Due to my strong interest in languages and other cultures, I studied at the Germersheim campus of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz after completing my Abitur (A language: German, B language: English, C language: Spanish, D language: Italian). During my semester abroad in Trieste, I was able to deepen my intercultural experience and gain insight into what it is like to live in another country and culture. Having learned several languages myself, I am also able to empathize with learners.

I then worked for nine years as a translator and, after one and a half years, also as a project manager in several predominantly international companies with clients from a wide range of sectors (IT, technology, law, NGOs, and pharmaceutical/medical fields). Through my contact with international colleagues, translators, and clients, I was able to further develop my language skills and intercultural competencies.

From November to December 2026, I completed a seven-week training program to become a teacher of German as a foreign language and did an internship at bwhw in Dietzenbach, where I taught young people aged 16–23. This training provided me with a solid pedagogical foundation for my work as a German teacher. In January, I then started a trainee program at SprachPassion in Frankfurt, where I now teach both children and adults as a freelance instructor.

My motivation for changing careers was that I have always enjoyed teaching others (after graduating from high school, I had also considered becoming a primary school teacher), I find it rewarding to help people, and I can use my skills as a translator in direct interaction with others. I had already taught Syrian refugees and supported my Ukrainian neighbors in learning German, which strengthened my desire to pursue this professionally.

In March, I was fortunate to receive a position as a teacher at Januam, and I am delighted about the opportunity to introduce my native language to learners in an engaging and varied way, and to support them in communicating confidently in everyday situations.