Transformative Discussions
Join a reflective, cognitive, and interactive experience in English. Boost your spoken English through meaningful discussions about relevant topics, guided by an experienced university teacher of linguistics and English.
Small groups, big conversations
In person in Leblon or live via Zoom
4-week module, once a week, 1h45
For people with a good command of English
A course designed to help those with a good command of English to gain confidence, clarity, and depth in English conversations.
It is a small-group course where participants explore inspiring themes through guided dialogue. It is not a traditional conversation class. It is an experience that will help you think more clearly, express yourself more precisely, and engage with others more confidently in English.
Reflective topics that broaden your perspective
Structured and in-depth guided discussions
Opportunities to speak actively in every class
Insightful comments on students’ pronunciation and grammar
A safe space to practice presence, listening and expression
This course is for people who already understand and speak English, but want to communicate with more confidence, clarity, and richness.
Do you speak English, but still hold back in conversations?
Do you want to sound more natural and precise?
Do you miss depth and nuance when expressing ideas?
If so, the Transformative Discussions course could help you to overcome the above limitations.
Recommended for upper-intermediate to advanced speakers of English
What you will gain
Confidence in real conversations
The ability to speak without overthinking and engage more naturally
Clarity and precision
The ability to express complex ideas simply
Strengthened comprehension, attention and interaction
Better listening skills and presence
Fluency with depth
The ability to analyze, question, and build perspectives in another language
Critical thinking in English
The ability to move beyond small talk into meaningful communication
How it works
Duration
4-week modules
Schedule
Once a week, 1h45 per class
Class size
Small groups
Location
ELaH Leblon studio or live via Zoom
June topic:Transgressing
It's not about breaking rules. it's about breaking patterns.
The journey of unlearning and re-learning is the highest form of self-love.
Free Talk
Thursday, May 28, 2026 | 18:30 – 19:30 | live via Zoom
JUNE MODULES
June 9, 16, 23, 30
TUESDAYS: 17:30 - 19:15
June 10, 17, 24, July 1
WEDNESDAYS: 19:00 - 20:45
live via Zoom
Limited groups
Class dynamics
Each meeting includes an opening prompt, moderated and interactive discussions, reflection on prior materials, and a closing synthesis. Participation involves speaking, listening, reflecting, and sharing ideas.
What we will discuss
The discussions are meant to be a cross-disciplinary look at human experience, consciousness, and personal development.
Language & Identity
Time & Culture
Ethics & Modern Life
The Enneagram & Personality
Neuroscience & Mindfulness
Education & Growth
Themes may vary by group and module.
Your guide
The classes are led by Regina Montedonio, a university teacher of linguistics and English who has attended Harvard, UBC, UCSB, MSU as a master's and doctoral student, visiting lecturer, visiting scholar, and visiting research scholar, respectively. With extensive experience in adult foreign language education, EFL teacher training, and facilitating humanities discussions, Regina is the creator of the ELaH project (English Language and Humanities). ELaH is a specialized initiative that uses the English language as a tool for both linguistics and cognitive transformation, as well as interaction and cooperation.
Other learning options at ELaH
These two courses are designed for people with a good command of English, including EFL teachers.
English Pronunciation Awareness
Discussion of English pronunciation challenges. Presentation of important English phonological rules. Contextualized pronunciation practice.
English GrammarAwareness
Recognize, analyze and discuss challenging aspects of English grammar in real-life contexts.
Why it works
Research indicates that using a foreign – rather than merely learning it – improves executive function, mental flexibility, and creativity. The different syntax of English and Portuguese also encourages cognitive restructuring and logical reasoning.
FAQ
Ideally, you should have an upper-intermediate to advanced command of English.
No, the focus is on dialogue and expression. Language feedback is provided to help improve clarity and development.
Yes. You can attend live via Zoom.
Groups are small to ensure active participation.
Please contact us to find out about our make-up policy and options for missed sessions.
Complete the application form and our team will contact you with details of the next steps.
Apply Now
Complete the form and we will contact you with details of the next steps.