About me

Multilingual Educator & Storyteller inspired by culture, travel, and connection.

A traveller at heart who finds joy in meeting people, exploring new cultures, and creating stories that connect us.

Portrait of Fatma Karadayı

My story

I'm Turkish. I grew up in Turkish, learned English, then went and did my degree in Spanish — a BA in Modern Languages in Bogotá. That is the short version of how I ended up speaking three languages I now teach, and a fourth, French, that I only speak.

In 2016 I went to Togo to volunteer. It was my first international solo trip and it set the pattern for everything after: Peru in 2017, then six years living in Colombia, then Mexico, and now Missouri, where I teach Spanish and Turkish at Gateway Science Academy.

Along the way I've led multicultural groups across Latin America and the U.S., run bilingual programs in rural Colombian communities, and told stories about coastal culture for hotels and restaurants on the Caribbean coast. Different jobs, one thread: connecting people through culture, nature and language.

That's the whole argument of this site. Language is what let me belong in those places instead of just passing through them. It can do the same for you.

The road so far

  1. 2016

    Togo

    Community volunteering — and my first international solo trip.

  2. 2017

    Peru

    Cultural immersion and language exploration.

  3. 2017–2023

    Colombia

    Residency and professional experience.

  4. 2019

    Mexico

    Cultural immersion and language exploration.

  5. 2024–present

    USA

    Teaching and cultural exchange.

I've also travelled to the UK (England and Wales), Spain, Portugal, Germany, Italy and Morocco.

Where I've taught and worked

  • Spanish & Turkish Teacher

    2024–present

    Gateway Science Academy — Saint Louis, Missouri, USA

    Leading multicultural classrooms built around global awareness and teamwork.

    Designing interactive activities inspired by travel, art and storytelling.

  • Community Educator & Program Leader

    2023–2024

    El Río Foundation — Santa Marta, Colombia

    Directed bilingual learning programs in rural communities.

    Led creative workshops integrating culture, travel and environment.

  • Content Creator & Social Media Manager

    2022–2024

    La Veranda Hotel & Colibrí Garden Restaurant — Santa Marta, Colombia

    Produced storytelling content showcasing coastal culture and hospitality.

    Supported guest relations and event coordination for international visitors, and promoted local tourism and sustainability through visual campaigns.

  • Content Creator & Social Media Manager

    2022

    Dose Medicine — Bogotá, Colombia

    Managed digital communication and social media strategy for a wellness and lifestyle brand.

    Created multilingual content in Spanish and English.

  • Translator & Cultural Consultant

    2017–2021

    TraducTurco

    Translation and interpretation for clients in Turkey, Colombia and Spain.

Languages I speak

  • TurkishNative
  • SpanishNative / fluent
  • EnglishNative / fluent
  • FrenchIntermediate

I teach Turkish, English and Spanish.

What I bring

  • Multilingual communication
  • Team leadership and motivation
  • Public speaking and group facilitation
  • Cultural awareness and inclusivity
  • Storytelling and content creation
  • Intercultural communication
  • Problem-solving and adaptability under pressure
  • BA Modern Languages (English)
  • Inclusive & Brain-Based ELT Certificate
  • Spanish Teaching Course (B2, C1, C2) — online
  • BA Modern Languages (English) Universidad La Gran Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia — 2022
  • Inclusive & Brain-Based ELT Certificate Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri, USA — 2019
  • Spanish Teaching Course (B2, C1, C2) — online Tía Tula Colegio de Español (Salamanca, Spain) — General Online Course + Extension to Higher Levels, 2024

Come and learn the language of the place you're going.

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