Thank you for your interest in learning at Vámonos Spanish Center!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long do the courses run for?
All courses are 9-weeks long, and meet for 90 minutes per week.
How do I connect to my online session?
Online classes will be held via zoom. We will send you instructions on connecting via email.
Where do in-person classes meet?
In-person classes will be held at Olé Café, 5421 Meridian Avenue N 98103.
Is curriculum included? How will I receive it?
Yes, we use exclusive curriculum written by owner & lead instructor, Amanda Reichert. Students are given links to digital copies which we suggest printing at home. If you are unable to do so, we can print a copy for you which you can pick up at Olé Café (in Wallingford). Add "print a packet" to your cart when registering.
Is curriculum included?
Yes, we use exclusive curriculum written by owner & lead instructor, Amanda Reichert. Students are given digital copies at the start of the quarter, which we suggest printing, or you can purchase a printed copy and pick it up before the start of the quarter.
Is English used in the classroom?
At VSC, we use the immersion method, meaning we will immerse you in the target language (Spanish) and avoid the use of English. The use of English is limited and only used after other methods have proven ineffective for comprehension. Students are allowed to ask questions in English when needed, but we first encourage you to use one of the many other strategies presented in class.
What is the immersion method?
Immersion is one of the many methods used by language teachers. It most closely models how children acquire language- being immersed non-stop in the language (remember, when we learned our first language, there was no "translating" into another language in order to understand) and instead of using your native language for clarifications/explanations, we use actions, pictures, and other strategies instead.
Can my teenager take this course?
At Vámonos Spanish Center, we just offer courses for adults 21 and over.
How do I know which level to sign up for?
New students will first do a self-assessment and then sign up for a placement test phone call so that we place you in the right level. Please visit the placement page to get started.
When is the first day of the quarter?
Please refer to the group classes page to see information (including start/end dates) regarding the upcoming quarter.
Is there class on holidays?
We provide all of the class dates at the start of the quarter; please refer to that calendar so that you know when we have class. We suggest you use a written or digital calendar to keep track.
Do I need anything else for class?
We suggest having a 3-ring binder to hold your packet, as well as lined paper for notes. We also recommend downloading the 'word reference' app to use as a dictionary.
How much does the course cost?
Please see the tuition section on the group classes page
How many students are in each class?
There is a maximum of 10 students for in-person classes and a minimum of 6. For videocourses, the maximum number of students is 16.
What curriculum is used?
VSC's curriculum was created by its founder/owner, Amanda Reichert. In each course students "travel" to a different Spanish-speaking region. In each lessons, students "visit" different places (the zoo, a restaurant, etc) and through context learn vocabulary, grammar, and culture. Each lesson connects to a real-life experience and is engaging, fun, and applicable. Our courses are unlike any other- you will not be sitting down with a textbook listening to the instructor!
What is the format of each lesson?
We start each class with a casual conversation in pairs, which varies from level to level. This allows you to get "warmed up" and practice the basics (greetings, weekend activities, how you're feeling). We'll then spend about 15 minutes practicing date/time/weather and working with verbs. We may also practice any songs we've been working on. After that we will review homework from last week, answering questions/reviewing the material, before moving on to the next lesson.
In each lesson, we learn new material via songs, games, movement activities and exercises that get you talking an interacting. You will never be bored, and time will pass by much quicker than you expect!
Can I miss a class without any issue?
Yes, typically students can miss up to 3 classes without worrying about repeating a level. There is no need to notify us if you can't attend, just practice the material at home (with your packet and by referring to the weekly outline which details what is practiced in class and what the homework is) and check in with your buddy).
How much homework will there be?
We know that adults have busy lives and have therefore made the homework very manageable; we suggest practicing 15-20 minutes per day, and there is an overview in your packet of what you should practice each week.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FOR STUDENTS)
How do I connect to zoom for my online course?
We recommend downloading the Zoom app to your computer first; no account/login is needed. Select "join meeting" and enter the meeting ID (provided via email). This will not change and you will use it weekly to join. *Please note, you will first enter a virtual waiting room; we will open class a few minutes before the class start time. Please make sure to connect with your name so that we can identify you, as we will be taking attendance. ¡Gracias!
What is dropbox?
Dropbox is a wonderful platform that allows us to share documents with you. First download the app to your smartphone or computer and create an account. Then click on the link we sent via email at the start of the quarter to access the materials for your course folder (weekly homework, digital packet, audio and video files for class songs, and extra practice resources/suggestions.)
What is quizlet?
It is a website/app that we use to help students study new vocabulary that we learn in class. First download the app to your smartphone or computer (or use online at www.quizlet.com) and create an account. Then access the cards made for your course by clicking the link in the "Winter quarter overview" email that you'll receive the week before classes start.
Why haven't I received an email with course information?
We send emails to students one week prior to the class start date; sometimes these emails can be tagged as junk, so if you haven't gotten the email 5-7 days before your class begins, first search your junk folder for an email from us. If you find it, make sure to flag it as "NOT SPAM" so that this won't happen in the future. If you don't see anything in your junk folder, please send us an email.