We use texts and videos about real life: a travel video from a blogger, an article about an artist, a text about your work.
Grammar inside real Russian
We learn the grammar inside these texts and videos. Then you use it when you speak.
The Brain Method
My background is in biology and neuroscience. I love to study how memory works, and I use it when I prepare my courses and lessons.
Look inside a lesson
How I explain a new topicInside a lesson
this is me :)
Hi, I'm Alena
I help adults learn Russian in a simple way, with topics they really care about.
I love learning foreign languages myself. I speak English and Italian, I am learning German and French, and I tried five more to see how their grammar works. So I know how it feels from the inside :)
I have also tried many teachers, and I know what boring lessons are: you open a textbook and go page by page. Brrr...
My goal is to build the lessons in a different way. I tried many methods and platforms, and after years of teaching I finally found the structure that works best for my students. Come and try it!
8+years of teaching
3000+hours of lessons
British schoolteaching experience
What my students say
Questions
My partner speaks Russian. Why do I need a teacher?
Your partner speaks Russian, but teaching is a different skill. I explain the grammar in simple words and give you a plan. Then you practise at home with your partner.
I tried lessons before. It was only grammar, or we only talked about the weather.
My 1:1 lessons are built around your interests. Do you like art? I can prepare a lesson about artists and their masterpieces. Do you like business? We will discuss professional topics. Travel? We will watch travel videos from bloggers. You speak most of the time, and we learn the grammar inside these materials.
I have little time. Can I move a lesson?
Yes. You choose the time of every 1:1 lesson. You can move a lesson for free if you tell me at least 8 hours before. In the group, you get the recording if you miss a live lesson.
What happens in the trial lesson?
It is free and takes 30 minutes. I check your level, we talk about your goals, and I make a learning plan for you.
How do I pay? I do not have a Russian card.
Do not worry. I live in Europe and I am registered as self-employed, so I take all payments through Stripe. It is a safe and easy way to pay. You can choose Apple Pay, Google Pay, a card, PayPal and other options. Inside Europe you can also pay by bank transfer (IBAN). A package of 1:1 lessons is valid for 3 months.
Speak Russian with them
Start with a free trial lesson. We meet, I check your level, and you get a plan.