As George de Souza takes on a new position at TALK English Schools, we asked him to sit down for a Q&A about his career and his plans for TALK Boston. And a very interesting Q&A (question and answer) it was!

Q&A with Center Director, TALK Boston at Regis College

How did you get started with TALK?

I started with Talk as a teacher through Ken and Cecilia Jeffus in October 2005 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. I used to work with Ken at
another school and he suggested I come to Talk. I was supposed to start working the week before Halloween, but hurricane Wilma hit South Florida hard, so classes were cancelled that week. I began working on Halloween and everyone was in costume. The funny thing was that the next day people were saying hi to me and calling me by name and I had no idea who was who (lol).

What is your favorite part about being a Center Director?

Having been a teacher myself for over twenty years, I find it easy to relate to both teachers and students. I enjoy connecting with people. The team we’ve built in Boston just makes our jobs so much easier. I’ve always been in some sort of leading position; be it as a lead teacher, coordinator or even performing in bands, so problem solving has always been one of my strong points. I’m always trying to bring out the best in people. If you succeed in doing that, people are happy to come to work.
What do you enjoy most about living in the Boston area?

Boston has such diversity in everything. It’s cosmopolitan, artistic, historical and filled with culture.
The four seasons are just wonderful to watch and be a part of. It’s like being in a smaller, but just as interesting, New York.

What advice would you offer to a student interested in studying in the U.S.?

I would say what I always do to all my students, which is “Don’t limit yourself to the classes. Take advantage of every single moment that you are here; you are surrounded by English speakers, words, music, TV, etc…It may be hard at first, but nothing is achieved without a little struggle. Once you understand this, it’s like unlocking your mind and you will excel beyond your wildest dreams.”

What is the most memorable experience you’ve had while working with TALK?

Wow, it’s so hard to narrow it down! Everyone I’ve met, worked with and taught have made and continue to make such an impact on me and have provided such dear memories. It’s like a movie in my head of the classes, activities, trips with the students, BBQs and the wonderful conversations.

What is the funniest thing that has happened so far at the school?

There are so many, but here in Boston we had a student from Japan who spoke almost no English when she arrived, however by the end of her stay, not only had she become fluent in English but also had learned a tongue twister in Spanish from one of her friends at school. Her pronunciation was awesome! All the Spanish speakers thought it was so cute and hilarious because it was so unexpected.

Thanks, George for such a great Q&A session. We wish you great success in your new position.