Tubs’ Travels

Hi Folks

I’ve spent some time researching and using various free and cheap resources for learning Spanish, so wanted to share this with you. Please do add your comments or further suggestions at the bottom of this page!

1) Free Spanish classes in Spain

As I understand it, most municipalities in Spain offer free or subsidised Spanish courses through the town hall (Ayuntamiento). In Torrevieja, for example, the courses are 20 Euros for a three month course, comprising two 1 hour classes per week. Many other towns offer the classes for free if you can prove residency.

These classes can be a good way to start learning the basics such as simple phrases, vocabulary and grammar. This makes it easier when you start listening and practicing day to day.

2) Intercambios (Spanish for English Language Swap)

This is quite simply spending time with a native Spanish speaker who wants to learn English. You agree to swap English and Spanish conversation. It is great because you get to learn Spanish as it is spoken, and you get to make new friends.

I put the following ad up on the notice board in the local library:

“Intercambio en Torrevieja

¿Quieres apredner Ingles? Quiero Aprender Español.

¿Quierespracticar para 2 o 3 horas a la semana?

Me llamo Tom

Mi numero de telephone es xxx xxx xxx

Gracias”

About 2 weeks later I received two calls, and have been practicing Spanish with two new Spanish friends since then. Perfecto!

3) Free Podcasts

First of all, if you don’t already have it, download the free iTunes player for your computer.

Once you have this, there are plenty of free Podcasts for you to download and subscribe to, including some useful Spanish lessons.

My favourite ones are ‘Coffee Break Spanish’ (http://www.radiolinguamedia.com/), and ‘Notes in Spanish’ (http://www.notesinspanish.com/)

Please do share your favourites by adding a comment at the end of this post

4) Spend time in Spain (or a Spanish speaking country)

[OK, not strictly free...]

Learning a second language can be so hard when you aren’t forced to speak it. I have learnt so much just by getting to know which local Spanish shops, bars and restaurants will be friendly and help you learn as you go. It is amazing just how helpful some people can be. The smaller local shops are often the best (though sometimes the worst!).

A great tip is to smile at someone before you start talking to them! It is amazing just how much more responsive and helpful people become when you smile.

It also helps to accept that some people are friendly and will help; and some won’t.

5) Free Online Resources

Money Saving Expert’s Martin Lewes has a good resource guide for free language resources (http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/deals/learn-language-free).

Of the resources currently listed, I have found the following two to be the best:

http://www.learnitlists.com/

and

http://www.livemocha.com/

Jane Cronin also publishes a series of useful and free articles on her ‘Essential Spanish‘ site.

6) Useful CD’s and Books

OK, so unless you illegally download them, or happen to have a friend with a copy, CDs and books can cost; but they are relatively cheap compared to private lessons… and often just as good.

So far I have only tried one set of CD’s: Michel Thomas Foundation Course: Spanish. I found these very good, especially as Michel is adept at giving confidence very quickly.

For those more interested in Spanish for South America, I did try the Spanish for Dummies book which comes with a CD. I suspect this publication is aimed at the US market who want to speak South American Spanish (which can vary to Castillano).

7) Consume Media in Spanish

… and by this I mean read Spanish newspapers, listen to Spanish radio, and watch Spanish TV.

Summary

As always, learning a new language is time consuming and takes dedication. Personally I have learnt most from my Intercambios, which have the added advantages that you can make friends, and also learn something of the Spanish culture.

When I return to Spain, I will definitely consider going on my own to an intensive 4 week Spanish course in somewhere like Granada. The trouble with living with an English speaking person (as I do) is that it is all too easy to let the language practice lapse!

Do you have any tips and ideas? Please do leave your comments… Thank you!