Elena S   

New tutor

One step at a time—that’s the way to go!

What is your favorite word in your language and why?

I love the word synchronicity. First, I find it really cool because it comes from Greek affix "syn" (=together), and root "chron" (=time). It means that two or more unrelated events happen together, and this usually has a special meaning for the person experiencing them. I think it's a really cool concept and we can express it through just one word. This is the magic of language :-)

What is your favorite dish from your hometown? If you no longer live there is there a good local restaurant that serves it?

Great question. I am technically a TCK (third country kid), because of my European parents (Italian and British) having grown up in New Zealand, then spending decades in various countries. Over the years, I have become a little nostalgic of the Italian dish lasagna: it's difficult to find in Taiwan, the local ones are a little too sweet for my palate, so I prefer to bake it myself.

Besides the languages you teach, do you speak or study any other languages?

Besides English, Italian, Mandarin, I can speak Spanish at an intermediate level. I can speak and understand a little Portuguese and German too. I have once reached German level B1, but dropped the practice after leaving the country.

What are your interests outside of teaching at Strommen?

Fitness, reading.

What do you consider your hometown? Why do you love it?

Tough question. I consider Europe my hometown, because I spent my later part of childhood and early adulthood there. I am of European descent and most of my family is still based there.