A LITTLE ABOUT ME

From Barcelona to Cape Town, language has always been at the heart of my life.

I was born and raised in Barcelona, and South Africa has been home for more than 30 years. I bring a lifelong connection to Spanish language and culture, together with decades of experience teaching and supporting learners.

Over 40 years of teaching experience

LANGUAGE, CULTURE & CONNECTION

More than words.

For me, learning a language is about more than grammar and vocabulary. It is about culture, expression and connecting with people. I adapt lessons to each learner’s needs, confidence and goals, whether they are building foundations, preparing for an exam or developing communication for everyday life and work.

A career built around languages

TEACHING & TUTORING

My teaching in Cape Town began at the School of Languages in 1995. Since then, I have taught Spanish at five international schools and privately tutored 50 pupils since 2015, supporting learners across primary and secondary levels and preparing students for Cambridge and DELE examinations.

TRANSLATION & INTERPRETING

Professional translation and interpreting experience across commercial, academic and research settings, including work for the University of the Western Cape.

A WIDE RANGE OF LEARNERS

Teaching and tutoring experience with learners from early childhood through adulthood, adapting the approach to the person, their level and their purpose.

Training & professional development

A selection of professional training and recognised development that supports my work as a language educator.

SPANISH LANGUAGE TEACHER TRAINING

Specialisation in Spanish language teaching - Universidad Europea Miguel de Cervantes.

INSTITUTO CERVANTES

Workshop certificate from Instituto Cervantes.

APPLE TEACHER

Apple Teacher recognition.

LEVEL 3 TEFL CERTIFICATION

Qualification in teaching english as a foreign language.

Words from students, families & colleagues

A selection of kind words from students, families and colleagues.

“I would highly recommend Margarida to any individual or institution looking for reliable, high-quality translation support services, particularly in academic or cross-cultural contexts.”

Fiona Anciano

Professor, Department of Political Studies, University of the Western Cape

“She was always punctual, organised and engaging and established a very positive learning experience for my child.”

Cordelia Emeledoh

Parent of a private student

“She successfully bridges the gap between their existing knowledge and the linguistic challenges they still need to master.”

Emma Bentley

Former Head of Modern Foreign Languages, International School of Cape Town

View more testimonials ↓

Words from students, families & colleagues

“I would highly recommend Margarida to any individual or institution looking for reliable, high-quality translation support services, particularly in academic or cross-cultural contexts.”

Fiona Anciano

Professor, Department of Political Studies, University of the Western Cape

View more testimonials ↓

Words from students, families & colleagues

A selection of kind words from students, families and colleagues.

“I would highly recommend Margarida to any individual or institution looking for reliable, high-quality translation support services, particularly in academic or cross-cultural contexts.”

Fiona Anciano

Professor, Department of Political Studies, University of the Western Cape

“She was always punctual, organised and engaging and established a very positive learning experience for my child.”

Cordelia Emeledoh

Parent of a private student

View more testimonials ↓

Let’s find the right words.

Tell me what you would like to learn, communicate or translate.

Let’s get started

MARGARIDA PAPELL-CONILL

MARGARIDA PAPELL CONILL