Discover how ILI’s Spanish Civil War course helped one student uncover hidden history and explore language’s power to both divide and heal—all within a warm, thought-provoking learning community.
Spanish with a Side of Pintxos: San Sebastián Language Journey
San Sebastián offers a unique chance to learn Spanish in a warm, welcoming city, where every pintxo, conversation, and seaside stroll enriches your experience.
Grant-Funded Language Learning Makes a Difference—Here’s How
Discover how ILI supports language learning for library staff and workplaces in Massachusetts through grants.
Best Way to Learn a Language: At Home or Through Immersion Abroad?
Wondering whether to study a language at home or immerse yourself abroad? This thoughtful piece explores the advantages of both approaches—and why combining them might be the most powerful path to fluency.
How Much Time Does It Take to Learn a Language?
Have you ever caught yourself wondering, “How long until I can actually speak this language?” You’re not alone! The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all and depends on what you’re hoping to achieve.
Need enough Spanish to order tapas in Madrid? That’s a different journey than preparing to study abroad in Berlin for a year. Your personal language learning timeline depends on your goals, mindset, previous language experience, and the language itself.
At ILI, we’ve guided thousands of students through their language journeys—from ordering their first espresso in Italian to navigating complex work conversations in French. What we’ve learned is that the most important question isn’t how long it takes to “learn a language” but rather “How much of the language do you need to achieve your dreams?”
Beyond the screen: Applying your online Spanish in the real world
You’ve built an impressive streak learning Spanish online—practicing vocabulary, grammar, and structured exercises. But now, you’re wondering: How do you turn that knowledge into real-life conversations?
Breaking the Ice in Spanish: Conversation Topics and Cultural Do’s and Don’ts
Navigating Spanish culture involves more than just speaking the language—it’s about understanding greetings, sharing meals, and respecting local customs. From saying “¡Hola!” with confidence to mastering tapas etiquette, embracing these cultural nuances will enrich your experience and help you connect deeply with the vibrant life in Spain.
Happy Birthday, ILI – 40 years and going strong!
By Steven Budd, ILI Volunteer and Spanish student After retiring some five years ago from college administration, I became a […]
ILI’s Highlights of 2023: You helped make them possible!
Free English classes welcome more immigrants and refugees than ever before! It was early 2023 when the MA Department of Elementary […]
Beginner to Intermediate Spanish: 4 Simple Steps to Achieve it
Embarking on a journey to learn Spanish opens doors to a rich tapestry of culture, communication, and connection. Afterall, Spanish is an increasingly important language for business, travel, and community life.