The speakeasy spirit is equally important to our office team, who, above all, is here to make your life easier as a student here. Whether you're at the stage of booking a course, or perhaps before that you need advice about getting a visa to come to Germany, or once you've started your class you need help after missing a lesson – our staff will help you!
We have already helped many students learn German and other languages and assisted with all sorts of issues along the way, so don't be afraid to come talk to us or drop us an email if we can possibly be of service.
The team is truly international and speaks German, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Greek, Farsi and Hebrew!
I speak:
Ben | Student Service & Private Lessons
Hi, my name is Ben, and I grew up in England. I studied German and Italian at Durham University, living in Kiel and Milan on my year abroad. After graduating, I managed to overcome the modern-day barriers of Brexit and COVID-19 to move to Berlin. You can find me at the front desk at speakeasy and I’ll be happy to help with any questions!
I speak:
James | Student Service & Events
Hi, I'm James! I was born in the North of England and studied English and Pedagogy at University. I spent years teaching in various cities in England and Spain before moving to Berlin. I am responsible for the events and social media at speakeasy. You can find me at the front desk where I will be happy to help you with any questions you have about your course here at the school.
I speak:
Travis | Student Service & Visa support
Though I was originally born in Canada, I’ve travelled the world to pursue my passion of rock climbing; I’ve even worked as a climbing guide in numerous countries including Canada, Vietnam, and China. I’ve now found my way to speakeasy in Berlin where I assist students with any and all inquiries. I’m the school’s resident visa expert so please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions regarding visas for Germany.
I speak:
Jennifer | Special projects & German teacher
My goal used to be to visit every single country in the world. I haven't quite managed to do that yet, but I have already travelled to a large number of them. The key to people and culture is language, which is why I am an enthusiastic language learner myself. I am just as happy to pass on this enthusiasm in my German lessons. What is the best way to learn a language? A pleasant atmosphere and above all a lot of fun and humour! Outside of class, I take care of all kinds of projects related to learning German.
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Karoline | Head of School
I was born in Berlin in the 80s and have lived many places such as Madrid, Lyon and Naples, before returning to Berlin in 2013. Since 2015 I’ve worked at speakeasy organising and allocating courses, as well as looking after the teachers. Sometimes you can also find me teaching in a classroom or as an examiner for the telc exams. I’m always interested in finding great new teachers and look forward to interesting applications.
I speak:
Aleksandra | Head of Teaching Department
Hi, my name is Aleksandra! I am the contact person for our teachers. So if you have any questions, just let me know!
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Konstantin | Head of Student Service
Always happy to see old and new faces at the school, you can be sure that I will greet you with a smile and try to help out - whatever the issue might be. With an international background and experience both in language teaching and the German industry, you can contact me with any questions related to your classes, visas, employment or studies in Germany. Welcome at speakeasy!
I speak:
Katharina | Business Courses
I grew up in the very West of Germany and then studied German as a Foreign Language and Political Science in the middle of the country. I also spent time in Australia, England and Peru. After university, I found my way to speakeasy where I am the head of our office team. If you are looking to start a business course or are interested in a strategic partnerships, I’m the right person to talk to. Occasionally, you can also find me teaching in one of our lovely speakeasy classrooms!
I speak:
Kelsey | Exam coordinator
I originally hail from the picturesque hill country of the American Midwest, where I studied Japan Studies and Comparative Linguistics. After two exchange programs in Japan, I came to Germany as a language teaching assistant in 2005 and worked for many years as an English teacher in Leipzig. But after my M.A. studies in Konstanz and my return to Leipzig, I could no longer deny my true love – Berlin! At speakeasy, I take care of the invoicing and exam registration, and mostly spend my free time with travel, art, dancing and music.
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Jan-Philipp | Special projects
Originally coming from the middle of Germany, I went out to see the world after I graduated from school. For many years I lived in China and Latin America. I have seen that not only can it be incredibly fun to learn new languages, but it also gives you the great opportunity to discover new cultures, make new friends, build bridges and broaden your worldview. As part of the speakeasy team, I am now looking forward to sharing the same joy with you in discovering a new language.
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Matt | IT & Design
I am a Brazilian with Italian roots who has been fulfilling his dreams in Berlin since 2018. I study computer science and I also love to take pictures. My story with speakeasy started as a language student when I attended my German course from A2 to C1, after which I became part of this wonderful team. With a passion for cultures and languages, I am always learning a new language. It makes me happy when students teach me words from their mother tongues! I hope to see you soon at speakeasy :D
I speak:
Birte | Student Service & Visa Courses
Hello, my name is Birte - born and raised in a rural area of Germany, I have spent most of my professional years working in the travel industry. Still a passionate traveller myself (if the conditions allow), I took a detour living in Toronto, Hamburg and Singapore before now settling in in Berlin. At speakeasy, I take care of the visa-students and everything connected with our exciting University Pathway Program. Sometimes, you will also find me at the front office, where I am happy to answer your questions.
I speak:
Kátia | Student Service
My name is Kátia and I come from Brazil. In 2017 I moved to Berlin and decided to do a new Bachelor's in Germany. Since then I was really focused on getting my C1 German Certificate and during this period I was also a language student at speakeasy. Finally this year I was accepted at the TU Berlin and started my studies in Language and Communication. Nowadays I also work at speakeasy at the Front Desk and knowing how challenging it can be the process to learn the German language I'm always there willing to help you.
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Elisa | Student Service
Hi everyone! I am Elisa, I was born in northern Italy and studied foreign languages at the university. I spent a semester abroad as an Erasmus student in southern Spain and after my graduation I decided to step out of my comfort zone once again. My original plan was to stay in Berlin just for a couple of months and yet here I am, still. I wish all of you to fall in love with this crazy city just as I did. If you have any question, you can find me at the front desk and I’ll be glad to help you!
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Sarah | Human Resources
I grew up in southern Germany and studied in Erlangen-Nuremberg. Like my colleagues, I am open-minded to the world and am enthusiastic about distant countries, cultures and languages. At speakeasy, I am responsible for personnel matters and recruiting.
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Lena | Telc organization & German teacher
The last years I lived in Berlin, Dublin, Victoria (Canada) and Istanbul. Since December 2020 I am totally back in Berlin and I am really glad to be back. Watching a theater play, listening to Cosmo Radio an especially listening to Turkish music, make me happy.
At speakeasy I coordinate the telc-Exams. I also teach and examine from time to time. I am happy to see you in Exams or in class.
I speak:
Franziska | Assistant to the management & Office management
I grew up in eastern Germany and after living in western France, northern Germany and southeastern Spain, I have now landed at speakeasy. I am both assistant to the management and responsible for office management. I try to pull the strings and take care of everything from A for Agenda to Z for Zweckform. It's fun to work in an international team!
