Marielena Andrade, Spanish Teacher
And So Much More!

Marielena Andrade is as lovely and dynamic as she is intelligent and charming. She has been helping foreigners from all over the world for 12 years here in Cuenca. As she has taught, so has she learned—she speaks English and French as well as Spanish.

Marielena is from Azogues, about 40 minutes by bus outside of Cuenca. She grew up with her sister, Lupe, her mother, and grandparents.

Her mother was a teacher and worked in various cities, so Marielena has always been ambitious to get out and teach.

She found that the greatest joy in teaching is the boundless treasures she finds in meeting and learning from those she teaches.

"I learn a lot from other people, and teaching provides me with such a dynamic environment in learning about other cultures, and people. This work makes me rich!" she told us, as we sat outside on her rooftop terrace on another beautiful Cuenca day. She squeezed a large glass of fresh orange juice for each of us, and told us her story.

Why Marielena Teaches

"I feel very rich in mind, body and soul, and I am so fortunate to be teaching and learning things from my students. I know and am friends with many people from America, Japan, South Africa, China and Europe.

"I came to Cuenca to go to university and get my degree in teaching. [She also obtained her postgraduate degree in teaching Spanish to foreigners.] My sister also came here to study graphic design. We are both professionals," she says. "I am a Spanish teacher here working with the language school, CEDEI, and I do a lot of freelance work. I love teaching!"

"My dream is to live abroad and bring my baby girl, Marielena. I would love for her to grow up with the understanding that the world is full of interesting cultures and people, and that this knowledge and experience makes for a full and happy life.

We are a bit racist here, but that's because few people ever get out and meet anyone different from themselves. You can stereotype people, and yes, some are crazy, but there are quiet and careful young people as well. You finally come to see that the movies and films are not accurate portrayals of all of any one group, that individuals are what the world is made of."

Marielena's fees are so reasonable and flexible, and she is so good at what she does, that she's always in demand, even for private Spanish classes of two weeks.

In addition to Spanish, Marielena offers salsa dance and cooking classes. She also offers private tours for groups and individuals. And she teaches new residents to Cuenca how to avoid overpaying for food and other items.

A Book in Progress

Marielena is working on a Spanish book for beginners based on her best most effective lessons for beginner beginners of Spanish. She expects to be finished the book in another two months.

"I know what works and what beginners need, so Im putting it all together. My students have always given me very positive responses to my classes" she told us. We're looking forward to seeing her new book.

How To Contact Marielena

If you're interested in learning Spanish with Marielena, or want to learn how to salsa, or how to cook Ecuadorian meals, you can reach her by email at maryelen26@hotmail.com, or on her cell phone at 093536229.

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