"My first class was great! Norman is wonderful."
Candace Haddock
Spanish course in Online.
Spanish Lessons in Oshawa
Do you want to improve your life in Oshawa dramatically? If your answer is yes, then the best thing you can do to make that happen is to start learning Spanish, as it’s one of the fastest ways to access better job positions in the city and enjoy a more active social life. The reason why it’s so beneficial to speak Spanish in Oshawa is due to how widespread the language is. In fact, according to the 2011 census, it’s the third most commonly used foreign language after Italian and Polish, with around 2,520 native speakers living in the city and many Canadian-born residents who choose to study it as a second language. As a result, if you become a fluent speaker, the way you experience the city will change, as you’ll start appreciating the many events and institutions around Oshawa that celebrate the many Spanish-speaking cultures, and you’ll be able to build better relationships with many members of the foreign-born community that come from the more than 21 different countries where Spanish is an official language.
Why Study Spanish in Oshawa?
Learn Spanish for Work and Travel
No matter what it is you do for a living, learning Spanish will make you more employable in Oshawa. If you’re currently in between jobs, having Spanish on your CV will allow you to apply for better-paid positions in the area such as Data Management Associate for Thermo Fisher Scientific, Bilingual Account Specialist for Randstad Canada and Bilingual Sales Advisor for Mosaic North America. Additionally, being bilingual will increase your chances of working in some of the most important sectors in the city, which include healthcare, educational services and IT, even if the position you’re interested in doesn’t require you to speak more than one language. The reason behind this is that most employers will see you as an asset to their companies or businesses since as a Spanish speaker you’ll be able to improve their communication with a larger number of potential clients and help them build better relationships with foreign companies from Europe or Latin America. On the other hand, if you have your own business in the city, speaking Spanish will allow you to take advantage of Oshawa’s proximity to the country’s most important economic hub, which is Toronto, and start doing business with the large Hispanic community who lives there. This will help your business grow outside the city and get access to unique opportunities that can change your life forever.
Learn Spanish for Social
If you’re interested in listening to Spanish and Latin American Music, you can’t miss the annual Oshawa Music Week, a week-long series of events that takes place in April at the Durham College, located at 2000 Simcoe Street, and other wonderful venues around the city. The festival, presented by students of the Music Business program of Durham College, features entertainment for music lovers, including live concerts from local and international artists, and education for aspiring and established music professionals. The most impressive event of the festival is the World Music Concert, which showcases some of the best musicians and performers from all around the world and members of the local foreign-born community who represent their culture by playing amazing songs in their native languages. By attending, you’ll get the chance to get to get to know wonderful singers and bands from Latin America and Spain, as well as enjoy the many talented artists from the local Hispanic community who deliver show-stopping performances in Spanish every year.
Learn Spanish for Culture
A great way to meet other Spanish speakers and put your skills to the test is to attend one of the events organized by the Hispanic Alliance of Durham. Located at 123 Athol Street, it provides social, cultural and educational activities for the Hispanic community and the general population in Oshawa and the whole Durham region. They hold different events in both English and Spanish that you can attend, including live music in Spanish, film screenings that highlight Latin and Spanish cinema, dancing lessons, game nights and more. These events are usually free and provide the perfect opportunity to meet members of the Hispanic community in the area, so don’t be shy and take advantage of this wonderful chance to practice your Spanish and immerse yourself in the different cultures you can find around the city.
Where to learn Spanish in and around Oshawa?
The Delpark Homes Centre Library, located at 1661 Harmony Road, is a wonderful place to study Spanish on your own or with other friends who love the language as much as you do. This library has many useful resources you can use to develop your basic Spanish skills, like writing your first sentences in the language and working on your grammar. Some of the course books you should check out are The Everything Essential Spanish Book by Julie Gutin, a quick and easy guide to get started learning the language and Countdown to Spanish by Gail Stein, which has 24 units that move quickly from a basic introduction of grammar and vocabulary to practical conversational skills for both vacation and business travellers. However, if you want to reach intermediate or advanced levels, using these kinds of materials on your own won’t be enough. Instead, why don’t you take a language course? At Listen & Learn, we have qualified Spanish native teachers that can take your skills to the next level! All you have to do to get started is send us a quick inquiry, and one of our team members will contact you as soon as possible to answer any questions you might have! After that, one of our tutors will create unique lessons that fit all of your requirements that you can enjoy at home, in your office or if you travel a lot, you can have them online using Skype, Google Meet or Zoom.
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
These lessons in Spanish are meant for those that feel that learning Spanish would make a change in their work. For starters, it is expedient to learn how to say hello/goodbye, as well as basic business protocol; once the basics have been mastered, reading and writing come to the fore. Students who have greatly benefitted have been involved in import/export, international negotiations and acquisitions, jobseekers in multinational companies where another language is required, and those working in the international academia and government circuits. Even on our most fundamental beginner's lesson, students can anticipate ending the lesson with basic telephone Spanish and e-mail Spanish skills for communicating, as well as survival Spanish if a short visit to the country is needed. 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
Our native-speaking qualified Spanish teachers can guide you and your group at your work or at home, at a time convenient to you. Classes can take place on any day of the week - even weekends - morning, afternoon or evening. If needs be, if meeting at your office or home is not suitable, you can take your lessons at the trainer's office. Study materials are supplied for you. 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 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 Sports
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
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!Testimonials
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Invisible Children
Language learned: French in San Diego.
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