Magdalena Szczodra

She holds a Masters degree in Spanish Studies from the Jagiellonian University, and she loves both the Spanish and the Portuguese language. She started the school back in 1996 and has been running it ever since. She keeps an eye on the programme and the methodical quality of the courses taught. At work her motto is “if you're going to do it, do it right”. At the same time she's easygoing and full of fantasy. Magda loves her work and most of all, her students, which is why she always manages to find time to teach at least one group. She describes herself as an incurable Doña Quixote and chronic backpacker!

If you have any questions, comments or ideas you can direct them straight to Magda.»

Marta Szafran

As Chief Secretary at Buena Vista, Marta is actually the most important and strategic person in the entire school. Not only does she hold a master's title in Psychology, as dusk falls she becomes an avid tango dancer. This passion led to the creation of "Puente del Tango" here in Krakow, a festival she organizes herself. Doing office work at Buena Vista keeps her down to earth - by day anyway... Such versatility!!!
www.puentedeltango.art.pl

Carlos

Marta's assistant. Helps keep order and discipline within the school. Got a habit of coming in late? Behind on your test scores? Beware...

A graduate of Jagiellonian University with a master’s degree in Spanish Philology, she is an experienced and effective teacher who divides her time between students at Krakow University of Economics and Buena Vista. Always smiling, she is our very own embodiment of harmony, professionalism and class… The results of her efforts speak for themselves (in Spanish…) An avid reader and traveller, she’s addicted to buying newspapers and books (mostly travel guides). A fan of Mario Varga Llosa, she knows everything about the man – as passion is a trait often found in those born close to Poland’s Eastern border (Agnieszka comes from the wild and beautiful Bieszczady region). She likes great food and winter and enjoys skiing as well as cooking - pursuing excellence in both with undying enthusiasm.

is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Portugese Philology at Krakow’s Jagiellonian University. She absolutely loves studying foreign languages since it enables her to get to know other cultures and inspiring people. She feels quite at home in Portugal, admiring the blue sky, loving the noisy trams of Lisbon, savouring galao coffee and fado music. She dreams of opening her own little Portuguese café one day. A film lover, with a special affinity for Czech cinema and Krtek – the adorable Czechoslovakian cartoon mole…

Pedro Martín

Pedro Martín was born in Madrid thirty something years ago and has been speaking Spanish ever since. A photographer and camera operator by profession, he worked in television and taught audiovisual arts. In 2005 he moved to Krakow and devoted himself to teaching Spanish. His students consider him a teaching genius, blessed with a great talent for creating a fantastic working atmosphere during all lessons. Warning: end of course causes withdrawal symptoms in most individuals!

A constitutional lawyer who decided to take a break from his career at the Supreme Court of Mexico and come to Krakow, leaving busy Mexico City behind to try something new and taste life at a slower pace, brought here by his curiosity of places, customs and traditions… He takes pleasure in observing reality and finding that people all around the world are not so different – and his exceptional ability to communicate is evidently proven by the fact that A1 level students bravely come to his classes even though they’re just beginning to speak Spanish – while Juan Carlos is yet to learn Polish. So far, he has not been scared off by the cold climate and is surviving his first winter. Juan Carlos enjoys reading, listening to music and keeping up with world news. He’s interests include foreign languages and Chinese culture.

The history of Krakow can be divided into two epochs – before and after the arrival of Jaume – the vivacious Catalan, bursting with energy and humour, who seems to know anyone who’s anybody and be known by everyone … Upon his arrival on the scene the sleepiest of students are knocked into sudden consciousness and walls tremble with explosions of uncontrollable laughter. Though Jaume spends most of the afternoons at Buena Vista, he devotes his mornings to the oldest and most respectable teaching institution in town – the Jagiellonian University. There he teaches Spanish at the Language Centre and was recently voted one of the best instructors by his students. When not teaching, he performs live – singing and playing his guitar – in cafes all around town. His classes and concerts both draw many enthusiasts, since any endeavour of Jaume’s is a social, academic and artistic success.