Hi, I'm Jackie!

Dr Jacqueline Matthews

Where a love of language and learning meets a passion for helping others succeed

My Academic Expertise

My passion for languages and my commitment to lifelong learning have shaped every stage of my personal and professional journey. I hold a BSc (Hons) in German with Japanese, a TESOL qualification, and have studied Japanese to JLPT Level 1 — a combination that provides both strong linguistic expertise and a solid grounding in effective language teaching. My PhD, which examines the values and perspectives of contemporary Japanese university students, offers a robust, research-based understanding of how culture, identity, and social context shape lived experience, and this further informs and enriches my approach to teaching. Alongside these, my BA (Hons) and Master’s in Theology reflect a broader academic curiosity and a longstanding dedication to scholarship, critical thinking, and supporting students in developing their own confidence and insight.

International Experience and Cultural Insight

Alongside my academic background, I lived in Japan for seven years and in Germany for one year. These extended periods allowed me to immerse myself fully in real community life, giving me a natural, intuitive understanding of how language is used in everyday situations — the rhythms, subtleties, and cultural context that bring communication to life. I feel fortunate to have experienced these cultures so deeply and to be able to share with students the real-world nuance that textbooks often miss, helping them develop confident, natural communication skills.

Supporting Learners at Every Level

I work with learners of all abilities, from complete beginners to advanced students. I have helped school‑age learners achieve high grades at GCSE and A level, guided university students through their final‑year Japanese studies, and supported adults learning Japanese or German for travel, personal interest, or business.

My Learners

I have had the privilege of teaching students in private lessons since 2011, working with learners at every stage of their language journey. Over the past twenty years, I have supported school-age students preparing for GCSE and A level, guided university learners through advanced Japanese study, and assisted adults learning Japanese or German for travel, personal interest, or business. My lessons are always tailored, encouraging, and focused on building confidence through practical, real-world communication - taught with the passion and insight that come from having personally experienced these wonderful cultures.

My Professional Background

Before becoming a full-time tutor, I used both German and Japanese professionally, regularly handling telephone communication and composing emails in both languages as part of my daily work. This blend of academic training, real-world immersion, and professional experience allows me to teach in a way that is authentic, relevant, and grounded in lived experience.

My Teaching Approach

My approach is warm, supportive, and student-centred. I aim to provide an enjoyable, motivating, and culturally rich learning experience, helping each learner progress at a pace that suits both their skill level and their personal comfort. Whether preparing for exams, travelling abroad, or learning for personal fulfilment, I focus on developing practical, meaningful communication skills. My aim is to help learners understand not only the language itself, but also the cultural context that brings it to life.

Why Learn with Me?

Learning a language is most effective when guided by someone who understands not only the grammar and vocabulary, but also the culture, context, and lived experience behind every word. My teaching brings together academic expertise, real-world immersion, and a genuine passion for languages, combined with a warm, student-centred approach that supports learners and builds confidence throughout their language-learning journey.

I look forward to welcoming you and supporting you in your language-learning journey.