Testimonials : Spanish Classes : Instruction : Lessons : Chicago, IL Illinois

Recent Testimonials 2010

In addition to the testimonials posted here, you may also review testimonials posted in Cityserach (Lakeview or Downtown) and Yelp (Lakeview or Downtown).

Robert S. Chandler (Lakeview student): Getting a firm grasp on the Spanish language was a goal I set for myself many years ago. The timing, price range, and location(s) of The Spanish Language Center allowed me to move forward with this goal 7 short weeks ago. Myself, coworkers, and friends are surprised at how quickly I have been able to apply what I have learned to everyday situations. I had taken Spanish Courses in college (15 years ago!!), but I feel i've learned more here in 7 weeks then I did in several semesters there. My teacher (Sujey) is serious and knowledgeable about teaching the language, yet she makes the class fun and exciting. I am signing up for the next course and would highly recommend The Spanish Language Center to anyone serious about learning the Spanish language.

Kurt Beranek (Downtown student): I have been taking lessons with Jose Tuesta for seven months and I am very happy with him as my instructor. Never having taken a Spanish class, I started from the beginning and I feel that the course materials are very clear and logical. Jose is a very patient teacher and he is helping me learn at a pace that I am comfortable with. His explanations and tips add much more than I could ever get from just reading the books.

Before taking lessons with Spanish LC I did use the Rosetta Stone program, but I always felt like I was memorizing phrases, like a parrot, as opposed to actually learning the language. With your program, I am building the foundation to actually speak Spanish. Although there are many study aids on the market, I do think lessons are essential to learn and to help stay motivated.

I would definitely recommend the Spanish LC to anyone. Scheduling is very flexible and for me, the downtown location is minutes away from my work.

John A. Bross and wife (Lakeview students): My wife and I have been taking Spanish lessons at Spanish Language Center for a couple of years and it has made a big difference. All the instructors have been excellent, especially Juan Cortez, the head of the school. We prefer private lessons to regular classes because we can adjust them to our schedule. A year ago we went to Macchu Pichu and at our request spoke almost only Spanish with our guide and we are now going to Mexico where we will have a guide who speaks no English.

John Rodelli (Palatine student): I have taken instruction from Spanish LC for over a year, and have found the experience to be both enjoyable and beneficial. The instructors are well prepared, and knowledgeable. They all have been genuinely interested in helping me learn a new language. I have found that the method used by Spanish LC suites me well. The emphasis is speaking Spanish as soon as possible, but also lays out the grammar and language structure in a logical and easy to understand way. In other words, it makes sense.

I had attempted to learn Spanish twice before. My first attempt was with a well known language company; and, the second with a junior college. The third time, with Spanish LC was a "charm" because the method combined speaking with just the right amount of grammar and structure. I highly recommend Spanish LC, because they helped me learn to speak Spanish!

Roslind Hooper (Downtown student): I have attended Spanish classes at the Spanish Language Center for almost a year now. I am extremely impressed with my teacher's (Lourdes) knowledge of English grammar and have mentioned to her serveral times that she could teach English at the college level. Her method is very engaging and clear. She makes learning the language fun and easy.

Larry Friend (Lakeview): I have been taking classes at Spanish Language Center since it was established. My original goals were to speak Spanish fluently, to read easy passages in Spanish and to write simple letters in Spanish. I did not realize how difficult it was going to be to achieve my goals. Learning a second language is hard. It takes much time, practice, and dedication before one becomes comfortable speaking another language. The average person who thinks he will be speaking another language in several months is incorrect. They should not get discouraged if they have to take many more classes then they planned on taking.

There are many advertisements on the radio and television offering courses guaranteeing that someone will be speaking another language in a short period of time after their purchase. I know these courses would not be effective for me. I have found that the process offered at the Spanish Language Center fits my abilities and desires better. I prefer a class with a private instructor. I have had several private instructors. Every one of them have been extremely competent. I have learned different things from each one of them. I know that SLC also offers classes for groups. I think this offering would be as effective as a private instructor, as long as the groups do not get too large.

I am closer to my goal than ever. I am able to carry on a conversation with Spanish speaking people without feeling uneasy. When I was in Spain last year I conversed with many people. Almost everyone complemented me on my command of the Spanish language. I did not understand everything they were saying. But it is very important to practice whenever the occasion arises. I recently have been corresponding with a friend in Mexico in Spanish. My grammar is not correct at all times. However, my instructor previews each of my letters before I send them. I then translate my friend's responses which are written in Spanish. Again, I need some help from my instructor. However, I am well pleased with my progress. My instructors have told me that I should listen to Spanish television and radio. I try to do this each day. I listen to the news, infomercials, and soap operas. I become frustrated because I cannot understand everything that is being said. But, little by little, I am improving. I highly recommend the Spanish Language Center as a means to speak and write Spanish. The director, Juan Cortez is very competent as are his instructors.

Former students

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