"The lessons are going great. Carla is an awesome teacher – we're having fun and learning a lot. Very enjoyable!!"
Katie Trueman
Spanish course in Chicago, Senior Account Executive, Queue Marketing Communications Group.
Spanish Lessons in Philadelphia
Learning Spanish is a valuable skill that can open up numerous opportunities both personally and professionally, and if you happen to live in Philadelphia, the benefits of becoming bilingual are particularly pronounced, as it will allow you to advance your career, get closer to its growing Hispanic community, and expand your horizons like never before. As you probably know, Spanish is the second most spoken language in the city, with over 200,000 speakers according to the latest census, which means that once you master it, you’ll be able to make lots of new friends, and experience a complete different side of Philly’s bustling culture scene. On top of that, learning Spanish can significantly enhance your career prospects, particularly in fields such as healthcare, education, and hospitality, so if you’ve been struggling to get a job you like, signing up for one of our completely personalized Spanish classes in Philadelphia is one of the smartest things you can do.
Want to know some other exciting reasons why you should learn Spanish this year? Then keep on reading this article, and find out all the amazing ways becoming a fluent Spanish speaker can improve your professional and social life in the city, and help you get closer to some of the most interesting cultures out there.
Why Study Spanish in Philadelphia?
Learn Spanish for Work and Travel
Spanish is the official language of 20 countries and is spoken by over 500 million people worldwide, so as you can imagine, it’s one of the best languages you can learn if you want a more successful professional life both in Philadelphia or abroad. In today’s job market, bilingualism is highly valued, especially if you want to work in retail, IT, or tourism, so if your goal is to become more employable and get access to a wider range of positions, you should put in the work to develop strong language skills that help you make an impact in any professional area that you’re interested in.
On the other hand, if your plan is to travel to Spanish-speaking countries like Mexico, Argentina, Chile or Spain, learning Spanish is a great idea, as it will make your trip more enjoyable and meaningful. As you probably know, being able to communicate with locals can enhance your travel experience, as it will allow you to truly immerse yourself in the culture and customs of the places you visit, while also helping you navigate through unfamiliar territory much more confidently.
Learn Spanish for Social
Philadelphia is a melting pot of cultures, with a rich Hispanic community that has contributed significantly to the city's art scene and traditions. Learning Spanish can help you understand and appreciate the Hispanic culture, including its food, music, art, and history, so if you’re interested in expanding your horizons without leaving the city, working on your language skills is a smart choice. Fortunately, there are many interesting cultural activities and festivals that you can attend in Philadelphia all year-round, where you’ll be able to engage with people, learn about Hispanic customs, and practice your skills. For example, during the Hispanic Heritage Month, which takes place every September, you’ll be able to attend numerous events such as dance performances, music concerts, and art exhibitions all around the city. Another fabulous festival you can’t miss is the Carnaval de Puebla, which takes place every year in April, and celebrates Mexican culture with show-stopping parades where you’ll be able to witness all sorts of people wearing colorful costumes and enjoy some of the best traditional Mexican music that will make you fall in love with the language.
Learn Spanish for Culture
Learning Spanish can also be a great way to enhance your social life, so if your goal is to make new friends around the city and connect with people from all over the world who share your interests in Spanish language and culture, you should join one of the many language events that takes place in Philadelphia. One of the most well-known ones is Philly Language Mongers, which hosts language exchange events every week for various languages, including Spanish. The group typically meets at local cafés, bars, and restaurants for casual conversation and language practice and its members come from a diverse range of backgrounds and skill levels, so it’s perfect for those looking for an inclusive and welcoming community. Another great choice is the Spanglish Exchange Philadelphia, which is dedicated to promoting the Spanish language and culture in the area, and holds regular meetups where you’ll be able to enjoy fun conversations, watch Spanish and Latin films, and connect with native speakers from all around the globe.
Where to learn Spanish in and around Philadelphia?
Now that you’re aware of all the different ways learning Spanish can improve both your career and your social life, as well as expand your horizons, you probably wonder where you can find Spanish classes near you. Although there are excellent local universities and institutions that offer all sorts of courses, if you’re looking for engaging, personalized lessons taught by experienced native teachers, there’s no better place than Listen & Learn. One of the most significant advantages of studying with us is that we offer all sorts of flexible face-to-face courses that you can enjoy at the comfort of your own home in Philadelphia or even at your office any day of the week, so regardless of how busy your schedule is, contact us today, and we’ll help you reach your goals and become fluent in no time. On top of that, if you send us a quick inquiry now, we’ll help you find a native tutor from Spain or Latin America who will tailor unique lessons that are completely based on your interests, goals, and learning style, so whether you need to learn the language for work, travel, or personal enrichment, Listen & Learn is your best option.
The type of courses we offer:
Face-to-Face 1-to-1 (Individual) General Spanish
These Spanish lessons are more general in nature and are targeted at students with a whole range of different needs. While all beginners level students can expect to cover Survival Spanish - required for short visits to a country where English may not be spoken and/or the intention is to make good contacts with the local population, students then generally progress in different directions depending on their needs. Typical students include those buying property overseas, spouses of overseas nationals, people about to set off on that long-awaited world trip, Spanish culture enthusiasts and those who are keen to pass a particular Spanish examination. Inquire now about our Spanish Courses or Take A Free Spanish Level Test
Face-to-Face 1-to-1 (Individual) Business Spanish
These Spanish lessons are driven towards people who have a requirement to learn Spanish to bolster their work output. For novices, you will find it useful to learn basic greetings and business etiquette; and once you have become more proficient then reading and writing will come to the fore. Typical students include those concerned with import/export, those seeking work in multinational companies, international negotiations, and anyone working with international colleagues or administration. Even on our most rudimentary beginners lesson, students can expect to finish the lesson with decent telephone and e-mail Spanish, as well as a good enough grip on the language for a short trip to the country. 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
Your colleagues and yourself can be trained by our native-speaking fully-qualified Spanish tutors at a time and location to suit you. Classes can take place any day, even weekends, and can happen in the morning, afternoon or evening. If the case may be that your home or office is not convenient, there is always the option to take your classes at the office of your teacher. Study books for the lesson 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
2 or more people can benefit studying Spanish together as these Spanish lessons are also offered to groups (Two-to-One Spanish Lesson or Small Group In-Company Spanish Lesson). Every student must have the same degree of knowledge of the language, the same business or language needs and the ability to study at the same time and place as everybody else. The booking has to be made for all students at the same time. Listen & Learn do not advocate group sessions of more than 6-8 people, though Taster Spanish Lessons can be experienced by 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 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 News
Univision
Univision is an American Spanish-language television network where you can watch the daily news, telenovelas (Spanish-speaking soap operas), and more. It also has a free-access website where you can read articles written in Spanish about Mexico, Latin America in general, and American politics. This is the country's largest provider of Spanish-language content, so you’ll find a lot of diverse information about Mexican celebrities, news and politics which impact the Spanish-speaking community, and updates about your favorite Spanish shows, for example. The website is recommended for intermediate to advanced students as the language can be quite complex. Get started with news in Spanish here!spanish News
Estrella TV
Estrella TV is an American television network that broadcasts programs and news in European Spanish. You can tune into one of their shows and learn more about local and international news, current reality shows, and sports. The vocabulary they use is a bit formal, which will come in handy if you plan to use your Spanish skills at work or to apply for a new job. Also, you can visit Estrella TV’s website to read the news instead of just listening. The articles are very short and use simple words and sentences, which is perfect for beginner-level students who want to start reading in Spanish. Get started with news in Spanish here!Telemundo
Telemundo is the second-largest provider of Spanish content in the USA and is owned by Comcast. This television network broadcasts programs (telenovelas, sports, reality shows, etc.) and news either imported or Spanish dubbed. And if you want to improve your reading skills while learning more about what’s going on in Latin America, you can access Telemundo Digital Media’s website, where you can find articles about celebrities, politics, the economy, and sports. They are usually quite short and written using simple language, so beginner and intermediate-level students can read these real-life materials and take their Spanish to the next level. Get started with news in Spanish here!spanish Comedy
El Chavo del 8
Who ever said that learning a new language is boring? One of the biggest mistakes that students make is to just use textbooks to learn. Of course, flashcards and books are very useful but watching comedy in Spanish is a great method to improve your vocabulary and grammar while having a laugh. For instance, El Chavo del 8 is a Mexican show that follows the adventures of a poor orphan boy called el Chavo and other low-income characters who live in the same housing complex (la vecindad). Put away the books and turn on the TV to pick up some Mexican slang! Click here to learn more about this Mexican series!spanish Comedy
La Casa de las Flores
Watching movies and series is a great strategy to improve your Spanish. Even if you are just starting with your course, try not to watch dubbed series but the original Spanish and use English subtitles instead. This will help develop your ear for the language, and once you become more proficient, you can use Spanish subtitles or none at all! If you like comedy, we recommend trying The House of Flowers. This is a very popular black-Mexican comedy television series you can watch on Netflix. You’ll develop a greater awareness of contemporary Mexican society and culture while having some fun and improving your Spanish. Click here to learn more about this series.Allí Abajo
Allí Abajo is a comedy that playfully depicts the cultural differences between one of the northernmost regions in Spain, el País Vasco, and Andalucía in the south. It follows Iñaki, a man from the north, who falls in love with Carmen, a nurse from the south. This is a great series that can help you understand the cultural differences between Spanish regions and will serve to increase your awareness and understanding of dialects in terms of vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. This series is great for any level of proficiency and will help you to pick up some slang and expressions from Andalucía and País Vasco! Wanna know more about the movie? Click here.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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Finnish in Calgary
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Extended Stay Hotels
Language learned: English in Houston.
Group SM
Language learned: Spanish in Montreal.
