Group Spanish Classes
Why study Spanish at the LAA?
Communicative Approach • Small Groups • Over 15 Years of Experience
Friendly Native Teachers • Intercambio • Cultural Events
¡Me encanta hablar español! How about you? For more than 15 years, the Latin American Association has been the expert provider of Spanish language and cultural instruction in Atlanta.Start learning Spanish today with the LAA! Ours is a comfortable, interactive approach to language learning. Class sizes range from small to moderate, and we work to create a learner-centered environment with a focus on interaction in groups or pairs. Students have the opportunity to practice Spanish with students enrolled in the LAA English as a Second Language classes during our weekly Intercambio sessions. The Intercambio provides a unique opportunity for students to practice and reinforce their newly acquired language skills with native speakers of the target language.
2012 Group Class Schedule - Weekday & Saturday Sessions
Please note: Class schedule is subject to change. The number of students required to open a class is 4.
The LAA reserves the right to cancel a class if this requirement is not met.
Tuition and Fees
New Students - $240
Returning Students - $210
Required Texbook Information
Levels 1 - 8
Viajes: Introducción al español, 1st Edition (Covers levels 1 – 8)
Publisher: Cengage Learning
Authors: Robert Hershberger, Susan Navey-Davis, Guiomar Borrás A.
For students who wish to buy the materials from www.amazon.com the ISBNs are: Student Textbook - ISBN - 1428231307 Audio CDs (2) - ISBN - 9781428289840
Important Note: The Viajes textbook will replace the use of the Avenidas textbook starting in January 2012.
Intermediate & Advanced Levels
Rumbos: Curso intermedio de español, 2nd Edition (Covers levels Intermediate and Advanced)
Publisher: Cengage Learning
Price: $142 (includes a new student textbook plus 2 audio CDs.)
For students who wish to buy the materials from www.amazon.com the ISBNs are: Student Textbook - ISBN - 1428262261 Audio CDs (2) - ISBN - 0495800880
For more information call Lana Gavrilov (404) 638-1802 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Frequently Asked QuestionsWho teaches your classes?All of our teachers are native speakers of Spanish or have native speaker proficiency. Unlike many programs, all teachers have training in teaching Spanish as a Second Language and are not just native speakers who are hired under the belief that any native speaker can teach a class.
Are classes conducted in Spanish?Isn't immersion best? Immersion, when classes are conducted totally in the target language, works for some students, those who respond well to the challenge of not understanding the teacher 100%. For others, immersion creates a lot of anxiety that may block students from learning. Since there are different learning styles, at the Latin American Association we believe that we must teach in a way that does not exclude anyone. Therefore, we use as much Spanish as possible in the class, but it is not a total immersion program. Logically, the use of Spanish by the teacher increases with each level. In the higher levels, classes are conducted almost exclusively in Spanish.
How big are the classes?Classes range from 8-20 students. We know that many students would like a class of 3-6 students in the belief that they will have more opportunities for interaction and more attention from the teacher. However, we have found that the size of the class is not the only variable for practice and attention; rather, it is the way the teacher manages the class. Breaking into small groups and pairs allows the teacher to circulate around the room to work with individual students on an as-needed basis. In addition, we find that with small group work, students can practice with a partner rather than speaking in front of the whole group, which can be anxiety-provoking.
What kind of Spanish do you teach?At the Latin American Association, we teach standard Spanish that is used in all Spanish countries. We do, however, teach students regional differences in vocabulary and pronunciation. Contrary to popular belief, there is no variety of Spanish that is "better" or "purer" than another. There are some vocabulary and pronunciation (accent) differences in the different varieties of Spanish, but they are relatively minor, similar to the differences between British English and American English, for example. All varieties of Spanish-from those spoken in Spain to those spoken in Chile-are mutually intelligible; that is, it is all the same language and all Spanish speakers understand each other perfectly.
How long will it take me to become fluent?Learning a language is a long process and really, lasts a lifetime. There are many factors which influence how long it will take someone to learn a language, including motivation, experience learning a foreign language, level of commitment, contact with the target language outside the classroom, and time. Generally speaking, although some programs make promises about learning Spanish in days or weeks, truthfully, it takes approximately 2 years for students to get to the advanced level. However, you should be able to communicate in Spanish on a limited basis in a short time.
Do you offer make-up classes if I have to miss a class?Unfortunately, we cannot offer individual make-up classes.
Do you offer onsite classes for business and nonprofits? What about customized classes?Yes. The Education and Language Services department offers onsite Spanish classes & customized Spanish classes for employers wishing to offer classes in the workplace. In the past, we have worked with a wide variety of clients including employers in the healthcare/medical, legal, mortgage, real estate, financial and social services fields. We also offer translation and interpretation services. Still have questions? Call us at 404-638-1802 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Spanish Placement Tests
Students with prior knowledge of Spanish are invited to take a FREE placement evaluation when registering for the first time with the Latin American Association (LAA). This placement evaluation will help us better understand what your strengths and needs are. Based on the results, we will be able to recommend the course best suited to your current level.
Please take one of the following tests to determine your level:
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