February, 2014
To whom it may concern:Gabriela Ferrante is an extraordinary teacher. She is passionate about what she does and her love of teaching comes out in every class. She has endless patience and great empathy with her students. She tailors each class to the evolving level of the student - there is no set curriculum as every class is specifically designed for that person and includes excellent and targeted course material. Her approach is to make learning a fun and enjoyable experience and it worked so well for me, that after just three weeks of fairly intensive classes (two hours per day), I was able to negotiate my way around South America - having come from a starting point of virtually no Spanish at all!
Gabriela has the gift of being able to teach without making you feel you are in a class. Often we had our classes during excursions or visits to great coffee shops, which provided a wonderful insight into Argentine life and culture. It also gave a 'real world' feel to everything I was learning. When I needed to buy boat tickets, for example, we spent the first part of a class on the necessary vocabulary and grammatical structures using role play. Then for the second half of the class, Gabriela came with me to the ticket office where I negotiated the purchase - knowing all the time she was there if I needed her. She was extremely flexible in arranging classes to suit my needs and schedule and when not having class in a coffee shop or during an excursion, she came to my apartment and did the class there.
I couldn't have asked for a better introduction to learning Spanish than with Gabriela. Since returning to Europe I have taken other Spanish classes, but have never met a teacher to equal her. You will not find a better Spanish teacher (or tour guide) in Buenos Aires!
Joan Moore
Chief Medical Scientist at Beaumont Hospital Dublin (Retired)
Note: if you wish to contact Joan Moore for more information her e-mail address is available upon request.
To anyone interested in really learning Spanish - September 2012
It is a genuine privilege to write this letter on behalf of Gabriela Ferrante, my private Spanish teacher for two months this past summer (winter in Buenos Aires!).
This was my fifth trip to Argentina over the years and I finally decided it was time to study Spanish for real. Frankly, I wish I had met her on my first trip. When searching the internet for a teacher it soon became obvious to me that Gabriela stood out in many ways from the myriad others listed on the web. She proved me right.
I did know a little Spanish already, well actually, muy poquito. After our first lesson, we met twice a week for an hour and a half each time, my wife, who speaks Spanish quite well, commented that finally, amazingly, I was speaking enthusiastically and with a level of confidence that was a delight to hear. How is this possible?
First and foremost , there is Gabriela the human being who exudes a genuine personal warmth that immediately puts one at ease, like getting together with a longtime friend, who shows an interest and concern for others, someone who cares and is willing to go that extra mile to help the other person.
And then there is the teacher who creates a learning environment so natural you don't realize how very much you are learning until you are out in the real world and getting along and enjoying it. We met at a different coffee or tea house every class session and talked about many topics: life in Argentina, popular and classical music, the history and culture of the city, whatever happened to come up. And along the way vocabulary and grammar just got better and talking and reading just got easier and easier.
I am a retired university music professor and a part of my responsibilities was to evaluate the teachings of others. Believe me, on both the human and the education levels, the world needs more Gabriela Ferrantes.
Sincerely yours,
Phil Kates
Retired Music Professor
Humboldt State University, California
Note: if you would like to contact Phil Kates for more information his e-mail address is available upon special request.
September, 2005
To whom it may concern,
I am honored to write a letter of recommendation for Gabriela Ferrante who was my Spanish teacher (private lessons) during my two week stay in BA.
Gabriela is a rare and extraordinary teacher. I feel so lucky that I had the opportunity to learn Spanish with her because she is warm, creative, generous, fun, endlessly patient and able to create an atmosphere where it feels safe and relaxing to learn at ones own pace. She also did everything (like meeting me wherever it was most convenient for me) to make getting together simple and easy for me.
For me, the challenge of beginning to learn Spanish is fraught with anxiety and self-doubt. Gabriela's ability to make me feel comfortable and "at home" was as important to me as all the superlative things I can say about her creative and quite brilliant method of teaching.
In sum, I recommend Gabriela enthusiastically and without reservation. Daily classes with Gabriela were a highlight of my stay in Buenos Aires, and made such a difference in my two week vacation with my family and my experience of the city.
It is a privilege to recommend her to others.
Sincerely,
Harriet Lerner, Ph.D
Clinical Psychologist and author of the New York Times bestseller The Dance of Anger
www.harrietlerner.com
Buenos Aires, Martes 29 de Marzo de 2005
A quien corresponda:
Av. Eduardo Madero 1020, PB Buenos Aires, March 29th, 2005
La Sra. Ana Gabriela Ferrante trabaja en Bridge-Linguatec Language Services desde Abril de 2000 y continúa en la actualidad.
Desde ese entonces ella nos demuestra ser una excelente profesora, puntual y con la mejor actitud posible frente a los estudiantes, quienes requieren especialmente tener clases con ella.
Por estas razones puedo afirmar que la Sra. Ana Gabriela Ferrante tiene gran habilidad y motivación para entrenar profesionales.
La recomiendo a cualquier compañía que este interesada en que ella forme parte de su staff de profesores.
Miguel Salinas
Gerente
(1106) Buenos Aires, Argentina
Tel.(5411) 4311-5900
Fax: (5411) 4311-4273
e-mail: info-argentina@bridgelinguatec.com.ar
http://www.bridgelinguatec.com.ar
Argentina / Brasil / Chile / USA
Ms. Ferrante has been working at Bridge-Lingautec since April 2000.
Since then, she has proven to be an excellent teacher; professional and with the best possible
attitude towards students who request her classes specifically.
For the above reasons, we affirm that Ms.Ferrante has the talent and motivation to instruct professionals
in the Spanish Language. We recommend her to any company considering welcoming her to their staff.
Miguel Salinas
Manager
Note: Bridge-Linguatec is now called Bridge Argentina
(www.bridgeargentina.com)
and has moved to a new location.
>
30 October 2006
To whom it may concern,
It is my great pleasure to write this letter of recommendation for my Spanish teacher, Gabriela Ferrante. I have been studying with Gabriela for almost a year now, and in that time I have learned more from her that I ever would have thought possible.
As an airline pilot, I have had the good fortune to study languages with some incredibly talented teachers in several different countries throughout the world. I can say without reservation that Gabriela is far and away the best teacher I have ever met. She is extraordinarily talented, and her unique, innovative and creative approach to every lesson makes learning almost effortless.
For me, one of the greatest challenges in language learning is overcoming the natural anxiety that is an inevitable part of the process. Gabriela's delightful, relaxed and friendly disposition very quickly eliminated that anxiety, and provided me with the optimum environment for learning. Lessons with her soon begin to feel like time spent with a good friend, with the added bonus of learning a language.
Gabriela has a passion for languages that is both infectious and irresistible, and is so supportive and patient that it is impossible not to make progress. Moreover, she is always prepared to go the extra mile, including in her lessons information about the city of Buenos Aires, the country of Argentina, and the culture of South America.
Learning Spanish with Gabriela Ferrante is an amazing and magical experience. I consider myself incredibly lucky to have found her as a teacher. I know if you decide to study with her, you will feel the same way.
Sincerely,
Captain L. J. (Mac) McCready
Captain, Delta Air Lines
Note: If you would like to contact Captain McCready for more information, his e-mail address is available upon special request.
May 28, 2008
To potential Spanish students:
I have been traveling to Buenos Aires for about seven years now and finally decided to put a sincere effort
to learning the language. I have tried several methods (Rosetta stone, Pimsleur, Berlitz) and did not have
any success with any of them. I tried several tutors and could not find the right person for me. Last month
I found Gabriela Ferrante. She has been great. I enjoy going to class and feel like I am learning for
the first time. She is very professional and always has the class planned to my needs. I am a pilot with
American Airlines and my schedule changes with short notice. She is very flexible to my schedule and willing
to work with me. The best part of her class is that she will take you to new location every week or so. I have
discovered places that I never knew existed. She is truly an ambassador to Argentina. She will show you the many
sites of the city and you will learn the culture of the Porteños. I highly recommend Gabriela and am sure she will
increase your language skills. If you have any questions please email me and I will be happy to answer.
Robert Christmas
777 Pilot American Airlines
Note: If you would like to contact Robert Christmas for more information, his e-mail address is available upon special request.
December 1, 2006
To whom it may concern:
As an airline pilot flying internationally I developed a great fondness for Buenos Aires and found myself flying there whenever the opportunity arose. From these trips came a desire to learn Spanish.
After a couple of frustrating months of self-study mixed with a private lesson or two, I was introduced to Gabriela Ferrante. The pace of my comprehension and conversation ability increased dramatically.
Her teaching style incorporates a traditional classroom setting with real life situations. For example, while learning food related vocabulary, we would go to a restaurant or café to practice what we had gone over earlier in our classroom setting. This "real life" practice was a regular part of my instruction and instrumental to my learning.
Gabriela loves her city and enjoys showing it to her students. Whatever your interest - the arts, the nightlife, or having a dining experience second to none, she will help you find it.
When I mentioned to her that I was interested in coming to Buenos Aires for a two-week vacation so I could practice my Spanish - she not only volunteered to find the perfect apartment, but coordinated everything.
After a few short months studying with Gabriela, I not only became conversational in Spanish, I gained a life-long friend.
If you have an interested in learning Spanish as well as experiencing the wonderful Buenos Aires culture, I cannot recommend Gabriela Ferrante highly enough. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Rob Haglund
Captain - retired
Delta Air Lines
Note: If you would like to contact Captain Rob Haglund for more information, his e-mail address is available upon special request.
English translation of the letter:
Buenos Aires , March 29th, 2005
To Whom It May Concern:
Ms. Ferrante has been working at Bridgelingautec since
April 2000. Since then, she has proven to be an
excellent teacher; professional and with the best
possible attitude towards students who
request her classes specifically. For the above
reasons, we affirm that Ms.Ferrante has the talent and
motivation to instruct professionals in the Spanish
Language. We recommend her to any company considering
welcoming her to their staff.
Miguel Salinas Manager
As I have done so many times, I would like to take this opportunity to
thank you Gabriela for the outstanding job you have done on my behalf.
You
are truly one of the jewels of Buenos Aires! As a Spanish instructor,
your
personalized and targeted approach to teaching the language is the
finest I
have ever experienced. From our first lesson onward, I could see
acceleration in my conversational and written Spanish skills. Unlike
traditional classroom instruction, your ability to incorporate the
beautiful
city of Buenos Aires and the wonderful culture of the Argentinean
people
into each lesson was priceless. I am looking forward to returning
soon!
Captain Greg Coker
Delta Air Lines
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Note: If you would like to contact Captain G. Coker for more information, his e-mail address is available upon special request.
March 1, 2006
To potential students:
I worked with Gabriela Ferrante for three weeks
improving my Spanish in Buenos Aires in 2006. It was
an experience I will always cherish. While Gabriela's
qualifications speak for themselves, her warm style
and generosity as a teacher made our classes special.
I heartily recommend her as a teacher. Her teaching
style is both fun and practical, and the learning
process is natural. And the best part is her
enthusiasm for making you a better speaker.
If you want the experience of knowing Buenos Aires and
improving your Spanish in a special way, you will not
find a better teacher than Gabriela.
Sincerely,
Alan Crabtree
Newspaper Editor
Seattle, Washington USA
Note: If you would like to contact Alan Crabtree for more information, his e-mail address is available upon special request.