"I’m really enjoying the lessons with my teacher. My confidence pronouncing words and speaking has really come on very very well."
Andrew Cashin
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
Spanish lessons of this type are broader and are aimed towards students with a variety of requirements. While all beginner level students will cover survival Spanish - needed for short visits to countries where English isn't widely spoken, or if you wish to 'go local'; those studying Spanish usually go in different directions at this point, depending on what they need. Those who have benefitted from these Spanish classes have been those investing in or buying property overseas, those married to overseas nationals, people setting off on a round-the-world trip, enthusiasts in Spanish culture, and those enthusiastic to pass a specific exam in Spanish. Inquire now about our Spanish Courses or Take A Free Spanish Level Test
Face-to-Face 1-to-1 (Individual) Business Spanish
Those who would benefit the most from these Spanish tutorials are those who feel they need to learn Spanish to help them out in their business lives. For starters, learning salutations and business etiquette is integral; once these have been practiced then reading and writing lessons can start. Typical studiers have been those involved in international import/export, negotiations and acquisitions, those in multinational companies requiring another language, and those working in any way with international governments and relevant administration. Just our simplest lesson for beginners will have students finishing the lessons with basic telephone and e-mail Spanish, as well as survival Spanish should a visit to the country be necessary. Inquire now about our Spanish Courses or Take A Free Spanish Level Test
Face-to-Face Closed (Private) Group General or Business Spanish
If there are 2 or more of you with the same level of Spanish, the same targets within the language, and be able to study at the same time and location, then you'll be happy to know that these Spanish lessons can also be made available for Two-to-One Spanish Lessons or Small Group In-Company Spanish Lessons. Listen & Learn do not generally recommend classes of more than 6-8 people, although Taster lessons in Spanish can run with up to 12 people. Bookings must be made for all participants at the same time. 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
Our native speaker qualified Spanish language teachers can train you and your colleagues at your office or home at a time to suit you. Classes can be any day of the week (even weekends) in the morning, afternoon or evening. In certain circumstances, if your home or office is not suitable, you can take your classes at the trainer's office. Lesson books 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
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
Top Tips For…
spanish Entertainment
La Casa de Papel - Netflix Series
One of the most popular Netflix shows of the last few years, this suspense series will have you at the edge of your seat. “La Casa de Papel” is about El Profesor, a man who planned the most daring crime in the history of Spain: to break into la Casa de Moneda y Timbre (the Royal Mint) and steal more than 1 billion euros. Will they make it? You will have to tune in to find out. And make sure to watch the series in its original language to improve your listening skills and get used to the European Spanish accent. Beginners can make use of English subtitles, but don’t cheat if you are already speaking the language at an advanced level! Click here to learn more about the series!spanish Entertainment
Cinco de Mayo Festival
Cinco de Mayo is an annual Mexican festival that remembers the army’s victory over the French in the 18th century. Today, it is celebrated all around the USA with fantastic parties that include live mariachi music, traditional food and drinks, and a parade with elaborate costumes. Why not attend this event to meet like-minded people while getting to know more about the culture of the language you are learning? As it is attended by many native speakers living in the country, you’ll surely pick up some vocabulary along the way, like cactus or maracas. Wear a sombrero, have some margaritas and impress the people you meet with your Spanish skills. Learn more about the festival here.El Quijote - Play
An adaptation of the classic Miguel de Cervantes’ novel, this play follows the adventures of Don Quijote. Obsessed with becoming a chivalrous knight, Don Quijote decides to take his sword and, with the help of his trusty squire, Sancho Panza, embarks on an adventure to defend those in need and fight against evil. The play is performed in Spanish with English supertitles at NYC Theater, so you’ll be able to enjoy the experience even if you are just starting out with your Spanish course at Listen & Learn. Learn more about the play here.spanish Songs
Macarena - Los del Río
Have you ever danced to the rhythm of Macarena? This was a massive hit in the 1990s and it’s still heard today in many bars and nightclubs across Latin America. The song is very simple: it talks about Macarena and her moves on the dancefloor. The song is extremely catchy and will surely get stuck in your head, which you can use in your favor to improve your language skills. Research shows that music activates the auditory cortex part of our brains, helping us repeat the song over and over while learning new vocabulary and structures. Dance to the rhythm of this catchy song!spanish Songs
Livin La Vida Loca - Ricky Martin
It can be very useful to listen to familiar songs dubbed in the language you want to learn. Luckily for language students, there are many singers who sing both in English and their native language, like Ricky Martin. So, why not try and listen to “Living la Vida Loca” in Spanish? Released in 1999, the song topped the charts and is still very popular today. It talks about the “crazy life” lived in Puerto Rico and there is a lot of vocabulary repetition and very few tenses, so it’s very easy to understand, even for beginner-level students. Click here to listen to the song!La Tortura - Shakira
“The Torture” is a song that follows the story of a man who cheats on his partner and wants to win her back. Shakira describes her tortured feelings and how hard it is for her to say no to him, knowing he will never change. Apart from being really catchy, the song tells an interesting story, so it’s worth the effort to understand it. Plus, it’s a very powerful way to get some Colombian words and expressions like “no te rajes” or “yo se que no he sido un santo” to stay in your mind long-term. Click here to listen to the song!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 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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Language learned: Spanish in Tucson.
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