Embassy Teachers: Meet Siva from Embassy Auckland

Students choose to study at Embassy English because they want to improve their English language skills with the most qualified teachers. Our diverse teaching staff is dedicated to helping students achieve their goals with fun and engaging interactive classes that help students learn English quickly and easily. We promise to give our students guaranteed outcomes, invaluable skills and amazing experiences that last a lifetime. Recently we caught up with Siva Namasivayam, one of our English teachers at Embassy Auckland, to learn more about his passion for teaching and why New Zealand is great for international students. 

Tell us about yourself!

I’m Siva Namasivayam and I’m originally from Malaysia. I went to school in Malaysia and I have a degree in Economics and Law from the UK. I also have a Masters in Language Teaching from University of Auckland. I’ve been living and working in New Zealand for more than 15 years.

When did you start working for Embassy Auckland?

I started teaching at Embassy Auckland in May 2006 as a part-time IELTS teacher and became a full- time teacher in February 2008, teaching General English, IELTS , Cambridge Exams and Business English.

What is your role at Embassy Auckland?

My role is basically teaching and ensuring students do learn about the different aspects of the English language. However, a teacher’s role does not end there. I also need to motivate the students and help them achieve their goals in language acquisition. A teacher’s role is not just confined to the classroom we do need to go the extra mile for the students.

What is your favorite part of your job at Embassy English?

For me it is working with students from all over the world. It’s both challenging and exciting to meet students with such diverse backgrounds and language needs. I come from a multi-racial background myself and I’m very comfortable working with various nationalities in class.  My other favorite part is seeing my students progress with their English and achieving high scores in the tests, which is extremely fulfilling for any teacher.

Can you share a story about how you have personally helped a student reach his or her goals?

There was a student who could barely string a sentence together in English when he first arrived.  But he had lots of enthusiasm and determination to succeed in English.  In a matter of three months of hard work and motivation and plenty of encouragement, he achieved a 7.0 in his IELTS test and went on to do a degree in Law at Auckland University.

What is unique about your centre?

Besides the multi-national students, I would say it is my colleagues who are all very supportive of each other and we have this sense of belonging to a great team. The centre also has very good resources for teachers. There’s plenty of material for us to use in class.

What are your favorite places to hang out around the centre?

We do hang out at lunch time in the dining room, sharing ideas and stories.

What advice would you give a student starting their first day in your city?

It’s perfectly normal to be nervous in a new city and environment, but keep an open mind and make the most of your stay here in this great city.  Make as many friends as possible and take the opportunity to see places outside the city. Most importantly practise your English as much as possible both in and outside the class room.

Do you have any tips for success in reaching student’s English speaking goals?

My mantra would be Practise, Practise and Practise! Never be afraid of making mistakes as that’s the best way to learn a language effectively.  Speaking requires a particular level of self-confidence and living and studying in an English speaking environment certainly helps.

What should a student know about the staff at your centre?

That we are all here to help you in your language learning no matter what your level is and at what pace you are learning.  Teachers here are committed and professional and they are happy to assist you in whatever way they can.

What do you think are the favourite foods to try in your city?

Auckland has become a very multi-cultural city since I moved here in 2001, and there are plenty of interesting places to eat with a wide variety of food. My personal favorites are Japanese and Thai food.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I’ve been teaching all my life since I first started in 1980 in a village school in a remote part of Malaysia and am happy to continue till I retire.

To learn more about studying English at exciting Embassy Auckland, contact us today!