Spanish for beginners: Definition
Spanish for beginners is a program designed to teach the basics of the Spanish language to you, which assumes you have little or no prior knowledge of the Spanish language.
Spanish lessons for beginners at ILI Massachusetts
Our Spanish courses at beginner level start at the very beginning, walking you carefully through the building blocks of vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar and handy phrases you’ll need to begin communicating effectively at this level.
Who are Spanish beginner lessons for?
Well that might sound like an obvious question, so let’s look at who they are not for!
Please don’t join a beginners Spanish class if
- you used to live in the country,
- you studied Spanish for an extended period of time back in college, or
- if you describe yourself as a beginner because you feel your intermediate Spanish is a bit rusty, and you’ve “practically forgotten it all”.
In fact, if your level has been higher than ‘Spanish beginner’ in the past, then don’t sign up for Spanish beginners classes in Northampton. You’ll be better in a higher level.
If you truly have forgotten EVERYTHING, then you’re a “false beginner”. You’ll be surprised once you’re in class with our amazing Spanish teachers, just how quickly your memories and language skills come flooding back.
Spanish for beginners, then, is for those folks who are approaching Spanish for the very first time around, not those whose level has lapsed a bit.
What if I know a handful of words in Spanish. Am I still a beginner?
When you think about it, we all probably know a few words and phrases in Spanish.
If you’ve ever had a fiesta with your loco amigos, before saying adiós and leaving incognito for a siesta, you know what we’re talking about!
If you’re a Spanish beginner, we don’t expect you’ll know how to put Spanish words into a sentence or understand any Spanish when it’s spoken to you.
Why is it important to be with other Spanish beginners when you start learning?
There is a very good reason to be in the safety of a group of other Spanish beginners. It’s all about confidence. We think that speaking another language is probably 90% about your confidence. We all have our good days and not so good ones. With language learning, there’s something really lovely about being in the same boat, and discovering the language together.
We know how it is, to process so much new information and simultaneously take those first steps to generating new language for ourselves. It’s exciting and special and we want you to enjoy that process.
Can I take any format of Spanish course at ILI Northampton at beginner level?
Pretty much, yes. Very occasionally, we might not have a total beginner group available for our group Spanish classes. If that’s the case, we’ll let you know and we’ll suggest you start with some one-on-one lessons. This will give you the basics you need and quietly build your skills and confidence, so you’re ready to join the next level up.
You can browse our Spanish course formats below, and you’ll see that also includes online classes, which are good if you have limited mobility, limited time or you live too far away from us, but you really want to be a part of our ILI learning community.
See you soon! ¡Hasta luego!
Spanish Course Options with ILI
All of the following Spanish course formats are available at beginner level. You’ll be able to specify when you book!
Group Spanish lessons in Northampton, MA or online
Our Group Spanish lessons take place in our lovely school in downtown Northampton, Massachusetts. The days and times depend on your level.
Private Spanish Lessons
Our Private Spanish lessons allow you to shape your learning around your busy life. You choose the times, days and topics – we’ll do the rest!
Spanish for the Workplace
Our corporate Spanish training programs come in ten-week blocks at all levels, or we can build a workplace Spanish program just for you.
Online Spanish courses
Our online Spanish courses are always live and face-to-face with an ILI teacher, in very small groups, meaning you can attend from anywhere you like.
Study Spanish Abroad
For a top-notch Spanish learning experience, visit a Spanish-speaking country! We’ll assist in finding the ideal location and program for you.
Our Spanish Teachers
Our Spanish teachers are professionals with Master’s Degrees or TESOL certificates and a minimum of one year teaching experience in creative and student-centered teaching.
ILI has been teaching languages and training teachers since 1984, bringing students the best learning experiences.
“The instructor dutifully balances the course work with spirited play. His weekly welcome and enthusiasm is instrumental to keeping the group focused and excited to learn. Also, he is willing to go a bit off the map without sacrificing the lesson. Praise and thanks!”
Steven learned Spanish in-person at ILI works at Forbes Library
Check Your Spanish Level
Unsure of the level you are at in the language you want to learn? Don’t worry, we are here to help.
Ask Samira for an assessment in the language you are interested in. She will arrange an appropriate instructor to assess you in a 10 to 15-minute conversation, and then when you register for a course, we can place you in the class that will be best for you.
If you are a zero-level beginner, you’ll start in our Level 1 class, so need for an assessment.
Or if you are unsure about anything…
Got a Question?
See if our frequently asked questions answer what’s on your mind…
Selected FAQs
We assign optional homework as many of our students are working adults with very busy schedules. However, we encourage our students to practice outside of class as much as possible.
Some of our teachers are native speakers and others have native and near native fluency.
We do not allow this as we have found that it is disruptive to the class as they build a trusting community that enables students to take risks in learning. It’s also difficult for teachers to have students come and go.
English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish
All teachers are skilled professionals with Master’s Degrees or TESOL certificates and a minimum of one year teaching experience in innovative and student-centered teaching. ILI’s staff has over 100 years of combined experience working with learners from beginning to advanced levels.
There is no simple answer to this question. There are many factors that can both help and hinder a student’s learning. However, students will be able to start speaking immediately in the target language with appropriate grammar and vocabulary to match the level of class they are in. Read more
View all our Frequently Asked Questions >
Don’t see the answer you are looking for?
Ask Heather…
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What to do next
- Explore our Spanish program options and choose the one that suits you best
- Get a language level assessment if you need to
- Register for your chosen course!
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The ILI Promise
At ILI, we believe that all our actions should stem from grace and loving kindness.
- We operate as an equal opportunity organization.
- We nurture relationships beyond the classroom.
- We are committed to providing the highest quality language instruction and teacher training.
- We promote intercultural understanding and celebrate the diversity in our local communities.
- We work collaboratively to build and sustain the communities we serve.
- We believe in life-changing teaching and learning.