Hi, everyone! I am Renato and I have been teaching English as a Foreign Language at Alumni since 2003. I was born in Sao Paulo but have spent many years living in different places. My desire to travel and interest in learning languages were sparked at a very early age, and after going on an exchange program to Slovakia at the age of 15, I just knew that I wanted to work in a field that would enable me to get in touch with different cultures and languages.
I volunteered for AFS (American Field Service) in Brazil and England, spreading the word about the organization which promotes cultural exchange across the globe, recruiting host families and foreign students, planning and carrying out orientation sessions, getting and tutoring the program participants in languages.
Growing up, music also played a major role in my life. I majored in Recording Arts at Massachusetts Communications College, and worked in recording studios and music events in the Boston area. Nevertheless, I soon found myself engaged in cultural activities and language teaching once again. In the Admissions Department, I organized open houses, orientation sessions, and EFL intensive courses for international students. At the same time, I began teaching English to Brazilian immigrants and drifted away from a career in music.
Four years later, back in Brazil, I kept on teaching English as a Foreign Language, majored in English and Portuguese Languages and Translation/Interpretation Studies at IberoAmericana, and earned an SIT International Teaching Certificate. I also ventured in the MBA consulting business, walking Brazilians applicants through the admission process to top US Business Schools, editing essays and recommendation letters, coaching students for the TOEFL, and conducting mock interviews.
Earlier this year I first got involved blogging with my High Intermediate teenage students, and would like to welcome you all to this new experience with adult learners. I am positive we will learn a great deal about each other through the class blog and have lots of fun in the process. Feel free to write to me here and check out my other students’ blogs , whose links can be found at www.rcrispino.wordpress.com. Have a profitable and enjoyable bimester!
