FRIENDLY 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.
If you're scared to speak Spanish, our approach is a fantastic way to build confidence.
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 free 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.
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.Advanced classes are primarily in Spanish.
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 Questionnaire for that level.
Second, take a stab at the Placement Translations, and be sure to read the instructions.
Your Questionnaire and Placement Translations 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.