Learning a language like Spanish has tons of benefits, for adults and children alike. But how much should you expect to invest, if it’s something you’re serious about learning? There are few outlets for free Spanish lessons for beginners, but they’re not always the best option. Books may provide vocabulary and grammar lessons, but you’re missing out on hearing the language spoken. YouTube videos can be fun to watch, but you’re missing out on that essential component of conversation with another Spanish speaker.
Below, we’ve listed some suggestions to consider for finding tutoring options at a rate that you can afford.
How much do lessons really cost?
The average cost of one-on-one Spanish lessons can range from as little as $10 to as much as $50 for an hour-long session. The rate is typically determined by a few factors:
Supply and Demand
One factor is your location. The cost of your Spanish lesson depends in part on how many Spanish tutors are in the area and the level of demand for Spanish tutors. If, for example, you live in Southern California where there are thousands of native Spanish speakers, it may be possible to find a tutor for less money. However, if you live in an area where Spanish isn’t as prevalent, it’s likely you will have to pay more for lessons. Also, the cost of a tutor in urban cities is generally more expensive than rural areas. With TakeLessons, you can filter your results based on your ideal price point.
Tutor’s Experience
Another factor is your tutor’s experience. There is typically a correlation between the experience level of a tutor and the cost of the lessons. Tutors with college degrees or PhDs in Spanish will be more expensive than current college students or recent graduates just beginning their teaching careers.
Lesson Location
Finally, consider the location of the lesson. Some tutors will charge you more if they have to travel far to teach, so to cut down on costs, try to arrange your tutoring session either at your tutor’s residence, or at a mutually convenient public place, like a library. If you’re technologically savvy, you can increase your tutoring options and eliminate any travel costs altogether through video chat sessions and online Spanish lessons.
Are there any additional costs?
Once you find your tutor, any additional cost for Spanish lessons is pretty low. There are tons of free Spanish games, podcasts, and websites that you can use without spending more money. In fact, the only other materials you will need are likely a notebook and pencil, and maybe a workbook or textbook that your tutor can recommend to help structure the lessons.
What are the benefits of learning Spanish?
Learning a new language is a lot of work, but it’s well worth the time and money. You’ll be able to engage with people from different cultures, increase your career opportunities, expand your network, make new friends, and much more. While there are few options for free Spanish lessons for beginners, tutoring is an easy and affordable option for learning a new language. Check out TakeLessons to find a great Spanish tutor in your area!
Photo by Keith Williamson
Suzy S.