Berlitz Learning Center

So I just did my first Spanish class at Berlitz. It was rather AWESOME. My instructor Carmen was just great. It hardly felt like a class at all because there was so much fun conversation going on. BTW each class is going to be predominantly in the language you are studying, but that is where Berlitz really shines because: Yes of course you are going to make a mistake, but when you do you feel comfortable doing so.
I think the key to all language learning is COMFORT why? Because I believe anyone can learn a language… we all did it with English didnt we? So clearly learning another language is not an impossibility. The thing is when we get older we get ashamed when we don’t say something right and we feel stupid so we tend to not even try (which is in of itself a bit stupid btw). Thats why the Berlitz class is great! When you make a mistake and are corrected YOU DONT FEEL BAD ABOUT IT and consequently you learn quickly.
Although I have only taken one class thus far I think it is pretty clear (judging from all the language learning programs I have used and research I have done) that if one were to stick to their methodology over a decent period of time (because language learning is a commitment, anyone that tells you that you can learn a language in a short time is lying to you) you will undoubtedly attain a level of near native proficiency.
On a personal note, it will probably we a short while before I take another Berlitz class, but that is because of my personal financial situation (their classes are pricey). I dont want anyone with the means to shy away from Berlitz because of the price though. The truth is that if you want quality you HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. There is no two ways about it, also considering the location of the school its a wonder that they dont charge more. I mean, for the space that they occupy the rent must be astronomical! For the budgeting language learner like me you can feel overwhelmed when you see other students walking around that clearly have some benefactor financing their language learning, but just do like I did and opt to take a few «a la carte» classes while you get your money right and hopefully one day you will be able to afford a nice language package, but in the meantime keep on studying on your own.
For me Berlitz is going to be that fun place I go to now and then for a class to gauge my language progress in a supportive and professional environment. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in language learning. Even if you do not have the means to sign up for regular classes then think of it like a cool little pricey language BAR that you go to a couple a months out of the year after work… kinda like a language learning guilty pleasure. =)