"The sessions lay the groundwork for comfort with the language. You'll be surprised that by the end of the class you are familiar with the concepts that may have been intimidating an hour earlier. Every time I leave I feel comfortable that I am learning and retaining the material. You'll find yourself on the spot occasionally, but this helps you feel comfortable saying things instead of just listening. Our group has developed a great dynamic, so there is no fear of embarrassment."
Sarah S. · Human Resources, Tribune Company
Find out more: search "spanish circle" at Citysearch.com...
Missing a Spanish lesson here or there at Spanish Circle is no big deal, especially since you won't be paying for it. It's very much like missing baseball practice or music practice: you can jump right back in after a week or two off. Every lesson covers one chapter in your book, so if you're absent, you can look through the corresponding chapter in your take-home workbook.
As a continuing student, at some point you'll miss two lessons in a row, but that's no big whoop if your attendance is consistent most of the time. As you continue through the program, chances are that things will average out in your favor.
While there are quite a few noticeable regional differences in pronunciation and vocabulary, fortunately the basic concepts and structures are the same for all varieties of Spanish. Although our instructors come from different backgrounds, Spanish Circle's program presents fundamental vocabulary and pronunciation that is universal in scope.
Just as there is a wide range of ability in music (the neighborhood cello teacher vs. Yo-yo Ma), there is a wide range in language learning. Asking how long it will take to become fluent is like asking how long it will take to learn the cello. The answer is different for everyone.
And of course, not everyone has the same motivation or talent. Some people will never be good at the cello, no matter how hard they try. And some people will never be good at Spanish. That shouldn't discourage anyone from taking cello or Spanish lessons. Some people excel quickly, some people progress slowly, and some people plug along simply because they find it interesting and fun, even when they don't have the talent or motivation to reach high levels.
Of course, this is not a good sales pitch... but a good shot of realism and honesty is in order.
You'd be wise not to trust other schools to answer your questions about Spanish Circle, because (pardon our coarse language!) they don't know caca about our program. Period.
First, decide which level sounds like a good fit for you, and submit the "Formulario de Contacto" for that level.
Second, take a stab at the "No-pressure Evaluación", and be sure to read the instructions.
Your contact questionnaire and evaluations will come to us in e-mail format, and we'll let you know if your gut instinct about your level was right. Then we'll make our suggestion for a 3-lesson trial.
We realize that the further along you are on your Spanish journey, the more specific your needs become. Have you already lived abroad for a year or two? Do you already have a Spanish major? We'll take that into account, and if the Spanish Circle program isn't going to help you move forward, we'll let you know.
While Spanish Circle's program is not designed to that end, the beginning of our program does provide important skills that can significantly improve a trip, especially by helping you learn how to use a phrasebook more effectively.
Sarah S. · Human Resources, Tribune Company
Find out more: search "spanish circle" at Citysearch.com...
FREQUENTLY-ASKED PREGUNTAS
Can I get a refund?
Spanish Circle has been providing exceptional language training for over 9 years. We will happily issue a full refund if your instructor doesn't provide the kind of experience described in this website. Make sure to read our guarantee.What if I am absent for a small-group lesson?
Most students miss a lesson here or there, and on average attend 5 out of 6 lessons. Make sure to read our pay-as-you-go tuition policy: you'll see how continuing your lessons is easy and affordable, and how the average student taking small-group lessons never pays for a missed lesson. Find out how good attendance can equal up to two months of free lessons every year.Missing a Spanish lesson here or there at Spanish Circle is no big deal, especially since you won't be paying for it. It's very much like missing baseball practice or music practice: you can jump right back in after a week or two off. Every lesson covers one chapter in your book, so if you're absent, you can look through the corresponding chapter in your take-home workbook.
As a continuing student, at some point you'll miss two lessons in a row, but that's no big whoop if your attendance is consistent most of the time. As you continue through the program, chances are that things will average out in your favor.
What 'variety' of Spanish is taught?
Our program is presented by knowledgeable and dedicated instructors who are aware of the myriad varieties of Spanish spoken through the Americas and Europe.While there are quite a few noticeable regional differences in pronunciation and vocabulary, fortunately the basic concepts and structures are the same for all varieties of Spanish. Although our instructors come from different backgrounds, Spanish Circle's program presents fundamental vocabulary and pronunciation that is universal in scope.
How long will it take me to become fluent?
If you're asking this question, it's likely that you've never studied another language. You may have heard a lot of sales pitches for language schools, books and computer programs. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.Just as there is a wide range of ability in music (the neighborhood cello teacher vs. Yo-yo Ma), there is a wide range in language learning. Asking how long it will take to become fluent is like asking how long it will take to learn the cello. The answer is different for everyone.
And of course, not everyone has the same motivation or talent. Some people will never be good at the cello, no matter how hard they try. And some people will never be good at Spanish. That shouldn't discourage anyone from taking cello or Spanish lessons. Some people excel quickly, some people progress slowly, and some people plug along simply because they find it interesting and fun, even when they don't have the talent or motivation to reach high levels.
Of course, this is not a good sales pitch... but a good shot of realism and honesty is in order.
I've heard that Spanish Circle's approach is different... what gives?
Yes, our approach is significantly different. Ask our students.You'd be wise not to trust other schools to answer your questions about Spanish Circle, because (pardon our coarse language!) they don't know caca about our program. Period.
Is this an immersion program?
At the introductory, experienced beginner and intermediate levels, no, Spanish Circle's program is not a sink-or-swim immersion program. However the curriculum is oriented toward speaking and listening to Spanish. More and more Spanish is used as the students progress. English, of course, is often the most effective way to explain/demonstrate concepts before practicing them in Spanish. The practice in class is structured and strategic, and it's likely you'll practice speaking more than you would in an immersion class.I'm a little intimidated or I have no background in Spanish... can I succeed?
Yes, of course, but keep your expectations realistic: learning a language as an adult is long journey. We know foreign language sounds scary to a number of people, but Spanish Circle is a great place to get started on your journey on the right foot.I've taken Spanish before; how do I know what level is right for me?
We probably care about proper placement more than you, and we are without a doubt the most flexible program to start and the easiest program to continue.First, decide which level sounds like a good fit for you, and submit the "Formulario de Contacto" for that level.
Second, take a stab at the "No-pressure Evaluación", and be sure to read the instructions.
Your contact questionnaire and evaluations will come to us in e-mail format, and we'll let you know if your gut instinct about your level was right. Then we'll make our suggestion for a 3-lesson trial.
We realize that the further along you are on your Spanish journey, the more specific your needs become. Have you already lived abroad for a year or two? Do you already have a Spanish major? We'll take that into account, and if the Spanish Circle program isn't going to help you move forward, we'll let you know.
I just need some Spanish to get by for a trip... should I take a class?
Many introductory Spanish courses are based on the memorization of survival phrases for travel, what we would call 'Spanish Lite'.While Spanish Circle's program is not designed to that end, the beginning of our program does provide important skills that can significantly improve a trip, especially by helping you learn how to use a phrasebook more effectively.