Language lessons across the USA and Canada

Call us! 1-877-566-9299 / 1-416-800-9242

SPANISH classes near you: at home, at work, or 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

Image

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 Sports

Image

Learn Vocabulary Watching Soccer

Learning Spanish is much simpler and more motivational when you use materials about topics that really interest you. Some of the most famous soccer teams in the world, like Barcelona or Real Madrid, are from Spain and the Spanish are huge fans of the sport as a result. So, if you are looking to connect with Spanish speakers, what could be better than talking to them about football? Gather together with Spanish speakers and watch some matches on TV networks, like Univision, and soon you’ll soon start to pick up important soccer vocabulary, like how the referee is called árbitro or that a forward (like Messi) is called delantero. Learn more about Spanish teams here!

spanish Sports

Use Ligas to learn Spanish

If you ever go to Spain, you’ll see that the most popular sport in the country is soccer. Every weekend, fans put on their teams’ shirts and sit in front of the TV or attend the local stadium to watch football matches of La Liga, la Liga de Campeones o la Liga del Rey. Watching soccer matches is the perfect way not only to learn some new vocabulary (polivalente, for example, is a player that can take different positions in the field) but also to engage in interesting discussions with your Spanish friends. All of them will have heard about Messi or Suárez, so ask them their opinions on the players with your Spanish skills. Click here to know when the Liga starts!

Watch the World Cup in Spanish

The soccer World Cup is one of the most prestigious sporting tournaments in the world. It takes place every 4 years and attracts millions of attending fans and excited TV viewers, ready to cheer on their nation’s team. But did you know that, for decades, the World Cup has been transmitted inboth English and Spanish in the USA? This is a great chance for Spanish learners to enjoy a world-class sports event while increasing their Spanish vocabulary. Plus, you’ll have an exciting topic to discuss with your Latin American or Spanish friends! Learn more about the World Cup here.

spanish For Kids

Image

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

Image

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 Lifestyle

Image

Sunday Football - Argentina

Argentina is known as the country of tango, asado (barbecue), and, of course, football, one of the most important traditions for men (and women, too!). The passion people hold for this sport extends to all corners of the country. Those who live in Buenos Aires have the privilege of going to “la cancha” (football stadiums) to watch the most exciting matches live, while those who live elsewhere frequently get together with their friends and family on the weekends to watch their favorite teams, like River Plate, Boca, San Lorenzo, and more! Learn more about Argentinian football here!

spanish Lifestyle

Take a Siesta - Spain

Have you ever listened to “La Isla Bonita” by Madonna? Then, you’ll probably know that, after lunch, Spanish people take their siestas. Throughout the country, almost every shop closes during the hottest part of the day so people can rest and take naps. The period traditionally occurs from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., but it can be longer or shorter, depending on the region of Spain. Spanish people take this habit very seriously, even holding sleeping competitions, so don’t be surprised if you ever go to Spain and find all the shops closed in the afternoon! Click here to know more about the "siesta"!

Go for Beer at Tapas Bars - Spain

A tapa is an appetizer in Spanish cuisine that is eaten before dinner. From chips (papas fritas) to chicken fingers or croquettes (croquetas de papa o acelga). And though they are served in small portions, you’ll soon discover they are more than enough to be a complete meal on their own. Combine a few tapas with some beers with friends and taste the best Spanish cuisine on offer. You’ll even find that most regions have their own specialties! For example, Madrid bars use a lot of potato in their tapas, while Barcelona bars use more fish. Want to know more about tapas? Click here!

Testimonials

From our clients all over the world

"Silvia is wonderful and I am hugely pleased with how the lessons have been progressing. Nothing but positive feedback to share! I look forward to continuing."
Alexandra Miller

Spanish course in Online.

"I'm very pleased with our teacher. She is indeed a good fit, and is keenly interested in my progress, which I appreciate. She's extremely intelligent and a great teacher."
Wendy Hannam

Spanish course in Toronto.

"It was a pleasure to meet Angelica. She was friendly and enthusiastic. From the outset, I was both nervous and excited, but she made me feel more comfortable."
Mary Moody

Spanish course in Online.

"My lessons are going well! Gina is a great teacher and with her medical background as well as mine, we are having very interesting discussions!"
Deborah Lee

Spanish course in Honolulu.

"I'm really enjoying my Spanish lessons with Andrea - she's really great to work with and she's really helping with my accent!"
Jack Baker

Spanish course in Pittsburgh.

Client case studies

Have a look at successful and satisfied clients.

Client photo
Jared Crampton Dutch in Regina
My teacher was excellent - the course was one-to-one so it was perfectly tailored to what I was looking for

Our Clients Include

From our clients all over the world

RHI Canada Inc.
Language learned: Portuguese in Oakville.

US Air Force
Language learned: German in Colorado Springs.

Vetoquinol USA, Inc.
Language learned: French in Fort Worth.