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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

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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 Books

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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 News

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Univision

Univision is an American Spanish-language television network where you can watch the daily news, telenovelas (Spanish-speaking soap operas), and more. It also has a free-access website where you can read articles written in Spanish about Mexico, Latin America in general, and American politics. This is the country's largest provider of Spanish-language content, so you’ll find a lot of diverse information about Mexican celebrities, news and politics which impact the Spanish-speaking community, and updates about your favorite Spanish shows, for example. The website is recommended for intermediate to advanced students as the language can be quite complex. Get started with news in Spanish here!

spanish News

Estrella TV

Estrella TV is an American television network that broadcasts programs and news in European Spanish. You can tune into one of their shows and learn more about local and international news, current reality shows, and sports. The vocabulary they use is a bit formal, which will come in handy if you plan to use your Spanish skills at work or to apply for a new job. Also, you can visit Estrella TV’s website to read the news instead of just listening. The articles are very short and use simple words and sentences, which is perfect for beginner-level students who want to start reading in Spanish. Get started with news in Spanish here!

Telemundo

Telemundo is the second-largest provider of Spanish content in the USA and is owned by Comcast. This television network broadcasts programs (telenovelas, sports, reality shows, etc.) and news either imported or Spanish dubbed. And if you want to improve your reading skills while learning more about what’s going on in Latin America, you can access Telemundo Digital Media’s website, where you can find articles about celebrities, politics, the economy, and sports. They are usually quite short and written using simple language, so beginner and intermediate-level students can read these real-life materials and take their Spanish to the next level. Get started with news in Spanish here!

spanish Comedy

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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.

spanish Lifestyle

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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!

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Language learned: Spanish in Durham, NC.

Styl Game
Language learned: Italian in Las Vegas.

Vanderbilt University Scholar
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