From language nemesis to classroom virtuoso

Finding purpose in personal struggle

Sarah grew up in Međimurje, Croatia’s northernmost region, where rolling hills and distinctive dialects shape local identity. As a child who prided herself on academic excellence, the introduction of German in fourth grade came as a shock. “For the first time in my life, I received the worst possible grade,” she recalls with a wry smile. “I wanted to give up completely.”

Instead of abandoning the challenge, Sarah channelled her frustration into determination. “I decided that someday I would become a teacher who could make this difficult language accessible to others,” she explains. This early struggle gave her something invaluable – authentic empathy for language learners facing similar hurdles. At university in Zagreb, she paired German with her native Croatian, creating a unique foundation for teaching both languages.

From classroom teacher to online language bridge

After completing her master’s degree, Sarah spent five years teaching in Croatian gymnasiums (secondary schools), developing her skills with teenage students while earning her professional certifications. Her educational journey included research comparing grammatical structures between German and Croatian – knowledge that now helps her guide students through linguistic parallels and pitfalls.

Today, Sarah balances dual roles at Let’s Learn Croatian – teaching individual and group lessons while also serving as learning coordinator. She communicates with German-speaking students from Austria, Switzerland, and Germany, helping them navigate the sometimes intimidating process of starting language lessons. “When people reach out about learning Croatian, they often worry it’s too difficult or they’re too old,” she says. “My job is to show them neither is true.”

Breaking down language barriers through empathy

“The most challenging aspects of Croatian for German speakers are adjective declensions, perfective and imperfective verbs, and irregular forms,” Sarah explains. “For Croatian speakers learning German, it’s articles, gender, and adjective declensions – grammatical features that don’t exist in our language.”

Rather than focusing solely on textbook exercises, Sarah structures lessons around practical, everyday language use. “I always begin by listening to why someone wants to learn,” she says. “Are they learning to read Croatian literature? To communicate with family? To navigate daily life in Croatia? These goals shape our entire approach.”

This student-centered philosophy stems from her own early struggles. Sarah remembers the frustration of memorising grammar rules without practical application and ensures her students have a different experience – one where language serves real connection rather than academic exercise.

Finding joy in student transformations

Among Sarah’s most treasured teaching moments are witnessing students progress from complete beginners to confident speakers. “When someone who started with zero Croatian knowledge can later have a flowing conversation – discussing their day, joking, expressing complex thoughts – it’s indescribable,” she says, her eyes brightening. “I know how much determination that requires.”

What sets her teaching apart is her focus on individual learning styles. “Some people learn visually, others by doing, some through listening,” Sarah explains. “I adapt constantly, providing different paths to the same destination.” Her feedback is consistently constructive, showing students both their strengths and areas for improvement without discouragement.

The school’s approach mirrors her personal values. “Our teachers genuinely enjoy teaching – you can feel that energy in every lesson,” she says. “We create a relaxed atmosphere where mistakes are stepping stones, not stumbling blocks.”

Living the language learner’s life

Outside teaching hours, Sarah embodies the principles she shares with students – that learning is lifelong and age is never a barrier. At 30, she began piano lessons, fulfilling a childhood dream. “When students tell me they’re too old to start Croatian, I tell them about my piano journey,” she laughs. “I’m learning Mozart and Ed Sheeran side by side.”

Her home in rural Croatia provides perfect weekend escapes, where she explores forest trails on her quad bike. “Being in nature clears my mind and recharges my creativity for teaching,” she explains. The rest of her free time is devoted to her true passion – languages. Already fluent in Croatian, German and English, she’s now learning Spanish, motivated by a surprising discovery during her first trip to Spain at 18.

Sarah’s journey from frustrated language student to accomplished polyglot educator reflects her teaching philosophy: that the most challenging beginnings can lead to the most rewarding outcomes. For her, teaching isn’t merely transferring knowledge – it’s about building bridges between cultures and transforming intimidation into inspiration.

“Every time a student tells me they finally had a real conversation in Croatian, I remember that fourth-grade girl struggling with German,” she says. “We’ve both come so far.”