Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, absolutely. Marina is very experienced working with complete beginners and knows exactly how to make the first steps into Russian feel manageable and enjoyable rather than overwhelming. Many of her students have started with no Russian at all and gone on to become confident, capable speakers. You do not need any prior knowledge to begin.

The first lesson is primarily a conversation — Marina will want to understand your goals, your current level (even if that is zero), your preferred pace of learning, and what you are hoping to achieve. From there, she will begin to map out an approach tailored specifically to you. It is also a chance for you to see whether you are comfortable working together before committing to anything further.

Progress depends on several things — how often you have lessons, how much practice you do between sessions, and your individual starting point. That said, most students notice meaningful improvement relatively quickly, particularly in confidence and conversational ability. Marina will discuss realistic milestones with you at the start and track progress throughout.

Marina teaches students of all ages, from children as young as seven through to adults and senior professionals. She adapts her approach and materials to suit each individual, so whether you are booking for a young child, a teenager or yourself, her methods will fit accordingly.

Yes — GCSE preparation is one of Marina's specialities. She has an exceptional track record at this level: every one of her GCSE students achieved A* or A grade last year, and all 8 GCSE students achieved A* in 2018. She covers all four skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking), focuses on exam technique, and provides thorough oral preparation.

Yes. A-level Russian is rigorous, and Marina supports students through all aspects of the course — grammar, essay writing, oral exams, cultural topics, translation and comprehension. Her A-level students have consistently achieved top grades, with several going on to study Russian at degree level.

Yes. Marina has worked with Russian Language students at Cambridge University, UCL, Queen Mary University of London and other institutions. She has supported one student from absolute beginner all the way through to a First-Class Honours degree over four years of tuition.

It is never too late for targeted preparation. Marina can run intensive sessions focused on the areas most likely to make a difference in a short timeframe. Get in touch as soon as possible and she will discuss what is realistically achievable given the time available.

Both. Marina offers in-person lessons in Bromley, Kent, as well as online lessons via Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Google Meet. Many students opt for online tuition as it is convenient and works just as well for language learning, but face-to-face lessons are also available for those who prefer it.

Marina is comfortable using Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Google Meet — whichever works best for you. Zoom is the most popular choice among her students as it is straightforward to set up and use, but she is happy to accommodate whichever platform you already use and are familiar with.

Lessons are typically one hour, though Marina also offers two-hour consecutive sessions for students who want a more intensive session — for example, in the run-up to an exam. She is flexible and happy to discuss what works best for your needs and schedule.

Yes — Marina teaches students of all ages. A significant proportion of her students are adults, whether hobby learners, professionals, university students or those returning to Russian after a break. Adult learning has its own dynamic and Marina is well experienced at working with adults effectively.

Yes. Marina has delivered business Russian lessons to individuals and at professional firms, including Clifford Chance, one of the world's leading law firms. She can tailor lessons to your specific professional context, covering vocabulary, formal communication, meetings, presentations and the cultural aspects of doing business with Russian-speaking counterparts.

Absolutely. Practical travel Russian is one of the most rewarding areas to cover — even a handful of lessons can make a real difference to your experience. Marina can focus on the most useful phrases, numbers, transport, restaurant and hotel language, and give you genuine cultural insight to go alongside it.

Of course. Marina teaches across all levels, from absolute beginners to advanced speakers. Whether you want to consolidate what you know, fix persistent grammar issues, improve your fluency, or push towards a higher level, she will design the lessons around where you actually are.