I’m Carla Arena, an EFL (English as a Foreign Language) educator, explorer of the potential of technology integration into language learning. I started to dig into the possibilities of tech-applications some years ago and have been going on new cyber-journeys with my students ever since. I’ve been a teacher at Casa Thomas Jefferson for eight years. I’m passionate about education. If I cannot change the world, at least, I hope to make a difference in my students’ lives by taking them into this fantastic journey of learning another language. This online experience is certainly a thrilling one for me as I have the chance to show my learners the possibilities the Internet offers them to enhance their English skills.
I was born in Brasilia, but currently I’m living in Key West, Florida, for two years with my family. When I’m not in the professional spectrum, I’m having fun with my two little boys, Dudu (7) and Caio (5), and my husband. I love to travel, cook, read, take photos, meet people, have fun with friends, listen to music, sing for fun, and invent different kinds of activities against boredom.How about you? What are the driving forces of your life?
Hope to hear lots from you.
Carla carlaarena@thomas.org.br Skype ID: carlaarena
Valquíria,
I went to Orlando, too, with my 2 kids in January. Probably we bumped into each other! And, you’re right, you can come to Florida and not say a word in English! Spanish is the first language around and there are many Brazilians. So, no need for English.
I can see how busy you are, but it’s a great pleasure to have you around.
Hi Carla,
First of all, what a cute children! Congratulations!
I’m Luciano Oliveira, student from CTJ – Asa Norte. I also was born in Brasília and I love this city!
I started studying English many years ago in CIO (Centro Interescolar de Línguas), but didn’t like so much. Since the opportunity I had in a Multinational company, my involvement with the language changed drastically. I can remember until today when my boss asked me to talk with some colleagues in South Africa (headquarters). Oh, you can’t imagine how that situation made me feeling nervous! I was so immature, that’s why I seriously decided to learn English and actually I can see its true importance and its usefulness.
Listening and writing are my weak point. I know I have to study and practice on a regular basis.
I would like to say I’m loving this opportunity and learn with you will be rewarding. I’m sure!
By the way, feel always free to correct me, please.
Thanks in advance, Luciano.
Dear Luciano,
How could I not reply to such a dedicated e-student? I read your post, but just didn’t come back to reply. Sorry!
I just wanted to mention that sometimes a fact in our lives can really be a turning point, right? Just it was the interaction with your company headquarters personnel. I can see that you’ve gone far after that! You have great motivation to study English, so keep up the excellent work, and go for the Michigan Test!
If listening and writing are not your strong skills in English, you came to the right place!
I am curious. What are your favorite places in Brasilia?
Hello, Carla! What a great idea to get english classes online! I´m really interesting in discover a new and exciting way to study English and to improve my skills.
Thanks for these oportunity,
Gis.
Dear Gislene,
I’m glad to know you’re enjoying this new way to study English. It gives you tons of opportunities to learn and interact while having fun and meeting people.
Let’s keep going!
Hello, Carla.
I’m so excited to learn English in this online course, especially now when I saw all these comments.
I live in Brasilia and I’m 22 years old (although my birthday is next week..). I’m Statistician and how I intend to do Ph.D abroad, this course is a great opportunity for me to study English. Though I intend to live abroad, I’m afraid I don’t get to communicate to people and I know it is one barrier that I need to break. I hope this course helps me overcome it.
See you later,
Denise.
Dear Denise,
Great to see you here! I’m sure that with the motivation you have to use English “for real”, you’ll profit a lot from this course. I’ll help you in any way I can to make you feel more comfortable expressing yourself. Don’t be afraid! English is fun.
Where would you like to take your PhD?
Hi Carla
Your family is beautiful, and I give raizon to you, because my family is my treasure too. I have two daugthers and son in laws, each couple had two children,fortheen,six,six and four.My husband and me are so happy.
I want to tell you my THANKS for your patience and dedication. I know that let’s go on. See you tomorrow.Leila
Dear Leila,
Your family must be fun to be around with your grandkids playing around the house! What’s your favorite past time with them?
You don’t have to thank me at all. I’m here to help you and give you support to make this learning experience an exciting one for you and for all! See you around. Let me know if now you’re accessing our e-learning platform.
Hi, Carla!
Nice to meet you!
Congratulations for your beautiful family and your passion about education.
My name is Ana. I was born in Brasília. I’m 41 years old, I’m married and I have two boys, with you, Luan (10) and Nícolas (6), my two love. I’ve worked at Chamber of Deputies since 1988, when I did a chamber’s competition. I’m lawyer and advisor and I’m studying political science in a master’s degree. I need very much to enhance my listening skills and need her help. I’ve worked and studied a lot of, but I will try to do the tasks.
In September, I will travel to washington to study english and to do surveys to master’s degree.
I love to travel, cook (moqueca of shrimp and bacalhau?), read, listen to music, to sing, to dance and have fun with my family and my friends.
Sorry for my mistakes.
Kisses,
Ana.
Dear Ana,
Thanks for sharing a bit of you here. From what I could see you started very young to work at the House of Representatives. We have some things in common. I didn’t study political science, but a closely related area, International Affairs.
I also LOVE to cook and was even taking a gastronomic class with Alice in Brasilia. Here are my photos. Just like you, I like to read, listen to music, sing, dance, have fun!
I just came back from Washington. I had a wonderful family trip and the best in the city is the fact that all the museums and touristic attractions are free! You can see my photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/carlaarena/sets/72157604249165322/show/
Don’t worry about mistakes. They are part of the learning process.
Carla
Dear Carla,
First of all, congratulations for your way of life and for your ability on driving this listening course. Although I don’t have participated adequately I can perceive the correct way the course is being driven by you. About my participation, I ask excuses but I have been very busy since the beginning of the course. But I will change this situation, I will participate much more than before.
Carla, I’m 30 years old. I’m graduated in law and I have worked into the Federal Police since 2002. I work into the Immigration Departure, so the English is very important for me to develop my job adequately. I have studied English at the Thomas Jefferson School since the beginning of 2006. Actually, I’m cursing the first semester of the advanced level. For me it’s very difficult to learn English, specially the listening. So I need your help to improve my English skills.
Carla, I want to study English by 3 months outside Brazil in the second semester of the next year. Can you give me some tips about countries, schools and about better ways to learn more outside Brazil? Thanks for your attention…(…) Although I don’t have been an acting student, I want a lot to learn English.
Daniel,
Great to see you around! It’s never too late to start our course. As I mentioned before, it’s flexible enough to fit into your busy routine. You’ve already headed for a great start!
As you work for Immigration, English is certainly an asset in your workplace, and I can see you have the motivation to learn it! So, keep practicing and you’ll surely achieve your goals.
As for studying abroad, many of my students have gone to Canada. My students say they have a nice infrastructure for language learning, people are friendly and welcoming, and it’s cheaper than the US. Do you know that we have an Educational Advising Office at Thomas that gives you info about studying abroad? Set an appointment there to talk to them.
Also, I have a student from the previous Listening Plus course who is studying in Canada, and I’m sure he’d be more than happy to tell you more about it. If you want to contact him, let me know and I’ll email you his email.
Welcome aboard!