Get to know our new Spanish teacher: Ana Levenson

Our Spanish language class for adults launches soon. We’re thrilled to introduce our neighbor Ana Levenson, a Teaching Professor of Spanish at Georgetown, our Spanish teacher. A native of Sante Fe, Argentina, Ana received her Masters degree with a focus on Spanish Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition from the University of Southern California. Plus, she is the author of Gramática española para estudiantes de inglés, a book that helps Spanish speakers learn English grammar, which is used in a number of universities and language programs across the country.

We decided to ask Ana a few questions to help you get to know her before joining her class.

What is your favorite Spanish-speaking city to visit?
Ah! Colonia… I love the vibe of this little town tucked away on the coast of Uruguay and very close to Buenos Aires. I love Colonia’s history, the oldest Portuguese founded town as well as the warmth of its people. Uruguayans are so nice! The tranquility of the old cobbled streets and the easy-going lifestyle that emanates from the historic quarter where you can have a nice drink in one of the many cervecerías while visiting the local artisanal shops are unique to Colonia.

What is your favorite Spanish restaurant in DC?
Although Call Your Mother is not the Spanish definition of a restaurant, it is owned by an Argentine and as such, there is a vibe there that makes it unique; like anything from Argentina is. Not to mention they have the best bagels in town!

What do you love the most about teaching Spanish?
When I teach Spanish, I truly try to integrate the culture and customs of the people who speak it. To me, that’s the beauty of learning a foreign language. As my father used to say when encouraging my brother and me to travel the world, “Go, learn how other people find happiness doing things differently than you do!”