Transatlantic Spanish Institute

Professional Spanish for Diplomacy, Global Leadership, and Real-World Communication. At Transatlantic Spanish Institute, language training goes beyond grammar. We help professionals communicate with precision, cultural intelligence, and confidence in academic, diplomatic, and international settings.

About Dr. Verny Varela

Dr. Verny Varela is an educator, scholar, and cultural specialist with deep roots in Colombia and extensive experience in U.S. higher education and language instruction. He most-recently taught
Spanish at the Foreign Service Institute (U.S. Department of State), preparing diplomats for high-stakes communication in global contexts. He previously taught at Howard University for
over a decade, serving undergraduate learners across multiple Spanish levels and oral expression.
His academic path unites language, culture, and history:
• Ph.D. in African Studies (Howard University, 2019)
• M.A. in Spanish, emphasis in Afro-Hispanic Studies (Howard University, 2011)
• B.A. in Music Education (Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia)

His doctoral research, Currulao or Bambuco Viejo: African Creativity and Resistance on the Pacific Coast of Colombia, reflects his long-term commitment to Afro-Colombian cultural knowledge and identity.

Programs

1) One-on-One Professional Spanish
Private, tailored instruction for diplomats, executives, scholars, and globally oriented professionals.
Focus areas include:
• Speaking accuracy and pronunciation
• Professional and academic writing
• Formal/informal register control
• Cross-cultural communication for real-world contexts

2) Small Group Courses (6-8 weeks)
Interactive small-group cohorts designed for communicative growth, cultural fluency, and practical confidence.

3) Diplomatic and International Family Readiness
Targeted Spanish support for professionals and families preparing for assignments abroad, transitions to new cultural environments, and country-specific communication demands.

Who It Is For

• Diplomats and public servants
• International professionals and global teams
• University students and researchers
• Artists and cultural practitioners
• Families preparing for international mobility

Teaching Approach

1. Initial diagnostic and goal mapping
2. Personalized learning plan
3. Integrated skills training (speaking, listening, reading, writing)
4. Cultural-context coaching for authentic interaction
5. Measured progress and performance feedback

Why Transatlantic Spanish Institute

• Academic rigor plus practical communication outcomes
• High-level instruction grounded in culture and identity
• Trusted experience teaching diplomats and advanced learners
• Human-centered pedagogy designed for confidence and excellence

Book a Session

Start your consultation or lesson today.
Contact: espanolvarela@gmail.com