OUR ESTUDIANTES
We'd like you to meet our typical students: Joe Gringo and Jane Gringa. They 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, Joe and Jane are interested and interesting.
Find out what some current and past Joes and Janes 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."