Discover the Best Spanish Classes in NYC
It’s estimated that over 21 million people are currently learning Spanish today. The widespread use of Spanish has contributed to people’s interest in learning it. Spanish was heavily spread to other regions by Spanish conquerors and missionaries from the 15th century onwards. As Spanish spread, it evolved, with new dialects popping up that were influenced by the regions in which they are spoken. The US has a large Hispanic population, which has contributed to the average American’s familiarity with the language.
Spanish is widely taught in schools in the US and at language centers. It’s a Romance language, so it’s rooted in Latin. This makes it easier for speakers of other Romance languages to pick it up over non-Romance languages. Native English speakers also find Spanish familiar to them because both languages are influenced by Latin and French. If you live in the US, you likely hear Spanish words and phrases in your everyday life.
New York City has the fourth largest Hispanic population in the US. If you live in the New York City area, there are plenty of Spanish classes available for you to take. You’ll also be able to immerse yourself in the language more thanks to the flourishing Hispanic community in the city.
Why You Should Learn Spanish in NYC
Learning a new language has several benefits. When you learn a new language, you need to memorize new vocabulary and grammar. This helps you improve your memory as your brain works to store new information. Speaking the new language will also let you practice thinking on your feet. When you’re having a conversation in the language, you’ll have to quickly form sentences that are grammatically correct and use the correct vocabulary.
Learning a second language has been shown to possibly slow the development of dementia in older adults. Older adults learning a new language are forming new connections in their brains and strengthening nervous system links. Although it may be difficult to start learning a new language, adults have wider vocabularies than children and likely have studying experience, which can make the process a little easier on them. Children who are multilingual also benefit from improved cognitive abilities and wider creativity than monolingual children.
Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. Spanish speakers also make up a significant portion of New York City’s population. Learning Spanish can help you communicate with more people, particularly those who only know Spanish. You’ll be able to experience new things by opening to new forms of communication. For example, knowing Spanish might help you order at a restaurant, visit a Spanish-speaking country, or reach out to a neighbor.
In-Person Spanish Classes & Schools in NYC
In-person Spanish classes are taught at schools and language centers around NYC. These classes will provide you with formal instruction and provide opportunities to practice speaking the language. Classes will be tailored to your skill level, so whether you’re a beginner or an advanced speaker, there’s a class for you. A fluent instructor will guide you and other participants through Spanish vocabulary, grammar, and more. In-person classes will also allow you to meet others who are looking to learn Spanish.
ABC Languages, located in Manhattan, offers in-person and online language classes. Their Total Beginner Spanish class is great for those with no prior experience with Spanish. Participants will spend six weeks learning basic Spanish grammar and vocabulary. The class also emphasizes conversational Spanish skills, so participants can expect to get plenty of opportunities to practice speaking the language. This interactive course is ideal for learners who appreciate a mix of formal and practical class instruction. ABC Languages also offers higher-level Spanish classes. These classes expand on the fundamentals learned in their beginner classes and focus on developing your conversational Spanish skills.
ABC Languages also provided private Spanish lessons. You have the option of signing up for in-person or online classes. Before beginning your first session, you’ll speak to an advisor about your goals, learning needs, scheduling preferences, and location preference. They’ll then match you with an instructor that can meet your needs and goals.
Learning Spanish New York is a Spanish language center in Union Square that looks to offer affordable Spanish lessons. They offer several beginner-level Spanish classes to get you started learning basic grammar and vocabulary. Emphasis is placed on learning how to confidently speak Spanish, so participants will begin speaking from the very first class. No prior experience with Spanish is necessary. Classes are taught by native instructors from Spanish-speaking countries around the world.
When you’ve finished Learning Spanish New York’s first set of beginner classes, you can move on to the next set. These classes focus more on vocabulary and descriptive terms that will elevate your ability to speak Spanish. Required and recommended materials, like textbooks, can be found on the class pages along with a description of the content covered in the classes.
Virtual Spanish Classes & Schools
If you can’t make a Spanish class taught in the city, you have the option of signing up for a virtual Spanish class. Virtual classes are taught remotely by a live instructor who’s fluent in Spanish. You can take these classes from any interruption-free environment with a stable internet connection, including from your home or office. Like the in-person classes, most virtual classes stress the importance of learning to converse in Spanish. There are online Spanish classes available for you to take on CourseHorse.
If you’re looking to start with beginner-level classes before advancing to intermediate-level classes, Fluent City’s Spanish classes might interest you. Their beginner-level Spanish class may be taken if you have no prior experience with Spanish, or if you’re looking to refresh on the basics. You’ll receive instruction from a fluent instructor and feedback as you practice conversing Spanish in small groups.
Fluent City also offers a Spanish crash course that’s ideal for a quick rundown of the language. This class is also ideal if you’re planning a trip to a Spanish-speaking country and would like to learn the basics to help you navigate your way around. The class takes place over two days where you’ll learn how to introduce yourself, order in a restaurant, and request directions.
RoLa Languages is a Cambridge-based language school that offers classes in Romance Languages, English, and Mandarin. Sign up for the Spanish Intro class to learn the basics of Spanish grammar, vocabulary, and tenses. You’ll be provided with a free electronic textbook and have the option to purchase a physical copy as well. There are two courses that you can take after the introductory class that’ll expand on the concepts learned in the intro course.
ABC Languages SF’s Total Beginner Spanish class places importance on learning Spanish at your preferred pace and skill level. This class is interactive, allowing you to practice conversing in Spanish with classmates and through roleplaying.
Many Spanish classes will require you to speak the language in class because that’s one of the most effective ways of learning. However, it can be nerve-wracking to speak a new language in front of a class of strangers. ABC Languages’ private Spanish lessons provide you with the opportunity to practice your Spanish skills in a one-on-one setting. An advisor will discuss your learning needs and goals with you before matching you with the best instructor to meet those needs. The lessons will be customized to your skill level and the curriculum.
Private Group Spanish Classes in NYC
Are you looking to book private Spanish classes for a group? Maybe your friends are planning a trip to a Spanish-speaking country and would like to learn the basics of the language before traveling. Or maybe your organization or business would like to improve the communication skills of its employees. Regardless of your goals, you can book a private group Spanish class through CourseHorse to meet your group’s needs.
Use the contact form on CourseHorse’s website to reach out to them about the Spanish classes that they can offer you. You’ll be able to ask about class formats and content as well as the number of participants they can accommodate in their classes. CourseHorse will also allow you to book a 20-minute demo for $100 to experience the class before committing to booking it. You may also pay an additional fee to customize the class.
CourseHorse classes can accommodate a range of group sizes, from small to large. Some classes will be more appropriate for small groups, while others can comfortably accommodate large groups of over 100 people. If you’d like to book a class but don’t have a final headcount yet, CourseHorse will allow you to book the class with the minimum group size to hold your date. You will then need to update your headcount before the class is to take place.
CourseHorse does not charge a booking fee and allows free cancellations up to two weeks before your class. Rescheduling requests that take place 48 hours or less before the class is scheduled can be accommodated for a fee of $150. CourseHorse can accommodate a variety of online video platforms, including Google Meets, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom, although Zoom is the preferred platform.
If your group or organization is planning a trip to Spain or another Spanish-speaking country, CourseHorse can help you prepare outside of language classes. They offer a variety of private group classes, including ones focused on Spanish cuisine. Check out their virtual Spanish Tapas class or their virtual Wine Workshop, which will include a tasting of a Spanish Rosé.