Instituto Cervantes

Look no further if you want to learn spanish!

Imagine deciding to learn a new language in your mid-20’s and showing up for the first class and hearing the teach only speak Spanish. This is how my class started when I showed up for breakthrough 1 of Spanish (basically very beginning, can’t say a word of Spanish). Thoughts of «Oh crap, this is going to be harder than I thought» went through my head, but as the class continued, it became more natural and dare I even say it, fun?
A friend and I recently started taking Spanish at the Cervantes and while it has been difficult to get back into «school» mode, the Cervantes does an excellent job at finding engaging and active teachers. Forcing the class to only speak in Spanish (even at the beginning level) makes you pick up the language faster, as well as inducing nightmares and awkward ers and uhs. While my friend and I often complain about the extra time added to our day, we enjoy it and find it worthwhile. You can choose either once a week or twice a week for classes. Eager beavers should be wary in choosing the twice a week class as you don’t realize how much energy you expend in class. Homework is assigned after each class, so expect to devote 1 – 2 hours every weekend to prepare.
Learning a new language is never easy, but for those that are up for the challenge of learning Spanish, the Cervantes is the way to go!

Apart from the use of a fine library, the Spanish Institute offers other high quality services. On some Wednesday evenings, one can see free Spanish language films subtitled, as part of their Spanish cinema series. These are usually followed by discussion, questions and answer session, which tend to be very interesting. The course they run are, of course, in the evenings as well. So although the office closes, it remains open in the evenings for the above. Some very friendly, sophisticated staff as well, make this a cultural place par excellence!