Colombina Z
★★★★★
Master English, French & Italian with a Published Literary Translator
- Los Angeles, California •
- Online
Specialties: Fiorentino, English for Special Needs Students, Study Skills Coaching, Test Preparation, Executive Function Coaching, Art for Kids, Painting Classes Online, College Essay Tutor, College Admissions Counselor, Early Language Learning, SAT Math Tutor, SAT Reading and Writing, Learning Disability Support, Document Translation, Legal Translation, AP English Literature, Creative Writing, English Literature for High School
Offers 30 min free-trial
As low as $39.00/hr Online
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
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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.
Hourly Rates
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Online tutoring
Pay as you go: $59.00/hr
10 hour package: $49.00/hr — Package Price: $490.00
20 hour package: $39.00/hr — Package Price: $780.00
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In-person at tutor's location in Los Angeles
Pay as you go: $115.00/hr
10 hour package: $110.00/hr — Package Price: $1,100.00
20 hour package: $105.00/hr — Package Price: $2,100.00
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In-person at your home or office
Pay as you go: $160.00/hr
10 hour package: $155.00/hr — Package Price: $1,550.00
20 hour package: $150.00/hr — Package Price: $3,000.00
| Pay as you go | 10 hour package | 20 hour package | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online tutoring | $59.00/hr | $49.00/hr — Package Price: $490.00 | $39.00/hr — Package Price: $780.00 |
| In-person at tutor’s location in Los Angeles | $115.00/hr | $110.00/hr — Package Price: $1,100.00 | $105.00/hr — Package Price: $2,100.00 |
| In-person at your home or office | $160.00/hr | $155.00/hr — Package Price: $1,550.00 | $150.00/hr — Package Price: $3,000.00 |