I attended "Habla Hispana" on Calzada de la Luz in Sept. It was pretty laid back, but the classes progressed slowly as there were 2 unmotivated students and an older woman who had no clue. They have a great family home on Reloj (I think # 55) for immersion. The mama is a world class cook and 3 of her 4 children are college grads and the 4th is a junior. Acad. Hispano Americana on Mesones is highly regarded but stressful with tons of homework - the students are very highly motivated. I'm going there next time as I'll get a 25% discount with an FM 3 visa. Warren Hardy is busy and gets good marks from middle-aged and older students. The one on one from the Instituto has mostly rave feedback.

M

I just completed the Warren Hardy Level 2 course. It's difficult, but he is a fabulous teacher! Very innovative language-learning techniques that get you speaking right away. I've studied lots of languages and Warren's course is one of the best I've ever taken....

Hello, I am 61 years old and have taken a couple of adult education classes but find that they are mostly geared to young people who have had several years of spanish training and are refreshing their spanish for trips, work, etc. What school would you recommend for me as an older learner who has a little knowledge of spanish but unable to make sentences at this point. Thanks Jan

thegoodjr,

I think the Warren Hardy might be best.

M

I recommend Warren Hardy's course very highly. Though I had taken two years of Spanish way back in high school, my memory of the language didn't kick in at all until Warren's class. Just make sure that the partner you are paired with is as motivated as you are...

Penny

I studied (total immersion) at Academia Hispano Americana in 1993, and, complimented those studies by taking one-on-one classes with Warren Hardy (I don't think he does that any more, it was prior to his great, and well-deserved, success) and tutors from his program.

Study at the Academia is indeed tough, especially for beginners. The program has some excellent advanced instructors, too. And, home stays are arrainged by the school.

Here's the webpage address for the Academia:

http://www.ahaspeakspanish.com/

Warren Hardy specializes in teaching North Americans (Americans and Canadians), of all ages. It seems that many Canadians and Americans have difficulty acquiring languages other than their native tongue and he's developed a system that helps us learn better than do many other programs (especially in short time periods).

Over the years, I've met many people who've traveled to SMA to study in formal programs at various language institutes and most people felt frustrated or "left out" of the process. Many of those people went on to study with Warren Hardy and frequently say they learned more in two weeks with Hardy than they did in a month at an institute.

If you're interested in learning more about Warren Hardy's programs, follow this webpage address:

http://www.warrenhardy.com/

Hardy, too, is an accomplished painter - a wonderful artist, a fact that many people passing through is program are unaware of. Oh, and if while in SMA you need a good massage, Warren's wife might just be the best masseuse in the region (and she operates her own business doing just that).

Nope, I'm not affiliated with Hardy . . . just an admirer and an example that even the most challenged of students can learn to speak Spanish.

Enjoy the adventure!