About me

I am Indra Sarah Podewils, German-Canadian and certified teacher for German (Goethe-Institut) and English as a foreign language (University of Cambridge, CELTA). Learning a new language means more to me than just studying words and grammar. Communicating confidently in a foreign language does not only depend on vocabulary and correct sentence structure but also on pronunciation and presentation. 

As a trained opera singer (Mozarteum Salzburg and Musikhochschule Stuttgart) I have a skilled ear for pronunciation and can give you profound support in this matter. Due to my dramatic training on the big stage I know exactly how I can awaken the audience’s interest and be authentic. This know-how I pass on in my presentation coaching, as this is what also counts in the business world: confident performance and presentation also in a foreign language. 

I have worked in the field of adult education for many years focusing on teaching German and English for professionals in different companies. For me, you are at the center of my lesson and I customise my course plan – a combination of conversation training and grammar lesson- according to your personal needs.

Patience and empathy are very important to me in order to support my participants in successfully reaching their goals. My Indian origin as well als my Intercultural Competence training (Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena) give me the cultural sensitivity to empathize with the intercultural challenges that are part of learning a new language and culture.


Professional experience

  • International Opera Studio of the Stuttgart State Opera
    (since November 2020)
    Intensive course in private and group settings for the young artists of the program
  • University of Stuttgart – International Center
    (since May 2016)
    Intensive Course Summer Semester 2023, Winter University 2023, Intensive Course Winter Semester 2022-2023, Intensive Course Winter Semester 2020-2021, Intensive Course Winter Semester 2018-2019, Intensive Course Summer Semester 2018, TestDaF Course B2-C1, Intensive Course Winter Semester 2017, Summer University 2017, Summer Semester Course 2017, TestDaF Course B1-B2, Intensive Course Summer Semester 2017, Winter University 2017, Winter Semester Course 2016-2017, Intensive Course Winter Semester 2016, Summer University 2016
  • Bosch Rexroth
    (April/ May 2017)
    Presentation coaching for the MOBILE 2017
  • Deutsche Angestellten-Akademie Stuttgart
    (February 2016 – June 2017)
    Professional Communication for Migrants from Medical Professions German B2-C1/Professional Orientation and Application Training for Physicians, ESF-German B2-C1/ Professional Orientation and Application Training, German for Medical Professions at the bfw
    (Berufsfortbildungswerk – vocational training center) in preparation for the exams of the Medical Chamber
  • Diconium Digital Solutions Stuttgart
    (November 2015- January 2019)
    Extensive course A1-B2 with a focus on German for Business
  • Berlitz Language School Stuttgart
    (September 2015 – March 2016)
    Language training in English and German for private and business clients in private and group settings
  • Volkshochschule Stuttgart (adult education center)
    (August 2015 – July 2016)
    B2 English Cambridge, C1 English Conversation, Business English B2: Emailing and Telephoning, Corporate In-House Coaching for Business English
  • WIFI Institute of the Austrian Economic Chamber
    (October 2014 – June 2015)
    A2 German Conversation, A1 English Starter, A1+ English, A2 English
  • Berlitz Language School Salzburg
    (March 2013 – August 2015)
    Language training in English and German for private and business clients
    (i.a. Red Bull, Porsche Holding, Landeskrankenhaus Salzburg, Klüber, Zeppelin Austria, Suzuki Austria)
    Authorization to conduct  English courses and exams for the AMS Austria (job center)
  • Freelance language trainer for English and German
    (since 2012)
    Language training in grammar, pronunciation and conversation on different levels for corporate and private clients

Qualifications

  • BAMF certificate
    certified German teacher of the federal office for migration and refugees
  • DaF certificate from the Goethe Institute
    correspondence course of the Goethe Institute as a trainer for German as a second language
  • CELTA (Cambridge Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults)
    University of Cambridge certified trainer for English as a second language
  • certificate Intercultural Competence – Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena
  • university studies
    Bachelor of Music (Classical Voice) at the University Mozarteum Salzburg  – BA
    Master of Music (Opera and Performance) at the Musikhochschule Stuttgart – M.Mus
    Master of Music (Classical Voice) at the University Mozarteum Salzburg – MA
    Minor degree in Cultural Management at the Paris-Lodron-Universität Salzburg

Languages

  • English (mother tongue)
  • German (mother tongue)
  • Italian (A2)
  • French (A1)
  • Latin (qualification in Latin)

Organisations 

  • Member of ELTAS (English Language Teachers’ Association Stuttgart)