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WHY AM I PROUD TO BE
CULTURA INGLESA?
The book you have in your hands right now is the result of countless hours of work and dedication to the one thing we have most evident in our DNA at Cultura Inglesa: Excellence. In the year we commemorate our 85th anniversary, we are launching our first book entirely written by students, and we could not be happier to have you celebrate it with us! This book is a compilation of texts written for our More than Words writing contest, which happened in the second semester of 2019. We received thousands of brilliant applications of students of all levels – beginner to proficiency –, with one main topic: Why am I proud to be Cultura Inglesa? The texts you will read ranked highest within levels, based on the following criteria: relevance, accuracy, cohesion, range, evidence of learning and overall impact. We are immensely grateful for our students’ participation and cannot be prouder to have each one of them with us! This book is the tangible result of such pride and work.
Enjoy your read!
When Cultura Inglesa invited us to participate in the 1st More than Words contest as part of the judging panel, we were thrilled! We are now proud to share this publication with everyone. After 3 Rounds, we can say that students’ participation moved us deeply as we were able to witness true stories of how learning English at Cultura has not only touched so many lives, but has also transformed them in so many ways. We had the privilege of reading a great number of testimonials which answered the question #Why am I proud to be CI? and each single story confirmed our belief that students have a lot to say and share, and when we give them room to voice their views, magic happens! Here you will find narratives of students who found at CI the support and motivation to face and overcome their fears, challenge themselves to aim for more, get the dream job through English as well as to be able to communicate in English for the first time, among other things… We, therefore, realise that everything our learners experience at CI matters, so it makes us want to work harder to provide them with the best experience possible so that we can all live our lives to the fullest and become all we can become… We truly hope you get as inspired by these accounts as we did – Enjoy!
talkingEFL
Basic
I’m not the one who always gets the best grade in the class, but I want to be a great person. And that’s what Cultura Inglesa does to our students’ lives. It shows us the pleasure of studying and chasing after our dreams. With advanced technology, trained teachers and attentive staff, it is the school that allows students to live English. I went from a girl who did not like English at all to a woman who loves learning more and more about the English language. That’s why I’m proud and want to evolve in other ways with Cultura Inglesa.
Laura Arcanjo
11
Basic
Cultura Inglesa is making a better future and I am pretty proud to be part of this.To be part of a structure that offers different experiences and a lot of cultural activities makes me excited to improve, not only my English proficiency, but my worldwide skills. It is amazing.The school people are always helping each other to improve themselves, from classmates to school staff. The school staff is always helping students to practice English by just saying good evening or bye bye, that helps me to go further. I am proud to be CI.
Gabriela Diogo
12
Basic
Hello, my name is Gustavo Porto Mathoso da Silva and I am proud to be Cultura Inglesa, because I have always wanted to learn English even though in the course of my life I had a lot of problems. With autism, ADHD, two spontaneous pneumothorax and hearing loss. I was accepted at Cultura Inglesa despite my problems! And I could overcome my limits! For that, I am proud to be Cultura Inglesa. I chose Cultura Inglesa because I wanted to learn English to travel the world.
Gustavo Porto
13
Basic
For a long time in my life, I felt I was not part of the world because I did not speak English. Last November I had to work in SĂŁo Paulo because the CFO of my company was in Brazil. In the hotel during breakfast, to my surprise, I could speak to him and I did not have any problems. We talked about my job and daily file in Brazil. I am proud to be Cultura because for the first time in my life I felt I was a global citizen.
Marcio Antonio de Matos Coelho
14
Basic
I’m proud to be Cultura Inglesa because I’m studying in the best school in Brazil.I believe that now I will go to learn real English. All people have many dreams and they want better opportunities at work and in life, for example: visiting new places, learning a new culture, receiving a promotion and making more money. I strongly believe in Cultura Inglesa and I am sure that everything is possible when you want it. Cultura Inglesa makes the difference in people’s lives.
Michele Fernanda Sandes
15
Basic
I am proud to be Cultura Inglesa because here the teachers speak only in English, so I learn to think in English and, of course, to speak English as well. I am proud too because in Cultura Inglesa, students are encouraged, not only to learn another language, but to immerse in the culture of this language through music, theatre, movies. When I speak to my friends about all activities that I am doing during the course, they say: “wonderful, this is an immersion, this is as if you had an exchange�. I am learning to communicate in English.
Camila Pinheiro
16
Basic
I’m a Cultura Inglesa student! I am proud to be Cultura Inglesa because every class I feel happy and excited to practice my writing, listening and speaking in English. The lessons are about real-life situations and the teachers are great. These things make me feel ready to travel to another country and to look for a job in a multinational company. Studying English is changing my life. Before I become a Cultura Inglesa student, learning English was very difficult for me, but now I watch series and I try to understand songs in English. I like this language now!
Marcela de Souza
17
Basic
How did the best language school according to the Paulistas and the most awarded in Brazil acquire its reputation? it’s simple, introducing English in the daily life of the students. There are many activities that Cultura Inglesa offers, like theatre, international concerts, singing and speeches to emerge English in people’s lives. I’m proud to be Cultura Inglesa because I’m being challenged every class and I can get out of the comfort zone. I’m studying for two months and I can start a conversation, I got confidence. There are dynamic classes where I can put learning into practice in my daily life.
Juliana Dias Martins
18
Basic
Imagine a scenario like this: I had it all, but I had nothing. In college I had academic merit, but I did not speak English. Because of this, I lost a job opportunity in a multinational company. Extra factor - I did not like English. But I had no choice. I had to study English. I was lucky to find Cultura Inglesa because it turned something difficult for me into something easy and cool. Even the choir has made me a different and open person. I know I’ll get my job and CI will be part of it. That is why #IamproudtobeCI.
Horana Donatoni
19
Intermediate How many times have I started studying English and I stopped? If I like the language and it is important for my professional career, why couldn’t I persist in studying English ? When I finally decided to start at Cultura, I used to say I discovered a new world, a new way to learn the language. The school is absolutely amazing, the teachers are constantly trained in order to improve their skills and methods. Consequently, everybody who studies at Cultura praises how effective the method of Cultura is. In addition the school has a theatre group, the competitions, such as “Your Voice” and “Cultura’s Got Talent”. Also, there are the holiday courses, workshops and cultural events. It is a wide range of activities and events that make language learning easier. To summarise, two years went by since my first contact with the school and I am completely sure I have made one of the best choices of my life. I do love studying English at Cultura Inglesa.
Thiago Avelino
23
Intermediate I’m proud! Hello, my name is José Roberto. First of all, I’m a new student and since the first day, I could notice how different the way of learning is. But I’m not here to advertise. I’ll tell you about my dreams. I always pictured myself telling my mother “I’m having a meeting with my boss at Google tonight”. OH MY GOD! Google is like the top of the mountain for my career. Is it going to be easy? Of course not! I didn’t choose the “easy” option on the title screen (game reference)! Certainly, Cultura Inglesa will help me to travel around the world, taste every kind of food and, maybe take a selfie with the queen! Today I’m proud to be Cultura Inglesa and to see my dreams coming true. As Aladdin said: “A whole new world. A new horizon to pursue”.
Jose Roberto dos Santos
24
Intermediate Today, while I was absorbed into my thoughts I remember that my first contact with the language was in school. I hated English, the classes were boring and very tiring, my teachers couldn’t encourage me to learn. When I became an adult, I wanted to learn more, to be able to talk in English, because of my personal and professional life. So, I decided to study in Cultura Inglesa. Since the beginning, I felt welcomed by school, the teachers are spectacular, and they know how to help in the development of different techniques for learning. Structurally and technologically, it is the best school in which I studied. I can say that I have a new family, I study at the most awarded language school in Brazil and today I love studying English. Because of this, I can say that I’m proud to be Cultura Inglesa.
Luana Alonso
25
Intermediate A philosopher once said: “Language is by definition the expression of civilised man. Violence is silent”. My motivation to go back to studying English was the difficulty my brother had to make connections in a different culture during his exchange program. I was already able to read and listen to English without trouble. But these are lone activities; and what’s the purpose of understanding a language if we can’t establish connections through it? Studying here, I have already met different people and I feel that, driven by the motivation to express ourselves and expand our horizons, I also learned that one’s evolution depends on the evolution of the group. Through social projects, Cultura Inglesa shows they feel responsible for more than teaching English. They’re also taking action to help underprivileged people to have the possibility to connect and expand their condition as civilized men. That’s why I’m proud to be CI.
Mayra Carolina Lisboa de Freitas
26
Intermediate That’s kind of a tricky question, but at the same time I feel comfortable to open myself in this composition. I remember, years ago, when I wasn’t familiar with English, but I used to enjoy singing. It was absolutely easy for me to memorize the lyrics but the only problem was that I couldn’t understand much about it. So I went to take my first English class in C.I, I was in T1. I found it really nice, my dream was coming true and I was extremely excited. Now, I’ve notice that English is more than understanding lyrics of songs, it’s communication, expression, a door for a successful life and to know yourself. Cultura Inglesa gave me the opportunity to expand my life vision and proved to me that the world is big, but it’s too small for those who want to fly.
Victoria Cieslak Klinger
27
Intermediate Last year I received an unusual call from a Human Resource Manager of the biggest company in Healthcare area. Our conversation would have been the first of several ones, if it weren´t for my lack of comprehension at that time. I lost a promotion opportunity, and got a regret feeling which never went away. From that day on, I swore to myself I would never go through that awkward situation again, since I had been working hard for years, waiting for that call! I needed the best and fastest teaching methodology to improve my English level, which also would offer affordable cost and great facilities, and after searching, I chose Cultura Inglesa. Last term I met that same Manager during an event, and she was shocked at how I improved my English since our last phone call, she even praised me! This is real, this is CuItura Inglesa!
Carolina Abe Lipari
28
Intermediate My journey at Cultura Inglesa began when I was in elementary school, but I left it when I was in high school. Now, as a college senior, I have finally decided to return to my studies. Today, I am able to see things I could not realize when I was younger, and that led me to know why I am proud to be Cultura Inglesa: I was surprised to see that Cultura’s role goes beyond teaching English. Very important topics such as gender equality and social and cultural issues are discussed during the classes. In my opinion, nowadays, that is extremely important when it comes to educating children and it is very noble that Cultura Inglesa is concerned about this matter. It is also remarkable that through a satisfaction survey, Cultura seeks to know the socioeconomic status of its students and strives to be a more inclusive institution.
Aline Cristine GalvĂŁo
29
Intermediate The language is a human gift. It allows us to reach others through the voice that translates images, knowledge and emotions, incorporating and enriching the culture of all of those who use it. Cultura Inglesa promotes this privileged capacity of man by offering its students the support to launch themselves into the world and to exercise the art of teaching. This art goes beyond a simple collection of words, reframing the learning process by sharing experiences and, above all, by immersing the student in a scenario that makes him a protagonist who is thirsty for life. To be part of the Cultura Inglesa team, therefore, reflects a world full of hidden opportunities in the pages of the book you read, the music that resonates in each of us, the soul-chilling films and the infinite path we can travel with confidence to express the effervescence of our senses to anyone.
Larissa Soares Vieira
30
Intermediate For the past four years, I’ve met more than ten people that studied or are still studying at Cultura Inglesa. For this reason, I was curious to know how the professors teach at such a well-known institution, and then, I found myself wanting to be a student there. So, when I had the chance to attend an English school, I chose to go to Cultura. The first classes, I was shocked at the amount of support they give to us. For example, there are many events so the students can learn English in several ways, such as preparing speeches, writing texts and even singing. Besides these activities and events, Cultura has qualified professionals that teach and respond our questions, even after class, with great didatics. And that’s why I am proud to be Cultura Inglesa.
Alice Guimarães Perez
31
34
Advanced I am sailing across a sea of words, hoping to reach perfection in my sentences and looking for a land of score 100, henceforth called TOEFL. After a couple of years, I am challenged again to test my English. Now, the war is in the field of science, in which I am required to extrapolate the TOEFL score beyond 100 points.Next year, I am going to apply to a masters program in Business Analytics and a very high TOEFL score is required. In order to get through this challenge, I have decided to resume my studies in English and now I am a Cultura Inglesa student again. Being a Cultura Inglesa student is to immerse into an English atmosphere. Everything there is very professional, well prepared and motivates you to study more each day. Moreover, all the resources and excellence in teaching give you a certainty of succeeding in your challenges. Finally, all these things are only possible because of the COOLTURA great people and teachers. I’m proud to be CULTURA because CULTURA has been helping me in my achievements for a long time. Quoting Rod Stewart, “I’m sailing home again”.
Rubens Dias
35
Advanced CI: A journey into the Anglophonia which I am proud to participate My experience as a CI student can be summarised in a sense of penchant for learning and pride to be part of such a superb institution, which masterfully introduced me to the vast world of English. First and foremost, the combination between the broad range of teaching methods and the presentation of brilliant insights into the anglophone culture has functioned as a launching pad into the interwoven globalised world, allowing me to set out my stall as I face the wide array of challenges currently existent. Even more pride-inspiring than the unique manner of teaching mentioned above is the valorisation of the student, the pièce de rÊsistance behind my relation with Cultura. Under the auspices of an exceptional staff, young though I am, I was able to make gigantic strides in my academic life at a fast rate, being able to fully apply my talents as the only 13-year-old at Proficiency level. By far and large, being part of the school is an experience that inspires pridefulness in anyone, since Cultura prepares every student to wield immense power of English and conquer his dreams wherever he is.
Caio Tomiato
36
Advanced In general, being proud of something is a feeling which includes one or two achievements and, unfortunately, we tend to forget it as time goes by. However, there is one exception to this notion. #proudtobeci is a manifold sentiment: first and foremost, it is the feeling of being in the best place to develop my English skills. This place is fulfilled by an amazing spirit, as a sanctuary dedicated, by and large, to the English culture, in all its aspects. This enthusiastic environment is created by the academic staff and personnel without whom every study-day at CI would not be so highly excellent. It is impossible not to perceive my own progress, as well as it is difficult not to profit from every single learning experience. The last, but not least, I am #proudtobeci due to my feeling that I have made the right choice: I aced when I have chosen to study in CI. And it is unforgettable.
Leandro Ranieri
37
Advanced My relationship with CI started before I was even born. My mother used to be a student of Cultura Inglesa when she was 16 and considering her passion for languages, she finished the entire course, achieving the proficiency level. After finishing it, she went to her first trip abroad in order to improve her English even further. Surprisingly, when she arrived in the USA to start her classes for foreing students, she found it too easy. With that, my mother applied for a course for natives, reflecting the good job done during her CI times. Four months later, she returned to Brazil and opened her own English school, intended to share her knowledge with others. When I was only 6 years old, my mom enrolled me at Cultura Inglesa Santo Amaro, which made me very excited, but for a short time, once I had to leave one year later as my parents got divorced. In college, I was able to return to CI which allowed me to go for an exchange programme in Dublin and now, I’m back home at Cultura Inglesa again to achieve the same level my mother did.
Fabiana Leddomado Carneiro de Mendonça
38
Advanced Have you ever met someone with a contrasting culture as yours and somehow you could find a common ground? It happened to me when I met a girl called Dorotea, from the Czech Republic. In my hometown, we have been known for not being open to people, or even friendly. The place where Dorotea lives is quite similar to mine and by the time I met her I realized we had a lot of things in common. When I met Dorotea, I was an intermediate English student. Although I thought I could speak with her without any hesitation, as soon as she started speaking, I froze up. That was my turning point. Not only did I have to boost my English, but I also needed to learn about different cultures, then, I found Cultura. After two years of studying, I can better explore my language skills with Dorotea. Additionally, I was able to share the pros and cons when it comes to values and behaviours. For instance, we are both open-minded. I am proud to be CI on the grounds that having a better understanding of the world and seeing what binds us together is far greater than what separates us.
Laura Maria Ronchi
39
Advanced The king metaphor Cultura Inglesa is one of a kind. My dream has always been to get the highest Cambridge certificate that there is, which is the CPE. The exam is said to be nearly impossible due to its complexity so I fell prey to think that one cannot easily achieve it. That thought had brought me down for so long that I thought of taking up CAE classes instead. However, when I first came to the school, I spoke to a teacher who told me that I was capable of taking up IPT, thus the CPE. That was one of those moments which can take you to cloud nine! Ever since that talk I’ve become more confident, the teacher gave me gumption. The fact that Cultura inglesa prepares students for Cambridge exams using official books developed by Cambridge puts the school on the top of the food chain, as the lion. Thanks to that teacher, I feel capable of succeeding in one of my dreams. I would never have thought that studying for a Cambridge exam could be so uplifting, so for this and for all the reasons stated so far, I am proud to be Cultura Inglesa.
Lucas Quintino
40
Advanced First of all, I enrolled Cultura in August, 2019, though I already knew it since 2018. Many relatives and friends of mine studied at Cultura for a long time, and I thought it was just a simple and ordinary English school, until I discovered that it was not only worried whether their students would learn English or not. Cultura’s purpose is, as the name implies, transmitting the English culture for people! In the first semester of 2019 I found out an event called “Cultura Inglesa Festival” that brings artists from England or other English-speaking countries to promote new experiences with this language outside the classroom but, still, inside our own country. I could experience this Festival in June, watching Lily Allen’s performance in São Paulo, and it added a lot for me that, at that time, wasn’t even a Cultura student. After July vacations, willing to come back to studying English after a 2-year break, I decided Cultura was the best option not only for its great reputation in teaching, but also for seeing with my own eyes how much effort their team put in bringing English to our daily lives. Now, I can say I am proud to be Cultura Inglesa.
Matheus Salustio Campista Petrucci
41
Advanced It was the start of a new year, that’s the time when we got all our hopes up. Unfortunately, that was not the case for my mother and I. We both were dealing with our own problems and consequently we started to get distant. So to break the ice with my mother, I asked her to accompany me to the English school where I decided to study, to feel a little less like a gallivant. The initial idea was just for me to study. However, the attendant suggest to my mother to study with me also. When my mother heard the idea, she beamed and had a glow in her eyes. Then it hit me like a lightning: in the past few weeks, that was the first time my mother smiled, so I began to encourage my mother to also study with me, saying that I would help her anytime she needed with her studies, wishing for her to agree. Thanks to the idea from that guy, today my bond with my mother it’s stronger than ever. We help each other and she even teaches me things. That is why I am proud to be a student from “Cultura Inglesa”.
Verônica Berard Jorge
42
Advanced Proud at Forties As a good teenager I’ve always swapped books for parties and fun. I’ve also had the chance to be connected to a second language either on the internet or having English classes, but I was not aware of how important global communication was back then. As time went by and I became responsible for my own accomplishments, a deep regret caught me about the time I had wasted focusing on fleeting things and I’ve finally decided to struggle with lack of time, generation clash and also insecurity, hoping to catch up with lost opportunities. On the other hand, I was not willing to squander time anymore and I was anxious for fast outcomes. That’s why I’m proud of my choice! Studying at CI has not only given me the amazing opportunity to be understood by foreign people, but it also fostered an incredible inner transformation, facilitating to stretch myself and fit in different generations. Last but not least, it’s paramount to learn with fun. Otherwise, it won’t be a pleasure. I could find it at CI which provides students with many kinds of extra-activities, making me feel motivated and absolutely proud to be here, even in my forties.
Alessandra Montoni Skibicki
43