FAQ's

What is Spanish for life™?

Spanish for life™ is the world’s most advance, inexpensive and convenient way to study Spanish anytime, anywhere at your own pace using only a computer with internet. It was designed and developed by the Spanish Institute of Merida, a highly regarded Spanish Language School in Mexico.

Studying Spanish Online Vs. Studying Spanish in Situ?
Studying Spanish Online is cheaper, faster and convenient. It is also better than studying spanish at your local college or university, since it eliminates the effort that traveling to and from classes requires. Most teachers at your local college are not native speakers. All our teachers are native speakers and have bachelors degrees in education specialized in Spanish. Studying Spanish Online is a great alternative to complement your Spanish studies: group classes in your hometown, study abroad program, or self learning with books, CD’s or DVD/videos.

How soon can I begin studying?
Right away! All you have to do is fill out a Registration Form and choose your own schedule. A Professor will be assigned to you within the next 24 – 48 hours from registering (Monday to Friday).

How much do I need to know about computers?
Not much.  All you need to have is basic computer knowledge (Internet browser, word processor, email).

Do I need web cam?
Web cams are optional for students, but our teachers use them all the time, so you can view the class and interact with your teacher just like you would in a regular classroom.

Do I need to download special software?
For the Individual program (Standard Program) we will send you instructions on how to access our virtual classroom. It is easy to set up and 100% free. For the Conversation program you will need to download and install (if you have not done so yet) Skype. Which is a free communication software.

Will I need to buy any books or materials?
No, all the materials you need are included in the program price. Your teacher will send you material and assignments via email.

Do I need to know any Spanish to take the course?
No, whether you are a complete beginner or have been studying Spanish for years, the Spanish Institute will provide you with the right instruction.

Are there any age restrictions?
No. Our oldest student is 72 and our youngest is 15 years old. All we care about is that you are serious about learning Spanish.

Can I take live classes anytime?
During business hours yes. From 8 am. to 7 pm. (-6:00 GMT)

To give you an idea, Mexico current time is:

What can I expect in an average class?
Your class is going to be 100% interactive. Your teacher will guide you through the class with visual and oral techniques. You will cover grammar exercises, verb conjugation, reading comprehension, speaking and listening, and more. Although you will cover all the aspects of communication, the class will aim specially to the speaking and listening skills. The reading and writing parts will be mostly cover with homework. This is because we want you to maximize the interaction between you and the professor during the class time. Practice is the only way for you to master the Spanish Language or any other language. You will be given plenty of opportunity to respond your teacher’s questions and to make questions your own. The course materials are set according to your Spanish level. Any homework is reviewed in the following class.

How long each class last?
Each academic hour is 50 minutes long. Our students can choose to take from 1 to 4 academic hours a day.  If you have schedule more than 1 consecutive hour a day, you will receive 10-minute break between each hour.  *Academic hours cannot be split.

If you are a beginner, we recommend you to study 2 hours a day and at least of 3 days a week (live class).  The maximum we recommend for beginners is 10 academic hours per week. In order to obtain the best results from the program, we recommend you complete all asignments on time.

How long does the program last altogether?
Each level of our program is developed for 60 hours of class. Generally, if you take one hour a day five times per week, you will complete one level in 3 months.

We have 8 basic levels, so the program in its entirety takes approximately 480 hours.
The tailor-made programs can last as long as you choose.

If you have already bought any special material that you would like us to consider into your class, please contact your teacher in advance to the class, to find the adequate way to incorporate the material into your class.

Homework
You should expect to have 1 hour of homework per every 4 hours of class. Your homework will depend directly on your course intensity.

Do I need to purchase the whole program?
No. The minimum purchase is 10 academic hours. From there you can purchase multiples of 10 academic hours.

Can I choose my schedule?
Yes. We will work together with you to provide with a class at the time that best fits you.

Can I preview the syllabus?
Sure. Just contact us. info@spanishinstituteonline.com

Will I receive university credit for taking the program?
Yes, after completing each level, you will get an exam and receive an official transcript, sealed by the Mexican Ministry of Education and the Spanish Institute.

Our Official transcript has been accepted by over a 100 universities worldwide.  

Are the payments secured?
The Spanish Institute bank account is in American Dollars. You will not be surprised by exchange rates or any other fees. Additionally, we use a secure server and an encrypted page, in which you provide your credit card information. We have never experienced a problem with a payment.

Do I need to pay in advance?
Yes, all The Spanish Institute classes must be paid in advance. Before your credit expires, you will receive a notification, so you can purchase more hours. Or you can also set the monthly payment option.

Will you provide me with an Invoice?
Or course. All you need to provide us with is a fax number or an email account. Within 24 hours after your payment is completed, you will receive an invoice (if requested).

Any discounts?
Sure, please check our fee page for offers.

Who trains your teachers?
The Spanish for Life™ teachers are trained by the Spanish Institute of Merida, located in Mérida, Yucatan, México.

Rescheduling a class
If for any reason you cannot attend one of your classes, please provide us with 24 hours notice.

Communication problems during the class
The Spanish Institute cannot be responsible for breaks in communication arising from technical issues outside of our control. In the event of a fault with our system your teacher will arrange for you to be credited with extra time if necessary.

Privacy
We take the privacy of our students seriously. We will not give nor sell your details to third parties.