Learning Spanish
 

Hi there expats. I'm a newbie. I've just bought a house near Cartagena. Only for holidays at the moment, rather than to live in full-time, but I'd like to learn Spanish. I've heard that if you own a house in Spain it can entitle you to attend free classes in Spanish. Does anyone know if that is true and, if so, how do I find out about classes in my area?

Re: Learning Spanish
 

Hi and a warm welcome to the Spanish forum on BE. Myself and Fred James are the moderators for the Spanish forums whilst BEVS moderates Europe. Moderators are there to ensure that the site runs smoothly within the rules of BE. This is so that members gain the information that they are looking for and find their experiences on the forums to be friendly and worthwhile.

Problems and complaints should always be addressed to a moderator who will look into the matter and deal with it efficiently and fairly. Our members who post in the Spain Forums are usually friendly and helpful with a wealth of knowledge about the issues of living in Spain. I hope that you enjoy your time participating in the forums.

Please let me know if you need any further help.

Rosemary

Re: Learning Spanish
 

Hi Bolehill,

I've lived in Spain most of my life and have never heard such a thing. I doubt it is true, but if it is I'd be interested to know too.

Re: Learning Spanish
 

Thanks Rosemary. Hi Mina! Watch this space, then - maybe we'll both learn something!

Re: Learning Spanish
 

Some councils do offer free Spanish lessons but as with (it seems) every region of Spain it depends upon where you live. Ask at you local Ayuntamiento.

Re: Learning Spanish
 

OK, will do. Thanks rspltd :-)

Re: Learning Spanish
 

When we moved we had a basic understanding of Spanish having had lessons in the UK.
On arriving in Spain we were pleased to find out that our town hall provided free Spanish lessons, so we registered and went along to the beginners class hosted on Tuesdays.
After our first lesson we realised that we were probably more suited to the intermidiate classes as the beginners class was very basic and most fellow pupils knew no Spanish at all. (not even numbers or days of the week etc)
The following week we went to the Wednesday intermidiate class only to find the same Brits in attendance who were struggling at the beginners stage.
Ok we thought we will try the advanced class held on Thursday only to find the exact same folk turned up at that class also.
It was a complete shambles and waste of time. When we asked some fellow Brits why they attended all the classes they replied that they thought they would learn quicker!

IMO you can't beat taking an interest in local affairs & talking to the neighbours to pick up the lingo.
Watching Spanish tv also helps a great deal.

Re: Learning Spanish
 

I use italki.com. I have several regular chat partners some of whom have become friends who we've met in "real life", as they say.

It's very easy to find suitable people to chat with. At first glance it looks like a place to find online professional teachers, which it is, but there is a "community" area where you can meet other members.

I'd recommend it for you Big Wheels given the problems you've had with the classes. If you give away free turds somebody will eat em, eh.

Re: Learning Spanish
 

Oh, so those Spanish classes do exist - good to know!

I have also used Italki and I recommend it too.

Re: Learning Spanish
 

Perhaps they were thinking the same about you being there :rofl::rofl::sarcasm:

Re: Learning Spanish
 

Classes do exist and they are free, however they vary tremendously not only from town to town but from year to year. Ours lasted two hours every wednasday. The "teacher" turned up half an hour late, and just gave us ( badly) photocopy sheets to fill in every week. little speaking and she would tell us what to do when we had done them. We lasted a year then packed it in. Try pod casts from Notes in Spanish, or light speed Spanish. They are both free and you can contact them both by email or better twitter. In each case they are both married couples and the man is native English and the Woman native Spanish. They both have various level from beginners to advanced.
Pete

Re: Learning Spanish
 

Thanks guys - lots of good tips there :-)

Re: Learning Spanish
 

There might be an "Escuela de Idiomas" in your area. If so, try to enrol this coming September. In our area (Basque country), they offer English, Basque, German, French, Italian, Russian & Spanish. They cost €75 for the year and the classes are twice a week @ 2½ hours per class.
There's an online test you can do to get an idea of your level. (pruebas de nivel)

This website might help you:
Listado de escuelas oficiales de idiomas - educaweb.com

Re: Learning Spanish
 

Thanks for that [light speed Spanish] just what I have been looking for. I will definitely try the podcasts and will buy the books.

:goodpost:

Forgot to mention I can only speak about Fuerteventura but when I was over February they were starting Spanish classes for non Spanish residents. The Culture Department of Antigua were running them. You received 2 hours 30 minutes of lessons per week. You must be registered with the local council of Antigua,and take a photocopy of your NIE & passport.

One hundred students have enrolled for the courses. These include German, British, Indian, Polish, French and Italian speakers so there is a demand for it. Hope when we move to Spain we can get lessons. I would even be prepared to pay.

Re: Learning Spanish
 

I haven't heard of the free lessons personally, however Spain is full of wonderful and rather inexpensive Spanish classes that you can attend. You won't regret learning such a beautiful language