Best Online Spanish Courses and Programs (2024)

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Expand your ability to communicate with people across the globe. Learn Spanish grammar, vocabulary, and more with online courses delivered through edX.

Why learn Spanish?

Learning Spanish can provide numerous benefits both personally and professionally. Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, which makes it an asset for professionals conducting business in Spanish-speaking countries and across borders. Being able to communicate effectively in Spanish can open up employment opportunities in locations such as Latin America, the United States, and Europe. A mastery of the language not only allows you to communicate effectively with other professionals, but it also enables you to better understand and speak to potential customers.

On a personal level, learning Spanish can open up many new avenues for exploration and enjoyment. Being able to communicate with Spanish speakers in their native language increases understanding and can aid in forming meaningful relationships. The ability to communicate in Spanish also allows for a deeper understanding of the history and culture of the countries where it is spoken. With knowledge of the Spanish language, individuals can enjoy art, music, and literature that originate from countries where it is the predominant language. And it can make traveling in these locations significantly easier.

Best Online Spanish Courses and Programs (1)

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Use the knowledge and skills you have gained to drive impact at work and grow your career.

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Online Spanish course curriculum

Whether you're a beginner or a more advanced Spanish speaker, online courses can improve your knowledge of the language. From learning Spanish vocabulary to understanding the different dialects of Spanish, there are a variety of classes that can meet your needs.

For those new to the language, an introductory Spanish course may touch on:

  • Alphabet and numbers

  • Pronunciation

  • Verb conjugation

  • Personal pronouns

  • Basic phrases and vocabulary

  • Conversation

As learners become more advanced, they can expand their Spanish vocabulary and learn how to communicate more complex thoughts in writing and conversation. They may also have the opportunity to take more specialized courses that teach how to use the language in a specific context, such as Business Spanish classes that explore practical communication in professional settings, including formal meetings and fieldwork.

Explore jobs for Spanish speakers

Learning Spanish can be an asset for virtually any job, particularly if you are seeking a job in a predominantly Spanish-speaking country and do not know the language.Fluency in Spanish can also be especially important for a number of roles where communication with clients from a variety of Spanish-speaking backgrounds is key. Some of those roles can include, but are not limited to:

  • Translators and interpreters: use their language skills to help people communicate in different languages.

  • Social workers: use Spanish to better understand and serve their clients.

  • Educators: teach the language to students or teach Spanish-speaking students other languages.

  • Immigration officers: use Spanish to assess the language proficiency of applicants.

  • Travel agents: use Spanish to help customers plan trips to Spanish-speaking destinations.

  • Medical professionals: use Spanish to communicate with patients.

  • Hospitality professionals: use Spanish to communicate with guests.

  • Customer service or sales representatives: use Spanish to assist Spanish-speaking customers.

Spanish language skills can be an asset for professionals or organizations trying to connect with customers in other countries, or tap into underserved markets and clients within their own communities. Begin building your language skills today. Explore the range of educational opportunities available on edX, which includes everything from individual courses to full bachelor’s degree and master’s degree programs.

Careers for Spanish speakers: Where to begin?

The level of Spanish you will need to know, and the educational path that is right for you, will depend on your personal and professional goals. A Spanish translator or Spanish teacher, for example, could be expected to have a mastery of the language depending on the context in which they work. However, other positions may not need full proficiency and may only require conversational language skills.

Before you decide which educational path to embark on, research the general requirements for the career you are interested in, and comb through the job descriptions for roles at potential employers where you could see yourself working in the future. This research can give you a better idea of what level of mastery of Spanish you will need, and can help you decide what kind of educational setting will best help you build the required skills.

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Spanish FAQ

Why learn Spanish online?

Learning Spanish online allows you to study at your own pace and preferred location, which can make building language skills more accessible for those who do not have the time to travel to an in-person setting.

How long does it take to learn Spanish?

The amount of time it will take to learn Spanish depends on your goals and the level of time you can commit to studying. While individual courses may only take weeks or months to complete, building fluency in Spanish can take multiple years for some learners.

How do beginners learn a new language like Spanish?

Learning styles can vary. Some learners prefer formal lessons with instructors. Others might enhance their class experiences through television shows, podcasts, or language learning apps. Learners can combine various modes to maximize their experience. Whether for formal educational purposes or business conversations, edX offers Spanish courses to suit different learners’ needs.

How do you become a certified Spanish translator?

Certification processes will vary based on location and the role that you seek. Visit the American Translators Association website for more information about certification in the U.S.

Last updated

Best Online Spanish Courses and Programs (2024)

FAQs

Are online Spanish courses worth it? ›

You can ask questions and practice speaking without feeling self-conscious or nervous, which can help you build your confidence and improve your language skills more quickly. So, if you're looking for a more personalized and supportive way to learn Spanish, taking online lessons might be just what you need!

What is the best program to use to learn Spanish? ›

Table of Best Apps to Learn Spanish
  • Best for Oral Communication Skills: Pimsleur.
  • Best Spanish Learning App 1-1 Immersion: Baselang.
  • Best App in the Style of a Podcast: SpanishPod101.
  • Best Spanish Learning App Structure: Babbel.
  • Best for Customizing Your Learning Path: Ouino.
  • Best Gamified Spanish Learning App: LingoDeer.
May 6, 2024

What is the best website to learn Spanish? ›

Best websites for learning Spanish online in 2024
  • Preply: The best overall to learn Spanish.
  • Busuu: The best for quick Spanish lessons.
  • SpanishPod101: The best for video-based classes.
  • StudySpanish: Best for Spanish grammar.
  • Rosetta Stone: Best for offline learning.
  • Babbel: Best for improving Spanish writing skills.

Is Rosetta Stone or Babbel better? ›

The primary difference between Babbel and Rosetta Stone is lesson format. The lessons from Babbel are more comprehensive and engaging than the repetitive, image-heavy lessons from Rosetta Stone.

Is Pimsleur better than Babbel? ›

Put simply, Pimsleur is much better than Babbel at developing your listening comprehension and speaking skills. One of the biggest accelerants of learning a new language is getting frequent, heavy doses of verbalization.

What is better, Babbel or Duolingo? ›

Approach to learning

The biggest difference between Babbel and Duolingo is the approach to language learning. Babbel is a better option if you want traditional language instructions through modules and lessons. By contrast, Duolingo works great if you need a playful, gamified experience.

How much does Rosetta Stone cost? ›

Popular on Variety

Prefer less of a commitment? The new Rosetta Stone promo also drops the price of their single-language, 12-month access plan, to just $126 (regularly $167), and comes just in time for the busy travel season.

How much does Babbel cost to learn Spanish? ›

Babbel offers their language learning program under a subscription model. Monthly plans start at $14 per month, and go down from there depending on what length of subscription you purchase. Their 12 month plan is roughly $7 per month.

Which is better, Rosetta Stone or Pimsleur? ›

Which program is better somewhat depends on your style of learning. If you're a visual learner, Rosetta Stone will likely be a better fit with its image-heavy lessons. However, if you're more of an auditory learner, Pimsleur's audio lessons are very hard to beat. We give Pimsleur a slightly better overall grade.

How much does Babbel cost per month? ›

Similar to the company's other offerings, Babbel offers four different subscription options for their Live packages: 1-month Plan = $99. 3-month Plan = $297. 6-month Plan = $594.

What is the fastest method to learn Spanish? ›

Spanish, like any other language you want to learn, isn't easy, but here are ten sure-fire ways to learn it faster:
  • Sing along to the music. ...
  • Watch Telenovelas. ...
  • Read everything. ...
  • Enhance your commute. ...
  • Translate. ...
  • Find a Spanish-speaking lover. ...
  • Move to Spain! ...
  • Or at least travel to a Spanish-speaking spot (and then practice!)

Is Rosetta Stone or Duolingo better? ›

The main difference between Rosetta Stone and Duolingo are that the lessons from Rosetta Stone are better for visual learners, whereas Duolingo's language platform is geared more towards beginners.

Is it better to learn Spanish in class or online? ›

For some people, an online course might be the best option. Others might prefer a more interactive approach, such as using a chat room or forum where they can practice their Spanish with native speakers. Whatever the chosen method, regular practice is essential for making progress.

What program can I use to learn Spanish for free? ›

free. fun. effective.

Learning with Duolingo is fun, and research shows that it works! With quick, bite-sized lessons, you'll earn points and unlock new levels while gaining real-world communication skills.

Is Rosetta Stone better than Duolingo? ›

As a lifelong language learner who's fluent in three languages, I've tested out these popular apps, and they have very different approaches. I like Rosetta Stone for the immediate immersion it offers, but Duolingo is great for the more casual language learner as it offers a fun, gamified way to steadily gain knowledge.

What is the fastest and most effective way to learn Spanish? ›

11 tips for how to learn Spanish fast – and succeed!
  • Consider a big lifestyle change.
  • Create specific goals and make a plan.
  • Take speaking-based Spanish lessons with a tutor.
  • Memorize the first 2,000 words.
  • Try sentence mining.
  • Learn the basics of grammar.
  • Read as much as possible.
  • Build Spanish immersion into your daily life.
Dec 13, 2023

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