Hi there! My name is Mark from Vancouver, Canada. Welcome to my profile! But before letting you know more about me, I'm more concerned with you and your needs. Well, I'm sure you're here to try to improve your English skills, but is that all? If if is, then of course I would be more than happy to do whatever it takes to get you to the level you need. I can offer you proper guidance in any type of English, whether it's general, business, or just conversational. But what if your skills are holding you back from getting further ahead in your present or future job or career? Maybe your English skills are 'okay' to get you by on a daily basis, but what if they're not strong enough to help you advance yourself in the workplace? I can imagine the frustration of having the right 'technical' skills to do the job. But, you cannot get that job or pursue your career further, because having strong English skills is a mandatory requirement that you don't have! Arrghhh! I can truly understand the incredible disappointment a person must feel being in that position. Maybe that may even be you? The good news however, is that you CAN indeed get that job! All you need is the proper guidance, support, training, and know-how. And it would be my absolute pleasure to be that person to help you achieve your goals, and eliminate any obstacles that may currently be in your way. I'm an extremely patient, understanding, compassionate, empathetic, and easygoing trainer. I like to laugh, have fun, and to not have lessons be too serious, but still productive and effective. I've had to learn foreign languages myself, so I can truly understand your desires, challenges, and possible frustrations. I've been in your position also. I've pulled my hair out many times too! :) What's different about my lessons and myself? Well, not only do I help people improve their English skills in whatever capacity they're needing and/or seeking, but I also incorporate those skills to further advance people in the present or future careers, as I've alluded to above. Meaning, it's one thing to learn proper English, but how do we use it 'correctly and appropriately' in the workplace for best results and success? Now remember..., if you are 'not' looking for any training in the industries mentioned below, and just want to improve your English skills only, that's completely fine. I'll be more than happy to help you. We can easily do that. But, if you think you may want or need additional training on how to use your newly learned English skills at work and advance your career, then keep reading.... :) I'll help you understand the countless ways a person handles different situations in their job. Furthermore, you'll learn how to advance yourself from your current position, to move further up the ladder. Plus, you'll learn how to deal with the numerous situations (good and bad) that occur with clients, guests, and customers. You'll learn things like: - Problem solving - Dealing with customer complaints - Correct ways to meet, greet, and introduce people - Giving presentations - Proper email writing - business or personal - Providing Good Customer Service vs 'Excellent' Customer Service - Business and Social Etiquette - The 'Hows' of what to say when you don't have an answer for a customer - The proper way to conduct a job interview for best results - Learning the importance of using and understanding slang, colloquialisms, and idioms (both casually and in business) so you can sound like a native speaker. And let's not forget the underestimated concept of knowing 'small-talk' too! - Understanding the differences regarding spelling, pronunciation, and meanings, between British and American English - Learning cultural differences, protocols, and etiquette when traveling to foreign countries - Know what and what 'not' to say when meeting people for the first time, both personally and/or professionally These are just a few examples of the countless topics and situations that we'll be covering. I specialize mostly in the corporate, hospitality, customer service, and travel industries. This is because so many people who are learning English, have to deal with people on a daily basis at work in these jobs/fields. People struggle to know what to say and 'how' to say certain things at work. So I'll teach you all of the details and possible scenarios that will boost your comfort and confidence levels. You'll be able to then face any situation in the workplace with absolute certainty. My lessons are very relaxed, where I'll let 'you' set the pace, so you're feeling more comfortable and at ease. We'll have a large variety of topics, exercises, and activities from which to choose. And, we'll do real-life training that you can't learn from a book. This will enable you to have a first-hand feel and experience to use your newly taught skills. I would love to help you in every way possible to set you on the right path to achieve your goals. This is by integrating your newly learned English skills, in combination with your newly acquired job skills as mentioned above. I've tried to make my rates fair and reasonable, considering they will reflect these types of lessons where you'll be learning two different elements as one. (I have a longer version of my video above, where you can also see more of what I've been mentioning here in a more 'visual' way - just ask and I'll send it to you :). So a little bit more about me if you'd like to know.... :) I was born in Vancouver, Canada, was raised in New Zealand under the British academic system. I then moved to sunny California to acquire my Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology under the American academic system, where I also minored in psychology. My job history has involved being an apprentice interior decorator (I love styling homes!), mixologist (just a fancy word for 'bartender' :), construction worker, hotel supervision and management, undercover agent (no, not the James Bond type unfortunately), professional photographer, corporate writer, editor, proofreader, and English trainer. I acquired my business and teaching experience, mostly from working in the hotel industry (Marriott Corporation) and legal industry (corporate undercover work). Those two industries exposed me to a great deal of knowledge and experience for nearly 20 years. I have then happily passed that experience down to numerous international students like yourself, to improve their English, business, and job skills. I studied six years of French, learned a little Spanish (forgot a lot though), and can speak conversational Thai. So I can relate to the challenges and frustrations of learning a new language, as you may experience yourself. I've been a resident of eight countries since the age of two, and I'm now living in SE Asia where I've been for 17 'hot' years. I absolutely love experiencing the wonderful riches, colors and cultures this world has to offer. Thus my fervent desire to travel as much as possible, as that's the way I enjoy learning - in person. My passions are listening to and playing music, wildlife, travel, reading, any outdoor sports and activities (including water), photography, and international cuisines. I hope I've provided you enough information, but if there is anything I have not mentioned that you need to know, please feel free to ask anytime! It would be my pleasure to help you in any way possible! :) Hope to see you soon, so we can take the first step to further success! Warm wishes, Mark