Hello and Welcome
Hello and Welcome. I am a qualified Spanish teacher and native of Argentina. For the past nineteen years I have been teaching
Spanish to students from all over the world both as an instructor at a prestigious language institute in Buenos Aires (BridgeArgentina)
and as a private tutor. During my career, I have lived and taught in cities as diverse as Paris, Rome and New York.
As you can see from my résumé, I have extensive experience in Spanish instruction. I teach using
a modern, conversation-based method that is highly-effective (Communicative Approach). Although I am perfectly fluent
in English and comfortable with French, Italian and Portuguese, classes are conducted solely in Spanish with no word-for-word
translation at all. I have found that directed conversation classes produce results more quickly and painlessly than rote memorization.
As a trained teacher, I bring more to my classes than just a native speaker's basic understanding of the language.
Classes are highly organized, fun and professional. From the initial skill level assessment, to the creation of a
customized learning plan, your progress towards Spanish fluency is monitored and evaluated. New grammar and vocabulary
are introduced systematically, tailored to both the interests and ability of each student.
Lessons are combined with sightseeing and can take place at a museum or a historic cafe or at a restaurant
ordering food so that besides being introduced to Argentine culture students can practice their Spanish
in real-life settings. For a deeper understanding of the local culture class material is related to these
excursions.
(
For more details see "Classes and Sightseeing.")
During my career I have had the chance to teach both private and small group classes, at levels ranging from beginner
to advanced. I have been able to live, study and travel throughout the world and have had the opportunity to teach and
be taught by people from all walks of life. One of my favorite things about this profession, and the reason I remain
excited and engaged by each student's progress, is that, in a very real way, teaching someone to speak a new language,
opens a path between cultures. Give someone a new language and you give them a new world.
Some reviews that have been posted by previous students
at the Tripadvisor forum:
Trip Advisor Forum Posted Jan 22, 2015:
Gabriela "is absolutely amazing: hilarious, calm, thoughtful, and creative.
Gabriela will bend over backwards for her students.
We did everything from making empanadas in my tiny kitchen to going on day-long excursions
to learn about Argentinian culture and history ... "
( click here to read the post )
Trip Advisor Forum Posted Jun 21, 2015:
"I took private classes for two hours a day for three weeks with Gabriela Ferrante ... I had no Spanish to start with
and after just three weeks I had learnt enough to be comfortable and confident making my way through South America ... "
( click here to read the post )
Trip Advisor Forum Posted Mar 20, 2013:
Gabriela "has pulled us up (like Tira Misu) from bare bone beginners to being able to manage life in Argentina
and even have some conversations ..."
( click here to read the post )
Trip Advisor Forum Posted Jun 15, 2008:
"I took Spanish classes at a school, BridgeLingatec, but one of the best teachers at that school gives private lessons,
which is what I would recommend if you are both at the same level. Her name is Gabriela Ferrante ..."
( click here to read the post )
Trip Advisor Forum Posted Aug 14, 2011:
"For those seeking an excellent Spanish language tutor, I'd like to recommend Gabriela Ferrante ... Gabriela
eschews the classroom and directs the student to a new cafe, museum, or other engaging location for each
class. Hence, one learns a tremendous amount about the city in addition to expanding practical language ability ... "
( click here to read the post )
Trip Advisor Forum Posted Jan 09, 2011:
Gabriela "is highly experienced and holds classes in different cafes around the city, which is a nice way to
see new places and practice your Spanish in real-life settings ... "
( click here to read the post )
Trip Advisor Forum Posted Jan 24, 2012:
"We have engaged our talented and creative teacher from last year, Gabriela Ferrante. This year Gabriela has devised
a terrific plan for our studies: ... The second day of each week the three of us go on a little
adventure - talking Spanish all the way ... "
( click here to read the post )
Previous Students in Buenos Aires:
The President of Johnson & Johnson, Argentina; the President of Scania, Argentina; the Administrative Department Director of Mitsubishi Argentina,
a Los Angeles Superior Court Judge, Delta Airlines, KLM and American Airlines Pilots, a Chief Scientist (Beaumont Hospital Dublin),
a Music Professor (Humboldt University California) etc. (
See letters of recommendation.)
Previous Students in New York:
Citigroup executives, the Director of the ESL (English as a Second Language) program at CUNY University; university students, etc.
Excellent letters of recommendation (
See letters of recommendation.)