Have you been thinking about learning English for a long time, but can’t find the time or motivation? Corina Muntean, the founder of the Friendly School English language school and Microinvest client, knows exactly how to help you. For 9 years, she has been developing a school where learning is accessible, enjoyable, and effective. In this interview, the young entrepreneur shared some of her key principles for success: quality education, well-trained teachers, discipline, and a healthy approach to entrepreneurship.
Learn about her success story, how she turned her passion into a mission, and how Microinvest financing contributed to the development of her educational projects.
Friendly School has been active for over 9 years. How did the idea of creating an English language school come about?
My interest towards the English language began in childhood and accompanied me throughout my entire educational journey. I graduated from the Faculty of Foreign Languages and Literatures and gained experience in state schools, private centers, and international programs. Over time, I realized that I was driven not only by teaching, but also by the process of organization and coordination. That’s why I took business courses and started developing my first programs. This path confirmed that I was ready for the next step – creating an independent project. That’s how Friendly School came about: an English language school built on passion, experience, and the desire to offer modern and accessible courses.
What benefits do you offer to those who choose to study at Friendly School?
Friendly School offers a modern and well-structured learning environment, where theory is combined with plenty of practice, interaction, and real communication. The atmosphere is friendly, comfortable, and empathetic, which helps students gain confidence in using English. The courses are intensive, last 6 weeks, and can be taken both online and offline, Monday through Friday. At the end, students take the Cambridge exam right at the school, as Friendly School is an accredited center. This way, they obtain an international certificate without having to travel, which is also useful for the equivalence of the baccalaureate exam.
What does the ideal teacher at Friendly School look like?
For us, quality starts with the teachers. We only work with specialists who have degrees in foreign languages and at least 5 – 6 years of real classroom experience. We believe that a solid educational process requires academic and practical training, not quick fixes. Equally important is the human aspect: how teachers communicate, their empathy, their responsibility towards students, and their desire to achieve real results. We work with Cambridge textbooks, which develop all four skills – reading, writing, speaking, and listening, and our teachers transform them into interactive, dynamic, and effective lessons.
There is a perception that English can be learned without grammar. What is your opinion on this approach?
I am often asked about this, and the answer is clear: no, grammar is necessary. Even though today there are more and more schools promoting the idea of “no textbooks”, I believe that this approach is not fair to the student. I believe in the value of textbooks and the system they offer: each level is designed to gradually develop all skills – vocabulary, pronunciation, comprehension, and grammar. The idea that you can learn English without grammar is an illusion. All aspects of the language must be developed coherently. Grammar is not a goal in itself, but a tool that provides clarity, accuracy, and confidence in communication.
How did you find out about Microinvest and how did the collaboration begin?
It all started with a call from a Microinvest Credit Expert, who told me about business financing options. Coincidentally, I needed investment for the new branch at Ciocana sector at that very moment, so the conversation came at just the right time. The process was simple, clear, and the expert was very open and attentive to detail. We used the financing for construction materials, because we buy our own premises, and the beginning always involves high costs – from real estate to repairs. The financing helped us keep up with the opening plan and not stop the renovation process.
What advice do you have for those who want to start their own business?
First of all, it is important that every entrepreneur answers honestly whether the business they are starting comes from passion. At first, there is a lot of enthusiasm, but over time, routine and challenges arise, and without passion, it becomes difficult to keep going. Another aspect is the relationship with money: it is not an end goal in itself, but a result of a job done well. Those who start a business expecting quick success will usually be disappointed. Entrepreneurship requires work, responsibility, and continuous development. A business cannot grow more than the entrepreneur grows. It is a beautiful journey, but not an easy one.
*Microinvest is the only financial organization in Moldova that holds the international GOLD certification in client protection (according to the Cerise+SPTF Client Protection standards and methodology). This reflects a responsible and transparent lending process, fair financing, and a constructive approach to every request.
