Question: Hablo un poquito, pero solo apprendando.

256 — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 14:21:51 -0800

Best structured cheap or free Spanish conversation classes in Toronto (better yet, at the University of Toronto)?

A recent trip to Central America has reminded me that I'm actually right on the cusp of being able to genuinely speak Spanish. I have a vocabulary of probably 750-1000 words and basically speak Spanish just a little bit better than my two and a half year old speaks English.

That's something. It's enough that I can always communicate and understand things of importance. But attempting to carry on a casual conversation is incredibly draining and I know that I always mangle my tenses and irregular conjugations. I'm looking for a conversation class, ideally with at least a little structure, to help me improve on the cheap or free.

I'm an active student at the University of Toronto if that opens any doors. I would have assumed that Hart House would have some sort of Spanish language learnign club but, if they do, I can't find it.

I'm a little bit leery of just going on craigslist and advertising for a language swap because I know from experience about the flakiness of craigslist instructors and the value of at least a minimally classroom-like environment. Also, I feel like being in the company of at least one fluent bilingual speaker would speed things considerably.

Also, I have tried the self-directed learning software route and, while it has helped me build my vocab somewhat, I really feel that I need a conversation partner at this point.

By: Kololo

Kololo — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 14:33:34 -0800

I don't know much about it, but for my entire life the Spanish Centre has plastered the TTC with advertisements for Spanish language classes and cultural activities. If you trust this group of 4 people on Yelp, Yelp says they're good.

By: univac

univac — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 00:15:18 -0800

Find a tutor on Craigslist.

Make sure they're a native Spanish speaker, and you probably want someone from Central or South America, if you think you'll mostly be speaking with people in/from those areas.

Comments on: Hablo un poquito, pero solo apprendando.

Question: Hablo un poquito, pero solo apprendando.

By: Kololo

By: univac