NE Karla Montesinos
HE José Luis Sánchez Melgarejo
Exchange period: April to September 2024 in Slovakia
Karla, an experienced language teacher and translator, participated in the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs program to expand her knowledge of language academy management, marketing, and cultural event organization. In Slovakia, she worked as a Spanish teacher at a local academy, delivering both in-person and online lessons. As a Peruvian, she taught Latin American culture and current affairs, responding to Slovak students’ curiosity about these topics. This experience not only deepened her understanding of the operational aspects of running a language academy but also helped her build a valuable professional network in the education sector.
During the program, Karla not only taught Spanish but also developed educational materials focused on Latin American culture and current affairs, tailoring them specifically for Slovak students who were eager to learn about these topics. She played an active role in organizing cultural events that fostered interest in the Spanish language and also assisted in marketing initiatives to attract new learners. Through her collaboration with the academy’s leadership, she gained valuable insights into the language education market in Slovakia, learning how language schools operate and attract students. This experience allowed her to refine her teaching methodology while also expanding her knowledge of business management in the education sector.
Through this program, I strengthened both my teaching and entrepreneurial skills. Teaching both in-person and online broadened my adaptability as an educator. By incorporating Latin American culture and current affairs into my lessons, I provided students with a more diverse and dynamic learning experience. My involvement in event organization improved my project management and teamwork abilities, while my exposure to marketing strategies enhanced my understanding of business promotion in the education sector. This experience expanded my professional network and equipped me with valuable skills for my future career in education and entrepreneurship.