Garrett S
★★★★★
I tried a sample lesson with Colombina Z and loved it. Colombina Z tailored the lesson to a true beginner pace while keeping it fun. Highly recommend booking a class. 
Colombina Z
★★★★★
1 review
Master English, French & Italian with a Published Literary Translator
- Los Angeles, California •
- Online
192 Classes Taught
Backed by the Strømmen Quality Guarantee
Tutor Bio
Hello! I’m Colombina, but you can call me Coco. I’m a professional language coach and published literary translator teaching English, French, and Italian to students of all ages and levels. I hold a Master’s in Fine Arts and a Bachelor’s in Foreign Languages and Literature, and my French‑to‑English poetry translations are published internationally and taught at universities around the world.
I specialize in English as a Second Language (ESL), with a focus on Business English, academic support, and confident communication. I also tutor French and Italian, from beginner conversation to advanced literature and creative writing. My students include professionals, university students, and children, and I love helping each one gain fluency, clarity, and confidence in self‑expression.
With 5+ years of experience, 2,000+ hours of lessons, and over 200 students worldwide, I’ve guided learners to excel in interviews, presentations, schoolwork, and creative projects. My online lessons are dynamic and personalized, with interactive conversations, live grammar support, writing exercises, and practical assignments designed to make learning engaging and effective.
My goal is simple: to help you unlock your full language potential and enjoy every step of the journey.
Degrees and Certificates
- Degrees: Masters of Fine Art, Bachelor in Foreign Language and Literature.
- Certications: Over 2,000 hours of one‑on‑one teaching experience. Published literary translator, with work reviewed in Kirkus Reviews, Times Literary Supplement, Art Book D.A.P., and multiple international journals.
Personal Interests
Acting, Creative writing, Drama, Drawing, Gardening, Photography, Art Galleries, Making Art
Learn more about Colombina
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What is your favorite word in your language and why?
Chocolate: it conveys a smooth warmth and takes me back to reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as a kid. I have a fondness for words that carry the soft, flowing "ch" sound.
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What is your favorite dish from your hometown? If you no longer live there is there a good local restaurant that serves it?
My hometown is LA, but I can’t say I have a favorite dish from there—though I do go bananas for good ramen. However, my mom’s hometown is Florence, so let’s pretend it’s mine too. That way, I can say gnocchi in fresh tomato sauce from a tiny osteria I’m obsessed with.
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Besides the languages you teach, do you speak or study any other languages?
I try to practice my Spanish as much as possible and studied German years ago. Every now and then, I challenge myself by watching a yoga YouTube channel in German—let me emphasize the word challenge. Believe me, it’s a challenge!
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What are your interests outside of teaching at Strommen?
I try to spend as much time as possible in nature, whether observing plants and animals or gardening. When I’m not outdoors, I’m usually developing my art practice, needle felting, writing, or reading. I also love sailing and going to art and music shows.
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What do you consider your hometown? Why do you love it?
LA is a creative gem—I love immersing myself in its vibrant, open-air theater of nature and culture.
Tutor Testimonials
Hourly Rates
Online tutoring
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Pay as you go$59/hr
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10-hour package Save $100$49/hr$490 total
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20-hour package Save $400 Best value$39/hr$780 total
Tutor's location in Los Angeles
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Pay as you go$115/hr
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10-hour package Save $50$110/hr$1,100 total
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20-hour package Save $200 Best value$105/hr$2,100 total
Your home or office
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Pay as you go$160/hr
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10-hour package Save $50$155/hr$1,550 total
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20-hour package Save $200 Best value$150/hr$3,000 total