There are, of course, several different ways to learn a language but these days the world is a smaller place and one of the advantages of this is that we can can learn to speak a chosen language from the comfort of our own home or even office.
Maybe a suitable Spanish tutor is not available in your area.
If that is the case for you, read these tips for finding Spanish speaking lessons online.
OK, so let us say you have decided to learn Spanish online.
You have chosen this route as opposed to going to night school because perhaps you work during the day, or you are a little shy of speaking up in front of a class of other people, or maybe it is difficult for you to travel for any number of reasons.
Yet, within you there is that burning desire to learn the Spanish language and it's difficult to do it on your own with just a book.
Can you motivate yourself sufficiently? What about a bunch of expensive audio files, such as CDs? Would that do the trick? But, maybe, like many students you need interaction, personal encouragement and someone who cares.
One solution to these quandaries is to get a personal online tutor.
This is a convenient way to learn to speak Spanish, and also gives you privacy.
The aim of that tutor should only be to assist you in the best way possible to reach your objective: to speak, understand and write good Spanish.
But - and here's the question - how do you find that tutor? The one who is going to help you along your exciting journey.
Remember at school how there was at least one teacher who drove you to snoozing away the lesson at the back of the class? There were two in my case: the history teacher and the geography teacher - and were they dull! Conversely, several years later (and 20 years ago now), I went to an evening class for six sessions on Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.
The tutor arrived late and we were becoming restless but as he threw down his briefcase and took off his jacket, he started quoting with passion and we were captivated.
So, this is point 1 - look for an online Spanish tutor who appears able to breathe life into the language.
Spanish is a beautiful language and with it comes a fascinating history of Spain, of Latin America and the Spanish-speaking world in general.
Point 2 - Look for a tutor in Spanish who has plenty of experience.
Knowing a subject and teaching it are two different things.
So check credentials, such as testimonials, where you can.
Ask around: recommendations and word of mouth are important.
Point 3 - Pay attention to cost.
Too cheap and it may be a waste of money.
Too pricey and you may be getting stung.
Check out standard hourly charges for your area or country.
Are discounts available for multiple lessons or lessons booked in advance? Is there any follow up between lessons, such as homework? Point 4 - Are you looking to learn Spanish for a particular reason: business, pleasure, travel, personal? Ensure you locate a tutor who is prepared to be flexible and tailor the lessons to suit your interests and level.
Point 5 - Find the right tutor and you will learn fast! No time for snoozing at the back of the classroom.
That is not what you, or your company, is paying for.
Point 6 - Work hard! Languages cannot be learned in six weeks but you will be on your way...
Maybe a suitable Spanish tutor is not available in your area.
If that is the case for you, read these tips for finding Spanish speaking lessons online.
OK, so let us say you have decided to learn Spanish online.
You have chosen this route as opposed to going to night school because perhaps you work during the day, or you are a little shy of speaking up in front of a class of other people, or maybe it is difficult for you to travel for any number of reasons.
Yet, within you there is that burning desire to learn the Spanish language and it's difficult to do it on your own with just a book.
Can you motivate yourself sufficiently? What about a bunch of expensive audio files, such as CDs? Would that do the trick? But, maybe, like many students you need interaction, personal encouragement and someone who cares.
One solution to these quandaries is to get a personal online tutor.
This is a convenient way to learn to speak Spanish, and also gives you privacy.
The aim of that tutor should only be to assist you in the best way possible to reach your objective: to speak, understand and write good Spanish.
But - and here's the question - how do you find that tutor? The one who is going to help you along your exciting journey.
Remember at school how there was at least one teacher who drove you to snoozing away the lesson at the back of the class? There were two in my case: the history teacher and the geography teacher - and were they dull! Conversely, several years later (and 20 years ago now), I went to an evening class for six sessions on Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.
The tutor arrived late and we were becoming restless but as he threw down his briefcase and took off his jacket, he started quoting with passion and we were captivated.
So, this is point 1 - look for an online Spanish tutor who appears able to breathe life into the language.
Spanish is a beautiful language and with it comes a fascinating history of Spain, of Latin America and the Spanish-speaking world in general.
Point 2 - Look for a tutor in Spanish who has plenty of experience.
Knowing a subject and teaching it are two different things.
So check credentials, such as testimonials, where you can.
Ask around: recommendations and word of mouth are important.
Point 3 - Pay attention to cost.
Too cheap and it may be a waste of money.
Too pricey and you may be getting stung.
Check out standard hourly charges for your area or country.
Are discounts available for multiple lessons or lessons booked in advance? Is there any follow up between lessons, such as homework? Point 4 - Are you looking to learn Spanish for a particular reason: business, pleasure, travel, personal? Ensure you locate a tutor who is prepared to be flexible and tailor the lessons to suit your interests and level.
Point 5 - Find the right tutor and you will learn fast! No time for snoozing at the back of the classroom.
That is not what you, or your company, is paying for.
Point 6 - Work hard! Languages cannot be learned in six weeks but you will be on your way...
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