even Jesus wanted just a little more time

[satyrica]

As some of you know, I'm shit at taking people's advice, but I'm asking for it anyway . . . I've been planning to start learning Spanish for a while- I missed the registration deadline when I came back from Oz this time last year and the only college near me that does beginner's evening classes, Southwark, only registers people by year, not by term, so I've waited for this year to come round. Turns out the fees will be close to £400 which is giving me cause to hesitate: over a year I guess it's not that much but it seems a lot to shell out in advance for something that I don't know how I'll take to; I have a couple of gigs already booked on the night of the week that the course will take place on during the first few weeks too. I'm thinking there must be much cheaper ways to learn out there, although over a year maybe everything would work out about the same? I need structure to learn, I won't motivate myself to do it from books/tapes, and am keen to learn to talk the language rather than just become able to read/hear it as I am with French, so people to interact with are a must.

Do I just need to bite the bullet? Does that seem an unreasonable amount to people? Have people had comparable experiences or know of other routes for learning?

(although I've only just got round to looking into this, tomorrow is the deadline for enrolling . . .)

Comments

[onebyone.livejournal.com]

Someone once advised me that embassies sometimes social events for even beginners in their languages, and/or who are interested in their country. Since you're in the right bit of the country, it might be worth looking into whether the Spanish or any South American embassies in London would be any use. Whether you can get decent information in a day is another matter. And obviously there's a big difference between learning Spanish Spanish and learning Mexican Spanish.

[wildrogue.livejournal.com]

Have a quick look at frequently asked questions and/or fees on the website. You may well find that you can pay by direct debit monthly or termly, which might make it seem a bit less terrifying.

[muldr4scly.livejournal.com]

Hey you sound just like me! I want to learn Norwegian - I'm always in Norway but hardly anywhere does a course on it. Infact the only place I can find is the University of Westminster which does evening classes. I'm afraid it sounds a bit academic and I really wanted somewhere where it doesn't matter if you miss a lecture or 2 - I've also got gigs booked on the Monday nights when there are lectures! Also it sounds like there are homework assignments and I've been away from "studying" for quite a few years now! Anyways it costs £265 for semesters one and two which a friend who just learnt Greek said was about average. I don't like that you can't join for just one semester because if I don't like it then they won't refund the second semester. Advantages of this place is it's central and taught near Oxford Circus 6pm-8pm so if the gigs are in central London it might be possible to do both. I think I've finally decided to give it a go. Also a friend who works for the embassy is friendly with people who work in the Oslo part so is going to mention my interest in Norwegian. Oh and I've tried books and tapes in the car and I'm also unmotivated. I regularly read the Norwegian papers (with dictionary in hand) *lol*

The University of Westminster also do Spanish:
http://www.wmin.ac.uk/page-8496
I think they want applications in the post to them with cheque by the end of the week but don't quote me on that! Enrolement classes are next week.

[omentide.livejournal.com]

My personal experience with the University of Westminster has been positive. I have just registered for year 4 Turkish.

Not everyone in the class attends every lesson. I find that the marked assignments and exams help structure the learning experience.

I've seen quite a few people come and go through that class over the past 3 years. I don't think many of them could be described as overly academic in approach. And the upside of the academic trappings (apart from the proper student card which has got me discounted drinks on occasion) is that the students have a certain understanding of what is involved in learning a language. This, according to friends and colleagues who have signed up for local language classes, is not inevitable.

[muldr4scly.livejournal.com]

Hi I don't suppose you know (I can't figure it out) can you only pay cash to enrol on the enrolment evening? If I filled in the enrolment form with credit card details or brought a cheque, do you know if that is ok? I was procrastinating and haven't sent my form off and now think it's too late to post it. I tried phoning the university but I think everyone has gone! :-S

[satyrica.livejournal.com]

I'm planning to pay by cheque so I hope it's not a problem! I can't imagine they'd be expecting people to pay by cash at all to be honest . . .

[muldr4scly.livejournal.com]

Yeah that is what I thought but I wasn't sure when I read "Cash payments are only accepted on enrolment evenings in September" but I hadn't read the section fully and it said they prefer cheques. I'm not awake! Oh and I noticed your enrolling on a different day to me - I had wondered if I might bump into you!

[satyrica.livejournal.com]

yeah, I meant to enroll Thursday just gone but hadn't sorted out the form & photos in time so i think my last chance is this Thu coming . . .

[muldr4scly.livejournal.com]

Yeah I didnt have time to get photos until Thursday! My last chance is Wednesday so that is pretty hectic as I fly back from Helsinki early morning and then have work! Not great timing but it has to be done. I think I've decided it's about time I at least try and learn the language (more than rarely listen to CDs).

[hysteria74.livejournal.com]

I think learning a new language is always very good and I applaud anyone willing to try. My memory of English money is a little rusty ;-) but I still think £400 isn't bad for a year long course. I think you should do it :-) and if you need anyone to practice on, let me know ;-)

[mazrj.livejournal.com]

Have you tried through your council?
Essex council have something called lifelong learning Centres. Its all about adult education, I think they were originally set up to work with Specialneeds adults.
Anyways I know they do languages etc, its through them I did my Interior Design.

Maybe your council will have details of adult ed stuff they are involved in?

[genmon.livejournal.com]

Just do it dude. Money's for spending.

[lawrencegillies.livejournal.com]

I'm looking to do a french course here in Egham and they want about £250 for it, if you're looking for a comparison.

[cryx]

courses really do help motivate I find, although doing the homework is another mater. Whilst I wouldn't normally have the motivation for tapes etc, I've foung downloading language podcasts helped me. I have a routine that I'll listen to the podcast on the way to work every morning. Try www.spanishpod.com I've foudnt he praxis language podcasts to be great.

And yet, there will be meetup groups for spanish language I can guarentee it.

Don't sign on for a year course, as I want to snaffle you back to Oz within the year!! ;P

[satyrica.livejournal.com]

the course I'm looking at is two semesters so will be through by May/June anyway: i think you may be out of luck with within the year, about this time next year maybe ;-)

[cryx]

Hmm.. ok.. I'll accept this time next year... but only cos you are nice.