I have been taking classes with StartSpanish for just over two years. I have even been to Cordoba and met the founder and several of the teachers. They are WONDERFUL people! The teachers are very well qualified and knowledgeable. They are patient and kind. It is hard to choose a favorite because they all bring different ideas and information to the classes. Actually, I feel like they are my friends. I have become friends with some of the other students as well. I have studied with Pimsleur and Rocket Spanish. StartSpanish has an advantage because it has live teachers and one can practice speaking with native Spanish speakers who will correct and help whenever help is needed. I really like the flexibility of taking classes when it is convenient for me. I can even take classes no matter where I happen to be in the world.
If you are serious about learning Spanish, then I suggest you give it a try. You can even try out the lessons for FREE!
MD
Margaret D.
This is the best way to learn Spanish-- I love StartSpanish
I have tried numerous classes on line and in person, StartSpanish is far the best course I have taken--ever. I am super impressed with the teaching staff. They are very knowledgeable, friendly and very patient. Each one remembers me and my skill level and common errors and makes great suggestion on how to improve. I also love the fact that there are so many times to log on and learn.
The class sizes are great, the optional homework assignments are fun and challenging.
Their IT Team also knows what they are doing if there is ever a problem getting on.
I love StartSpanish.
BM
Brigitte M.
A Great Start for Serious Spanish Learners
This is an excellent and affordable way to begin Spanish lessons for anyone. I began lessons with Start Spanish in November of 2013 and stayed with them for 6 months until my trip to Guatemala for full immersion as a test of my skills in speaking and audio comprehension. The first 8 minutes of speaking with the professors about your day or anything else, as well as, making corrections while speaking about the subject of the day, really helped me to become more comfortable with speaking Spanish. The professors in Guatemala said that I already had some good Spanish speaking skills, which is a reflection of my lessons and practice on the website.
There are many advantages on this website. There are three packages that you can choose so that you can take a 45 minute class anytime every hour for at least 14 hours weekdays and 7 hours on the weekend. There are packages for 15 lives sessions per month to unlimited live sessions per month. After each live session, there is a review and writing exercise. The professor also sends you feedback notes for review as well through email. The professors are patient in answering questions during class. There are private lessons as well, however, due to the time schedule during the day, most live sessions become private lessons. There are many different professors with their own style of teaching and speaking so you are constantly being challenged, and lessons do not become monotonous.
The only critique I have is about the audio and headset technology. In the beginning, there is a tester for audio and microphone usage, however, like with any computer technology today, it does not work all the time for students and sometimes professors. Investment in a good headset that can be used with computers, tablets, and smartphones (standard, wireless, or bluetooth) is essential for this website. I am glad they are sending headsets as a part of the sign up package for a short time.
I plan on returning to StartSpanish.com after my trip ready for more opportunities to speak with and learn from the professors. I am looking forward to achieving fluency by the end of the year.
BC
Bob C.
Great online Spanish classroom experience.
I've been taking classes at StartSpanish.com for over 2 years. I really like the format of the classes because they give me many opportunities to speak and practice my new language. I've progressed a lot, and while I don't always have much time to sit and study, this interactive format is fun and very effective at improving your abilities. I highly recommend this school as a resouce for people who have used audio courses like Pimsleur, Learning Spanish Like Crazy or Rocket Spanish to immediately start applying their speaking abilities. I have been sitting in classes with people for the last year who I've watched make a lot of progress in their speaking abilities and pronunciation. My only complaint is selfish in that if too many of you sign up, I might not get much class time. Ah that's right, I have some included private lessons I need to use.
SS
Sandra S.
Simply the best
Startspanish has proven to be the most comprehensive Spanish course online. The professors are always well prepared, ready to help, and very invested in your success .
I was a teacher and I owned my own business for 20 years, so I'm an expert in rating this company as one that knows what they're doing. Startspanish continues to improve, update and deliver their promise.
UP
Uta P.
best value for live interactive classes
I was so excited when I discovered this web site. The classes are offered on the hour all day long and offer both beginning and intermediate levels. The content of the classes is varied and super interesting. So, it is more than just learning the language... it is also about learning about culture, places to visit, philosophical discussions. For me the most challenging part of learning Spanish is to SPEAK it.
With Start Spanish, students are encouraged to speak free style during the first 8 minutes of the class, and then there is a more structured lecture with grammar points.
The teachers are all wonderful and the advantage of trying different ones is that one can hear different types of speaking as well as different approaches to teaching grammar points. I think that to teach a foreign language is very difficult and takes a lot of patience from the instructors. There is however one instructor who intimidates me because I sense impatience at times.
Also, another great point with this program is that many of us get to know each other as we take classes together, so it gives a personal touch.
NH
Nick H.
Una gran manera para aprender a hablar espanol!
Una gran manera para aprender a hablar espanol.
Empecé con dvd's entonces recientemente fui a los clases intermedios de Start Spanish.
Todavia tengo mucho para aprender pero estoy satisfecho con las lecciones y los profesores son muy buenos y util, y divertido trabajar con ellos.
Recomiendo StartSpanish a todo!
DR
Dee R.
Simplemente el mejor!
I have had so much fun using Start Spanish to strengthen the little bit of Spanish that I know. The units are VERY interesting, the private lessons are well taught and the daily live sessions are a FANTASTIC way to practice speaking the language. NOWHERE else will you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the language EVERY DAY like you can by using Start Spanish.
I would recommend it to anyone who has a strong passion for learning the language!
My ONLY wish is that there were more than 30 units!!