Hi! I’m Maria, an English tutor with 5+ years of teaching experience, a confirmed C2 level, and a particular focus on advanced learners, IELTS preparation, university studies, and professional communication.
For the past three years, I have been living in Vienna, where English is part of my everyday academic and professional life. I work in an international environment and am currently completing my PhD in English. Before moving to Austria, I worked in IT and media in Moscow, where English was also an essential part of my work.
Who I work with
I mainly teach teenagers and adults from A2 to C2, including:
- students preparing for IELTS and other international exams
- applicants planning to study at universities abroad
- university students who need stronger academic English
- professionals who want to communicate more confidently at work
- advanced learners who feel they have reached a plateau
- teachers and tutors working towards C1–C2 English
My students have successfully entered universities in Austria, Spain and other European countries, moved abroad and started using English confidently in everyday life and at work. I also work with IT professionals who need English for meetings, negotiations and communication in international teams.
My teaching approach
My background is in history, and my university education included pedagogy and teaching practice. I have also taught philosophy and history at university, so explaining complex ideas in a clear and structured way is something I genuinely enjoy.
At the same time, I don't believe language learning should revolve around memorising theory.
Our lessons are built around practice.
I select textbooks and materials according to your level, goals and interests, but I also regularly use real-world materials: articles, videos, podcasts, interviews, films and other authentic content.
A typical learning programme may include:
- speaking practice and discussion
- detailed work on difficult grammar and vocabulary
- listening and reading with authentic materials
- essay and academic writing
- reviews, short posts and other practical writing tasks
- exam strategies and IELTS practice
- vocabulary for more natural and precise C1–C2 communication
I pay particular attention to writing because strong written English is useful far beyond exams. It matters at university, at work and in everyday professional communication.
When you make a mistake, I don't just correct it. I explain why something sounds unnatural or incorrect, show you other examples and help you find alternatives. With advanced students, we also work extensively with synonyms, collocations and phrasing that can make your English more precise and natural.
All lesson materials are organised on an individual Miro board, so you can easily return to previous topics, corrections, vocabulary and assignments.
Lessons built around you
There is no universal programme that works for everyone.
During our first lesson, I will learn more about your goals, experience and current level. Based on that, I prepare materials for our work and continue adapting them as we go.
If something is too easy, too difficult or simply boring, we change it.
I am a calm, patient and supportive teacher. I can explain a difficult concept step by step, but I also give students space to think, speak and take an active role in shaping their own learning.
And because I am interested in everything from cinema and theatre to philosophy and psychology, we are unlikely to run out of things to discuss.
I particularly enjoy working with students who have a real reason for learning English — an exam, university, relocation, a new job or simply the desire to finally feel confident using the language they have studied for years.
If that sounds like you, book a lesson and tell me what you want to achieve. We’ll look at your current level, discuss your goals and decide what the most useful next step should be.
