Reviews from our students
Courtney Koczka
I like the pace of the course, the content, the amount of homework, the challenges are adequate but not too difficult. Nelson doesn't waste time in the 1.5 hours and sticks to the content. I hope to take his course for level 2.
Jayanti Jha
The beginner-level class at Berges Institute is very well planned and structured. It is here at Berges that I finally feel I have made real progress in understanding and using the language. The amount of homework can feel daunting at times, but I feel that the regular practice is a big part of why my Spanish has improved so much.
I’m very happy with my experience at Berges Institute and would highly recommend it to anyone who is serious about learning Spanish.
Simine T.
Learning a lot in a very short span of time. Love the instructor and love the class format, the homeworks, which really help, and the speed of the class.
David K.
So far this method is working well for me. Our class (taught by Ana) has lots of participation. We write sentences and questions, then share and converse with the class. Ana is an upbeat teacher and encourages us while gently correcting us. She also gives us phrases and expressions used in real conversations (so we'll talk like a local, and not like a textbook). The homework takes me about 2 hours a week, which reinforces with practice and repetition. I feel like I'm making real progress in learning.
Pamela Reid
I found the beginners’ Spanish course much faster-paced than I had expected for a beginners’ class, it missed several basics in my view. Several of the other attendees appeared to have considerably more prior knowledge, which made it difficult to keep up and, at times, left me feeling that I was falling behind.
I also found the teaching style of the first tutor quite abrupt, which made the experience less enjoyable and made me feel less confident about asking questions and participating.
I subsequently joined Nelson’s class and found this a much more positive experience. His teaching style was relaxed, clear and encouraging, and the pace was much easier to follow. I felt much more comfortable asking questions and was able to take in and understand the material far better.
Overall, I think beginners’ classes would benefit from ensuring that participants have a genuinely similar starting level and from allowing a little more time for new learners to absorb the basics. Nelson’s approach showed me how much more enjoyable and effective the course can be when the pace and teaching style are suited to complete beginners.
Gloria Parker
I’m enjoying the course . Rolando is a good teacher . He is attentive and cares about his students.
Hong Jin
The level is too advanced for a beginner.
The teachers need to slow down.
Please have the teachers to post the answer keys for all the homework.
Thanks
Priya Kumar
Been very happy with my level 1 class. Rolando has been a great teacher and makes learning Spanish fun. Looking forward to taking additional levels and mastering the language.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to learn Spanish with Berges?
Most students become conversational after completing five levels (about 12-15 months of regular classes).
I've never studied Spanish before. Is this right for me?
Yes! We designed our Beginners level specifically for people with zero Spanish experience.
Will I be embarrassed in class as a beginner?
No. All Beginners students start at zero. Our instructors create a supportive environment where making mistakes is part of learning.
How is this different from Spanish apps?
We teach grammar rules first, then practice. Apps make you guess patterns. Our method is faster for adults.
Do you teach Castilian or Latin American Spanish?
Spanish is one language with regional differences (mostly accent and a handful of everyday words). We teach standard Spanish, so what you learn works wherever Spanish is spoken.
Are classes recorded?
No. Classes are live only, which protects everyone's privacy and keeps students comfortable speaking up.
Do I need to keep my camera on?
Yes. Classes are live and interactive. Your instructor and classmates need to see you, just as you see them.
How old do I need to be to enroll?
Our classes are for adults. If you're 16 or 17, you can enroll as long as a parent or legal guardian accepts our terms on your behalf.
