Language teacher · Founder of Iriana Be Smart
At the age of 23, I moved to Colombia and found myself in a completely new world. I lived with a Colombian family and learnt Spanish from scratch, without textbooks or ready-made materials. I had to find my own way of learning: listening, observing, asking questions, making mistakes and trying to speak again.
Six months later, I was already teaching English at universities and schools in Colombia.
I later moved to Moscow, where I began teaching Spanish in Russian schools and at the Academy of the Ministry of Education. I then moved to Spain and started teaching Spanish online to Russian-speaking students.
I have therefore travelled the same path that my students follow today: a new language, a different culture, mistakes, doubts and a gradual growth in confidence.
That is why I know that language is not just words and grammar. It is the opportunity to find your voice in a new world.
With more than 25 years of experience, I have worked with children, teenagers and adults in educational settings in Colombia, Russia, Spain and the United Arab Emirates.
Higher education in Slavic Philology and Psychology, together with a Spanish Language Teaching certificate from Nebrija University. This background combines linguistic rigour, an understanding of learning and a sensitive approach to adaptation.
I have worked in schools and educational centres in Colombia and Russia. This experience allows me to adapt teaching to each student’s age, pace, academic needs and emotional context, while supporting families through school integration.
I taught English at Instituto Corpo Cauca de Capacitación Empresarial, the Adult Academy of Universidad Mariana and the Industrial Engineering Faculty of Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia. In Russia, I taught Spanish at the Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In Dubai, I worked as a private tutor, educator and psychologist, supporting learning and personal development in an international, multicultural environment.
Antonio de Nebrija University · 2022
200 hours · 8 ECTS
Moscow Institute of Psychology and Pedagogy · 2003
Qualification: psychologist.
University of Tartu · 1991
Qualification: philologist and teacher of Russian language and literature.
My work goes beyond teaching a language. I help each student feel capable, confident and part of their environment, while supporting families and professionals in becoming more independent.
The combination of Slavic Philology, Psychology and Spanish teaching brings language, learning and personal adaptation together.
An initial conversation will help us understand your situation and identify the right support.
