TestimonialS
5/5
“ Pelican is not just a teacher of the Spanish language (though she is the most exceptional Spanish teacher I have experienced). She also imparts the true spirit of the culture and the philosophy with poetic grace and strength. She is one of the most exquisite and fascinating human beings I have ever met. You will not only learn Spanish. You will become a better person. ”
Molly Birkholm
4.8/5
“Learning a new language is not an easy endeavor. It takes perseverance and hard work and above all, a great teacher. Pelican Finn is a great teacher. I’ve studied Spanish for years (several with Pelican) so I’ve encountered many different teachers. Pelican stands out as one of the best! Why? She’s so dedicated and she brings creativity and fun to her sessions. She is one of the most caring people I know whose passion for the language and its history is very motivating! She respects her students and is oh so patient with everyone, regardless of their language proficiency.”
Rita Harris
4.9/5
“ Almost 20 years ago, I met Pelican when she became my Spanish teacher. What I loved about her then and love about her now is her wonderful energy and style of teaching - she is patient and positive and uses many tools to ensure you master the language. Once I got to the advanced level, she took time to plan lessons that helped me to speak Spanish for business. I gained confidence through her. I also gained a lifetime friend. ”
Susie Belanger
5/5
“Pelican ‘s inspiring teaching has led me on a journey beyond just learning Spanish. Her insight, love for language and desire for discovery is infectious. It is a wonderful ongoing adventure of deepening understanding and broadening horizons. ”
Sally AShby
5/5
“ Studying with Pelican is truly a pleasure. Using varied and multidisciplinary materials, she offers up lessons which are at once instructive and culturally rich. Her enthusiasm and energy are boundless, and she creates a very comfortable study environment. Pair this with Pelican’s clear and academic understanding of what it takes to learn a language methodically and you have a teacher who will support you every step of the way.”
Tim Webb
4.8/5
“There are lots of ways to learn Spanish and many different teachers at many different prices per hour. After learning with Duolingo, group classes as well as other Spanish teachers, I have settled into my weekly classes with Pelican because of who she is and how she holds space for the spiritual transformation that comes from learning a new language.
The quality of her contextual teaching and her rigorous attention to detail woven in with her warm heart and friendly smile make my time with her one of my most precious times of the week.
Pelican’s teaching goes beyond styles like simply having a conversation. Pelican has used my life situations, such as building a home, teaching self-defense classes, and communicating with Spanish-speaking retreat center workers, to immerse me in the Latina culture through language and subtle nuances of the local culture and customs.
The proven results of our student/teacher relationship are that I am now participating in a Spanish-only speaking women's group, attending the local parties with few expats, and holding my own, as well as bridging relationships between expats and Ticos.
And I smile now because I learned much more than language, but customs. I have used the Spanish skills she taught me as a way also to save money buying appliances for our house, and even weekly trips to the farmers market are punctuated by what seems to be just a slightly better price than my non-Spanish speaking friends because of my newfound ability to converse with authenticity and depth.
Over the course of a 6-month immersion with Pelican, she was never late to our class, was also prepared, and never rescheduled. Her professionalism is unparalleled, particularly in a Pura Video lifestyle and environment that defaults to being slightly wobbly when it comes to commitments. She is patient, friendly, and thoughtful, and she always keeps my goals in mind. She holds me accountable for my homework and takes her role as a teacher seriously. For me, she is a guide to a new world of relating, and for this guidance, I am forever grateful. It’s time to invest in a package with Pelican. I’m glad I’ve secured my space with her because she is a precious jewel that will soon be noticed by more people in our community.
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Sunshine
4.9/5
“ My husband and I have taken classes with Pelican for several years. She is very knowledgeable about Spanish grammar and culture. An excellent teacher, Pelican is very flexible and adapts her conversations and structure to the needs and learning style of the student. She is very personable and makes her classes fun and interesting. We would recommend her without reservation to both beginning and advanced students. ”
Sue Kilrain
5/5
“I took 6 years of Spanish through high school and college, I tried all of the apps, and I even spent hundreds of dollars on Rosetta Stone. However, no matter what I tried, it did not work.
I can say, without a doubt, working with Pelican has been one of the best decisions of my life.
She is a world class teacher - patient, kind, and caring. She puts so much heart and thought into every lesson. She made learning easy and fun. We started communicating in Spanish in our first lesson and never stopped.
Pelican has a way of teaching that is so organic, you forget you are studying Spanish. Instead, it feels like you are discovering the language with a dear friend.
She creates an environment that removes all pressure, embarrassment, and awkwardness.
Outside of being a great teacher, Pelican is a wonderful human being. I cannot express how thankful I am to have her as a teacher and friend.
Thanks to Pelican, I now speak the language with an ease and excitement I never dreamed possible. Best of all, I get to speak Spanish with my wife, children, and extended family. ”
Cary