Assuming that online Spanish language courses will benefit your learning process, the real question is “How much are you willing to pay to improve your Spanish?”.
When it comes to learning Spanish, there are a lot of different options out there. The study that you do on your own can be supplemented by taking an in-person class in your area, spending time in a Spanish-speaking country to immerse yourself in the language, or by signing up for an online Spanish course. But with so many different options, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. Let’s take a look at online Spanish language courses in general and whether or not they’re worth the money. We’ll explore the pros and cons of taking an online course, so that you can make the best decision for your needs.
What are online Spanish language courses?
There are essentially two types of online Spanish course.
- Those that feature live video calls with a teacher and maybe some other students.
- Apps or courses that have a lot of written, audio or video material, but that do not feature live interactions with a human being.
Pros and cons of online language courses
Online courses offer a flexible schedule so you can learn at your own pace and around your commitments. This makes them ideal for busy people who want to learn Spanish but can’t commit to a regular class.
Pros
If you pick a course that features live calls with a teacher then they give you the opportunity to practice your Spanish skills with native speakers from the comfort of your own home. No travel costs or time wasted, and no issues with staying safe from Covid or any other disease. Online courses offer the convenience of studying at one’s own pace making it easier to fit language learning into a busy schedule.
Online courses are not just made up of the calls. You will also have access to a range of resources, including grammar guides, vocabulary lists and interactive exercises, videos and perhaps audio files too.
Cons
There are a couple of downsides to taking an online Spanish course, but these are really just the disadvantages to doing anything online rather than in person. If you do not get on with video calls and communicating this way, then perhaps you would be better off finding a local in person class. Like with any course, to get the full value from it you have to actually complete the lessons and the associated course work, so if you are not motivated because of the online format, then you won’t be getting your money’s worth.
The second disadvantage is really just a comparison. Obviously, doing an online course for a few hours a week is not the same as actually learning while in a Spanish speaking country and the consequent immersion in the Spanish language that comes with it.
But, if you’re looking for a convenient and affordable way to improve your Spanish language skills, especially in combination with other study methods, an online course can definitely give your language level a big boost. After all, hearing and speaking the language is our goal, so doing it with a native speaker will definitely help us to improve.
So, are online Spanish courses worth the money?
How much money are you willing to spend on an online Spanish course? Or to put it another way, how much money are you willing to spend to end up with an improved level of Spanish giving you the ability to travel, socialize, and maybe even work in Spanish?
If you find a course that suites your current level and that matches the amount of hours that you want to invest, then that gives you the best chance of getting a lot out of it. As with anything an online Spanish language course will be worth the money if you put in the effort and extract the maximum value from the time that you invest in the right course for you.
The course that I advertise on this site is from Lingoda. Here are two reviews of it that cover the good and bad points. Both of them, a very useful watch.