Silvia Liliana Bustamante MA, BA, was a Spanish teacher for 16 years in Ecuador and has been teaching Spanish classes in Sydney for over 7 years. You can see more of Silvia and her students on her Instagram and facebook.
Silvia is a highly competent and patient teacher, with excellent knowledge of the intricacies of the Spanish language.

Her knowledge of the language, South American history and culture helps to develop interesting and unique lessons and give her students the competencies they are seeking.
Silvia is dedicated to helping her students grasp all elements of Spanish, which is why the student speaks for roughly 80% of the time in class.
What Students Are Saying
I started with no Spanish in March and had my first trip to Spain in April, staying with her family and not speaking a word of English. I am now, 6 months later, writing fairy tales, reading books and really motivated for the next venture…South America! Thank you Silvia!
Larissa
Sylvia is an excellent tutor who is very patient with beginners and our mistakes. I cannot recommend her highly enough for anyone setting out to learn Spanish.
Tony
Silvia individualised my lessons very much. I was rusty on the Spanish that I had learned many years ago and was preparing for a trip to Cuba. She made the lessons very fun…we spoke nearly all the time in Spanish and the salsa lesson was fun. I had never had individual lessons before (many group lessons) and it particularly improved my pronunciation. My Spanish did improve and I felt more confident before embarking on my adventure. I plan to return for some more!
Mary
Silvia is a great Spanish teacher and a lovely person with deep knowledge about the language, for people learning Spanish at all levels. She has a lot of patience and explains things in a clear and understandable way. Would recommend her to anyone and everyone!
Felicia
A Note From Silvia – Why I Love My Job
I love doing what I do – helping people learn the Spanish langauge. The main reason is to help prevent people having culture shock or feeling shy, unprepared or unable to communicate, especially in South America.
As a native South American, I can help teach students all about the culture and customs that they should expect on their South American travels. This helps ensure their holidays and travels can not only be enjoyed, but they also don’t do or say the wrong things at the wrong time and inadvertantly insult the friendly people of South America!
My passion is helping people have the right expectations of South America and to not be disappointed or have a huge culture shock when they go. For example, be wary about South American’s different views on TIME to what we would expect in Sydney!
Employment History
2010 – Present
- Berlitz Sydney, Spanish Teacher
- Spanish Tutor, teaching Spanish one-to-one
2007 – 2007
- Atahualpa Spanish School, teaching Spanish one-to-one
- Tour guide in Quito
1995 to 2000
- Quito Spanish School, teaching Spanish one-to-one
- Tour guide in Quito
Qualifications
2016 Course: Early Childhood Certificate III
2014 Course: English for Academic Purpose TAFE
2010 Course : Management Business Hospitality
2008 – 2009 Course: Tourism
(Provider: Bridge College)
2007 – 2008 Course: English
(Provider: Elsis)
2002 – 2009 Course: Master
(Provider: UNIVERSIDAD CENTRAL DEL ECUADOR)
1998 – 2002 Course: Bachelor in Social Siences
(Provider: UNIVERSIDAD CENTRAL DEL ECUADOR )