*Updated: Top Language Learning Courses of 2016*
Learning a second language is often believed to be an impossible hurdle for most to overcome. Essentially, no matter how well you can express yourself in your native language, you have to embrace yourself as a complete novice in communication again. and that is a pill that is tough to swallow.
Whether you are in your 20’s, 40’s, 60’s, or even older, it is never too late to implement a new language into your daily life. Consider all of the benefits of learning a new language. They rewards extend far beyond acquiring any other skill set.
If you desire to be able to express your questions, feelings, and statements through Spanish then you must take the first step in that process. If you want to open up a surplus of opportunities then you need to take action now.
But not just any action, you must take smart action. As the saying goes…. “work smarter, not harder.”
Work smarter, not harder
What works for some may not necessarily work for others. Likewise, what works for me may not necessarily work for you. You have to experiment and see what resonates with you to truly find what is the for you. Nonetheless, I have compiled a list of the best programs for learning Spanish from my personal experiences.
My reviews will expand on the positives and negatives of each language learning software and how they are tailored for different types of individuals. So without further ado, here are the top language systems for beginners to learning Spanish:
The Good:
- Emphasizes modern, everyday, spoken Latin American Spanish.
- Teaches you to speak how natives actually talk.
- Easily accessible online course from anywhere
- Voice recognition tool which compares your pronunciation to native speakers.
- Role playing tracks teach you to respond automatically in conversations
- Comprehensive tests covering all learning angles
- Access to active Language Learning Community Forum
- The most consolidated online course for beginners
The Bad:
- Mobile application could be improved for offline listening
- Not the best option if you’re interested in solely learning Iberian Spanish (AKA: traditional Spanish spoken in Spain).
Recommended for:
- Individuals more interested in learning to speak Spanish rather than solely read and write it.
- Those looking to learn Latin American Spanish (AKA: the Spanish spoken in Latin America, the United States, Canada, etc).
- Individuals who would like to learn to speak the same everyday common spoken Spanish that is used by Natives.
- Individuals who have Spanish speaking friends, relatives, customers, or colleagues that they would like to be able to converse with and understand everyday spoken Spanish.
- Beginners to Spanish with little knowledge of the language, if any.
Not recommended for:
- Those interested in specifically learning traditional Iberian Spanish.
- Those who are more interested in learning the formal grammar rules of writing Spanish as opposed to speaking the language.
* For more information on Rocket Spanish you can see my full in-depth review .
The Good:
- Focuses on everyday informal Latin American Spanish spoken in your work, community, etc.
- Similar to Rocket Languages, it is another one of the best language learning software for the same common spoken Spanish that is used by natives.
- Moves at a nice pace to really make you feel your progressing nicely.
- Effectively builds upon knowledge learned in the previous lessons.
The Bad:
- While the course is very comprehensive it does move a little fast at times covering many new vocabulary words each lesson.
Recommended for:
- Beginner to semi- intermediate Spanish Speakers.
- Individuals interested in learning everyday common Spanish spoken in your communities
- Learners who like to move at a bit faster pace
Not recommended for:
- Those interested in specifically learning more “old school” formal traditional Spanish.
- Those who are more interested in learning the formal grammar rules of writing Spanish as opposed to speaking the language.
* You can find more information on Learning Spanish Like Crazy .
The Good:
- Covers many useful phrases intended for travel, business, etc.
- Uses proven reinforcement techniques to hardwired what you have learned.
- Role playing tracks teach you to respond automatically in conversations.
The Bad:
- While the course does cover some everyday spoken Spanish its core emphasis lies in teaching you to speak in situations of travel and business.
Recommended for:
- Beginners to Spanish looking to learn the language for purposes of business or travel.
- Those taking an immediate trip to a Spanish speaking country in the coming weeks who need a crash course of the basics.
Not recommended for:
- Those interested in learning everyday spoken Spanish to be able to converse on topics beyond business and travel.
* You can find the Synergy Spanish course .
The Good:
- Accompanied by convenient mobile application that allows you to take your lessons on the go.
- Integrates a video tutor with a range of engaging, interactive workouts to improve your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.
- Great for visual learners as it incorporates images and words with audio.
The Bad:
- The course can feel like it’s moving extremely slow at times.
- The abundance of images makes the tests a bit easier than I think they should be.
Recommended for:
- Complete beginners to learning the language of Spanish.
- Individuals who like to learn at a much slower pace.
Not recommended for:
- Those who like to move at a normal to faster pace
- Those interested in conversing in the language more than matching pictures with words
* You can find the Fluenz Spanish Learning Program here on .
The Good:
- Comprehensive course covering an array of beginner topics.
- Combines both audio and visual books into their learning system.
The Bad:
- The course doesn’t go far beyond the basics. (However, for an introductory Spanish Learning course it does give you the best bang for your buck).
Recommended for:
- Complete beginners to the language of Spanish.
- Those looking to learn basic and essential phrases, greetings, questions, statements, etc.
Not recommended for:
- Individuals interested in learning to speak everyday spoken Spanish beyond the basics.
- Individuals looking to be able to fully understand and communicate ideas, feelings, emotions, and controversial topics in Spanish.
* You can find the Living Languages Spanish Course here on .
Conclusion:
Thank you for reading my reviews on the best Spanish learning software. If you are ready to make the jump into taking your learning into your own hands then I hope one of these programs will guide you there.
Whether you are an absolute beginner, novice, or a semi-intermediate speaker there is a course for everyone. There are programs designed for audio-learners, visual learners, and combinations of both.
But remember, at the end of the day these courses are just a tool for you. You must commit to using the tool as often as you can and you will be surprised how far you can go.
Sometimes all you need is a little encouragement… so here you go:
Despite what you may think right now, I can confidently say, that if you give one of these programs a try you will be taking the first step towards speaking and understanding the new language.
Because success is a behavior not a state of being. Action creates behavior. Repeated behavior creates habit. And as you know, habit defines success. If you take the action today you will reap the benefits tomorrow.
Cheers and best of luck!
Good luck!