You must inform me within three months of the purchase of classes why you had to withdraw from your classes. If I don’t hear from you within three months, you will forfeit your classes. If I email you a few times and I don’t hear back from you., I will assume you are no longer interested in classes and will not make myself available for you. If you do inform me within 3 months time, I will need another 6 months to begin your classes again. However, you must write me a reinstatement letter stating the reason for your withdrawal and when you wish to resume your classes again. If you can not take classes within 6 months, we can discuss a refund. I travel a lot and want to make sure that I am available for you.
There are no requirements for enthusiasm, motivation, commitment, dedication, discipline or a desire to learn. Most of my students are mature adults who come to me with full-time jobs and family obligations, so I am quite flexible in meeting students' schedules and other responsibilities. Requirements are just to be able to have a sufficient amount of time to study (1-4 hours a week) and turn in your assignments on time via email before our next class together. I provide some books, but you should be able to have access to online books, links and videos.
Absolutely, you can use it to take cooking classes or classes in my language immersion program in Latin America: both Nicaragua and Cuba, respectively. Also, you may use them for translation or tutoring services that I offer. You have up to 3 months from the time of purchase to let me know if you have changed your mind about my services and would like to try something else.
Since I already have my set syllabus, books and materials that I use, I prefer to use my own materials. However, if you have any books, you are welcome to use them on your own as a supplement.
No, you can come to me without having had any previous Spanish classes. That's why the whole purpose is to help people speak Spanish at any level.
I expect my student’s to be sufficiently mature, self-motivated, self-disciplined, and responsible about turning in their assignments, scheduling and getting back to me via email. Students should also have some kind of independence about them that they can turn in assignments on time without my prodding them or reminding them to turn them in. I expect student to follow instructions well, respond to my emails, and if they are taking weekly classes with me to turn in assignments in 6 days from the start of their next class.
Yes, homework is given to each class. I usually assign something from the book you are using. Also, weekly essays are rigorous and should be turned in via email within 6 days. I correct the essays with a detailed letter with notes and suggestions to make your essay better, including more explanations of grammar and send it back to you within a day or two. In turn, you may correct and revise it and send it back to me. This way, we have a constant to and fro of communication and dialogue, and learning is done via email. If you turn it in the same day at the last minute, we have to spend class time correcting it. I may or may not look at it during class if you email it to me at the last minute, so we may not be able to discuss it until your following class. Don’t print out homework and bring it to class; everything is done online in an effort to be eco-friendly, cost and time-effective.
Your essays, which you turn in before your next class, help me prepare for your next lesson. When I go over them, I see what points you are getting strong at and what you still need help on. If you don’t turn it in within the week, I have no idea where you are, and it doesn’t help me prepare a lesson for you. I also cater the class to the students taste and needs; some students like to talk about the environment, and others want to talk about literature.
I understand completely. We all have a life, but you can still turn in your assignments and continue studying independently. I can also assign new homework, so the process of learning Spanish doesn’t cease and you are constantly growing and expanding your linguistic skills. You want to keep the rhythm of learning Spanish; even speaking a little bit each day helps.
Yes, I am flexible. I have different times and days I am available. Schedule requests should be sent via email, so there’s no confusion and there is a record.
I like working with students who are enthusiastic and love the Spanish language. After that, I like students who put in the work, do their homework, and keep close communication with me. I expect my students to be respectful and polite and in this way, we can have a harmonious and positive working relationship.
I keep track of the student’s hours, homework assigned, material we learned in class and progress in the student’s pedagogical card. Each student gets a folder and I keep all their homework, quizzes, exams and pedagogical cards in that folder.
I have an 8-page syllabus. I sometimes improvise and change with the student’s interests, needs and how fast or slow they are learning Spanish. Since classes can be catered to, I also try to be flexible with what the student wants to learn.
Absolutely, yes, I teach Spanish lessons based on the student’s learning style. If you sign up for private classes, you will be required to take the assessment before your first class with me.
Yes, I can provide a language assessment before the first class.
You may not be able to become fluent in Spanish, but I can guarantee that you will achieve one level of proficiency each month, provided you do the homework and take the necessary actions to help you improve your written, oral and reading skills. It’s entirely up to you and how fast you catch on.
If you start out as a beginner, it takes a good two years to become fluent in Spanish. This is also provided you take the necessary steps and make consistent and daily efforts.
A student is eligible for a refund after the 5th grade. You can also refer to my policy page on this website.
Yes, as my private student, you are also entitled to come to a group class for free.
Group classes are ongoing throughout the year and contingent upon the enrollment of at least three students. Each group class runs for about 5 weeks and there’s a set agenda and syllabus. Materials are provided, as well as online resources and homework. If you wish to enroll, you must fill out an application and send it to me before you attend your first class. I will give you a card that I will punch when you attend class.
If you pay for your classes and for some reason you can not attend, it’s the student’s responsibility to inform me in a timely manner by providing a written statement, usually within 3 months of purchase; otherwise, you will forfeit your classes and will not be entitled to a refund. If you enroll and come to the first two classes and then can not continue because of unforeseen circumstances or a time commitment, it’s the student’s responsibility to inform me. I will give a refund of 50 % of the amount of money owed.
Group classes are held when there are three or more people interested in regularly attending. I usually try to group beginner-level students together and make sure everyone has a chance to practice their Spanish. Students are encouraged to follow class etiquette in that they let their classmates speak without helping them or interrupting them. Also, if you are at a higher level of proficiency, it’s important to be patient with your classmates who are at a lower Spanish level.
If you purchase a package of classes and, for some reason, are unable to continue,. After the 2nd to 5th classes, I will refund you 60 %. of the total amount owed for the classes remaining. Students are entitled to a refund of 40 % after the 5th class of attendance. If you purchase a package of 10 classes and you have taken 6 classes and have yet to complete 4 classes,. I will owe you 40% of the total amount of the six classes owed.
For private classes, I have a flexible cancellation policy. I am very understanding that things sometimes occur. If you have to cancel at the last minute, I do require that you call me or text me, followed by email, to inform me. However, if last-minute class cancellations become a repeated habit, you will have to eat your last class.
For group classes, since we need at least 3 students to have a class, I require that everyone make a commitment and if they have to cancel or can’t make it because they are going to be out of town or they are sick, please let me know in advance.