I’m about to finish up my second semester of Spanish at my university, and, if I do say so myself, I’m doing pretty well. It’s looking like I won’t be able to fit another course through them into my schedule until summer 2010, though. I don’t really want to wait a whole year to pick back up, nor does the prospect of using Spanish with my limited grammar sound like a good prospect. Of course, I could take classes on here (duh!), but I have to admit that I’m pretty shy as a student.

How difficult do you all think it would be for me to pick up the rest on my own? I tried teaching myself Japanese, and I had everything downpat except for grammar. I just couldn’t handle it at all. On the other hand, Spanish is a lot more similar to English. With the right resources and practice, would it be reasonable to expect to end up with the same level of proficiency as with a formal class?

I know this is a totally up in the air question, and the results vary from person to person. But, in general, would you advise for or against it?

Leah. Learning a new language requires practice. And that means speaking it.

Reading it, without listening to the correct pronunciation will lead you into trouble in the future. I’ve had many students who knew a lot of vocabulary, because of reading. But, when they listened to the correct pronunciation, they were totally lost.

Join one of my Spanish classes. Some are only once a week. Don’t be shy. Everybody is here for the same reason. Judith had me stuttering last week in German. Nothing happened…..I survived

Enrique – Thanks. I plan on looking for a language partner with whom to practice over Skype if I don’t think I can brave a class on here. At the very least, I’d like to practice my speaking one-on-one with someone before letting a whole class of people hear me. XP

When my current class is over, I’ll start dipping my toes in the class waters.

@Leah. My skype: eckates Feel free to call me

Enrique – You’re very kind! Thanks!

I am willing to talk to you and practice Spanish as well if we work out a schedule. Message me and we can discuss it if you are interested.

Have a great day, and good luck! ~

Hi Leah,

Have you tried personal classes (one to one)? They are highly effective. If you want to try one feel free to email me.
Bye bye,
Victoria.

Hola my name is Thomas I have been studying spanish on my own with all the free websites I need a partner because i have no one to speak with i will have webcam tomorrow and i will also download skype from what i read in these post

Bienvenido Thomas!
Welcome Thomas!