe you've been learning the language for some time but you find online courses or group classes just don't work for you?
Language apps are great for vocabulary, but they don’t prepare you for real, fast conversations with native speakers. And in many group classes, you don’t get much time to speak.
If you’re an adult learner, what makes the difference is guided practice—especially in 1:1 lessons, where you can speak a lot, get immediate feedback, and build confidence week by week.
Fluency comes from training your ear and your speech with a supportive, experienced teacher.
I help adult students feel comfortable speaking from day one—no pressure, no judgement.
Lessons are structured, friendly, and tailored to your goals (travel, work, exams, or everyday conversation).
Why learn 1:1 with me
Lessons to meet your needs
Personalised sessions designed for your unique goals, focusing on subjects that actually matter to you.
Flexible timetable
Flexible booking times througout the day or evening to fit into your busy life.
Fun and engaging lessons
Skip the boring textbooks and focus on pronunciation, speaking and listening instead. My classes teach you how people actually talk so you can feel more confident in real life situations.
Warm and Friendly Support
Mastering a new language takes time and steady effort. I provide the calm support and clear guidance you need to keep moving forward.
Mike, your language coach
A life-long linguist with more than 20 years’ experience speaking, translating, and teaching languages, I’m well placed to coach you through your language-learning journey. Having learned several languages myself, I’ll share practical techniques—grounded in neuroscience and modern teaching methodology—to help you understand faster, remember more, and produce natural-sounding language. I use a wide range of resources and tailor each lesson to your needs, hobbies, and interests.
Qualifications
RSA Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (University of Cambridge) CELTA
BA Honours Italian and Spanish
Masters of Arts in Italian and Spanish Translation
Testimonials
Hear what my students have to say about their learning journey.
Working with Mike for over a year has truly boosted my fluency and self-assurance, leaving me feeling prepared and excited for my move to Sicily.
Dale Kneen
Finding an encouraging mentor like Mike transformed my experience. Thanks to him, I went from knowing basic phrases in English to confidently participating in meetings with my work colleagues.
Cristiana Valli
Mike has been a fantastic guide, inspiring me with resources that have boosted my confidence in speaking. He's completely changed how I feel about learning the language.
Jack Fong
