| If you will be living or spending a lot of time in | | | | Many websites offer language instruction. Some |
| Spain, you will want to learn Spanish. You can | | | | are free, while others charge a fee for the |
| make do with a few phrases for short visits, but | | | | courses. These are self study courses. As you |
| not a long term stay. Living in the country is | | | | finish one lesson, you move on to the next. You |
| difficult if you can't speak the language. Learning | | | | will need to be self motivated to learn well on |
| Spanish will help you acclimate to the country | | | | your own. |
| faster. | | | | Language exchanges offer free language learning. |
| Options to Learn Spanish | | | | These can be found in the classified section of |
| There are many options for learning Spanish. The | | | | newspapers and magazines. They can also be |
| best teaching and learning methods vary for each | | | | found on the internet. There are individual and |
| student. You need to find the methods that work | | | | group language exchanges. This is a more informal |
| best for you. Often, a combination of methods is | | | | method for learning to speak the language. You |
| best. This could include some formal instruction, | | | | will learn through informal conversation, rather |
| some self study, as well as practice using the | | | | than a professional curriculum. |
| language in real world situations. | | | | Learn Spanish at Advanced Levels |
| Language schools and private lessons are | | | | Once you have learned the basics of Spanish, you |
| relatively easy to find. In some cases, they can | | | | will want to continue working on your skills. A |
| be expensive. If you learn best in a school setting, | | | | great way to do this is to make friends in Spain. |
| or with one on one instruction, this may be the | | | | Don't be afraid to strike up a conversation. Spend |
| way for you to go. Private instruction is probably | | | | time talking with local people and neighbors. |
| the most expensive method for learning the | | | | Conversation will hone your skills in speaking the |
| language. Formal instruction is best if you aren't | | | | language. New friendships will also help you feel at |
| motivated to follow a self study program and | | | | home and more a part of the community. |
| keep up with the lessons. | | | | For more advanced levels, consider subscribing to |
| Schools vary widely in the methods of instruction. | | | | advanced materials. This can include a subscription |
| They can be very structured or more relaxed. | | | | magazine and cassette, such as Puerta del Sol. |
| Some teach lessons in a structured sequence and | | | | This is a bimonthly publication. It also includes |
| don't deviate from the curriculum. Others are | | | | cultural knowledge that will help you adapt to your |
| more relaxed and open, such as some immersion | | | | new home. You will practice your reading and |
| programs. Pay attention to curriculum if you are | | | | speaking skills, while gaining valuable information |
| choosing a school for instruction. Pick one with a | | | | about the culture. |
| teaching method that will work best for you. | | | | Language exchange groups or clubs can help |
| If you are immigrating to Spain, check with the | | | | increase your language skills. These are discussion |
| local city government. Sometimes city | | | | groups that generally meet over dinner. They are |
| governments or other government entities offer | | | | more social than instructional. This is a great way |
| courses for immigrants. These are often free. | | | | to meet people and make friends. In addition, you |
| Ask at your local city government building. They | | | | will build your skills in a social context. The more |
| can help you find local programs. | | | | time you spend talking to people, the better you |
| You can learn to speak Spanish on the internet. | | | | will learn the language. |