A multilingual childhood that shaped a global mindset

Taheela was raised on a culturally diverse island where switching languages was simply part of family life. At home she heard English, Spanish, Arabic, and Urdu, toggling between them depending on which side of the family she was with. That early exposure didn’t just build vocabulary; it built adaptability.

People find me highly adaptable—and I do believe it comes from speaking multiple languages.

School reinforced that foundation. She began kindergarten in English with Spanish integration, then attended an Arabic primary school, learning to read and write in Arabic. By the time she reached university, connecting ideas across subjects felt natural. In her words, the language-and-culture head start helped her power through bachelor’s and MBA programs early.

Language as a passport—beyond tourism

Travel across Latin and Central America proved the social and practical upside of bilingualism. Because she could match local dialects—from Venezuelan Spanish to the Rioplatense variety in Argentina and Uruguay (think ¿Cómo te llamás?)—Taheela wasn’t treated like a visitor.

I’d get invited to asados, exchange numbers, even get the local price. People could tell I appreciated who they are.

Culture wasn’t background noise; it was the bridge. She adopted local norms—mate rituals in Argentina and Uruguay, warm greetings—so conversations felt authentic on both sides.

Personality shifts with language (and why that’s useful)

Taheela notices her personality flexes with the language she’s using: more direct in English, more expressive (and softer in tone) in Spanish. That chameleon effect can be an asset—read the room, adapt your voice, build rapport.

Becoming a Berlitz learner: unlocking French—fast

Despite three years of French in high school, Taheela avoided speaking; pronunciation anxiety held her back. Years later, motivated by her Paris-born partner, she enrolled in Berlitz On Demand (self-study). The result?

  • She completed Level 1 in five weeks (with serious commitment) and began speaking in real life.
  • Practicing with her partner turned passive knowledge into conversation.
  • Most importantly, confidence replaced perfectionism.

The Berlitz Method unlocked my potential

The Berlitz Method unlocked my potential. It mirrors how children learn—target language first, gestures, real life. One word, then two, then sentences.

Taheela, Director of Operations at Berlitz Uruguay

(Individual results vary; commitment and practice matter.)

What makes the Berlitz Method different (from a learner and leader)

Taheela contrasts traditional “grammar-first, translate-later” classes with Berlitz’s immersion from lesson one—whether in Total Immersion®, Live Online, instructor-led courses, or self-study. Lessons stick because they’re immediately useful, rooted in day-to-day scenarios rather than memorized lists.

You learn more in the first level than I learned in three years of French in high school.

And as a long-time team member turned Director of Operations in Uruguay, she’s seen the internal side: rigorous instructor development, a supportive culture, and career paths that start at the classroom and lead across the organization.

We’ve been around for almost 150 years. Many leaders started as instructors. Berlitz is a gem—a place that invests in your potential.

The real benefits of bilingualism (Taheela’s lived list)

  • Cognitive agility & adaptability: Switching languages trains you to see multiple angles and “think outside your norm.”
  • Academic acceleration: Early language-culture exposure made higher education “click” faster.
  • Career mobility: Dialect awareness + cultural fluency = doors opening in new markets and roles.
  • Belonging anywhere: Speak like locals, share their customs, and you’re welcomed in—socially and professionally.
  • Self-discovery: “You discover another part of yourself with every additional language you acquire.”

    For nervous beginners: progress beats perfection

    Starting in the target language can feel intimidating. Taheela’s advice:

    Take the limits off yourself. Enjoy the experience—and the mistakes. Practice, practice, practice.

    She adds a favorite family reminder: “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” Have fun with the language; play accelerates learning.

    Quickfire wisdom from Taheela

    • Why Berlitz? “It adapts to every learning style and language need.”
    • First impression? “A smart blend of old school and modernization.”
    • Common false friend? Embarrassed ≠ embarazada (which means pregnant in Spanish).
    • If she could wake up fluent tomorrow? Italian. (“The food, the sound, the feel—it’s already in my language family.”)

    Ready to open “a whole other world”?

    Whether you’re aiming for beginner basics or professional fluency, Berlitz meets you where you are—and gets you speaking fast, with confidence.

     

    Start your journey today.