Director of Language Training/English TeacherWhat type of job are you looking for? I am looking to continue in my field as an English teacher, but maybe in a position of more responsibilty, such as Director of Language Training. What nationality are you? I am Maltese, but grew up in England. I currently live in Helsinki, Finland and have done so since 1998. What languages do you speak (and at what level)? Native English (British English) Basic Finnish What country or area are you looking to work in and why? Malta What countries have you worked in? England, Sunderland and Hampshire Finland, Helsinki Sapin, Barcelona What countries do you have a visa to work in? I am an E.U. citizen, so all Member States of the E.U. What field do you currently work in? I have been running my own Language Training Business providing langauge training services to companies in the Helsinki area of Finland: AL-Kielikeskus/DD Communications Oy since 2005. Prior to that, from March 1998- September 2005, I worked as an English teacher for several language training businesses. What fields have you worked in before? Before moving to Finland, I worked as an Office Manager for a company in North-East England, and before that as an Office Assistant at a Solicitor's Office in Sunderland, England. What qualifications do you hold? I have a Law Degree from the University of Liverpool, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the University of Northumbria at Newcastle. I also have an NVQ in Business Adminstartion and Accountancy; and a Certificate in Quality management and assurance Which do you consider more valuable? Formal education or skills and why? I believe there is equal merit in both, especially in Language Training. As an experienced English Trainer it is of course essential to be proficient in the field, but knowledge and awareness of the world around us, in addition to the abilty to communicate with people from all backgrounds and levels, is just as important. Describe the benefits of working with others As a teacher I have had the opportunity of working with people from a variety of social, eductional and professional backgrounds, and this has helped me to develop on a personal level my own skills as a well-informed and empathetic adult. I have also learned the importance of motivating and listening to others, to encourage the exchange of opinions and tolerance which are necesary for good communication, and if progress is to be achieved. Describe the benefits of working alone Obviously, working as a teacher involves a lot of independent work, and this has allowed me to develop my skills in appyling my knowledge in creating Course Programmes and Materials. It has also instilled a sense of self-discipline in achieving targets and meeting deadlines. What was your worst working experience? Fortunately, I have not really had what you could call a really bad work experience, as I have chosen my work places carefully, and have had the oppotunity of working with some great people over the years. I tend to think that it is the people you work with that have the capacity to ruin a working experience, as a mix of different personalities can inevitably lead to problematic situations. But, I like to think that I have an amiable personality and ability to win people around, thus avoiding confrontations and unpleasant atmostpheres! What is the most important lesson you have learnt throughout your career? Probably the most important thing I have learned is that you should treat people with respect. Always be willing to listen to other opinions and never be afraid to change your mind or admit you are wrong. In turn, people will give you the respect you deserve. Respect is something that is earned and should never be taken forgranted. What unique skills do you have? I have excellent inter-persoal skills whcih is a necessity in my field. Being able to make people feel comfortable and confident in a vulnerable situation is not a skill that should be overlooked. What would you consider as your 'dream job'? I love Malta, not only because it is the place of my birth, but because of the Island's beauty, it's history and it's people. I also love teaching; helping people to master a skill brings great satisfaction, and with it the knowledge that I have contributed to something that will help improve someone else's life. Combining these two would be a dream come true! What are the most interesting aspects of your field? Teaching is a vocation and a teacher must be dedicated and motivated if the student is to achieve his or her goals. This process is nothing if not interesting! Observing the challenges a student faces, offering stimulation and motivation to help overcome those challenges is basically what attracted me to this field to begin with. Furthermore, each teaching experience differs from the other, so it is never boring. If something works with one student, and doesn't work with another, then there are also challenges for me, as a teacher, to find the best solution that will set the student back on track. What are the least interesting aspects of your field? Probably, an unmotivated student. If the student is being forced to learn, or simply not interested in learning, then there is only so much the teacher can do. How can potential employers contact you? Email: deliadegiovanni@hotmail.com | 
