"I've tried learning Spanish before, but was never able to stick to it until now. The lessons are interactive and fun, and the innovative way of teaching has assured a solid foundation I can build on."
Jenny B. · IT Consultant, PA Consulting Group

Find out more: search "spanish circle" at Citysearch.com...


FILOSOFÍA


If the thought of grammar throws you into a mild panic attack or if it sounds as exciting as watching grass grow, you haven't been to a class at Spanish Circle: learning Spanish doesn't have to be scary or boring.


We think knowing grammar simply means knowing how to work with words so you can understand and express ideas correctly and effectively. We're just not fans of the foreign-language-teacher-talk and convoluted mental gymnastics that set a typical foreign language teacher's heart aflutter.

Please don't think that Spanish Circle's program is 'Spanish Lite' (it's anything but); you'll find our fresh approach to be more intuitive, accurate, comprehensive, and effective. And more realistic, too.



In class you'll spend most of your time putting Spanish to use with guided spoken practice. In class you'll practice Spanish the way an orchestra practices or the way a baseball team practices. Practice is not the orchestra performance or the baseball game, but it makes the performance and the game better.

Likewise, your time in Spanish class will be structured, strategic and effective. While the classroom setting isn't the real world, your ability to use Spanish in the real world will be greatly improved.




And if you're scared to speak Spanish, our approach is a fantastic way to build confidence.


ESTUDIANTES


At Spanish Circle, we have a wide range of students with a wide range of goals.

For general interest

Many of our students are 'serious and committed dabblers' who want to fit Spanish lessons into their busy lives.


They don't have a lot of time to devote, so they like a program that's easy to start, convenient to continue and not a struggle to keep up with.

They are life-long learners who want to learn Spanish for more than just work: for family, friends, travel, and for leisure right here at home. Above all, they are interested and interesting.






For Spanish-speaking spouse/partner and extended family

We have a significant number of students who are married to or dating native speakers of Spanish, and who realize that 'soaking up the language' by hearing it at home simply isn't sufficient. Most native speakers usually have no insight into why they say what they say, so these students are looking for the guidance and explanation that only a structured classroom setting can provide, and they appreciate the unique Spanish-Circle spin on language learning that no other program can provide.

For travel

Our program provides vocabulary, structures and strategies that are useful for travel to Spanish-speaking countries, and even to navigate Spanish-speaking neighborhoods and businesses right here in the United States. Even after only 6 or 12 lessons, your next trip will be qualitatively different and significantly improved.

For work

Many Spanish Circle students are not only naturally interested in learning Spanish, but also have practical applications for Spanish in their professional lives. More motivated students often have other outlets for learning and improving their Spanish, but they find that a once- or twice-a-week class at Spanish Circle is an economical and indispensable piece of the puzzle.

Find out what some current and past Spanish Circle students have to say below, and on-line at citysearch and yelp.


IN THEIR OWN WORDS...


Kerstin S., PhD · Biophysicist, Northwestern University

"I am enjoying learning Spanish much more than I had anticipated. The lessons are fun and constructed in a way which doesn't require extensive time commitment outside of class. The flow of the material is great, and many things become intuitive rather than simply memorized. The group size is ideal, and I feel very comfortable in class. The atmosphere is very relaxed and productive, and everyone is constantly motivated to participate."


Jim H. · Marketing Manager, McGraw-Hill Publishing

"Spanish Circle combines the best of several approaches to second-language learning. By creating a low-stress environment, they have provided the structure and the motivation I need...

"Grammar has its place in this environment, but learning 'about Spanish' does not take precedence over the ability to 'use Spanish.' The activities are fun and allow learners at different stages to experience success, and as time goes on I find myself more and more comfortable using Spanish outside of class."


Margaret T. · Textbook Production, Houghton Mifflin Publishing

"Spanish Circle gets you speaking and understanding Spanish basics without the stress. It's all very sneaky--you'll be doin' the Spanish and it's painless. Classes are full of energy and involvement."


G. Adams · Treasury IT, ABN AMRO Bank

"I have thoroughly enjoyed the Spanish Circle experience. It is small, and the constant variation in approach forces you to exercise your brain. In short, it's completely different from what I expected from a language class."


Robbin B. · Concept Innovation Manager, Wrigley's

"I travel to Mexico fairly regularly, and each time I go I can use more of what I've learned. Each concept is introduced with an application that's immediately usable. Having small groups allows us to get to know each other, and we have the chance to practice Spanish with each other during a good part of the class. It takes patience and commitment, but my retention is much better, and I'm surprised how I remember words and concepts each week!"


M. Hussain · Business Process Improvement, CNA

"The interactive method and use of visuals makes the practice of concepts conversational. The group size is perfect, and the atmosphere is encouraging. I feel that I've learned a great deal."


Jenny B. · IT Consultant, PA Consulting Group

"I've tried learning Spanish before, but was never able to stick to it until now. The lessons are interactive and fun, and the innovative way of teaching has assured a solid foundation I can build on."


Sarah S. · Human Resources, Tribune Company

"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."


Don M. · Docent, Chicago Symphony Orchestra

"I learned more in one year at Spanish Circle than I did in three years of high school and college classes. The small class size and congenial atmosphere are definite pluses."


Dawn S. · Human Resources & Organizational Development Consultant

"The materials and approach are really practical. We learn things that useful, and I had several successes on my last trip to Mexico. Each concept is built on and used over and over to reinforce it."


Eric N. · Consultant, Deloitte Consulting

"I had a few years of Spanish in high school several years ago, and the experience at Spanish Circle helped bring back my knowledge of the language. I was worried about placement, but was happy with the effort they made to find me a class at the right level. I found that there is such a great dynamic that I am still able to learn new things and refresh my memory in an interesting manner."