Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Claudia Castaneda Bari. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Claudia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
As a language tutor and translator, I’ve come to realize that teaching Spanish or English goes far beyond grammar lessons or vocabulary lists. For me, it’s about connection—real, human connection between two rich, diverse cultures: Latin America and the United States.
Living and working in California, a state where these two worlds constantly meet, I’ve found a meaningful purpose in being a cultural bridge. Language is the gateway to understanding, empathy, and collaboration. It allows people not just to communicate, but to truly see and respect each other.
In my work, I help English-speaking Americans connect with their Spanish-speaking colleagues, clients, and communities. Likewise, I support Latin American immigrants and entrepreneurs in navigating professional and social life in the U.S. I’ve seen first-hand how empowering it is when someone learns to express themselves confidently in a second language—it opens doors, and builds trust.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
For those who don’t know me yet, I’m a journalist who transitioned into language teaching and translation with a passion for cultural exchange and communication. My journey into the world of languages started with storytelling—as a journalist, I was always drawn to the power of words and the way they connect people across borders. Over time, that curiosity led me to language education, where I found my true calling in helping others bridge cultural gaps through meaningful, human communication.
With over 14 years of experience teaching English and more than 8 years teaching Spanish, I’ve had the privilege of working with students from all over the world—from young professionals and travelers to business owners and lifelong learners. My teaching approach is rooted in empathy, adaptability, and cultural awareness. I don’t just teach a language—I help people understand how to live it, whether they’re preparing for international work, relocation, or simply hoping to connect more deeply with another culture.
In Colombia, I organized several in-person language and cultural exchange events designed to bring communities together and promote bilingualism in a fun, authentic way. I later expanded this work online, collaborating with Memrise, a U.K.-based language app, to reach global audiences with engaging and practical language content.
What sets my work apart is the blend of my journalistic background with my passion for education. I bring storytelling, cultural context, and real-world relevance into every lesson and translation project. Whether I’m teaching a class, translating a document, or planning an intercultural workshop, my goal is always the same: to build bridges between Latin American and American cultures, especially here in California where those worlds are constantly overlapping.
What I’m most proud of is the community I’ve built—learners who have gone on to travel, study, work, and thrive in multilingual environments. I want potential clients and collaborators to know that my work is about connection, inclusion, and mutual growth. If you’re looking for a tutor, translator, or cultural connector who brings heart and depth to every interaction, I’d love to connect.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Starting a business in a new country—especially where nobody knows your name, your story, or your track record—demands a special kind of resilience. It’s not just about entrepreneurship; it’s about self-belief, patience, and the ability to keep showing up even when the results don’t come immediately.
When I moved to the United States, I brought with me years of experience, a deep love for languages, and a strong desire to make a difference in this beautifully diverse community. But I also knew I was starting from zero in many ways—new systems, new networks, and a new culture to navigate. It can be humbling to go from being well-established in your home country to having to introduce yourself all over again.
Resilience, for me, means holding onto your purpose through the uncertainty. It’s reaching out to people, telling your story again and again, and trusting that someone will see the value in what you offer. It’s accepting the slow days, the rejections, the pivots—and continuing anyway, because you know your work matters.
In my case, I knew that language education and cross-cultural understanding weren’t just “nice extras” in a multicultural place like California—they were essential. I knew I had something meaningful to offer: a space where people could learn to communicate more confidently, understand each other more deeply, and feel a stronger sense of belonging, no matter where they were from.
And little by little, connection by connection, things started to grow. People began to find me—not just for language lessons or translations, but because they wanted someone who understands the immigrant journey, who knows how hard it is to express yourself in a new language, and who is committed to helping others navigate those challenges with empathy and respect.
Building a business in a new land isn’t easy—but it is possible when you’re driven by purpose and rooted in service. I believe that if your work uplifts others, if it builds bridges, the right people will find you. And that belief has carried me through every challenge so far.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
At the heart of my business is a mission to make communication a tool for connection, understanding, and growth—especially in a multicultural setting like the United States.
My main goal is to help professional individuals strengthen their relationships at work through clear, confident, and culturally sensitive communication. Whether it’s improving their Spanish or English skills, learning how to navigate cross-cultural nuances, or simply becoming better listeners and collaborators, I offer tailored language training that goes beyond grammar—it’s about emotional intelligence and respect.
I also work closely with international students who are adjusting to life in the U.S. Through language and cultural coaching, I help them feel more grounded, more at ease, and better equipped to succeed academically, socially, and professionally. Understanding a new culture is just as important as understanding a new language, and I guide them through both with empathy and insight.
Another passion of mine is supporting second- and third-generation relatives of immigrants who are eager to reconnect with their roots. Many of them have grown up in English-speaking environments but long to reclaim their heritage language and identity. I provide personalized Spanish instruction that helps them bridge that gap and reconnect with family traditions, stories, and cultural pride.
On the corporate side, I offer professional translation services for companies that need to deliver accurate, culturally attuned content for Spanish-speaking audiences. From internal communications to marketing campaigns and community outreach, I help organizations ensure their messages are not only understood—but felt—in every language.
At the end of the day, everything I do is about creating meaningful connections—between people, cultures, and generations. That’s the impact I’m here to make.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://spanishlearninginstitute.co/
- Instagram: @spanishlearninginstitute
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spanishlearninginstitute/
