"Marco is an excellent teacher – thank you, Listen & Learn, for finding him for me. He has clearly done this before. I am surprised by how fast I am learning."
Angela Boehm
Spanish course in Calgary.
Spanish Lessons in Los Angeles
If you live in LA, and you’re planning on learning a foreign language, Spanish is definitely the smartest choice. According to the 2021 Census Estimates, more than 1,400,000 Angelenos speak Spanish, which makes it the most popular language after English. This comes as no surprise, as Los Angeles is one of the cities with the biggest Latino community in the country, who make up around 48% of the total population. As you can imagine, once you master the language, you’ll be able to get closer to some of these groups, and take part in some of the many activities and events that celebrate Latin cultures. On top of that, if you happen to come from a family of Hispanic origin, learning the language will allow you to get in contact with your roots, talk with your abuela or your parents in their own language, and truly get to know their culture and traditions. Alternatively, once you become bilingual, you’ll be able to access lots of exciting, well-paid job opportunities in the city, and even spend some time in countries like Mexico, Spain, Colombia or Argentina without the need to hire a translator.
As you can see, there are plenty of reasons why you should become bilingual as fast as you can, so instead of waiting another year, why don’t you start learning Spanish today? No matter which one of our courses you choose, you’ll find that studying this fascinating language in LA is one of the best decisions you can make. Don’t believe us? Then keep on reading and find out all the different ways learning Spanish can improve your life in the city
Why Study Spanish in Los Angeles?
Learn Spanish for Work and Travel
In today’s competitive world, it can be quite challenging to stand out, especially if you live in a populated city like Los Angeles. However, if you become a proficient Spanish speaker, you’ll be able to access unique job positions, such as Bilingual Spanish Retail Sales Consultant for AT&T, Bilingual Associate Banker for East West Bank or Bilingual Product Manager for Universal Music Group. Alternatively, if you already have a job, learning Spanish can be the perfect way to get a promotion, as you’ll be able to take on new responsibilities that involve talking to clients and other companies’ representatives in Spanish, or travel to Latin America to take part in different negotiations.
Learn Spanish for Social
Latino heritage is part of LA’s DNA, so it comes as no surprise that there are plenty of events and activities which celebrate the various Latin communities that can be found in the city, especially during Latino Heritage month, which takes place every year in September. For example, if you’re interested in Mexican history, you’ll be able to take part in the El Grito celebrations, where in addition to witnessing the reenactment of Father Miguel Hidalgo’s historic cry and bell ringing which marked the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence, you’ll be able to enjoy incredible live music in Spanish and learn about the various Mexican fiestas patrias. Additionally, during this month you’ll be able to attend various workshops around the city, and learn things like how to make Guatemalan worry dolls (which are called muñecas quitapenas in Spanish), or how to dance to traditional Colombian folklore music. On the other hand, if you’re interested in exploring Latin cinema, you’ll be able to attend the annual Latinx and Hispanic Cinema Festival, which takes place in the Latino Theater Company, and features the work of some of the most talented emerging filmmakers from the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Honduras, Colombia, Mexico and the USA.
Learn Spanish for Culture
One of the great things about living in LA is that you’ll get to put your Spanish skills into practice very often. Although you can meet bilingual people basically anywhere, you should take advantage of the many language exchange events that take place in different bars and hostels around the city, as these have the perfect environment for you to improve your conversational skills and make new friends from all around the world. Although there are many you can attend, you should check out the Spanish/English Exchange that takes place every week at the Farmer’s Market, located at 6333 West 3rd Street. It has more than five thousand members, it’s completely free, and all learners are welcome regardless of their skill level, so it’s perfect for both beginners and advanced students. The event is organized in such a way that learners get to speak in Spanish half of the time, and English for the other half, so in addition to putting your speaking skills to use, you’ll get to help people from different parts of Latin America and Spain to improve their English skills, which can be really fulfilling!
Where to learn Spanish in and around Los Angeles?
If you’ve made the decision to become a fluent Spanish speaker this year, you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of places you can visit in the city to work on your skills. For example, if you like studying on your own, you can stop by the Central Library, which is located at 630 West 5th Street, and check out its impressive language section that is full of useful materials for Spanish learners of all levels. On the other hand, if you are interested in getting a language certificate, you should check out the various courses that are available at the UCLA or at Cal State LA. However, if you want to make progress fast and learn with some of the best native Spanish tutors, you should enroll in one of our courses at Listen & Learn. We offer different Spanish lessons that cover specific topics, depending on our students’ needs, and the best part is that you can choose to have your trainer go to your home no matter where in LA you live, or go to their office.
Ready to start learning? Then all you need to do is send us a quick inquiry today, and one of our team members will get in contact with you in just one business day!
The type of courses we offer:
Face-to-Face 1-to-1 (Individual) General Spanish
These Spanish lessons fit a broader spectrum, and can be useful for those who need different things from the language. Most beginner students will have a handle of survival Spanish by the end of their lesson, which will provide them with enough Spanish to communicate at least at a basic level during short trips to the country, but those who require more would benefit greatly from these sessions. Typical students have been those eager to travel all over the world, those buying overseas property, those with foreign spouses, aficionados of Spanish culture and those who just wish to pass a particular Spanish exam. Inquire now about our Spanish Courses or Take A Free Spanish Level Test
Face-to-Face 1-to-1 (Individual) Business Spanish
Spanish lessons of this type are aimed towards those that need to learn Spanish to aid them with their employment. For those just starting out, it is integral to learn basic greetings and business etiquette; and reading and writing can be adopted once the simple precepts are out of the way. Success has come from students who are involved in import/export, international negotiations and acquisitions, those seeking jobs in multinational companies, and those working with foreign colleagues, academia and bureaucracy. Just our most basic beginners lesson will have the student finishing the lesson with basic telephone/e-mail skills in Spanish, as well as survival Spanish should a short stay in the country be needed. Inquire now about our Spanish Courses or Take A Free Spanish Level Test
Face-to-Face Closed (Private) Group General or Business Spanish
The Spanish lessons are also available for 2 or more people studying together (Two-to-One Spanish Lesson or Small Group In-Company Spanish Lesson). All participants must have the same level, the same business or general language needs and be able to study at the same time in the same location. The booking must be made for all participants at the same time. Listen & Learn do not recommend group classes of more than 6-8 people although In-Company Taster Spanish Lessons can be run with up to 12 people. Inquire now about our Spanish Courses or Take A Free Spanish Level Test
Skype, Google Meet or Zoom Online 1-to-1 (Individual) General or Business Spanish
Our native speaker qualified Spanish language teachers can train you and your colleagues at your office or home at a time to suit you. Classes can be any day of the week (even weekends) in the morning, afternoon or evening. In certain circumstances, if your home or office is not suitable, you can take your classes at the trainer's office. Lesson books are provided. Inquire now about our Spanish Courses or Take A Free Spanish Level Test
Skype, Google Meet or Zoom Online Group (Closed or Open) General or Business Spanish
Those wishing to learn Spanish in groups of 2 or more together (Two-to-One Spanish Lessons or Small Group In-Company Spanish Lessons) can sign up for our group classes. All students must be at nearly the same level of Spanish proficiency, must have the same needs from the language, and must be able to study at the same time and place as the others. Bookings must be made for all students simultaneously. Listen & Learn do not propose group sizes or more than 6-8 people, but In-Company Taster Spanish Lessons can occur with up to 12 people. Inquire now about our Spanish Courses or Take A Free Spanish Level Test
Top Tips For…
spanish Entertainment
La Casa de Papel - Netflix Series
One of the most popular Netflix shows of the last few years, this suspense series will have you at the edge of your seat. “La Casa de Papel” is about El Profesor, a man who planned the most daring crime in the history of Spain: to break into la Casa de Moneda y Timbre (the Royal Mint) and steal more than 1 billion euros. Will they make it? You will have to tune in to find out. And make sure to watch the series in its original language to improve your listening skills and get used to the European Spanish accent. Beginners can make use of English subtitles, but don’t cheat if you are already speaking the language at an advanced level! Click here to learn more about the series!spanish Entertainment
Cinco de Mayo Festival
Cinco de Mayo is an annual Mexican festival that remembers the army’s victory over the French in the 18th century. Today, it is celebrated all around the USA with fantastic parties that include live mariachi music, traditional food and drinks, and a parade with elaborate costumes. Why not attend this event to meet like-minded people while getting to know more about the culture of the language you are learning? As it is attended by many native speakers living in the country, you’ll surely pick up some vocabulary along the way, like cactus or maracas. Wear a sombrero, have some margaritas and impress the people you meet with your Spanish skills. Learn more about the festival here.El Quijote - Play
An adaptation of the classic Miguel de Cervantes’ novel, this play follows the adventures of Don Quijote. Obsessed with becoming a chivalrous knight, Don Quijote decides to take his sword and, with the help of his trusty squire, Sancho Panza, embarks on an adventure to defend those in need and fight against evil. The play is performed in Spanish with English supertitles at NYC Theater, so you’ll be able to enjoy the experience even if you are just starting out with your Spanish course at Listen & Learn. Learn more about the play here.spanish Books
Cien años de soledad - Gabriel García Márquez
Are you looking for a new book to sink your teeth into while learning Spanish? Then Márquez’s most well-known novel is the best choice for you. “Cien años de soledad” tells the story of the Buendia family in a town called Macondo and follows its members for seven generations. The novel blends magical realism and Colombian political history, making the book one of the most original works of fiction of the century. “Cien años de soledad” is recommended for upper-intermediate students due to the complexity of its vocabulary and complicated narrative. Learn more about the book here.spanish Books
Mandrágora - Laura Gallego
Are you tired of staring at your Spanish textbook when trying to acquire vocabulary? Then, reading a novel can be a great idea. Laura Gallego’s “Mandrágora,” for example, contains lots of everyday words and expressions that will help you get by if you ever visit a Spanish-speaking country. Read this novel and get to know the story of Miriam, a woman who has just started a new life as a servant to the king. While living at court, a series of strange events take place and she tries to solve a mystery with the help of new friends and colleagues. Learn more about the book here.El Entenado- Juan José Saer
“El Entenado” is the perfect choice for people looking to know more about Spanish grammar. Saer uses a great variety of tenses and irregular verbs when writing, so reading his novel can help you recognize how and when to use these conjugations appropriately. This is the story of a young man who ventures into the New World back in the 15th century. Learn more about his encounter with the natives and discover how the clash between two worlds affected both the conquerors and the conquered. By reading this masterpiece by Juan José Baer, you will not only improve your comprehension of Spanish but also expand your mind with a trip into the unknown. Learn more about the book here.spanish Songs
Macarena - Los del Río
Have you ever danced to the rhythm of Macarena? This was a massive hit in the 1990s and it’s still heard today in many bars and nightclubs across Latin America. The song is very simple: it talks about Macarena and her moves on the dancefloor. The song is extremely catchy and will surely get stuck in your head, which you can use in your favor to improve your language skills. Research shows that music activates the auditory cortex part of our brains, helping us repeat the song over and over while learning new vocabulary and structures. Dance to the rhythm of this catchy song!spanish Songs
Livin La Vida Loca - Ricky Martin
It can be very useful to listen to familiar songs dubbed in the language you want to learn. Luckily for language students, there are many singers who sing both in English and their native language, like Ricky Martin. So, why not try and listen to “Living la Vida Loca” in Spanish? Released in 1999, the song topped the charts and is still very popular today. It talks about the “crazy life” lived in Puerto Rico and there is a lot of vocabulary repetition and very few tenses, so it’s very easy to understand, even for beginner-level students. Click here to listen to the song!La Tortura - Shakira
“The Torture” is a song that follows the story of a man who cheats on his partner and wants to win her back. Shakira describes her tortured feelings and how hard it is for her to say no to him, knowing he will never change. Apart from being really catchy, the song tells an interesting story, so it’s worth the effort to understand it. Plus, it’s a very powerful way to get some Colombian words and expressions like “no te rajes” or “yo se que no he sido un santo” to stay in your mind long-term. Click here to listen to the song!spanish Apps
Memrise
Are you looking to increase your Spanish vocabulary outside your lessons? Then, you should consider Memrise, an app with a wide variety of lessons and resources that will help you learn new words in meaningful ways. For example, you can find videos featuring native speakers uttering phrases and words so you to learn how to pronounce them. Then, you can complete different exercises to help you remember those terms and understand their context of usage. Download Memrise and you can choose what to learn and decide when and where you want to practice, all while staying entertained and motivated. You can check out the app here!spanish Apps
Tuenti
This is a mobile operator based in Spain that offers messaging and social media services too. Created in 2006, between 2009 and 2015 it was known as the “Spanish Facebook,” with over 15 million active users. Today, Tuenti offers mobile telephone services within Spain and Latin America as well. Its plans are affordable and easy to use, and they offer instant messaging through the app. If Spain is on your bucket list, you might want to download the Tuenti app to your phone to stay connected with old friends back home and new friends while you are traveling. Download the app here!Arbor
Arbor is a new app in the fintech field that helps people save and optimize their expenses. It has several tools, with its expenses planner being the most useful of them. You can upload invoices to keep track of all your expenses and divide them into categories (like taxes, transportation, food, leisure, and so on) to understand where you spend your money. You can even set financial goals per week or month, and you’ll receive congratulations once you attain them. All you need is a mobile phone and some reading knowledge of Spanish. Click here to find out more about the app.spanish Lifestyle
Sunday Football - Argentina
Argentina is known as the country of tango, asado (barbecue), and, of course, football, one of the most important traditions for men (and women, too!). The passion people hold for this sport extends to all corners of the country. Those who live in Buenos Aires have the privilege of going to “la cancha” (football stadiums) to watch the most exciting matches live, while those who live elsewhere frequently get together with their friends and family on the weekends to watch their favorite teams, like River Plate, Boca, San Lorenzo, and more! Learn more about Argentinian football here!spanish Lifestyle
Take a Siesta - Spain
Have you ever listened to “La Isla Bonita” by Madonna? Then, you’ll probably know that, after lunch, Spanish people take their siestas. Throughout the country, almost every shop closes during the hottest part of the day so people can rest and take naps. The period traditionally occurs from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., but it can be longer or shorter, depending on the region of Spain. Spanish people take this habit very seriously, even holding sleeping competitions, so don’t be surprised if you ever go to Spain and find all the shops closed in the afternoon! Click here to know more about the "siesta"!Go for Beer at Tapas Bars - Spain
A tapa is an appetizer in Spanish cuisine that is eaten before dinner. From chips (papas fritas) to chicken fingers or croquettes (croquetas de papa o acelga). And though they are served in small portions, you’ll soon discover they are more than enough to be a complete meal on their own. Combine a few tapas with some beers with friends and taste the best Spanish cuisine on offer. You’ll even find that most regions have their own specialties! For example, Madrid bars use a lot of potato in their tapas, while Barcelona bars use more fish. Want to know more about tapas? Click here!Testimonials
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James Churchill
Russian in Saskatoon
My experience with all the people at the company couldn't have been better - they are #1 in my books and the professionalism that they have treated me with is outstanding
Our Clients Include
From our clients all over the world
Cirque du Soleil
Language learned: Portuguese in Chicago.
Technicolor
Language learned: French in Toronto.
