Proper Languages
Proper Languages
Your language centre
Located in Geneva, our training centres offer customised solutions for professionals and companies throughout the whole of Switzerland.
What is our added value?
Your results are our success, we exist due to word-of-mouth.
We define realistic objectives with a clear process.
We are solutions-oriented. We follow up on your requests within 1 business day.
We rely on our clients' results and satisfaction. Our priority is to invest in our team and learning support, you will not see us on the back of a bus.
Our team understands the needs of the professional world. Our trainers have knowledge or experience in areas such as human resources, customer relations, luxury goods, marketing, aviation or finance.
Our team is passionate about learning. All our trainers are highly qualified and have one or more internationally or Swiss recognised diplomas.
We practice what we preach. We have been personalising quality language learning programmes for all different types of needs and objectives since 2000.
Our method
Many foreign language learning methods rely on total immersion as the only solution. However, there are many ways to learn a language and depending on the learner’s profile, background and objective, a purely immersive method can be costly in terms of your training budget. It is important to focus on learning accuracy and fluency simultaneously for long-term results that are in line with your learning style.
The three stages of your training programme
Needs Analysis
We conduct a level test and an online or in person interview to establish your specific needs and your cognitive profile, in order to…
define the course that suits you. This interview is followed by a training agreement signed by both parties. This document serves as a guideline for the programme and provides a framework for its development.
Training
On the basis of the needs analysis carried out beforehand, we offer the most suitable training programme. It is possible to… organise private sessions (in our premises, remotely or at the location of your choice). It is also possible to join one of the groups at our premises, or to organise group sessions at your company.
Evaluation and Reporting
We evaluate the progress of each learner on an ongoing basis and conduct regular quality control checks.…
For in-company courses, a detailed report is provided periodically. This enables Human Resources and/or managers to continuously monitor the attendance and progress of their employees and thus monitor the return on their investment.
Our history
Défilez vers la droite
Creation of PEP:
Personalised English Progression
Opening of the offices
in the heart of Geneva
Beginning partnerships with the State of Geneva (higher education)
Expansion of the premises in Geneva
Beginning of partnerships with the Cantonal Social Security Office
eduQua accreditation
Accreditation Chèque de Formation
The opening of new premises due to high demand in Veyrier
Beginning of the partnership with the Swiss foundation GFF who created for the creation of a school in Ethiopia and backing professional projects.
Extension of our services to Lausanne
Specialised educational training conference for university professors in Ethiopia
Expansion of the premises in Veyrier
Revamp of our identity: PEP English
New tools put into place to provide high quality online learningNew partnership with a private university
Extension of our services to all of SwitzerlandStart of Active Learning hybrid courses
Expansion of the range of courses with several language options
Opening of new premises in Meyrin
Creation of Proper Languages
Accreditation of Eduqua for Proper Languages
Our team
Ruth Avison
Founder
Christos Ioannitis
Customer relationship and training advisor
Alice Stock
Head of marketing and communications
David Chessex
Head of finance
Sébastien Juvet
Fide manager, examiner and language coach
Richard
Language coach and examiner
Mark
Language coach and examiner
Rick
Language coach
Jayne
Language coach
Liz
Language coach
Martin
Language coach
Barbara
Language coach
Charlie
Language coach
Russel
Language coach
Terry
Language coach
Carol
Language coach
Richard
Language coach and examiner
What do you enjoy about working with PROPER Languages?
The professional staff and the variety of students in terms of level, profile and objectives.
What is your motto or what moral values are important to you as a professional?
My motto is ‘Never Give Up’! I think many can start learning something new but sometimes need reminding that there are ups and downs on the road to success.
What would you say are your main skills?
My main skills are connecting with and understanding people, creating an excellent learning environment and adapting my teaching to their individual character and needs.
If you could give one piece of language acquisition advice, what would it be?
One piece of language acquisition advice would be to develop a growth mindset and make sure you see mistakes for what they are – invaluable for making progress. In two words, keep going!
Which languages can you speak?
I can speak French fluently and intermediate Spanish, with a smattering of German. I love learning languages so I can also say a few things in rarer languages.
Which languages or skills do you teach?
I teach a wide variety of skills, from telephone language to presenting and softer skills like negotiation and being diplomatic. Also, preparing for exams and more specific situations like business travel. I mostly teach English but am also a qualified French teacher.
What are your interests and activities outside the classroom?
Outside of the classroom I enjoy travelling, reading, writing, gardening, skiing and watching films/series.
What sort of books or articles do you like to read?
I am a huge fan of PG Wodehouse for his witty language in the ‘Jeeves and Wooster’ series of books (also a TV show with Dr House – Hugh Laurie). Naturally I read a lot of books about language acquisition and developing personal and professional skills. Otherwise I enjoy historical books and articles about politics and current affairs.
Mark
Language coach and examiner
What do you enjoy about working with PROPER Languages?
It’s a great place to work in. everyone is respected. You are not a number; you are a person.
What is your motto or what moral values are important to you as a professional?
My moral values are honesty and respect.
What would you say are your main skills?
Positive attitude, team worker and organized.
Which languages can you speak?
I speak French and English and a little Spanish.
Which languages or skills do you teach?
I teach English, I could probably teach French.
What are your interests and activities outside the classroom?
I enjoy reading, walking and am a big fan of rugby.
What sort of books or articles do you like to read?
Biographies and political books.
Russel
Language coach
What do you enjoy about working with PROPER Languages?
With PROPER Languages, I enjoy working for a school which places a great emphasis on taking care of its students, whilst also having a staff which is attentive, professional and considerate.
What is your motto or what moral values are important to you as a professional?
As a professional, it is my duty to firstly make my students at ease. It is also imperative to plan and execute lessons which meet their needs each time and to remember to be kind, courteous and respectful to them, as some days can be tough for anyone.
What would you say are your main skills?
My main skills would be teaching English grammar and demystifying the rules and context of the tenses. I am aware that this is a point of much confusion and frustration for my learners and remain sensitive and attentive to that. I am also able to craft extremely personalized material for my students so that their particular needs are met each time.
If you could give one piece of language acquisition advice, what would it be?
These days there is a wealth of entertainment/streaming content on the web, so why not take advantage of this to learn English, with subtitles or not. As a teacher, my time is limited with my students. However, after the lesson any type of streaming content such as news networks or a webseries can be pulled up to continue the learning experience.
Which languages can you speak?
I’m able to speak French fluently, and am able to feel at ease in Spanish and German.
Which languages or skills do you teach?
I teach English and everything that goes with it, for example Business English and how to write and pass an exam.
What are your interests and activities outside the classroom?
Outside of the classroom, I love reading, writing and taking train rides to see new places; a classical art museum is also greatly appreciated.
What sort of books or articles do you like to read?
I’m very much into historical fiction, especially regarding the Wars of the Roses and some modern fiction with unusual characters forging their identity in a new world. With regards to new articles, I enjoy content from The Daily Wire, especially from speakers who are out of the mainstream.
Charlie
Language coach
What do you enjoy about working with PROPER Languages?
I love helping people discover their own potential.
What is your motto or what moral values are important to you as a professional?
“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.” – Helen Keller
What would you say are your main skills?
If you could give one piece of language acquisition advice, what would it be? – Practise whenever you can, and don’t worry too much about your mistakes at the beginning.
Which languages can you speak?
English and French
Which languages or skills do you teach?
I teach English, with a particular interest in technical language.
What are your interests and activities outside the classroom?
Love to enjoy the outdoors, the mountains in the winter and the lake in the summer are definitely two of my happy places.
What sort of books or articles do you like to read?
I love to read, especially a good mystery novel.
Liz
Language coach
What do you enjoy about working with PROPER Languages?
That no day is the same. It’s great being able to teach such a range of different classes catering to all levels of English. I’ve met such interesting people through the lessons I have taught at Proper Languages.
What is your motto or what moral values are important to you as a professional?
Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today!
What would you say are your main skills?
Teaching related – I would like to think I make learning English fun!
I know how hard it is to learn a new language, having moved to Geneva not speaking a word of French myself. But I think learning should be an enjoyable experience. As a teacher, I am patient, encouraging and supportive, and I will get the best out of you that I can.
Non teaching related – I am skilled at making everything I say in French sound English, and I also have the ability to do everything at light speed.
If you could give one piece of language acquisition advice, what would it be?
Don’t get disheartened when you feel like you’ve been making good progress, and suddenly it all seems incredibly difficult or doesn’t seem to make sense when you come across a new rule, or an exception to something you thought you had completely understood before. As long as you don’t give up, you’ll get there in the end!
Which languages can you speak?
English, French, and some German.
Which languages or skills do you teach?
– English – fun, personalised private or group classes for either children or adults
– Business english
– Cambridge exam preparation classes (all levels).
What are your interests and activities outside the classroom?
I love travelling, exploring new places and trying different types of food. I love film, cinema and reading. Leisure wise, I enjoy swimming, and hiking in the mountains with my dog.
What sort of books or articles do you like to read?
I love reading, and always have a book (or two or three) on the go at the same time. I mainly like fictional novels, but I’ll read pretty much anything. I spend an unhealthy amount of time on the internet reading articles on anything from photography, to advertising, to psychology . . . the list goes on, but I often end up using them as the basis for topics of discussion for my classes, so I like to tell myself it’s all in the name of research!
Jayne
Language coach
What do you enjoy about working with PROPER Languages?
The multigenerational body of students who have a variety of objectives
What is your motto or what moral values are important to you as a professional?
Cultivating,Nourishing and Maintaining a standard of excellence. The student’s success is ultimately my success.
What would you say are your main skills?
Communication with and Commitment to my students.
If you could give one piece of language acquisition advice, what would it be?
Learning English should be a pleasure, not a chore. As a complement to PEP’s support, discover your own personal tool ( movies, books, lectures, music, travel , friends) to steadily improve.
Which languages can you speak?
English and French.
Which languages or skills do you teach?
Both Academic and Personalised Business English.
What are your interests and activities outside the classroom?
Health and fitness, meeting new people.
What sort of books or articles do you like to read?
All sorts.
Terry
Language coach
What do you enjoy about working with PROPER Languages?
The team and positive atmosphere.
What is your motto or what moral values are important to you as a professional?
Motto: Build your house on the rock.
Moral Value: The advocacy, pursuit and practice of goodness.
What would you say are your main skills?
Communication skills, painting skills and Chinese calligraphy skills are my main skills.
If you could give one piece of language acquisition advice, what would it be?
Listen more, read more and write more.
Which languages can you speak?
– Chinese (mother tongue: both Mandarin and Cantonese; simplified and traditional Chinese)
– English (Day-to-day working language)
– French (Intermediate level
Which languages or skills do you teach?
I teach Chinese and English.
What are your interests and activities outside the classroom?
Reading, music, stamp collecting and travelling are my favorite hobbies.
What sort of books or articles do you like to read?
I like martial arts novels, four classic novels of Chinese literature and science fiction. I also enjoy cook books, I am not interested in cooking though.
Rick
Language coach
What do you enjoy about working with PROPER Languages?
PROPER Languages offers a very professional environment, with an opportunity for teachers to develop their skills and to benefit from the different experiences of colleagues.
What is your motto or what moral values are important to you as a professional?
I believe it is important to be honest with students about both the areas where they excel and those where more work is required.
What would you say are your main skills?
My experience with exams (mostly Cambridge & IELTS) can help students develop the specific skills needed. This experience also allows me to estimate the minimum number of lessons that will be necessary to achieve a student’s goals.
If you could give one piece of language acquisition advice, what would it be?
Perseverance is essential.
Which languages can you speak?
French (intermediate) and Spanish (working knowledge).
Which languages or skills do you teach?
I teach English to adolescents and adults. This can involve helping older students communicate at work, helping younger students understand schoolwork, and helping students of all ages prepare for exams.
What are your interests and activities outside the classroom?
I enjoy reading, travelling and doing some sport like table tennis.
What sort of books or articles do you like to read?
I read a wide variety of books, both fiction and non-fiction. The articles I read also cover a wide range of topics.
Carol
Language coach
What do you enjoy about working with PROPER Languages?
Interesting learners, great pedagogical support and an efficient, friendly admin back-up.
What is your motto or what moral values are important to you as a professional?
Give your all and you will get it back, with interest!
What would you say are your main skills?
Helping learners to gain confidence in their new language skills.
If you could give one piece of language acquisition advice, what would it be?
Speak at every opportunity: the more you speak, the easier it becomes.
Which languages can you speak?
Native English speaker, B2-level French
Which languages or skills do you teach?
– I teach general and business English at all levels
– My success rate with Cambridge Business English exams is excellent
– I have specific expertise with teaching football English to international referees
What are your interests and activities outside the classroom?
A former journalist, I am still a news-junkie and enjoy politics, movies, cooking, reading, gardening and writing
What sort of books or articles do you like to read?
I read The Guardian (a British newspaper) every day plus a wide range of contemporary novels
Sébastien
Fide manager, examiner and language coach
What do you enjoy about working with PROPER Languages?
I enjoy working for PROPER Languages because it is a school that focuses on what I find important in language learning: the fact that each learner is unique and that successful integration is not only about better knowledge of the language, but also about immersion in the local culture.
What is your motto or what moral values are important to you as a professional?
As a trainer and as an examiner, the most important values for me are listening and empathy. We need to know the needs of our learners to be able to guide them better.
What would you say are your main skills?
Curiosity is my main skill, and it comes naturally. I also believe that my flexibility, adaptability and organisational skills are very important in my work.
If you could give one piece of language acquisition advice, what would it be?
Read, read, and read.
Which languages can you speak?
French, English and Portuguese.
Which languages or skills do you teach?
I teach French as a foreign language and prepare candidates for Swiss naturalisation (history, politics, current affairs, etc.)
What are your interests and activities outside the classroom?
When I’m not working, I enjoy outdoor activities such as walking, cycling and stand-up paddling. I also like to read novels, watch good movies from time to time and spend time with my friends.
What sort of books or articles do you like to read?
I usually read all the local and international news for my work, but I’m more interested in opinion pieces than news. As for books, I really like thrillers and comedies, but also history books.
Quality and responsibility
QMS
Since 2012, following regular external audits, our quality management system has been consistently awarded the EduQua quality label with excellence. This allows us to continuously evaluate our training courses and to ensure that our content is… in line with the objectives of our changing society and needs of each client.
A follow-up at the end of each training course or cycle allows us to integrate feedback and to continuously improve the quality of our services.
Team
Our language instructors are based in the Lake Geneva area and all over Switzerland. Whether it is a face-to-face, online or blended course (Active Learning), our quality follow-up remains the same.
In order to ensure pedagogical continuity…, our trainers draw up a detailed course overview and daily report, allowing us to maintain a high level of quality and continuation in case of any changes (such as illness or absence of the trainer).
CSR
The environment and sustainable development are clearly at the heart of our concerns. We promote, whenever possible, the use of local service providers when ordering course materials and have a strict policy of limiting… paper printing. Invoices are sent electronically.Our founder is a board member at a Swiss-run foundation that promotes education in developing countries called The Green Flower Foundation (GFF). We also regularly sponsor local initiatives or get involved in activities in the areas we have language learning centres.