You probably already know the benefits of learning Spanish, from getting ahead in the job market to networking with new friends and more! But as with any skill, language mastery takes time — and often money — to achieve.
If you’re wondering how much it costs to learn Spanish, there isn’t one hard-set answer — it really depends on how you’re going about your learning. These days, the Internet makes it easy to find resources to even teach yourself Spanish, without needing a ton of expensive books or software. If you’re on-the-go, free Spanish-learning apps can be a fun way to fit learning into your day.
And when you’re ready to get serious about your studies, the advent of online lesson platforms makes finding a tutor within your budget easier than ever.
So, what’s the right option for you and your budget? Continue reading to learn about five popular options to help you teach yourself Spanish.
How Can I Learn Spanish By Myself Fast?
So can you teach yourself Spanish? Absolutely – but if you want to know how to teach yourself Spanish fast, follow these tips:
- Start by studying the basics of grammar and vocabulary. There are many resources available online and in libraries that can help you with this.
- Once you have a solid foundation, start practicing by talking to native Spanish speakers or using online resources such as Duolingo.
- Listen to Spanish-language news programs or music.
- Try to immerse yourself in the language as much as possible by reading Spanish books and newspapers, watching Spanish movies, and signing up for a Spanish class at a local community center or online.
By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to becoming fluent in no time!
Again, while there’s nothing wrong with wanting to learn how to teach yourself Spanish on your own, taking Spanish lessons, even just one or two, can be an invaluable experience that really accelerates your progress as a learner. Consider signing up for lessons and learn more about the benefits of doing so by watching the video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NroDRzcLZH8
How to Teach Yourself Spanish: 5 Options By Cost
When it comes to learning a new language, Spanish is one of the most popular options. It’s spoken by millions of people all over the world, and with its straightforward grammar structure, it’s a great choice for beginners.
So how much does it cost to learn Spanish? Here are five options to consider. Choose the one that works best for you!
1. Software
The modern version of a workbook is language learning software. While there are many available out there, the most well-known option is Rosetta Stone.
Language software is a great option if you want to set your schedule — sitting down whenever you have some spare time — however, the biggest drawback is the lack of personal attention. You won’t be able to double check of your pronunciation with the software, so you’ll need to rely on your own ear to determine whether you’re getting the syntax and pronunciation correct.
This kind of software can cost you from $30 for a budget option up to a few hundred dollars for a comprehensive study of Spanish.
Example option: Rosetta Stone costs$499 for a 36-month beginner program.
2. Books
This language-learning option was around well before computers, the Internet, or smartphones. A well-crafted book will allow you to learn a language without purchasing multiple resources and building a considerable expense, and similar to software, you can go at your own pace.
Keep in mind, though, that books share the same drawbacks as software as well. Most books will have quizzes or tests at the end of each chapter, but it’s difficult to really gauge your progress outside of that. On top of this, you won’t have the audio that software provides — typically just a phonetic spelling that you’ll need to decipher.
Books can be as inexpensive as $5 secondhand, or over $100 for a textbook.
Example option: Easy Spanish Step-By-Step is a top seller on Amazon, and the paperback version can cost less than $8.
3. Mobile Apps
Nowadays, there’s an app for everything — including tons of apps for learning Spanish. Language-learning apps are quite similar to software, but they are obviously much more portable. It’s an easy option for quick study during your commute, on your breaks, or anywhere else that you bring your smartphone or tablet. In addition to being portable, many of these apps are free.
On the drawback side, however — keep in mind that these apps typically set your path for you and assume your goals. Because of this, you might get stuck at a certain “level,” even if what you really want (or need) to learn is introduced much later on.
Mobile apps may be free and ad-supported, or require a monthly subscription of $5 up to $40 or even more.
Example option: Download TakeLessons Live for free to access live, online classes in a variety of languages.
4. Online Learning Websites
Don’t want to install software or download an app? Another learning method comes in the form of websites or tutorial videos. It shares the same drawbacks as apps and software, in that they’re not targeted to your specific goals. While there are certainly some great sites out there, there’s also a handful of not-so-great options — ones that rely on memorization and repetition, instead of real-life scenarios for learning.
Online resources can also be free and ad-supported, or require a monthly subscription of $10 to $50 or more.
Example options: Check out LearnWithOliver, or our other recommendations for Spanish-learning websites for adults, or free Spanish-learning websites for kids.
5. Tutoring
Whether you seek an online tutor that you meet over video chat, or an in-person tutor that you meet with regularly, tutors are easily the most bang-for-your-buck.
You have complete control over the pace of your learning (your tutor will monitor progress and only proceed when you have mastered the current Spanish segment), instantaneous feedback on pronunciation errors, and the ability to ask questions about anything that you’re having trouble with. As you’re weighing options and considering how much a tutor will cost, it’s important to realize how much more you’re getting for the expense.
Tutors with TakeLessons set their own rates, which gives you a wide variety of options. You can typically find tutors for as little as $15 per hour up to $100 per hour, depending on experience.
Example option: A native Spanish speaker and TakeLessons Student Favorite, Georgina L. teaches beginners, intermediate, and advanced students at $30 per hour.
How Long Does Learning Spanish for Beginners Take?
For many people, learning a new language can seem like a daunting task. But with a little time and effort, it is possible to make significant progress in a relatively short amount of time. So how long does it take to learn Spanish for beginners?
Studies have shown that most people need about 600 hours of instruction to reach a basic level of proficiency. However, this number will vary depending on factors such as the individual’s native language and previous exposure to the Spanish language.
For example, someone who is already familiar with other Romance languages may be able to pick up Spanish more quickly than someone with no prior knowledge of any foreign language. In general, though, it takes most people several months of dedicated study to develop basic conversational skills in Spanish.
With continued practice and exposure, however, even advanced learners can continue to improve their fluency for years to come.
How to Teach Yourself Spanish for Free
Learning a new language can, again, be daunting, but it can also be immensely rewarding. If you’re interested in learning Spanish but aren’t sure where to start, there are plenty of resources available online that can help.
One great way to learn Spanish is by using a program like Duolingo. Duolingo offers interactive lessons that cover everything from basic vocabulary to grammar and sentence construction. The best part is that it’s completely free to use.
Another helpful resource is the website Live Mocha. Live Mocha offers video-based lessons taught by native Spanish speakers. You can also practice your conversation skills by chatting with other users from around the world. While Live Mocha does offer a paid subscription, you can still access many of the features for free.
Finally, don’t forget about YouTube. There are literally thousands of videos on YouTube that can help you learn Spanish. Whether you’re looking for lessons on specific topics or just want to immerse yourself in the language, YouTube is a great resource.
So there you have it: three great ways to teach yourself Spanish for free. Just remember to be patient, Practice regularly, and most importantly, have fun!
How Do YOU Teach Yourself Spanish?
When it comes to how to teach yourself Spanish at home, the reality is that no two learners will learn the best in the same way – there is no single best way to teach yourself Spanish.
When it comes to learning Spanish, there are many different methods that can be effective.
Some people prefer to attend classes, while others prefer to learn on their own. There are also a variety of online and offline resources that can be used to learn the language. However, the most important factor in determining how quickly you will learn Spanish is your motivation. If you are determined to learn the language, you will find that there are many different ways to go about it.
Signing up for Spanish lessons can be a great way to learn the language. However, there are many different types of classes and programs available, so it’s important to find the right one for you.
So there you have it — several options for learning Spanish, all at your fingertips! Best of luck with your studies, and let us know if you need any help getting started. Going the tutoring route? Find Spanish tutors in your area and compare prices with a search here at TakeLessons!
Photos by Devon D’Ewart, LexnGer, Tom Raftery, S Martin, Jeremy Wilburn
Suzy S.