Magazine Interview: Jiří Borč – The Educator Who Reimagined English Teaching
Reporter: Jiří, thank you for joining us today. Your journey from an English teacher to an entrepreneur, podcaster, and networker is truly inspiring. Let’s start with your beginnings. What inspired you to learn English?
Jiří Borč: Thank you for having me. My fascination with English started when I was 11. I found an old English-Czech dictionary and began studying it in the forest. The first word I learned was “abandon.” Later, I read The Hobbit in English, which was a significant milestone for me. It sparked my lifelong passion for the language.
Reporter: That’s incredible! You became an English teacher at just 18. How did that experience shape your career?
Jiří Borč: It was both challenging and rewarding. I started teaching at a vocational school for cooks and waiters. The students were the same age as me, which made gaining their respect difficult at first. It took six months to establish authority, but by the end, I had earned their trust. Some of those students are now head waiters at prestigious hotels, and they still greet me warmly when I visit.
Reporter: From teaching at vocational schools to working with major institutions and abroad, your career seems quite diverse. Can you tell us about your time teaching in Turkey?
Jiří Borč: Teaching in Turkey was a transformative experience. I taught children in a small, traditional town, and they were so eager to learn. It was fascinating to navigate cultural differences. For example, teaching them conversational skills required breaking down pre-learned responses and encouraging genuine interaction. The cultural aspect extended to my personal life, too—navigating relationships there was an adventure in itself!
Reporter: You also spent time volunteering in England and other European countries. How did those experiences influence you?
Jiří Borč: Volunteering broadened my horizons immensely. In England, I worked with disabled individuals and studied at the University of Wolverhampton. I also met people from different cultures, like Olivier, a Frenchman who became a lifelong friend. These experiences deepened my understanding of people and inspired me to create meaningful connections through education and networking.
Reporter: Speaking of connections, your podcasts and networking events have gained quite a reputation. What’s your vision for these projects?
Jiří Borč: My goal is to create spaces where people can share their stories and build valuable relationships. Through my podcasts, I spotlight inspiring individuals and their journeys. Networking events, especially those conducted in English, help connect entrepreneurs and professionals, fostering collaboration and growth.
Reporter: You’ve also ventured into creating online courses. What makes them unique?
Jiří Borč: My courses are designed to be practical and tailored to individual needs. I offer English courses and Czech courses for foreigners, focusing on real-world communication. They’re flexible, engaging, and cater to both beginners and advanced learners.
Reporter: Your entrepreneurial journey is remarkable. What advice would you give to aspiring educators and entrepreneurs?
Jiří Borč: Stay curious and open to opportunities. Focus on building genuine relationships and continuously look for ways to add value to others’ lives. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone—whether it’s teaching in a foreign country or starting a new venture.
Reporter: Thank you, Jiří. Your story is truly inspiring and a testament to the power of lifelong learning and connection.
Jiří Borč: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure sharing my journey.
Reporter: To our readers, don’t forget to check out Jiří’s podcasts, courses, and networking events to experience his passion for education and community-building firsthand!
Reportér Tomáš Havrda, ICA Universita