Antonio was chosen as the student of the month in September!

Antonio is attending the Callan Method English course and is currently at upper intermediate B2 level. We have interviewed him about his experience in London and at ABC School of English. Thank you for taking the time to do the interview, we have learnt so much about you!

Could you please tell me something about yourself: studies, job, hobbies?

My university studies are Teaching’s degree and Bachelor’s degree in Psychopedagogy. In addition, thanks to the master’s degree in educational psychology and social well-being that I did at the University of Cordoba, I have worked as a research assistant at the University of Cordoba since 2018. At the same time, I am developing my doctoral thesis on the mechanisms involved in bullying and cyberbullying aggression (I hope to present it at the end of this year, finally). Along with all this, I am also studying for a degree in psychology, which I hope to finish next year, as there are only three subjects left. Although I live in Cordoba (Spain), I was born and grew up in a small village in the south of Cordoba, maybe that’s why one of my greatest hobbies is walking or running through nature. During my adolescence and early adulthood, I practised federated athletics. Nowadays, I have the pleasure to continue to enjoy it from another point of view, as I am an athletics judge.

Why did you decide to come to London?

I decided to come to London for a research stay to study for my PhD with Professor Peter Smith from the University of Goldsmiths.

How do you find life in London?

I consider London to be one of the most cosmopolitan cities because of its cultural diversity. Despite being a large city, good public transport means you don’t have to spend too much time travelling. I love its parks and the way its citizens care for them and value them. Another aspect to highlight is the value of culture, giving accessibility to anyone.

Why did you choose ABC School of English?

One of my supervisors has spent many years in the UK and has developed her English through the Callan Method. It was she who recommended this methodology to me to practise English. Although many schools offer this method, I particularly liked ABC School after a short search because of the recommendations from other students.

Are you enjoying your lessons?

The lessons are enjoyable, direct, practical and even fun. I consider the 50 minutes of class to be a key to hearing without losing attention during the intense lessons. Moreover, I like the dynamic of the teachers. My experience in other more classical schools is that people with specific difficulties in learning the language or with bad days can experience embarrassment, despair, helplessness and even humiliation. However, mistakes are seen as learning through this method, which helps to integrate everyone without these unpleasant emotions.

What are your plans for the future?

I will go back to Spain at the end of October. I will defend my PhD soon to get a position as a lecturer. My current research stay is very pleasant. As for the language, this experience is becoming clear to me how important the language is to communicate in my field of work. This encourages me to continue with English training on my return to make it a weekly habit as a professional practice and improvement.