This month, we’re focusing on one of our Unicorn Teachers. Meet Virginia Cutchin. She’s been with Global LT as an intercultural training instructor for about 10 years and an English and Chinese instructor for about four years.
Virginia and her partner have been living in Virginia for nearly 11 years, but she’s also spent time living all over the world. Her dad was part of the Army Air Force Exchange Service, and at age 11, she and her family moved from Virginia to Italy. They were there for two years, then in England for another two years, and then they moved back to the U.S.
“I loved it. From the moment we landed I was captivated with everything international – the people, the language, the culture, the history, the landscape. I don’t think I ever fully recovered from repatriation, but I’m pretty sure the experience is responsible for what I do today and my fascination with languages and culture,” said Virginia.
While moving around, she studied different languages. “I’ve studied Italian, French, and Spanish, but the only language that really stuck was Chinese because I’m fascinated with Chinese. With Global LT I do mostly English teaching but separate from that I also teach Mandarin and accent modification.”
Virgina got her start with language coaching in China. “I desperately wanted to move to China because I had been there on visits, but I really just wanted to move there. And the universe being what it is, an ad popped up on my computer and I decided to pursue it. I was accepted and I went to Beijing for about 8 months for the assignment.”
Prior to language coaching, Virginia spent 20 years teaching. She holds an MBA in International Business and spent time as a professor of graduate and undergraduate international business at the American University in Washington, the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, and the Baruch College in New York.
In addition to languages and culture, Virginia also loves neuroscience and nutrition and is a certified health coach and a certified neurolanguage coach®. She was recently in Spain for an annual conference for neurolanguage coaches® where she gave a presentation on the role of nutrition in learning and memory.
“I talk to my clients about certain aspects of their nutrition in as much as it impacts their ability to learn. Most people don’t think about that connection, and they seem to really appreciate it.”
One of Virginia’s favorite things about teaching is how it can help her clients raise their confidence levels and become proficient. “I love the neuroscience of learning and memory and how we can have such influence over exercising our cognitive function. It’s all interrelated. I very rarely teach – I coach. It’s about coaching principles, asking powerful questions, getting a client to think for themselves, to access their own wisdom. And when they learn something and connect it that way, they never forget it.”
When asked if Virginia had any advice for someone learning a new language, she said, “The key is to find motivation, a spark, and help maintain it. Whatever it is that’s going to keep you going when the going gets tough, and it will at times.”
Here is what some of her students had to say:
“I have just finished my first English class and I would like to thank you for the teacher you helped me to choose. Virginia is a very good teacher and she is helping me to improve my English with her experience.”
“It was our pleasure to participate in this intercultural training! Thank you for being so attentive to our needs and tailoring this course to our interests! It exceeded our expectations, and we feel we now have such a solid foundation to start our journey in Michigan!”
“We appreciate that you made our day so interesting, answering all our questions and clearing up any confusion. Thanks a lot for sharing the materials with us!”
Are you ready to experience our unicorn teachers for yourself? Let us know! Our team is ready to match you with your perfect teacher and get you started on your language-learning journey.
This blog post was written by Megan Tully, Marketing Manager.
