You have probably heard people talking about language lessons not in a classroom setting or not going abroad. Yes, it’s the trend! Traditional language teaching has lost some popularity given the advantages of virtual learning. The first of these advantages is to be able to learn the language — in a relaxing environment — at home, in your office or even in your car. Other advantages involve choosing your own schedule and learning under a customized program that fits your needs. (link here with: 5 good reasons to learn Spanish online)
Self-teaching tools
In recent years, there has been an increase in the use of the internet and other technology for self-teaching purposes. Some of the most popular are: Audio/video courses and CD-ROMs, books, and unlimited resources on the internet. In the first two cases, you normally make the “investment” and work at home. The same happens with the internet; you have access to all these websites that show you the grammar and other skill-specific activities (e.g. speaking, listening, reading, writing).
You can have access to all those and wonder what to do with them, or how to use them. How often? Who can monitor or tutor me? Well, the first thing to ask is what your purpose for learning the language is… right? The common answer to this question is that you want to be able to communicate ideas, that is, to hold a fluent conversation with a native Spanish speaker or in a Spanish speaking setting… probably. There are many tips for self-language learning, such as: listen to podcasts or audio files, watch TV, read your favorite book, write notes or comments, and so on.
Conversation partner?
Most of the tools mentioned above can help you master the basics of Spanish. However, if your main goal is conversation, you definitely need to go beyond grammar and separate language skills. The key is to use the language in real situations so you feel forced to apply your learning. You need conversation practice. You need a conversation partner. That is when our teachers at CLI play a role. Not only will they help you master the language skills, but they will integrate all of them in the conversation and culture that is intrinsic to a native language speaker.
Our specialized teachers will have the pleasant task of guiding you through the development of your Spanish. They will help you with the separate language skills and also complement with opportunities for real conversation since the ultimate goal of a language learner is to be able to use the language in real contexts.
So, what are you waiting for? Put your Spanish into practice. Join us at the CLI and get ready to use your Spanish!
