ABOUT US
The idea for Opening Doors came from our personal experience of learning another language—English. With the skills we gained through learning a second language, we ‘opened many doors’ for ourselves which have provided opportunities we could never have imagined.
Learning a second language not only increased our knowledge of other cultures – it enabled us to travel, to experience life in another culture, and even start our own business in a foreign country!
A world of opportunity can be unlocked through learning a second or third language. At Opening Doors School of Languages, we invite you to open your own doors.
Our Philosophy
At Opening Doors School of languages, the emphasis is on making learning fun. We strive to ensure our students feel comfortable and confident when participating in class and interacting with other students. Our goal is to have you speaking in another language from your very first class!
Our classes are enjoyable, dynamic and interactive and taught by native-speaker teachers. Our teachers are highly-qualified, supportive, friendly, experienced – and most importantly, patient!
Laughter is a key ingredient in our lessons. It helps students to be uninhibited and encourages them to talk more freely – in much the same way as a nice jug of Sangria!
During our classes, we enhance learning through practical activities, which are designed to encourage students to start talking in another language from their first lesson. Our teaching method involves all of the four macro-skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening.
At Opening Doors School of Languages, we have combined the process of learning a new language with the opportunity to experience different cultural activities, to help you develop more of an understanding of the language you are studying.
Through our cultural events you will have the opportunity to communicate with others who are learning (and speaking) the same language, to provide you with a more authentic exposure to the process of learning.
What sets us apart
At Opening Doors School of Languages our focus is on interaction. We aim to have you speaking in another language from your first class. Our classes are small, which means our teachers give more individualised attention to their students, and also creates a friendly environment to help gain confidence. By participating in the activities we offer and experiencing the culture of the language you are studying, you will enhance your learning experience and strengthen your language abilities.
Our Founder
Ana Doris Gil
Director of Studies
"I graduated from Libre University in Colombia, South America, with a Bachelor's Degree in Education majoring in Languages. In Colombia, I taught Spanish to foreigners and English to Colombians of all ages and at all levels for about 10 years.
"In 1996, I migrated to Australia and I have been teaching Spanish ever since. I also hold a Postgraduate Diploma, in TESOL(Teaching English as a Second Language) from Monash University, which has opened the doors for me as an ESL teacher in various Australian Institutions. I have taught English to ELICOS students and I am currently teaching English to mature migrants from different backgrounds.
"All those years of experience as a Language Teacher have convinced me that the more I teach, the more I like it, and the more I enjoy it. In other words, for me teaching is a vocation and it is in my blood.
"As a result, I can easily identify each student’s needs. Thus, I help them develop an easy understanding of the language of study by being a resourceful, creative, patient, enthusiastic, energetic, friendly, imaginative, tolerant and open minded teacher, with a good sense of humour who facilitates learning in a very friendly and enjoyable atmosphere, with respect for Australian culture and values."
Our Teachers
Rafael Eduardo Morales
Born & raised in Bogotá, Colombia, Rafael´s native tongue is Spanish. His interest in languages started at an early age when he made it his goal to learn English to be able to understand his favorite singers & musicians.
In his mid-twenties, he lived in London for a couple of years & when he went back to Colombia, he began teaching English to adults due to the great need of tutors required there. It was then & there that Rafa found the profession he was to undertake & studied it in depth to become a better teacher.
Having recently settled in Australia, he has been teaching Spanish on & off to people of various levels of proficiency here. Being a foreign language learner himself, Rafael is well aware of the obstacles that can get in the way as well as the needs that arise during that process & has often been praised for the excellent guidance he gives.
Testimonials
For our school
"Opening Doors is a fantastic Language School to learn both grammatical and conversational Spanish. In the 6 months that I attended the Beginners Spanish classes I have learnt a vast amount about the structure, history and pronunciation of the Spanish Language.
"I am not a confident language student but I found that Opening Doors provided a very supportive and friendly environment. Both my ability to speak and understand the language has improved to a level that I didn't believe was possible for me.
"I would highly recommend opening doors to anyone wanting to learn a second language as the well structured lessons and supportive environment provide the perfect combination to reach your potential in a second language." (Kate)
For Doris
“ Doris makes learning fun and informative, educating through stories and games as well as the written text. She encourages a relaxed setting that inspires active class participation, to build confidence and improve practical speaking, reading and writing skills. I was a student of Doris’ for some time and have no hesitation in recommending her classes to anyone hoping to improve their Spanish language.” (Andrew)
“I have been a student of Doris for the past two years. Doris approaches second language tuition in a practical, back-to-basics manner, which is easy to understand. This gives you a solid language base on which you can build and progress further. I have found her classes to be both informative and enjoyable, which is essential to second language learning. Doris is an approachable and patient teacher, who gives 100 per cent of her attention to all her students.” (Melanie)
“I would like to express my great admiration of the very high standard and great teaching talent which Doris certainly has.
I can speak fluently five languages and during my life I have been attending many various language courses and schools. I have no hesitation to say that This Spanish classes taught by Doris were the best of them. I admire Doris’ skill and ability to make the lessons most valuable, interesting and vivid. It was a great pleasure to go to her classes every week. The teaching techniques and methods she uses are carefully designed and planned and certainly have great results. During that time of Spanish classes I learnt a lot. Doris, thank you again, for providing such a high standard of teaching”. (Barbara)
"I had never learnt any spanish before I took Doris' introductory class prior to a trip to Spain. Doris is a great teacher - her classes are fun and relaxed and she gets everyone to participate so no one feels left out or embarrassed. There were 5 people in my class and I really enjoyed meeting and getting to know them. When I went to Spain I couldn't believe it! I could understand almost everything people said and they could understand me.
"From ordering food to buying clothes to finding our way around I think I used everything I learnt in Doris' class. Knowing some spanish made our holiday that much more enjoyable. I highly recommend Doris' class!" (Priya)
"Opening doors has given me the opportunity to learn Spanish and be able to practice it on my trip to Mexico at Christmas time. I was so excited that I could understand the locals and ask for directions etc. Doris is fantastic and makes learning fun and enjoyable. Even though our class is small I feel that we have all formed a bond, a family. We laugh, we sing, we cry and we eat together. It is hard not to go back term after term for this reason." (Johanne)"I joined Opening Doors School of Languages two years ago and I have never looked back! Learning Spanish with my teacher Doris has been pure joy from the beginning. I have been opened up to a wonderful world of culture, history, passion and wonder. The class is always fun and has helped build my confidence for my South American tour which I plan to undertake next year." (Carla)
For Rafael
"We did not know any Spanish before attending Rafael's introductory class. Rafael created a fun and relaxed atmosphere where we have thoroughly enjoyed our learning experience. Rafael is a very helpful and patient teacher and as a result we have both learnt a lot in a short time. We would both highly recommend Rafael's class to anyone." (James and Erin)
" I am not, by any means, a confident student of languages. I have attempted to learn several languages in the past and have struggled immensely in a variety of areas. I found Rafael to be a very supportive and friendly teacher and this has made all the difference to me.
"Rafael is patient with my constant questions regarding grammar and pronunciation, he is encouraging when I clumsily try to read paragraphs in Spanish and he his easy going nature calms my frustration as a battle to conjugate irregular verbs. I would highly recommend anyone wanting to learn Spanish to consider Opening Doors School of Language and can vouch for the dedicated and supportive teachers who work there." (Kate)