Meet Cristi

Cristina Betancur — Cristi — is a certified Spanish teacher with over 12 years of experience working with learners from diverse backgrounds—including doctors, lawyers, designers, personal trainers, entrepreneurs, and culture enthusiasts. She specializes in grammar, conversational diction, and listening comprehension. Notably, Cristi has developed dynamic curricula and engaging social media series (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube) that have helped hundreds of students improve their Spanish in a fun, free, and accessible way.

Before moving to the United States, Cristi taught lessons in Colombia through various community programs, working with children, teenagers, and adults from a wide range of socio-cultural backgrounds. Her work with vulnerable groups deepened her commitment to empathy, resilience, and the belief in education as a transformative force.

Cristi is passionate about creating a welcoming and motivating environment where students feel confident to experiment, make mistakes, and fully explore the richness of the Spanish language.

Woman in yellow blouse smiling by a body of water with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background
A group of schoolgirls in plaid uniforms standing in a circle around a girl in a white shirt and black skirt, who is speaking or presenting in the center of a wooden-floored room.
Group of students sitting on the floor and chairs in a classroom with colorful names on the wall.
Group of young adults attending a workshop or seminar in a brightly lit classroom or community center with blue walls, large screen, and potted plants.

Student Voices


  • Ever since I began learning Spanish with Cristina, my life has changed for the better in countless ways. Over the past three years, she has not only shared her passion for Latin American culture, history, and traditions, but has also become a dear friend. Cristina’s teaching approach invites you to explore the Spanish-speaking world from so many angles. Your vocabulary will grow through an impressive variety of sources—from early 20th-century literature to contemporary TikTok content. She will guide you through regional slang differences across Spanish-speaking countries, ensuring you understand the vocabulary from multiple cultures. Our lessons have always been very immersive, with constant conversation practice alongside reading and listening exercises.

    What sets Cristina apart for me is the personal attention she gives to her students. The way she tailors topics and activities to your unique interests—from your professional field to your secret music tastes—speaks to her true engagement and makes you connect with the language on a deeper level. Cristina is one of the most enthusiastic, attentive, and caring teachers I have ever met, and I am deeply grateful to her for making my journey of learning Spanish so inspiring and rewarding.

    Anastasia Itkina

    Speaks: English, Russian, Spanish

  • A few years ago, I began taking Spanish classes at a language school in Berkeley, California, where I was fortunate to be placed in a class taught by Cristina Betancur, a native of Colombia. After many years on the faculty at Princeton University, I’ve come to recognize the qualities that define truly outstanding teachers—and Cristina has them all. She is dedicated, energetic, clear, exceptionally well-organized, and passionate about her work.

    Cristina is equally effective in a traditional classroom and in one-on-one instruction via Zoom. While teaching is her obvious strength, she also brings a strong background in academic administration. Given her remarkable organizational skills, I have no doubt she would excel in that realm as well.

    —Harvey S. Rosen

    Professor of Economics, Emeritus

    Princeton University

  • A young woman with shoulder-length black hair smiling and looking at the camera, surrounded by green plants.

    “It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business.”

    Lindsey Beumer

Contact Cristi

Interested in learning Spanish? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!