Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q – How do I sign up?
A – First, please feel free to call or email us if you have any questions about our offerings or Spanish in Waterbury Center. Signing up is easy. You can do it all online or if you prefer, simply print and fill out the registration form and mail it to us with your check [click here for How to Register]. If you are signing up for a class, we encourage you to enroll early as classes do fill up. Your payment reserves your place in class.
Q – Can I enroll online and pay with my credit card?
A – Yes. SWC makes it easy to pay. We accept payment by check or online via PayPal, so you know it’s safe. You do not need a PayPal account, and you can pay with a credit card, debit card, or bank account transfer.
Q – How do I know which class is right for me?
A – Our course levels are described on the web page [click: Course Levels]. If you are uncertain, we recommend that you contact us and we can help you choose. If you decide later that your class is too hard or too easy, you are free to switch to a different level. Another option is private instruction.
Q - I have a trip to a Spanish-speaking country coming up and I'd like to learn a little Spanish before I go. What are my options?
A - There are several, depending on your time frame and level of interest. We have a Spanish for Travelers "Travel-Ready" Lesson Package designed specfically for pre-trip preparation. Some people prefer private lessons with us, and our adult classes are another option. We find that our students' hunger to learn Spanish increases after a trip, when they see how much difference even a little Spanish can make.
Q – What age group are your classes for?
A – The scheduled class offerings are primarily for adults. We sometimes have high school students take these classes, and that works for students who are comfortable with an adult class. These classes are not for young children; we do offer instruction for children and will also arrange customized classes.
Q – I would like to learn Spanish but I’m not good at languages. Do you have a course like “Spanish for Dummies?"
A – We hear this from time to time. Really, anyone can learn a foreign language. If you’re interested, you can do it. Our classes are small so we won’t leave you behind. Or if you prefer, take a private class with us.
Q – Do you teach your classes entirely in Spanish?
A – That depends on the course level. We find that beginners have a hard time understanding a class taught in Spanish, and advance more rapidly when the basics are explained in English. Further, grammar explanations must be very clear and this is best achieved through at least partial use of English. We teach more and more in Spanish as students are ready for it, as described for each level.
Q – What happens if a class has low enrollment?
A – In the event that a class is under-enrolled, we may need to modify our advertised course schedule. We are almost always able to accommodate everyone, but sometimes schedule adjustments are necessary. If such a change is not to your satisfaction and you cannot attend, we will provide a full refund upon request.
Q – What if I will be away and know that I will miss some classes?
A – You can attend one or more of our other classes as a make-up.
Q – What is your refund policy?
A – Click here to go to our group class Payment, Refund & Attendance Policy. Our special classes such as Spanish for Travelers have their own policies which can be found on the web page for the class.
Q – I have time to attend classes but little time to study outside of class. How much studying outside of class is needed?
A – If you study more, you will advance more quickly. For most of our classes, you should plan on spending 1-2 hours weekly on homework involving reading and exercises. Homework helps you assimilate the material we cover in class.
Q – My schedule does not permit me to attend class every week. Are there other options?
A – We can arrange a special class schedule at mutually agreeable times. The cost for private instruction is $28/hour, or $23/hr each for a class of two. This is distinct from our regular classes in that the instruction can be more individualized, and each meeting is arranged according to mutually agreeable times. This is usually planned meeting to meeting and is pay-as-you-go. Click here for more information about private instruction.
Q – Do you have lessons for children?
A – Yes. We offer personalized instruction for children, family groups or for friends who would like to bring their children together. The children love Natalia and don't want to leave when the class is over! We currently do not have pre-scheduled group instruction similar to our adult classes. Click here for more information about Lessons for Children.
Q – I would like Spanish lessons but I need something different from your regular classes.
A – Contact us and we'll discuss your needs and suggest something. For some people, private lessons work best.
Q – How can I get more practice speaking?
A – Practice is critical for learning to speak, and this is best accomplished through conversation. You can practice with others you know who speak Spanish or are learning. Traveling to a Spanish-speaking country is a great way to improve. We also include extra conversation as part of the 90-minute Advanced class. Our Movies offer another opportunity to practice. Our students receive free access to our online resources, Recursos para Alumnos.
Please call or email us if you have questions.
Thank you!