Reviews for Beginners Level: Spanish for Absolute Beginners

4.8 (603 reviews)

A laptop at the Berges Institute office
Susan E.
2025-12-15
I was hesitant to take classes online but have thrilled with the Berges classes. I moved to Madrid at 56 with zero Spanish. I appreciate that this program started at the very beginning and met me where I'm at. I feel supported and encouraged. I find them to be small and much more personal than I expected. I have taken classes with several different teaches and without exception, they are positive, organized and effective. I find the program clear and supportive. I especially like the corresponding workbooks and homework assignments. I plan to continue with the program as I see it as a great value.
Martha Hao
2025-12-14
The Beginners class is perfect! The classes are small-size, so it allows the teacher to focus on the students one-on-one. I like how there's enough homework in-between (it forces you to study), so that you're held accountable in reviewing the answers the next class. I highly recommend Gloria Alveal! She is very professional, knowledgeable, and patient. Whenever I reschedule a class, I always try to reschedule to another one of her classes!
Lehra Samadhi
2025-12-10
I originally skipped level 1 and started with level 2 because I already had the bacis down, but since the monthly membership allows me to take any class I want, whenever I want, I decide to try some level 1 classes for extra practice and thought they were great. I ended up learning something new in each class.
Patty Enright
2025-12-06
The program has been outstanding since my initial contact. The website and materials are clear and easy to navigate. The material/learnings move quickly and always reinforced with homework. the price is VERY attractive. The learning group size perfect. Convenient moveable classes (and greta video classes) From time to time the instructor may change but the training is similar so no break in continuity Salsa Bermudez is wonderful. Gloria is a breath of fresh air- smart and a great teacher too. Terrific balance of learning and speaking to reinforce the subject matter. 1000% recommend
Anonymous
2025-12-05
I enrolled in the Beginner's Class as someone who had somewhat of a foundation from my high school spanish classes. Taking the course has helped me not only relearn a lot of the material, but also learn new material in an organized and easy manner. My teacher was wonderful and taught the class in a very engaging manner. I plan on continuing to take more courses with Berges Institute in hopes of eventually becoming fluent in the language.
Anonymous
2025-12-04
As someone who grew up hearing Spanish in the household and "learning it formally" in high school, I continued to struggle with grasping the foundation and grammar. Monica Negron and the way she approached teaching level 1 was incredibly impactful. This approach really allowed me to understand and grasp concepts that I couldn't for years. The pace and class size is perfect and intentional and I look forward to continuing my studies in level two.
Janita Poe
2025-12-02
I love this class and the teacher! She covers a lot of material in a short amount of time and she uses a system that helps us learn to speak, read and understand the language. I did not give five stars because, over a 90 minute period, I would like a bit more variety. For instance, it would be great to have the chance to watch a 5-6 minute video halfway through the class and then discuss what we heard and the watch it again after the discussion! I recall doing that in a previous language class. In short, anything to break up the patterns of the class, I think, will make it more enjoyable for the online student.
Anand Moorthy
2025-12-02
The level is very well paced and excellent for a beginner of the language. The methodology is very good and leaves the student improving in both the grammar and vocabulary with every class.
Mourad T.
2025-11-27
Très satisfait des cours de ce premier niveau, c'est bien fait avec la méthode de Graf, on t'enseigne peu à peu la grammaire et le vocabulaire, pour d'abord comprendre la langue et comment est sa structure, on commence déjà à faire des phrase, à répondre à des questions, à traduire... Les profs aussi sont très bien... Je suis très satisfait et content d'avoir trouvé ce site BERGES Instute ! Je m'attaque déjà à mon deuxième niveau et je compte terminer tous les niveaux jusqu'au cinquième.
Jessie Davidson
2025-11-26
Great teachers, easy to follow lessons and engaging homework. Definitely feel the progress coming along!
Crystal Taylor
2025-11-21
Appreciate the flexibility of classes available & being able to choose another class instead of missing a session is a great option. Both instructors I have experienced were helpful and patient and they did a good job of covering class material in time allotted. The work seems appropriate and the material is suitable for beginners although I think it is more helpful having been exposed to the language in another setting. This class is a good basic start for someone wanting to get a better grasp on language.
Alina B.
2025-11-20
I took Spanish for Absolute Beginners with María Chanamé and I am very pleased with this course. María’s classes are a good mix of learning & having fun. She’s adding a lot of insights to each lesson that you can only get from a native speaker. I like that she’s very attentive to every student in class; I never felt that I was being left out. María always has that positive and upbeat energy that makes the whole class a joy to listen & participate.
Annette Son
2025-11-20
The class is very engaging, open communication between the professor and students, easy to follow and not too overwhelming.
Angela Christine
2025-11-18
My instructor is Juan Carlos. He is a very good teacher. He’s very patient, clear and has a good sense of humor, which makes learning fun. I feel very encouraged and I’m learning so much. I really have improved my Spanish in this short time thanks to how well Juan Carlos teaches the curriculum. The curriculum is very well put together and easy to follow. I’m looking forward to taking more classes.
Liya Kavaliova
2025-11-12
I am really impressed by the course. I can see how my Spanish is becoming better every week. I didn’t study online before that, and I didn’t know what to expect. But I am really satisfied with Berges ! Thank you guys, for your job, and special thanks for Maria , my teacher!!!
Gaylin Gates
2025-11-07
I think the length of each lesson is just about perfect for the amount of time I have to devote to studying each week, including the homework. The instructor, Juan Carlos is very congenial and sets a good pace during our class sessions. I especially like that he actively encourages questions from the students. He also relates his personal experience as a language learner and solicits input from class members. The course curriculum covers exactly the material I want, since many self-study courses and materials are lacking in fundamental grammar. I do wish there was a little more emphasis on speaking and especially listening comprehension.
Candace Freeman
2025-11-07
The material is comprehensive to get you started speaking, able to have practical conversations in the first couple weeks.
Megan Herbst
2025-11-03
love it, Maria is a great teacher!
lisa mccool
2025-11-02
I have been really happy with the classes and my teacher, Juan Carlos, is wonderful. The class size has allowed for a lot of one on one attention, which is greatly appreciated. I look forward to continuing my studies here
Casey Muldoon
2025-10-26
I’ve learned a lot, have a lot more confidence in speaking Spanish. I speak it more often to Spanish speakers and less intimidated in speaking Spanish IRL. The flexibility to take a make up class later in the week with another teacher is amazing! Sometimes the Friday make up class doesn’t have anyone else there so it’s like a private class!!!