Hi, I’m Marta — teacher, traveller, and language enthusiast.

My Dutch name is Maartje, but here in Italy, I go by Marta. I’m originally from Amsterdam and have lived in the US, Canada, and France — and now call the beautiful Le Marche region of Italy home. Having travelled to over 60 countries, I’ve seen how language can open doors and help us feel at home, wherever we are.

That’s why I created Verba Peregrina — to help English learners turn foreign words into meaningful, confident communication.

A teaching journey shaped by life, language, and learning

My path to teaching began outside the classroom — in the real world. I started out in international advertising, but it was my curiosity about people, culture, and communication that eventually pulled me toward education. After retraining as a primary school teacher, I discovered a love for helping others express themselves in English, no matter where they come from.

My Teaching Approach

My approach is practical, flexible, and people-centered. I draw from a solid foundation in education and specialized training to help learners communicate confidently in real-world situations.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Education, a Trinity CertTESOL qualification (Ofqual Level 5, 130 hours), a Teaching Business English certificate (30-hour CPD course), and a Cambridge Teacher Development course focused on B2 exam preparation. I continue to develop professionally by attending webinars (mostly from Cambridge), reading, and taking teacher development courses.

These qualifications allow me to support a range of learners — from general English students to professionals preparing for exams or using English at work.

Whether we’re working on fluency, grammar, or preparing for a Cambridge exam, my lessons are always tailored to your needs, goals, and learning style.