Newbury College is giving potential students an opportunity to start a Spanish adventure with a free online taster session to discover how group-based language learning is better than apps and books alone.
Online language learning apps saw a 300 per cent increase in the UK during the first lockdown, with 25 per cent of those users choosing Spanish as their preferred language to learn, however, a lack of personal support and the need for self-discipline means many struggle to continue past their initial interest.
Spanish courses at Newbury College are very different, utilising the Microsoft Teams platform to provide weekly group video sessions with an experienced tutor, topical project work and a space to communicate and collaborate with other members of the group.
Offering Language courses online also means that the College is able to accept participants from outside of the usual catchment area, with students and guest speakers joining from as far a field as New York City.
To help potential students experience this modern and innovative approach to language learning, Newbury College is offering a free Spanish taster session on Monday 18 October.
Why study a second language?
The continual globalisation of the world’s economy, the easing of global travel restrictions and the ever present integration of internet services are bringing diverse cultures and communities into more frequent contact with each other. Learning another language provides many benefits including:
- greater cognitive development
- enhanced problem solving skills
- improved verbal and spatial abilities
- improved memory function (long & short-term)
- enhanced creative thinking capacity
- a more positive attitude towards other cultures
- skills to effectively function in a modern global community
Studying a modern language in this way also opens up a wide range of new opportunities to socialise with other like-minded people, form new friendships and explore other cultures.
Student, Trudy Izzo, said: “My fellow students and I have lots of laughs in class and it is a social event as well. One thing that really challenged me was when I had the opportunity to read a eulogy at a Spanish Christmas Carol service - nerve racking but such a buzz! I am now comfortable booking tickets on Spanish web sites, ordering furniture, reserving tables in restaurants, eating where the locals eat and travelling on public transport whilst in Spain. It feels like a massive achievement to be able to do this and it's all because of my courses at Newbury College.”
Registration is free and participants only need a computer and webcam to take part.
To sign up or find out more, visit newbury-college.ac.uk/events