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Description
Bonjour! I’m Claire, but everyone calls me « Clara » and I’m from Quebec, the only French speaking province in Canada.
If I had to describe myself in a few words, I'd say :
- I’m a mother of two (whom I raised on my own) – now adults
- I'm a dynamic self-employed English and Spanish teacher (I can teach French)
- I’m also an entrepreneur (creation of learning tools – see below)
- Young at heart with the soul of an artist
- I love group workouts, roller skating, long walks and hikes (+ latin music)
- And I genuinely love people
I really enjoy being active and creative in many areas (teaching, drawing, painting, DIY crafts, etc.). I need stimulating projects and my goal is always to help people. On the other hand, for my personal balance, I also need quiet moments and to spend time in nature.
This will be my fist experience as a Workawayer. Living for a few weeks or months a year in a Spanish-speaking country is something I've wanted to do for a long time. At the age of 18, I spent a year in Mexico to learn Spanish through an organization called AFS. This great experience with a Mexican family changed my whole life. I really fell in love with the language, but also with the latin culture and I do miss it.
Over the years, the most significant trips I’ve made are my volunteering experiences : once in Ecuador and twice in Nicaragua. These trips made me realize that sharing my skills and my knowledge to help others would be part of my future. Simply seeing a smile or light in the eyes of the people I help warms my heart so much.
Entrepreneurship :
I’ve been teaching Spanish and English (to French speakers) for over 25 years, in schools, companies and private lessons. For almost as long, I’ve been in charge of accelerated Spanish courses for high school students who have 6 months to learn and then go abroad for a humanitarian experience. Therefore, I had to come up with good ideas so they could learn quickly and have fun.
This made me realize there were no colorful learning tool, for all ages, to learn Spanish. The solution: I decided to make it! In 2012, I created and commercialized a game called « Hola Clara » for French and English speakers. This simple learning tool enables people to learn by using playing cards depecting 650 of the most useful words in Spanish, with the simplified pronunciation. (see pictures)
Afterwards, I made the English version for French speakers, I also made a Spanish activity book and finally, “thanks” to the pandemic…I created an online course (with recorded videos). I invite you to visit my website to read testimonials and more. Texts are in French, but DeepL Translate does a great job! 😉 https://www.holaclara.com/
Beyond everything I’ve presented about myself, what I really want is to open up to people and to a new culture, so that I can always learn and grow.
Interests
Mountain
Yoga / Wellness
Writing
Sustainability
Self development
Outdoor activities
Nature
Movies & TV
Music
Languages
Hiking
Fitness
DIY & crafts
Dancing
Drawing & painting
Charity work
Beach
Art & design
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
French: Fluent
German: Intermediate
Italian: BeginnerMore details about my language interests
I'm really interested in teachind either French, English or Spanish.
Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn
I'm interested in:
Charity Work
Some knowledge of:
Hospitality/Tourism
Art Projects
Able to teach about:
Languages
Teaching
More details about your skills
My skills:
First of all, I must say that creativity is part of who I am. I’ve been a single mom of two with my own house…maybe it helps. (My kids are adults now) Either for something artistic (drawing, painting, making jewelry. etc) or academic, I always have ideas!
Talking about “academic creativity”…Through teaching, I realized there was no colorful learning tool for adults to learn Spanish. The solution: I decided to make it! I created and commercialized a game called « Hola Clara ». This simple learning tool enables people to learn by using playing cards depecting 650 of the most useful words in Spanish, with the simplified pronunciation. Afterwards, I made the version for French speakers who want to learn English and finally, I created an online course.
As you can see, I need different projects. I could go from panting a wall to welcoming people and I would be happy. One thing you need to know : don’t make me take care of your plants…they might die. (haha!)
Age
60
What else ...
Something I would love to do is helping tourists! Using the different languages I know, all at the same time, and guiding people.
One last thing is that I really enjoy being outside! I love nature, the beach and I walk an hour a day.
Some more information
Smoker
Driver's licence
Allergies
Special dietary requirements
Feedback
From day one, she showed that sparkly, kind, and warm personality that lights up a room. She always came prepared with great topics,… read more
From day one, I was welcomed so warmly by everyone at the academy. The atmosphere is friendly, respectful, and full of positive energy. The tasks were varied, which made the experience even… read more
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Friends
Feedback
From day one, she showed that sparkly, kind, and warm personality that lights up a room. She always came prepared with great topics,… read more
From day one, I was welcomed so warmly by everyone at the academy. The atmosphere is friendly, respectful, and full of positive energy. The tasks were varied, which made the experience even… read more
