Professional Native Russian Teacher with 15+ Years of Experience Teaching Students of All Levels

Find out more about Pavlo

• Do you speak this language fluently because of your origins or because a teacher inspired you to learn?

  My answer depends on the language. Russian and Ukrainian are my native languages, so I have spoken them since childhood. English is different: I learned it as a foreign language and later reached a certified C2 level. I have also studied other languages, including Turkish and Spanish.
  
  Because of this, I understand language learning from both sides: as a native speaker and as someone who has had to learn a foreign language step by step

• Can you name a living, historical or fictional character that you think is the emblematic representative of the language's culture?

  I find it difficult to choose only one person, because every language and culture has many important figures. For me, language itself is one of the strongest representatives of culture. It carries people’s history, humour, traditions, values, and way of thinking.
  
  When students learn a language, they are not only learning words and grammar. They are also discovering how people communicate, express emotions, show respect, and build relationships.

• Is there a typical word, phrase, tradition or behavior in the language that you particularly like?

  I especially like expressions that cannot be translated word for word. Every language has phrases that sound simple to native speakers but reveal something unique about the culture.
  
  I enjoy teaching these expressions because they help students sound more natural and understand the language beyond textbooks. They also make lessons more interesting and show that language is alive, not just a set of rules.

• Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  Languages have played a very important role in my life. They have helped me communicate with people from different countries, work internationally, teach, translate, interpret, and build friendships.
  
  For me, speaking another language is not only about passing exams or memorising grammar. It is about connecting with people. That is why I enjoy teaching languages: I like helping students move from “I understand a little” to “I can actually communicate.”

• What is the main difficulty in learning this language and what can help the process of learning?

  In my experience, the biggest difficulty is often confidence. Of course, grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary can be challenging, but many students struggle most with speaking because they are afraid of making mistakes.
  
  What helps most is regular practice, clear structure, and a supportive teacher. I always encourage my students to speak from the beginning, even with simple sentences. Mistakes are not a failure; they are part of the learning process.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your language learning or your days at school.

  More than 20 years ago, I thought I had learned English quite well by studying books and grammar. However, I had almost no experience speaking with native speakers.
  
  I decided to attend an English conversation group for the first time. I was feeling quite confident until someone smiled at me and asked, “How are you?”
  
  I completely froze for a moment and, without thinking, replied, “Yes.”
  
  Everyone laughed, including me. It was a funny but very valuable lesson. That experience taught me that real communication is very different from simply knowing grammar and vocabulary. Since then, I have always encouraged my students to practise speaking from the very beginning, because confidence comes through communication, not just textbooks.

• How has travel or a specific trip helped you to increase your skill and knowledge of the language?

  Travelling and living abroad have had a huge impact on my language skills.
  
  For example, I lived in Turkey for three years. Although I already spoke basic Turkish before moving there, using it every day in real-life situations helped me improve my fluency, confidence, and understanding of the culture much more than studying alone ever could.
  
  Later, I moved to London with a C1 level of English and several years of professional interpreting experience. Living in an English-speaking environment has taken my English to an even higher level, and I have since achieved a certified C2 level. Being surrounded by native speakers every day has helped me develop more natural pronunciation, a wider vocabulary, and a better understanding of everyday communication.
  
  These experiences taught me that while grammar and vocabulary are essential, true fluency comes from using a language in real life. That is exactly the approach I encourage in my lessons.

• What makes you a Superprof in language?

  I combine experience, patience, structure, and real-life communication. I have been teaching languages for many years and also have professional experience in translation, interpretation, and international communication.
  
  I know how difficult it can feel to learn a language, especially at the beginning. That is why I explain things clearly, adapt lessons to each student, and create a calm atmosphere where students feel comfortable speaking.
  
  My goal is not only to teach grammar or vocabulary, but to help students use the language confidently in real situations.