"Worth every penny - Spanish skills transformed completely."
Mary Smith, NYC
Spanish for Nonprofits & NGOs
Our grammar-based approach gives you the conversational foundation to communicate with community members, coordinate programs, work with Spanish-speaking partners, and ensure your organization serves everyone effectively.
How Berges Institute Helps Nonprofit Professionals:
- Learn conversational Spanish through our grammar-based Graf Method
- Small group classes with native Spanish-speaking instructors
- Build confidence communicating with community members
- Flexible online classes to fit nonprofit schedules
- Foundation for community engagement in Spanish
- Exposure to different Spanish-speaking cultures
Frequently asked questions
I work with Spanish-speaking communities. Will this help me serve them better?
Absolutely. Conversational Spanish allows you to communicate directly with Spanish-speaking community members, understand their needs, explain programs and services, and build trusting relationships. Even basic Spanish demonstrates respect and commitment to serving the entire community.
Do you teach nonprofit-specific vocabulary?
We teach conversational Spanish. The specialized vocabulary for grants, programs, advocacy, and nonprofit work can be learned more easily once you have conversational fluency. Many nonprofit professionals supplement with sector-specific terminology.
How quickly can I communicate with community members in Spanish?
Most students can handle basic community interactions within 10-15 months of consistent study. You'll be able to have simple conversations, explain your organization's work, and understand basic concerns from community members. More complex discussions develop as you progress.
Will this help with both domestic and international work?
Yes! Our instructors come from various Spanish-speaking countries, so you'll learn Spanish that works across Latin America and Spain. This is valuable whether you're working with local immigrant communities in the U.S. or doing international development work abroad.
Reviews from our students
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!!!