Is Spanish Language Software for You?

Made the decision to learn Spanish? Great! All you need to do now is decide if you want to buy Spanish language software or take a classroom-based course.

It’s an important decision, and it’s one that I am going to help you make, right now! When deciding, you need to consider four things: Fear and Procrastination, convenience, cost, and personality.

Fear and Procrastination

You probably didn’t expect this to be on top of the list, but, trust me, it’s important. Why? Because after years of teaching languages I can tell you first hand that the number one problem for language learners is embarrassment.

Some people, me included, just aren’t comfortable being put on the spot, trying to spit out unfamiliar words and phrases in front of a classroom full of strangers.

Of course, many will tell you that you need to get over your fears, that you need to get out there and take chances and learn from your mistakes, and I agree. But, this isn’t about self-improvement.

It’s about learning Spanish quickly and easily, and, at the end of the day, I learn best at home with an interactive Spanish language software or web-based program. So, be honest with yourself. Is fear causing you to procrastinate? If so, stop worrying and just grab yourself some Spanish language software.

Convenience

You may be leaning towards a classroom-based Spanish course. After all, they have many advantages. You can meet new people. You get structure and guidance, and you get to get out of the house for a while. Is what’s fun in the beginning, though, going to become a chore after the initial excitement wears off.

If the course is near your home, and easy to get to, great! Go with a classroom-based course, if that is what you desire. On the other hand, if the course is a chore to get to, if you’re going to have to sit in traffic or take public transportation, you may find that getting there is more trouble than it’s worth, in which case you’d be better off with Spanish language software.

Cost

Are you on a budget? If so, then the choice is easy. You can get an engaging, highly interactive, and very effective Spanish language software program for about a hundred bucks. If you take a Spanish course, you may pay that much just for your textbook! Plus, of course, there is tuition, transportation, sign-up costs, etc. associated with a classroom-based course.

So, if you really want a classroom-based course, and if you have the funds set aside for it, then, by all means, go and enjoy yourself. If you are on a budget, though, don’t make the mistake of thinking that Spanish language software is a second-rate option. Today’s software and web-based courses are every bit as good as classroom-based courses, and, for some, even better.

Personality

You may be thinking that Spanish language software is the way to go. Not so fast! It’s time to be honest again. Would you describe yourself as a disciplined person? Can you make a study schedule and stick to it? If not, you run the risk of buying Spanish language software and then never using it.

Classroom-based courses, on the other hand, provide a bit more structure, as long as you show up to class! Also, are you one of those people who constantly craves human interaction. Do you get bored easily if you spend too much time alone? If that’s the case, you may find that studying with Spanish language software is a real bore, in which case a classroom-based course would be better for you.

Final Thoughts

Both joining a Spanish language course and studying with Spanish language software are great ways to Master the Spanish language. Each option offers both advantages and disadvantages. In the end, you must consider fear and procrastination, convenience, cost, and your own personality traits to decide which method is best for you. Do so thoroughly, and you will embark on an interesting and successful journey of Spanish language and culture learning.

Best of luck!

Sincerely,

Ryan Wiley