Meet Jeamir, International Business teacher

In the first lesson, I always say: "Just step over the threshold and you're stepping out of your comfort zone. Here, mistakes aren't laughed at; here, you learn by trying!" I'm a Spanish teacher at Summa International Business. I'm originally from Aruba, but I've lived in the Netherlands for 13 years. My Dutch isn't perfect. I make mistakes, and I show my students that. Because that's how you learn a language: by doing and not being afraid to say something wrong.

My lessons are a mix of fun and practice. You don't learn Spanish by memorizing phrases, but by actually using it. That's why I make sure we connect the language to familiar situations. Order a sandwich in Spanish, or make a phone call. Of course, things sometimes go wrong – and that's exactly the point. Making mistakes isn't a bad thing; it's part of the learning process. I also help my students find internships abroad. I have a large network in Spain, and I want to offer them opportunities to experience not only the language, but also the culture and the professional field firsthand.

I believe you learn most when you feel comfortable. That's why I ensure a positive atmosphere, both in and out of class. During the introduction week, I'm not on the sidelines; I simply play football with my students. We laugh, joke, and get to know each other better. And yes, as a huge FC Barcelona fan, I'm happy to demonstrate how to do a proper tiki-taka pass! You'll bring that connection with you into the classroom. 

I'm always direct and honest. If something's not going well, I'll say so. But always with the question: "How can we solve this together?" I want my classes to be a place where you can be yourself and always count on my honesty and commitment. My job isn't just to ensure you understand what you're learning, but also that you leave the classroom feeling confident. Whether it's academic, internship, or personal, I'm there for my students. A good classroom atmosphere starts with trust. When you feel comfortable, you dare to make mistakes. And that's where learning begins.