About Me
Dr Debbie Elliott
Languages are my passion and I love teaching learners of all ages, at all levels, from complete beginners to postgraduate students.
I have a BA (Hons) Degree in Modern Language Studies (French and Italian) and a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) in Modern Languages, both from the University of Leicester. After qualifying, I taught languages in secondary schools for several years before setting up my own business as an independent language tutor. Alongside this, I studied for a Master's Degree in Applied Translation Studies (French and Italian) at the University of Leeds and was subsequently awarded a scholarship to pursue a PhD in machine and human translation quality evaluation.
Having successfully completed my PhD in 2006, I began designing and delivering modules in translation for MA programmes at various universities in the UK (including Leeds, Durham, East Anglia, York St John and Hull), while also translating technical documents for organisations around the world and providing tailor-made language tuition for adults.
I currently teach adult learners on a one-to-one or two-to-one basis, which I enjoy enormously. My students range from their 20s to their 80s, and some of them have been learning with me for over eight years!
I have lived and worked in both France and Italy - as a holiday representative for Eurocamp (in Port Camargue, Saint-Valery-sur-Somme and the Cavallino Peninsula near Venice), as an au pair for an Italian family in Milan, as a school ski representative/interpreter for PGL Ski Europe in Italy, and as an English Language Assistant at a lycée in Cholet, North-West France.
I travel abroad to use my language skills as often as I can, and my wishlist keeps on growing! My most recent visit was to Paris - one of my favourite cities - where there's always something new to explore!
