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What People Say
About Diáfano

"[Diáfano] is without doubt the leader in what they do. [My teacher] has the extraordinary ability to connect with the student, understand individual needs, develop the right plan and deliver results. Her genuine focus on excellence coupled with her extensive expertise guarantee success. She is certainly the best teacher I've ever had. She is a full-blown professional and a top expert in the language learning and communications field. Not only has she developed innovative and effective techniques tailored to individual needs and background, her unique, one-does-not-fit-all approach, and her exceptional dedication set her apart..."
PartnerErnst & Young
“A skilled teacher who gives structured but fun lessons; I was quite pleased with my progress over the course of five weeks...I wanted to concentrate specifically on my reading, comprehension, and pronunciation, and I needed the attention to detail that private lessons provide. The set of language-learning tools I learned [...] gave me a great boost of confidence...I get a big kick out of being able to share books with Spanish words and phrases with children whose families come from Mexico, Peru, Puerto Rico, and, well, everywhere! "
Susan ThomsenFormer New Yorker Editorial Staff Member,
Writer, Literacy Volunteer
“I’ve had a wonderful experience in the Diáfano French class at the museum where I work. I have made a good start at resurrecting my dormant French skills. Our teacher has been a marvel. She has been able to work with each student’s skills, varied to say the least, and help each of us make progress. In addition, I have met new colleagues and we have had a wonderful time in every class while we were learning. I recommend the experience to everyone interested in improving their language skills."
Museum Manager
“I’ve taken private as well as group classes with Irma and would have to say she’s one of the best teachers I’ve had, hands down. Lessons are presented in a clear, organized manner, but Irma’s teaching methods are hardly cookie-cutter. She brings a mix of thoughtfulness, creativity and playfulness to every class, using a range of learning techniques to engage students—even when the challenges of mastering a new language seem insurmountable.”
Nissrine HabashCopywriter, Victoria’s Secret
"I cannot recommend Diáfano more highly for Spanish language study. [My teacher] takes the time to understand exactly what the student needs not just in diagnosing learning style and level, but also how to adapt it to the student's lifestyle and professional demands creating a personalized program of study. As a true linguist, her expertise is exceptional. However, she is also the consummate professional as well: prepared, communicative, and always on schedule. It has been a blessing to work with my teacher and a fantastic investment."
Vanessa BarboniManaging Director, Morgan Stanley
“Learning a new language is not easy for a busy professional, especially in the city that never sleeps. As an investment banker with a packed schedule, I needed all the help I could get when I decided to learn Spanish. For the first few months I struggled to find the right instructor: someone who was not only able to teach effectively, but could also motivate me. I was very lucky to begin taking classes with Diáfano. [My teacher] brings incredible energy to every lesson that keeps me engaged and eager to learn...So while I first started learning Spanish to vacation in South & Central America, I now realize that Spanish unlocks the door to a vivid and exciting culture that is all around us right here in New York City.
Sid LahiriVice President, Investment Banker, J.P. Morgan
“It has been my good fortune to be a student of Diáfano’s. I have taken Spanish classes from others in the past but often have been challenged by conventional learning approaches. That all changed when studying with Diáfano. As a native speaker [my teacher] has a great passion for the language and Latin cultures. She is a seasoned professional with great experience and can apply different learning strategies based on her understanding of how each student best learns. She uses a variety of approaches with stories and games that puts students at ease, lowering their inhibitions and making the experience fun.”
Dr. Robert A. CookWildlife Veterinarian
“I was a bit worried that it would be hard to have the energy for three hours of Spanish at the end of a long work week, but I had nothing to worry about. [my teacher] made the class so much fun, and I was looking forward to going to class every week. She has a lot of energy and a great positive attitude. The class never got boring, Irma always tried new approaches, anything from conversations between classmates to presentations, games and music. In the end it was like going to a friend's house with the benefit of learning Spanish at the same time. I just finished the beginner level but I feel confident enough to travel to Spanish-speaking countries and be able to ask for directions, order in a restaurant, go shopping, and converse, all while using the language skills I learned in class. I would recommend [Diáfano] to anyone who wants to learn Spanish.”
Christian JanssonFinancial Controller, The Mark Hotel
“[My teacher] is such an excellent teacher. I had such a wonderful experience with her. Her enthusiasm and positivity are contagious! As an instructor she not only presents the content in a logical and approachable manner but also expands upon it by engaging the class in new and creative ways. Multi-modal experiences such as movement or listening to music enhanced the class and encouraged camaraderie amongst the students. Our assignments were practical, yet fun, and any struggles were always met with patience, persistence, and a smile. I would love to have her as an instructor once again. Highly recommend! "
Leah HighPublic Services Librarian, Thomas J. Watson and Nolen Libraries
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
“When I walked into [the] classroom one day unannounced, it was clear that [the teacher] had already cultivated excellent relationships with the students. Their comfort level and readiness to learn was visibly evident. This comes by striking the right balance of approaching language learning as both play and work or playful work. Stories, games and students relaxed enough to share both their struggles and their successes in mastering a new language are all part of building an effective language learning community..."
Dr. Ralph PetersChair of Humanities and Social Sciences Department, Berkeley College