About

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FEATURED PRESS:
THE WASHINGTON POST • The handelsblatt

Personalized ENGLISH COACHING FOR INDIVIDUALS AND SMALL GROUPS

LinguaLinkDC offers a comprehensive range of services, including English language courses, personalized English lessons, U.S. and German culture coaching, intercultural and cross-cultural training, speechwriting, and U.S. market consulting. From personalized coaching to corporate consulting, LinguaLinkDC bridges the gap between language and culture, ensuring success at every level.

Marike’s mission is to empower non-native speakers with English language proficiency and cultural intelligence, equipping them to succeed in both personal and professional arenas. Contact her at office@lingualinkdc.net or connect on LinkedIn.

SERVICES

  • English Communication Coaching: English fluency, storytelling, pitching, and public speaking.

  • U.S. & German Culture Coaching: For individuals and teams.

  • Intercultural & Cross-Cultural Training: Tailored to enhance collaboration and understanding.

  • Speechwriting: Craft impactful speeches for personal and professional settings.

  • U.S. Culture Consulting: For companies entering the U.S. market.

Marike’s APPROACH

Marike loves truly motivating her clients to achieve their goals by turning lessons into inspiring and engaging experiences. Her unique approach to English communication training focuses on creating custom sessions tailored to the needs of each client or small group. 

Her passion lies in guiding individuals and companies through the complexities of language and culture, equipping them for success. As a leader in her field, she has been recognized in publications such as the Washington Post and the Handelsblatt, the German equivalent of the Wall Street Journal, solidifying her reputation as a trusted professional.

With a client-focused, results-based methodology, Marike integrates language training with cultural competence, helping clients not just master English, but also navigate cultural nuances with ease. Whether it’s storytelling, public speaking, or team communication, her lessons combine actionable skills with a deep understanding of cultural contexts. 

Beyond teaching, Marike specializes in consulting and coaching. Her expertise includes storytelling, pitching, public speaking, and team success in cross-cultural settings. Drawing on over 20 years of experience working with professionals from more than 60 countries, including ambassadors, C-suite executives, and journalists, Marike provides actionable strategies for communication and cultural adaptation.

Thanks to her diverse language skills, cultural expertise, and teaching methodologies, Marike can create an environment where clients gain the confidence to communicate effectively in any setting. As both an educator and a consultant, she provides a balance between linguistic development and cultural coaching, empowering individuals and teams to succeed. 

Whether you’re looking to refine your English skills, enhance your public speaking, or navigate U.S. culture for professional success, Marike’s tailored approach is designed to help you excel. 

Academic Experience & Resume

Marike’s career spans over two decades, during which she has successfully trained high-profile clients from more than 60 countries, including ambassadors, executives, diplomats, and journalists. She brings a wealth of experience in cultural analysis, intercultural communication, U.S. culture & politics, and international relations.

Marike has studied, lived, and worked in the U.S., Canada, Italy, Germany, and Austria, acquiring a deep understanding of diverse cultural frameworks. She has also served as an expert guest speaker for Melissa Hahn’s Intercultural Communication Class at American University’s School of International Service and as an adjunct lecturer of Intercultural Communication at DHBW Mosbach.

She also appeared on the Voice Power Leadership Podcast, where she discussed strategies for effective communication and the intersection of leadership and language. In Handelsblatt, the article Der US-Markt ist keine Verlängerung des europäischen Markts provides her insights on navigating cultural differences in the U.S. market, offering strategies for German companies to adapt and thrive.

Academic Credentials:

  • M.A. in American Studies, English, Political Science (Focus: International Relations, U.S. Foreign & Domestic Policy; Cultural Studies) – University of Toronto & University of Bonn.

  • Ph.D. Candidate in American Studies – University of Vienna & University of Maryland.

  • Diploma in Adult Education.

Media appearances

Marike’s innovative teaching approach and deep understanding of cultural nuances have been highlighted in a variety of media:

  • The Washington Post: Featured in the article Steal This Job: Language Coach, Marike shares insights into her unique coaching methodology and the impact of tailored language instruction.

  • French Morning: In Apprendre l'anglais à Washington, D.C., Marike’s expertise in helping French speakers master English is spotlighted, emphasizing her role in building linguistic bridges across cultures.

  • District Fray Magazine: Dubbed a "verbal virtuoso" in LinguaLinkDC’s Verbal Virtuoso, Marike discusses her passion for helping clients communicate with confidence and authenticity in professional and personal settings.

  • Voice Power Leadership Podcast: As a guest on this influential podcast, Marike delves into strategies for effective communication and the intersection of language and leadership.

  • Handelsblatt: In the article Dass dein Produkt 20 Jahre hält, interessiert in den USA wirklich niemanden, Marike provides valuable advice on navigating cultural differences in the U.S. market, offering strategies for German companies to adapt and succeed.

Recognitions

Travel and Participation Grant “Intersectionality-Paradigms and Challenges” (2009, Intergender Research School in Interdisciplinary Gender Studies, University of Stockholm, Sweden in cooperation with the Universities of Blekinge, Goeteborg, Lulea, Oerebro, Uppsala, Malmoe, Sweden and the following international partners: the Finnish, Dutch, and Inter-Nordic Gender Research Schools and the Humboldt University Berlin, Germany.

2007 Tuition Waiver Stipend/University of Maryland

2007 Sigmund Freud Research Scholarship, City of Vienna, Austria

2007 PhD Scholarship (Joint Study), University of Vienna, Austria

2004 Scholarship awarded by the Interdisciplinary Center for Comparative Studies in the Social Sciences/Vienna/Austria

Published Author, “Filmic Healing Scripts. (Re)Negotiating the Trauma Paradigm after 9/11.” Trauma und Film. Ed. Julia Koehne, 2012 Kadmos Berlin.