The owner of Lanzarote’s International Language School (LILS) was interviewed by the Lanzarote Business Association for their August newsletter.
As languages are really important in Lanzarote, we thought you’d like to know more about Martine Vanderborght from the academy in Puerto del Carmen and their reasons for moving to the island. During the interview Martine mentions the forthcoming open day on Wednesday 11th September where anyone is welcome to call in to the school to have a look at their facilities and meet the teachers. Additionally a new intercambio session on the 1st Saturday of each month will start from the 5th October which is open to non students.
LBA. Hi Martine, thanks for sparing the time to talk with us, it’s good to see so many students here today, we would have thought the summer would have been a quiet time for
you?
MV. Yes it is quite surprising I had expected July and August to be quieter but we have had a recent influx of students which is great.
LBA. Can I ask where you are from and why did you choose to live in Lanzarote?
MV. I am from Belgium as is my husband Cedric, like so many others we visited Lanzarote for holidays and fell in love with the island and its people. We came back many times, always saying that one day we would make our home here and eventually we did, we have now been here for almost 2 years. We initially bought a property in Las Breñas and took our time looking for a suitable business for me. The Language Academy came to my attention and I thought yes this is the one. We have since moved from Las Breñas to Puerto del Carmen to be closer to the Academy and other business interests.
LBA. How long have you owned the Academy and do you enjoy the work?
MV. I took over in
February this year and can honestly say I love it, it’s great. It was a challenge which I always enjoy. I get to meet people of all nationalities and enjoy creating a pleasant environment for students to study and learn, and of course I can practice my language skills at the same time.
LBA. Was the business established or did you have to start from the beginning?
MV. It was already an existing business but I have made a lot of changes and improvements. We have created a web site, restructured the classes and hours and introduced a new style of courses, following the CEFR guidelines (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). The CEFR describes foreign language proficiency at six levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2.We now provide standard course books and offer flexibility to suit budgets and timescales.
LBA. Do you have classes for children?
MV. Yes we do, but in addition we have a Kids Club every Saturday morning based on learning, creativity and fun.
LBA. You have an open day planned for September?
MV. Yes, I feel that after 7 months of planning and changes, the Academy is now running as I wanted it to be and I would like to welcome everyone to come and see the facilities we can offer. Even if they do not need to use a language school themselves it would be nice to think they know what we do so they can recommend others to us. I would like to extend an invitation to fellow association members to the open day, it would be nice to just say hello and enjoy a drink and a chat with them. Our open day is on Wednesday 11th September from 10.30 – 1.00 and 4.30 – 7.00, we will have a selection of light refreshments and visitors can have a look at our facilities and meet the staff.
LBA. Do you have a favourite part of the island?
MV. It is difficult to pick a particular area as it all beautiful. I love that there is no high rise, like some of our neighbouring islands, the climate is wonderful and the white houses and buildings are so lovely. We enjoyed living in Las Brenas, the views are spectacular. The north, as it is so different to the rest of the island. I think that everyone, visitors and residents alike should make an effort to explore the entire island; it has so much to offer.
LBA. How do you like to relax?
MV. I enjoy spending time with my husband Cedric, reading, going to the beach, long walks with our dog Bo, eating out and just generally enjoying the relaxed lifestyle that we have here.
LBA. You mentioned your dog Bo did you bring her with you from Belgium?
MV. No it’s quite funny really, we had not planned on getting a dog, but we had some family staying with us and one Sunday morning took them to Teguise market. Next to one of the stalls was a box that contained a number of puppies, the owner was desperately trying to find homes for them, we had a peek, spotted Bo and that was it, she had a new home and we had a lovely dog. We adore her she is such good fun and great company.
LBA. Any advice for anyone planning to move here?
MV. Learning Spanish is a priority, do your research thoroughly and take advice from experts. Take time to learn and understand the laws and working practices, integrate with locals, and have patience, Lanzarote moves at a different pace of life. I would suggest that before buying a property you rent and experience different areas and have enough money to survive.
LBA. Any changes you would like to see in Lanzarote?
MV. Change the bureaucracy that exists, simple everyday tasks seem to take so long to do here and the laws and rules are always changing. Shorten the waiting lists for the health service. General information to be more readily available to the public. Welcome foreigners, a lot of them bring money and investment to the island. Overall I like Lanzarote the way it is and certainly would not want it to become a Tenerife, but with a number of changes it could make living here a lot easier.
LBA. Any plans for the future?
MV. At the moment I am concentrating on building on the success of the business. Something that we will be doing is hosting free intercambio sessions at the school, these will be for Spanish/English speakers and will take place on the 1st Saturday of every month starting on Saturday 5th October, we will meet from 10.30 -12.00, and everyone is welcome, it’s not just for our students. I do have a few other ideas that with time I may carry out, but who knows what the future holds.
Martine, thank you for your time and please thank Bo for allowing us to chase her around the terrace for 20 minutes trying to take her picture! It’s true what they say never work with animals or small children!
For more information about Lanzarote’s International Language School, please visit their website www.academialils.com