Will the class be enjoyable?
Classes are led by experienced instructors who thoroughly enjoy their profession, and in turn motivate students. The materials and methodology follow state-of-the-art, interactive, student-centered techniques, designed to fully involve students. Students have a chance to practice speaking in class, with the instructor and with other students.
What will I learn?
HABLA’s textbooks follow a function-based syllabus, which means that students learn how to actually do things in Spanish – how to interact in different useful contexts. After a 15-hour Beginners-1 class, a student will walk away feeling confident in his or her ability to interact with others in Spanish, at a basic level. In Intermediate and Advanced classes this experience is expanded on.
For more details on each level, please click on the corresponding tab in the sidebar.
How are the classes taught? Are the classes “conversational”?
A huge focus is placed on speaking, and students will spend most of each lesson speaking to each other and to the instructor.
However, each course also covers elements of vocabulary, basic grammar, pronunciation, and listening. All of these elements are taught with a conversational approach, but since there is a structured syllabus, the class offers much more than a simple “conversation class” would. You will actually learn Spanish.
Just how “legal” is the Legal Spanish Class? Is it full of “legalese”?
Is the “Business for Professionals” course full of technical business jargon, or will I learn regular Spanish, too?
The courses, especially at Beginner Levels, are designed with the primary goal of building strong foundations in general Spanish. You will learn to introduce yourself and talk about yourself and others, as well as grammar and vocabulary to help you in any situation, at work and outside of work.
Depending on which program you enroll in, and the organization that it is affiliated with, there may be different degrees of vocabulary targeting a particular industry. Even in these cases, the language taught is practical and useful to people outside that sector, as well.
For example, the “Spanish for Business Professionals” course and textbook include vocabulary for talking about coworkers and employees, and a section for ordering at a restaurant while entertaining out-of-town business guests.
The courses offered through the Houston Young Lawyers Association include vocabulary that is important to lawyers, such as “client”, “documents” and “to defend”. Most vocabulary taught is not overly technical, and lawyers and non-lawyers alike have been attending these classes for years with great benefit.
If you have further questions about whether a class will fit your needs, please contact us.
Can I join a class that has already started?
At most levels, there is no problem having a student join a class after it has started, provided it is not full. If you join after the third time a class meets, you will receive a prorated tuition discount. Students wishing to join a Beginners-1 course after it has started should first contact HABLA to inquire about “catch-up” lessons prior to joining.
What if I’d like to participate in a group class, but the established times and locations don’t work for me?
Chances are, there are other people in your same situation, and we’d love to form a new group for you. If you are interested in participating in a group, but need to meet at a different time and/or location than the ones currently established, please download the form Forming a Group through H.A.B.L.A. You can fill in your preferences for scheduling and location, and e-mail the form to us. We will then contact you once we are able to form a group that fits your needs.
