From Brazil to Valencia: How CELTA became the next step in one teacher's journey

For Mônica Dib Bariani, it wasn’t a straight line. Originally trained in Biology and Ecology, she discovered a passion for English language teaching and began working with learners in Brazil long before arriving in Spain. Over the years, she built experience as a private tutor, English teacher, and course materials developer, helping students achieve a wide range of learning goals.

When she moved to Valencia, she decided to take the CELTA, not because she was new to teaching, but because she wanted to further develop her skills and gain one of the world’s most recognised English language teaching qualifications.

Today, Mônica teaches at the very same Valencia centre where she completed her CELTA, working with young learners and adults across a variety of contexts, from General English to exam preparation. In this interview, she shares her unique journey, her experience of living in Valencia, and why CELTA was such an important step in her professional development. ?

Career journey & background

You originally studied Biology and Ecology—what led you to explore a completely different path in English language teaching?

There were many reasons why I didn’t want to continue working with ecology, so while I was trying to understand what career path I wanted to take, I got the opportunity to teach English at a language center in Brazil, and I never stopped teaching since.

Looking back, what were the biggest challenges and turning points in your transition from science to teaching?

Teaching has always felt natural to me, so my challenges were mostly improving my methodology and finding good job opportunities.

The decision to take the CELTA

You already had teaching experience—what made you decide to take the CELTA at that stage of your career?

There were two main reasons. First, I was moving to Europe, and I knew that having an internationally recognized teaching certification, such as the CELTA, was essential to find a good job. Second, it had been a long time since my last long-term teaching training, and I believe it’s very important to keep updated and open to learning new things from different people, and I knew the CELTA would provide me with that.

Why did you choose Valencia as the place to take your CELTA?

I was already living in Valencia.

Moving to Valencia

What was it like moving from Brazil to Spain, both personally and professionally?

Personally, it was everything I was hoping for, considering the lifestyle I was looking for and found here in Valencia. Professionally, it was more challenging, because I’d been teaching in Brazil for a long time and had an established professional life and network there, so it was almost like starting my career from zero.

What surprised you most about life in Valencia?

I’m still amazed at how time runs more slowly here. Somehow days are longer, but in a good way. There’s usually time to work, take care of my personal life and still socialise or do a hobby.

Experience at the CELTA centre

How would you describe your experience as a CELTA trainee at the centre?

The tutors and staff made me feel welcomed and supported from day one to the last. Everything was well organized, and I was able to focus on my studies and actually learn a lot from the classes.

What was the most valuable thing you gained from the course?

Besides knowledge and the certificate, I gained my current job and good friends that I keep to this day.

From trainee to teacher

How did you go from CELTA trainee to working at the centre as a teacher?

During my CELTA training, I developed a good relationship with the tutors and staff at the center. In the following year, they needed a new teacher, and since they knew I was new in town and looking for a job, they offered me the position.

What does your current teaching role involve, and what do you enjoy most about it?

I teach English to all levels and ages, from extra-curricular classes for primary students to C1 adult classes. I also teach preparation classes for English proficiency certificates, mostly the Cambridge ones. What I enjoy most is seeing how my students improve their English skills and feel more confident to use it. I also love following younger students’ development and seeing how they change and mature. For me, it’s a really rewarding job where you can actually see the results in different ways.

Teaching & professional growth

How has CELTA influenced your teaching style and confidence in the classroom?

CELTA gave me a safety net, a methodology that can work in almost any kind of class you need to teach. So it has made my life easier when planning and thinking about the teaching stages.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about changing careers and becoming an English teacher?

I’d definitely tell them to take the CELTA training, as it will give them all the necessary tools and confidence to start teaching. I’d also suggest teaching different types of classes and age groups at first, as they might be surprised by the possibilities and with what they will actually enjoy doing.

See English language teaching opportunities with TEFLwork.com!

Valencia lifestyle

What do you love most about living in Valencia?

I love that there’s always something for everyone, but at the same time, it can be a relaxing city. The weather is great, and getting around is easier than in most big cities.

How does the city enhance the experience for CELTA trainees?

I believe that being in a city that won’t add any extra stress is very helpful. And if they get some free time, there’s always something nice to see around the city.

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From Brazil to Valencia: How CELTA became the next step in one teacher’s journey