"The Spanish lessons are going well. Irene gives me lessons tailored to my abilities and gaps, while we work through business Spanish."
Michele Linehan
Spanish course in Online.
Spanish Lessons in Birmingham (Alabama)
With its diverse community and a rapidly growing Hispanic population, Birmingham serves as an ideal location for immersing yourself in Spanish language and culture. Once you learn some basic vocabulary in Spanish, you'll have the opportunity to connect with thousands of residents who speak the language daily, and truly get to know them. After all, Spanish is the most commonly spoken foreign language in the city. On top of that, proficiency in the language will allow you to fully engage with Birmingham's multifaceted Latin cultures. You'll be well-equipped to partake in the diverse cultural events held throughout the year, further deepening your connection with one of the city's most vibrant communities.
Beyond the social and cultural advantages, studying Spanish in Birmingham can significantly expand your career prospects. As the second most commonly spoken language in the United States, Spanish has become an invaluable asset in various job roles, particularly if you aim to attract a broader client base or foster stronger professional relationships with top-tier companies. Moreover, fluency in Spanish isn't just a career booster; it's also a travel enabler. The language holds official status in 20 countries, making it a useful skill for globetrotters eager to explore diverse destinations.
Why Study Spanish in Birmingham (Alabama)?
Learn Spanish for Work and Travel
In today's multicultural job market, speaking Spanish is a considerable asset. Many important companies in Birmingham, such as UAB Medicine, BBVA Compass, and Command Alkon, which have a broad customer base, highly value bilingual candidates who can communicate more effectively with their clients and international partners. Furthermore, being bilingual in Spanish isn't just a one-time advantage during hiring; it's a skill that can fast-track your career advancement. The ability to switch between languages with ease makes you a versatile asset, increasing your chances for promotions, new projects, or even international assignments.
On the other hand, if you're planning to visit Latin America, the Caribbean, or Spain, learning Spanish is a fantastic idea that will dramatically enhance your travel experience. Not only will you be able to navigate through smaller towns and villages where English might not be as prevalent, but you'll also forge deeper connections with locals. This will offer you access to experiences often missed by monolingual travelers, and you won’t have to hire translators or worry about finding English speakers in the area. Additionally, being bilingual is ideal for those keen on delving into the rich customs and traditions of Spanish-speaking cultures, as it will allow them to experience the various local celebrations like a true native.
Learn Spanish for Social
While travel is a popular method for cultural immersion, Birmingham offers its own rich tapestry of experiences for those interested in Hispanic and Latin cultures. Among these, Fiesta Birmingham stands out. This annual, family-friendly festival takes place every September at Linn Park and features the art, culture, and traditions of a multitude of Spanish-speaking countries, from Latin America and the Caribbean to Europe. The festival atmosphere is electrified by live music, as both local and international Latin artists perform, filling the park with the vibrant rhythms of salsa, reggaeton, merengue, and more. On top of that, there’s a cultural village where you can learn about the traditions of countries like Mexico, Spain, Colombia, and Puerto Rico, and witness members of the local Latin community wearing stunning traditional outfits.
Of course, no festival would be complete without food. At Fiesta Birmingham, you can savor a diverse culinary experience that takes you on a gastronomic journey through the Spanish-speaking world, and try things like mouth-watering tamales from Mexico, aromatic paella from Spain, hearty arepas from Colombia, and flavorful mofongo from Puerto Rico.
Learn Spanish for Culture
Mastering Spanish is an excellent way to expand your social circle, both with locals from Birmingham's Latin and Hispanic communities and with visiting foreigners. A great way to do this is to attend one of the various cultural exchange events that are held in Birmingham, like the Spanish - English Conversation Group. This friendly group of Spanish native speakers and local learners meet regularly at various parts of the city to enjoy wonderful conversations in both Spanish and English. If you attend, you’ll not only get a great chance to improve your skills and make new friends, but you’ll also get to help people out with their English in return. In addition to fun language exchanges, this group organizes celebrations like El Día de Los Muertos, and El Grito, as well as gatherings in local parks and restaurants. To attend, just join their virtual group, and let them know you’re coming.
Where to learn Spanish in and around Birmingham (Alabama)?
Whether you're a student or a lifelong learner, Birmingham offers numerous opportunities to study Spanish at a variety of skill levels. For those looking for formal education, the University of Alabama at Birmingham has a robust language department with extensive Spanish courses they should check out. From beginner to advanced levels, this university provides a comprehensive study plan complete with cultural immersion. Additionally, Birmingham Public Library also offers resources for Spanish learners, including language software and bilingual books, ideal for more independent students who want to study on their own.
However, for those seeking more customized and flexible options, Listen & Learn offers the best Spanish classes near you. Unlike traditional classroom settings, our courses are tailored to meet your individual needs, whether you're learning Spanish for work, travel, or personal enrichment. At Listen & Learn, we believe that language learning should be as convenient as it is educational, which is why we offer face-to-face courses right here in Birmingham. Our highly qualified instructors will meet you at your home or another convenient location, saving you both time and effort.
These one-on-one sessions allow for personalized instruction, ensuring that you're learning at a pace that's comfortable for you. Plus, our curriculum is adapted to your learning style and goals, so you can focus on what matters most to you. This individualized attention, coupled with the convenience of courses held in your local area, makes Listen & Learn the ideal choice for anyone serious about becoming proficient in Spanish, so send us a quick inquiry, and start learning!
The type of courses we offer:
Face-to-Face 1-to-1 (Individual) General Spanish
This set of Spanish tutorials are less specific and more targeted at those who want to get a range of different things from learning Spanish. Even though all novice students will cover survival Spanish: enough Spanish to make a visit to the country or make good contacts with the locals, but what do you do from there? It depends on your needs. Those who have benefitted from these lessons have been those moving or investing overseas, spouses of overseas nationals, people who love to travel all over the world, those interested in Spanish culture, and those who just want to pass a specific examination in Spanish. Inquire now about our Spanish Courses or Take A Free Spanish Level Test
Face-to-Face 1-to-1 (Individual) Business Spanish
These Spanish lessons are driven towards people who have a requirement to learn Spanish to bolster their work output. For novices, you will find it useful to learn basic greetings and business etiquette; and once you have become more proficient then reading and writing will come to the fore. Typical students include those concerned with import/export, those seeking work in multinational companies, international negotiations, and anyone working with international colleagues or administration. Even on our most rudimentary beginners lesson, students can expect to finish the lesson with decent telephone and e-mail Spanish, as well as a good enough grip on the language for a short trip to the country. Inquire now about our Spanish Courses or Take A Free Spanish Level Test
Face-to-Face Closed (Private) Group General or Business Spanish
Lessons in Spanish are also accessible for 2 or more studying in tandem (Two-to-One Spanish Lesson or Small Group In-Company Spanish Lesson). All those involved must have around the same experience of the language, similar needs of areas of proficiency, and must be able to work at the same time and place. Bookings must be made for all students at the same time. Listen & Learn do not advise classes of more than 6-8 people, although In-Company Taster Spanish sessions can be run with as many as 12 people. Inquire now about our Spanish Courses or Take A Free Spanish Level Test
Skype, Google Meet or Zoom Online 1-to-1 (Individual) General or Business Spanish
Your colleagues and yourself can be trained by our native-speaking fully-qualified Spanish tutors at a time and location to suit you. Classes can take place any day, even weekends, and can happen in the morning, afternoon or evening. If the case may be that your home or office is not convenient, there is always the option to take your classes at the office of your teacher. Study books for the lesson are provided. Inquire now about our Spanish Courses or Take A Free Spanish Level Test
Skype, Google Meet or Zoom Online Group (Closed or Open) General or Business Spanish
Those wishing to learn Spanish in groups of 2 or more together (Two-to-One Spanish Lessons or Small Group In-Company Spanish Lessons) can sign up for our group classes. All students must be at nearly the same level of Spanish proficiency, must have the same needs from the language, and must be able to study at the same time and place as the others. Bookings must be made for all students simultaneously. Listen & Learn do not propose group sizes or more than 6-8 people, but In-Company Taster Spanish Lessons can occur with up to 12 people. Inquire now about our Spanish Courses or Take A Free Spanish Level Test
Top Tips For…
spanish Books
Cien años de soledad - Gabriel García Márquez
Are you looking for a new book to sink your teeth into while learning Spanish? Then Márquez’s most well-known novel is the best choice for you. “Cien años de soledad” tells the story of the Buendia family in a town called Macondo and follows its members for seven generations. The novel blends magical realism and Colombian political history, making the book one of the most original works of fiction of the century. “Cien años de soledad” is recommended for upper-intermediate students due to the complexity of its vocabulary and complicated narrative. Learn more about the book here.spanish Books
Mandrágora - Laura Gallego
Are you tired of staring at your Spanish textbook when trying to acquire vocabulary? Then, reading a novel can be a great idea. Laura Gallego’s “Mandrágora,” for example, contains lots of everyday words and expressions that will help you get by if you ever visit a Spanish-speaking country. Read this novel and get to know the story of Miriam, a woman who has just started a new life as a servant to the king. While living at court, a series of strange events take place and she tries to solve a mystery with the help of new friends and colleagues. Learn more about the book here.El Entenado- Juan José Saer
“El Entenado” is the perfect choice for people looking to know more about Spanish grammar. Saer uses a great variety of tenses and irregular verbs when writing, so reading his novel can help you recognize how and when to use these conjugations appropriately. This is the story of a young man who ventures into the New World back in the 15th century. Learn more about his encounter with the natives and discover how the clash between two worlds affected both the conquerors and the conquered. By reading this masterpiece by Juan José Baer, you will not only improve your comprehension of Spanish but also expand your mind with a trip into the unknown. Learn more about the book here.spanish Youtube Channels
Mis Pastelitos
To achieve fluency in Spanish, it’s important to constantly absorb information via different mediums. And what better way than to listen to native Spanish speakers talk about topics you are passionate about? For example, if you like cooking, then watching Mis Pastelitos’ videos can be a great choice. This YouTube channel is run by Griz Verduzco, a Mexican woman who loves sharing recipes about delicious desserts from her home country. You’ll soon pick up words and phrases related to cooking, like “olla,” “freír” and “qué delicioso”. But don’t watch it if you are on a diet: you’ll soon be craving sugar! Subscribe here to the channel!spanish Youtube Channels
ElSmosh
If you love anime and games and are looking to improve your Spanish, why not follow ElSmosh’s Youtube channel? This Youtuber makes comedy videos aimed at pop culture and Pokémon fans in English, which is then dubbed into Spanish by a Chilean man. So, if you are interested in watching videos about how Pikachu won his first battle or curious facts about Disney princesses, this is the channel for you. Plus, as the channel is available in both English and Spanish, so you can cross-reference both versions if you are a beginner and would like to improve your comprehension skills and vocabulary. Subscribe to the channel here!Daniela Bos
Learning Spanish on YouTube is convenient. Since you can watch the platform from any device with an internet connection, you can use it to learn Spanish anytime, anywhere. For example, you can start watching the content uploaded by Daniela Bos, a YouTuber who shares facts about Mexican lifestyle and current events. This channel is recommended for everyone learning Spanish, even beginners, as she speaks in a very clear way, making it easy to understand what she’s saying. Soon, you’ll develop a fluid vocabulary and learn some of the phrases she always uses, like “Hola, bebé!” Subscribe here to the channel!spanish For Kids
Fisher-Price Videos
Are your kids learning Spanish? Do you find it difficult to have them sit down and do the homework? Then Fisher-Price videos for toddlers and children of early school age can help! The site has a huge selection of videos that range from teaching the names of animals and colors to everyday vocabulary related to school and other environments and scenarios. Each new word is displayed on screen, so these videos are great resources to teach children spelling. They’re super fun too, so you can be sure your child will be thoroughly entertained while practicing their Spanish! Click here to start playing with your kids!spanish For Kids
Spanish Kid Stuff
Textbooks and flashcards are highly recommended to learn and retain vocabulary, especially when it comes to children, as using visual reinforcement is a great way to commit terms to memory (and avoid boredom). And while these elements are certainly expensive, you can also find great resources online for free, such as at Spanish Kid Stuff. The website promotes language learning by offering hundreds of resources for children to learn Spanish. You’ll find all the materials conveniently divided into categories, like “Animals,” “Clothing,” “Time,” and so on, so it will be easy for you to find the materials you want your child to practice! Click here to start playing with your kids!Pandora
Do you remember the songs your family used to sing to you when you were a baby? Lullabies are one of the most natural and memorable ways to learn a language. So, if your child is learning Spanish, it’s a great idea to enter Pandora and listen to some lullabies (canciones de cuna) together. You’ll find a lot of options on the site, like “Estrellita donde estás.” In most cases, you can find an English counterpart (like “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”), which is even better because your child will already be familiar with the soothing tune. Listen to these songs here!spanish Apps
Memrise
Are you looking to increase your Spanish vocabulary outside your lessons? Then, you should consider Memrise, an app with a wide variety of lessons and resources that will help you learn new words in meaningful ways. For example, you can find videos featuring native speakers uttering phrases and words so you to learn how to pronounce them. Then, you can complete different exercises to help you remember those terms and understand their context of usage. Download Memrise and you can choose what to learn and decide when and where you want to practice, all while staying entertained and motivated. You can check out the app here!spanish Apps
Tuenti
This is a mobile operator based in Spain that offers messaging and social media services too. Created in 2006, between 2009 and 2015 it was known as the “Spanish Facebook,” with over 15 million active users. Today, Tuenti offers mobile telephone services within Spain and Latin America as well. Its plans are affordable and easy to use, and they offer instant messaging through the app. If Spain is on your bucket list, you might want to download the Tuenti app to your phone to stay connected with old friends back home and new friends while you are traveling. Download the app here!Arbor
Arbor is a new app in the fintech field that helps people save and optimize their expenses. It has several tools, with its expenses planner being the most useful of them. You can upload invoices to keep track of all your expenses and divide them into categories (like taxes, transportation, food, leisure, and so on) to understand where you spend your money. You can even set financial goals per week or month, and you’ll receive congratulations once you attain them. All you need is a mobile phone and some reading knowledge of Spanish. Click here to find out more about the app.spanish Comedy
El Chavo del 8
Who ever said that learning a new language is boring? One of the biggest mistakes that students make is to just use textbooks to learn. Of course, flashcards and books are very useful but watching comedy in Spanish is a great method to improve your vocabulary and grammar while having a laugh. For instance, El Chavo del 8 is a Mexican show that follows the adventures of a poor orphan boy called el Chavo and other low-income characters who live in the same housing complex (la vecindad). Put away the books and turn on the TV to pick up some Mexican slang! Click here to learn more about this Mexican series!spanish Comedy
La Casa de las Flores
Watching movies and series is a great strategy to improve your Spanish. Even if you are just starting with your course, try not to watch dubbed series but the original Spanish and use English subtitles instead. This will help develop your ear for the language, and once you become more proficient, you can use Spanish subtitles or none at all! If you like comedy, we recommend trying The House of Flowers. This is a very popular black-Mexican comedy television series you can watch on Netflix. You’ll develop a greater awareness of contemporary Mexican society and culture while having some fun and improving your Spanish. Click here to learn more about this series.Allí Abajo
Allí Abajo is a comedy that playfully depicts the cultural differences between one of the northernmost regions in Spain, el País Vasco, and Andalucía in the south. It follows Iñaki, a man from the north, who falls in love with Carmen, a nurse from the south. This is a great series that can help you understand the cultural differences between Spanish regions and will serve to increase your awareness and understanding of dialects in terms of vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. This series is great for any level of proficiency and will help you to pick up some slang and expressions from Andalucía and País Vasco! Wanna know more about the movie? Click here.Testimonials
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Client case studies
Have a look at successful and satisfied clients.
Nick Alcock
French in Amsterdam
Going from not being able to create basic sentences to being able to hold conversations. It’s been great to notice the progress month by month
Our Clients Include
From our clients all over the world
J&C Kenny Wines & Spirits
Language learned: French in Washington, D.C.
Jetran International
Language learned: Russian in Austin.
