WE MAKE LEARNING FUN
We've helped more than 500 students feel confident speaking Spanish, English, and Italian like a native in 90 days or less.
Our interactive 1:1 and group classes, as well as our digital courses, make becoming fluent in your target language a fun cultural experience.
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With our unique Amidon Method, you'll increase your confidence in speaking a new language right from the start.
FEEL CONFIDENT IN 90 DAYS WITH
THE AMIDON METHOD
I've got the perfect way for you to feel confident speaking Spanish, English, or Italian like a native in 90 days or less.
It's called the Amidon Method.
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Over the years I noticed that though my students learned grammar, the books I used at the time just weren't enough. They just didn't show how native speakers truly talk in real life.
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So I developed the Amidon Method to ensure that you learn to speak like a native with confidence.
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All my teachers are trained in the Amidon Method. They tailor your lessons to how you learn best and use a variety of interactive materials to ensure you enjoy every single lesson.
We love seeing your confidence and ability to speak and understand improve with each lesson!
SPANISH CONVERSATION
Now is the time to jump into the vibrant and contemporary world of Spanish. Spanish ranks as the second most important language to speak in global business.
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Our Spanish course levels:
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Basic (A1 & A2)
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Intermediate (B1 & B2)
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Advanced (C1 & C2)
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Business Spanish
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Spanish for Travel
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Spanish for Kids
We have 1:1 and group classes with in-person and online (Zoom) options. For more info, contact us.
ENGLISH CONVERSATION
Ready to dive into the dynamic and professional sea of English? As the global language of today, speaking English is a key to success in the business world.
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Our English course levels:
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Basic (A1 & A2)
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Intermediate (B1 & B2)
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Advanced (C1 & C2)
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American English Pronunciation
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Business English
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TOEFL, IELT, and Cambridge English Exam Preparation
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English for Kids
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We have 1:1 and group classes with in-person and online (Zoom) options. For more info, contact us.
ITALIAN CONVERSATION
The most romantic language has to be Italian. It's the language of famous art, literature, films, travel, fashion, philosophy, and history. Speaking Italian opens up both ancient and new worlds.
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Our Italian course levels:
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Basic (A1 & A2)
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Intermediate (B1 & B2)
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Advanced (C1 & C2)
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Italian for Travel
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Italian for Kids
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We have 1:1 and group classes with in-person and online (Zoom) options. For more info, contact us.
ABOUT THE OWNER & DIRECTOR
JACKIE AMIDON DONALDSON
You know how they say to follow your passion in life? Mine led me to teach by way of travel.
I've helped more than 500 students from all over the world feel confident speaking their target language like a native.
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I started Amidon Studios in 2017 after managing an English language institute in Lima, Peru for six years. I'm a certified Spanish and English instructor with nearly 20 years of teaching experience.
Like the teachers I've selected to work with me, I love the look students get when what they've been studying clicks. It's incredibly satisfying watching a student improve lesson after lesson and increase their confidence in speaking.
I started teaching full-time after graduate school where I earned a Master of Applied Anthropology from the University of Maryland. I also have a certificate in Intercultural Education and Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Bilingual Education from the Universidad Pedagógica Nacional in Mexico City. And I've written papers on anthropology and teaching second languages.
Like my fellow teachers, I'm a polyglot and can speak English, Spanish, and French, and am currently studying Italian and Portuguese. When I'm not working or studying, you'll find me gardening, playing with my cat Frankie, and exploring the globe.
(That's me in Havana, Cuba!)
LILIA MEDINA
Lilia is our certified online English and Spanish teacher. She also works as a translator. Lilia speaks English, Spanish, and French, and she's currently learning Italian with our Italian teacher Elena. She used to live in London and now lives in Lima, Peru. She's been working as a language teacher with us since 2015 and as our wonderful coordinator since 2021.
ELENA GAMBA
Elena is a certified Italian and English teacher. She recently became certified as a Cambridge English examiner. She's currently learning Spanish with our Spanish teacher Lilia. From Milan, Italy, Elena also has lived in London and Lima, Peru. She's been working with us since 2013.
SHEILLA ANTÓN
Sheilla is our Spanish for Kids teacher. She has many years of experience working with young children as a child neurodevelopment specialist. She recently moved to Boyton Bach, FL from Lima, Peru. Sheilla founded her own child development center in Lima, Peru in 2017 and is a licensed teacher. She's been working with us since 2020.
DANIEL POZOS
Daniel's our local Spanish teacher in San Diego and is active in the Mexican American community in San Diego. Originally from Los Angeles, he's a fifth-generation Mexican-American. Daniel's been teaching Spanish and English to adults and kids for more than 10 years. He's currently working on his doctorate in History at the University of San Diego. He's been working with us since 2021.
MARIELA FLORES
As our local Spanish and English teacher in San Diego, Mariela is a licensed teacher and teaches full times a private school in San Diego. She's originally from Mazatlán, Mexico and loves sharing her culture and language with her students. She's been working with us since 2022.
PAULINA SÁENZ
Paulina is our online Spanish and Italian teacher. She lives in her hometown of Guadalajara, Mexico. She lived in Florence, Italy for 11 years pursuing her undergrad and master's degrees. She spends time in San Diego where she was living up until last year. She's been working with us since 2022.
My teacher is awesome. I've learned so much! I've been taking Spanish lessons from her. I have good friends in Tijuana who don't speak any English and I can talk with them now. I am comfortably functioning in a Spanish-immersed environment.
Barbara, Tijuana, MX
Since I started taking English lessons, I have experienced a huge change in my speaking in a very short time! I can now speak more fluently. My teacher is very patient and makes me feel very comfortable, making learning even more fun.
Madhavi, San Diego, CA
I'm so glad I signed up for Italian class! I've always wanted to learn another language but language learning wasn't one of my personal strengths. Nothing stuck with me. After traveling and falling in love with Italy, I love that now I'm able to learn at my own pace from an awesome teacher. I can't wait to use my Italian in all my future trips!
India, Phoenix, AZ
My kids' Spanish teacher is an upbeat, knowledgeable, and attentive instructor. She tailors the classes to my kids' needs and frequently evaluates their progress and direction. She creates interactive games and uses bright and interesting videos to supplement. One of my favorite things may be the cultural tidbits that she includes in the lessons.
Jenny, Charleston, WV
GET IN TOUCH
Hopewell, Virginia | Chula Vista, California
Phone & WhatsApp +1 619-483-5874
