Spanish – English Practice Group: Online Intercambio Language Exchange
The Spanish – English Practice Group for Professionals
Unprecedented times call for creative pivots in your language learning journey!
Gain massive fluency and confidence in your communication skills with our new Spanish-English practice group “Intercambio: Spanish & English Language Exchange”!
Do you want the good news or the bad news first?
Las malas noticias = Founding member’s enrollment is closed. Las buenas noticias = Enrollment is OPEN to you. And we have an incredible community of founding members ready to practice Spanish with you!
There are many online language learning options available. However, in most of these programs there is ONE crucial element missing!
With our 20+ years teaching Spanish and English, plus running immersion programs and working with local professionals in Central and South America, we know first-hand this MISSING PIECE is the most important element when learning a language.
If you’ve been learning Spanish for any length of time, chances are you KNOW a lot ABOUT the language you are learning.
You probably know some grammar, vocabulary, etc., but the TRUE test of your proficiency, of your fluency is answered in this ONE question…
ARE YOU ABLE TO COMMUNICATE IN SPANISH?
Can you transfer the knowledge out of your head and apply it to real-life, authentic communication?
After working with thousands of professionals for two decades in Central and South America and the US we know exactly what it’s like to be stuck when it comes to being able to communicate in Spanish. We’ve helped thousands of Spanish learners move from knowing ABOUT Spanish to SPEAKING SPANISH!
Opportunities to COMMUNICATE in the language you’re learning is the ONE critical language learning piece that is often missing in online language learning programs.
While face-to-face learning is impossible during this Covid-19 landscape, and immersion trips are on hold, we’ve created this unique opportunity for you to focus on the ONE ELEMENT you’ve been missing.
Being involved in a supportive community is important right now. AND making sure your resources (time, talent and money) are maximized and well spent is also of utmost importance during these times.
Grab your spot in our guided Spanish – English practice group for professionals and serious language learners who want to launch their communication skills to the next level. Join this language exchange community today to bring your language to LIFE in a guided, structured, professional environment.
Are you a professional? Are you ready to take your communication skills to the next level? Join other serious language learners in our guided language exchange and prepare to bring your language to LIFE!
This is NOT another directionless, informal conversation platform. Members of Intercambio will receive weekly conversational plans, grammar & vocabulary tidbits and work directly with our team of language experts. Everything about Intercambio is intentional and directed at moving you toward your goal of communicating in Spanish.
Enrollment is open! Don’t miss your chance to grab a spot in this professional community of dedicated Spanish and English learners who want to boost their communication skills!
You need a Spanish practice group because speaking another language comfortably and confidently requires PRACTICE. In the same way that you can’t learn how to dance without actually trying the moves, it’s impossible to “learn” your way to fluency in Spanish. You have to practice!
In this Intercambio Community you’ll find:
A network of career oriented professionals such as; health care workers, teachers, lawyers, engineers, real estate agents and more that share the goal of taking their communication skills to the next level.
Weekly opportunities to practice specific language geared toward your profession or more informal conversation.
A special bilingual community that share the same goal of launching their conversation skills while connecting with others across the Americas.
Intercambio is the Spanish – English practice group that transfers your head knowledge into speaking ability. When you join Intercambio: Spanish & English Language Exchange you get…
To connect with a conversation partner in our private, safe, secure online Spanish & English practice group for professionals.
The opportunity to match with a partner that is at a similar language level.
Ability to find a partner with your same profession to practice specific conversations for your profession.
The opportunity to build a professional relationship with the same career in another country. (Not mandatory, but an awesome perk!)
Weekly conversation practice that fits your and your partner’s schedules. Spend 1/2 of your time practicing your Spanish with a native Spanish speaker, and the other half of your time helping your partner practice their English.
Downloadable Conversation templates that include ice-breaker questions, sentence starters, essential vocabulary, and grammar for the weekly topic.
Access to our weekly LIVE Spanish / English Office Hours led by our bilingual coaches. Get help with your grammar questions and personalized tips on strategies to achieve your learning goals.
Access to grammar and vocabulary mini lessons in video and pdf formats to boost your conversation practice.
A customizable Quick Start Guide to set your conversational goals.
Access to professional language coaches that will moderate Intercambio on our secure site.
It’s important to know that Intercambio is NOT a language learning curriculum. We will supplement your conversational guide with essential grammar and vocabulary to support your conversation practice, but we will not be moving through a curriculum. You will have the opportunity to tell us exactly what grammar and vocabulary you need to improve. And we will work these into the weekly topics. This is an opportunity to practice speaking with lots of structure and support in a safe group.
How is this group different from other Spanish – English conversation groups out there?
SAFE & SECURE!!! This is not a public site- you have to be a paying member and a good fit to enter Intercambio. (This is not a dating site)
DEDICATION: This community is for career minded individuals who share the motivation and willingness to invest in intentional, guided weekly conversation to GROW their language skills.
INTENTIONAL: Members receive weekly topical conversation guides to direct their conversations and not waste time in useless meet-ups!
EXPERT-LED: Our expert, bilingual language coaches are your guides! They direct your weekly conversations by providing downloadable conversation templates packed with ice-breaker questions, sentence starters, essential vocabulary, and grammar.
HYPER-FOCUSED: All members, language coaches and content in Intercambio have the same GOAL of growing in their communication skills.
To connect with a conversation partner in our private and secure online Spanish & English practice group for professionals. You can match with a partner (or several) that are a good fit on a language level, a professional level and your schedule.
Downloadable Conversation templates that include ice-breaker questions, sentence starters, essential vocabulary, and grammar for the weekly topic.
Join the weekly coaching sessions and get help with your grammar questions and personalized tips on strategies to achieve your learning goals.
Access to grammar and vocabulary mini lessons in video and pdf formats to boost your conversation practice.
This is the best price guaranteed. You will not see this low price in future enrollment periods.
You’ll also be surrounded by other like-minded professionals who share the same goal of bringing their language to life and launching their conversational skills. And let’s be honest, being involved in a supportive community is important right now. AND making sure your resources of time, talent and money are maximized and well spent is also of utmost importance during these times.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Enrollment is open for Intercambio and you can join our Spanish & English practice group at any time. As soon as you register, you will receive your Quick-Start Guide with step-by-step instructions on how to…
Login
Create your profile ( we give you instructions)
Set your schedule availability
Make sure you have access to these free communication apps: Skype or WhatsApp
Agree to the community guidelines
Set your language learning goals
Find a conversational partner
And begin practicing
Every MONDAY get the schedule, conversation guide and grammar / vocabulary support for the week. Every Thursday join our office hours to get additional practice, meet other community members and get your questions anwerered.
ENROLL TODAY! Your Spanish won’t improve without consistent practice…
FOCUSED CONVERSATION PRACTICE WITH AN EQUALLY INVESTED SPANISH-ENGLISH EXCHANGE PARTNER
CONFIDENCE IN YOUR COMMUNICATION SKILLS
GUIDED STRUCTURE AND GOAL SETTING
EXPERT & PROFESSIONAL LANGUAGE COACHES
SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY & FEEDBACK
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Intercambio right for me?
If you can answer YES to these 3 questions then YES it is a good fit for you.
Are you a serious Spanish language learner who has a genuine motivation to improve your Spanish speaking skills?
Do you have a basic foundation of the language you are trying to improve? For example, have you ever taken a Spanish class in high school, college, as an adult? Do you try to use it for your profession? Did you grow up in an area where Spanish was spoken and you used it?
AND Are you motivated to boost your speaking ability?
If you can answer YES to these questions than it’s an easy YES. You are ready to transfer your “head knowledge” of Spanish into your speaking ability.
Will there be language lessons in this group?
The objective of this group is for YOU to increase your speaking ability. You will match with a like-minded exchange partner to practice your conversational skills. We will give you guided topics to converse and grammar tips and tricks, but this is not a language curriculum.
Do I need to buy any special technology to converse with my language partner?
No, you will either use one or both of these FREE communication apps: Skype or WhatsApp.
How do you schedule conversation with your partner?
In your profile you will select your availability and you will look for a conversation partner that has the same availability as you. The key is consistency over time!
How am I matched with a partner? I would not want to be matched with someone who is a lot lower in level or a lot higher?
When you build your profile, you will be asked to self-rate your level. You will want to find a conversational partner that has that similar level.
What if I want to practice specific topics; for example, I'm a teacher and I want to practice talking about behavior modifications in the classroom. Will I have that opportunity?
YES! When you build your profile you will be able to list your profession and you can look for an exchange partner with that same profession to practice there conversations.
Do I have to have the same conversational partner the whole time or can I set up meetings with a variety of partners?
You may have different conversation partners. We understand that it might take a few times to find a right fit. And there may be several “right fits”. You are not limited to 1 exchange partner.
Is there a limit to how many times per week or month I can set up a conversation?
No, the most important thing to consider is consistency and sustainability. What type of schedule can you commit to for a long period of time to see the maximum language growth?
Do you have a yearly payment plan instead of a monthly payment plan?
Yes, we do and it is a price savings. When you register at this link, you can select “annually”
How can we know the person that is learning English like we are learning Spanish will be able to effectively assist with my errors when they may not be able to communicate this in English?
It’s important to know that members are not expected to teach the language to the parter. It is practice speaking with one another. Some partners, depending on their lang. level and experience may naturally be able to provide more corrections, and others will not be able to. This is precisely why we have expert language coaches to help you navigate the questions and improve your communication. The lang. coaches will not be live with you in your conversations, but you can jot down your doubts and attend weekly office hours to get your questions answered so you are ready for next time. And of course you can always chat or email us.
I'm wondering if there is some flexibility with the days of the week for conversation? I know my schedule one month at a time so could plan that way but I never have a set day off.
YES, there is flexibility. Once enrollment closes on May 1st, you will build your profile and select when you are available. You can change your availability in your profile on a week-by-week basis. Based off of that, you will be able to see who is available to you during your time frames.
What is your cancelation policy?
If you are not completely satisfied with this opportunity, you can cancel at any time.
Please advise how long the exchange is for (hours at a time) and how many times a week, or do we manage that?
We recommend you meet at least once a week. The amount of time you meet with your partner is up to you and it can vary week by week. We think it’s most important to set up a schedule that is consistent and sustainable for you over a long period of time. We’ll instruct members with tips about scheduling to maximize exposure, sustainability and lifestyle:).
I'm a nurse with a schedule that changes week to week. I'm wondering if there is some flexibility with the days of the week for conversation?
You are not alone. There are other healthcare workers with shifting schedules week by week in the group. There is the flexibility to set your schedule week by week. If you are having a hard time finding a conversation partner based off your schedule we will do all we can to help you.
I have taught Spanish for many years, but I speak Spanish at an intermediate level. Can this program help me progress me to a more advanced level?
Yes, you will be able to boost your intermediate conversational skills in this group by pairing with a native Spanish speaker and reaching that near-native fluency with structured support and guidance from our language experts.
Have questions? …Drop them in the comments below. Also we want to know…How have your language skills improved when you have opportunities to USE it and apply what you know? Comment below!
This is the best site and cheapest to learn spoken Spanish.
BB Borkar,MD
- Bhagwant Borkar
Rating: 5 out of 5
Intercambio is a fun way to chat and get to know people from other countries. It is kind of like having a pen pal to practice your language skills with!
- Austin
Rating: 5 out of 5
Intercambio makes learning Spanish an exciting, intriguing, enlightening process. no matter what your entry level. Sometimes I feel as freshly inspired as my 9-year- old self did when she wrote letters to a pen-pal in Paris! In these quarantined times, I feel genuinely connected to a intercontinental community.
- Carol Sullivan
Rating: 5 out of 5
Estoy muy feliz, porque pierdo el miedo a conversar con este intercambio.
Gracias Leslie y Rory.
- Yalile Blanco
Rating: 5 out of 5
This intercambio program is so much more than I expected. I knew that I would have an opportunity to practice speaking Spanish each week, which I absolutely need. I was nervous! However, the weekly conversation guides, grammar focus, and office hours provide so much support. They are so well thought out and connected. My partners and I use the guide as our starting point, and then the conversation starts flowing with ease. Not only is my Spanish improving, but I feel like I have made new friends in other countries. Thank you!
- Suzanne Carroll
Rating: 5 out of 5
Este Intercambio me ha permitido dejar el temor de hablar inglés y equivocarme y seguir practicando, es una oportunidad para crecer, mejorar. Muy agradecida por la oportunidad e interactuar con muchas personas! Muchísimas gracias
- Yorleny Romero
Rating: 5 out of 5
The Intercambio has been a perfect way to keep up with my Spanish! It's very tailored to my availability and ability level. A very welcoming community of no-judgement, just everyone trying to improve their language abilities! The conversation guides that Rory and Leslie provide are such a unique and vital part of this program that help guide ALL learners at all levels with their conversations. I've been able to connect with multiple people from multiple different countries, which is an invaluable and fantastic way for me to continuously learn and improve my Spanish as well as cultural awareness.
- Kelsey Ouellette
Rating: 5 out of 5
Leslie and Rory are doing an amazing job with this new program. The encouragement to simply start practicing rather than worrying about perfection is just what I needed. Leslie's office hours and teaching sessions are outstanding for their clarity, energy, and specificity to each new learning task. This is an incredible opportunity to connect with Spanish speakers from literally around the world and to practice in a safe, encouraging environment. The conversational guides are thorough and helpful and serve to give structure and intentional learning to the actual conversation times. Leslie and Rory also work hard to adjust to the various needs of the students by offering relevant content. I highly recommend Intercambio if you want to advance in your Spanish conversational skills.
- Kim McConnell
Rating: 5 out of 5
Estoy demasiado contenta con el programa, conocer gente nueva y aprender de una manera tan dinámica y divertida en verdad facilita mucho el proceso de aprendizaje.
- Priscilla Guerrero Gracia
Rating: 5 out of 5
Súper feliz de poder conocer personas y poder practicar el idioma con personas de mi misma profesión e intercambiar experiencias
- Katalina Sánchez R
Rating: 5 out of 5
Estoy muy agradecida de participar de esta experiencia de intercambio en la que ambas personas que conversamos nos encontramos motivadas cada una cumpliendo sus objetivos y ayudando al otro a cumplirlos!
- Silvana Romitelli
Rating: 5 out of 5
He estado estudiando español desde hace 3 Anyos usando youtube Y computador, pero siento que intercambio es la mejor manera de aprender español hablado.
BB Borkar
- Bhagwant Borkar
Rating: 5 out of 5
Thank you Intercambio! Not only is this platform creating space for me to have a weekly conversation in Spanish in a judgement-free environment which is definitely help mprove my fluency but Intercambio is facilitating connection with people in other countries in a time when connecting is difficult and CRITICAL. The guided conversations provided by Intercambio helped completely alleviate my nervousness about having a conversation in Spanish with a person I have never met - now I definitely look forward to my scheduled conversations!! Thank you!
- Anita Chupp
Rating: 5 out of 5
The Intercambio program is one of the most amazing resources I have ever seen in truly growing in the language and finally having a safe, comfortable, and fun place to practice speaking! I have known and have taught the basics of Spanish for over 16 years but my deep fear of making mistakes, sounding ignorant, and being timid to speak has prevented me from growing and moving forward. The Intercambio program has been an answered prayer. The weekly teachings and conversation topics, encouraging teachers, being matched with speaking partners that are at my level, and having the opportunity to speak as often as needed- in my own home, with people from around the world is the perfect combination. The program has allowed me to jump leaps and bounds in my learning within a matter of weeks and I have gained more confidence in these first few weeks then I have in years. Intercambio has also re-ignited my passion for Spanish. I look forward to each new week in the program and can’t wait to see just how far I can grow.
- Jeniffer Shearer
Rating: 5 out of 5
Me siento super contenta con el programa. Conocer personas nuevas y poder practicar es una excelente oportunidad. Muchas gracias !
- Maureen Marín
Rating: 5 out of 5
Thank for the opportunity in the community, Im very happy for practicing with other people. It is very easy and funny. Practice with other takes away any fear of conversation. Thank you!
- Yalile Blanco
Rating: 5 out of 5
Leslie, you do such a great job teaching me Spanish. I made a great choice to connect with you and the Intercambio team.
- Joe Sekely
Rating: 5 out of 5
Hooray for Intercambio / Common Ground. This is the first time I have been successful practicing Spanish. You may practice with anyone in the class, you converse is English if you are an English learner, or In Spanish if you are Spanish language learner. The students, whonare from all over the world, partner up to practice.
The teachers, Leslie and Rory send out one lesson, so you and your partner a basis for conversation. This week talked about the pandemic.
It is well thought out and executed program. I am so excited to be practicing regularly. It is not about perfection or grades. It is about enjoying chatting with people who want to chat with you.
It is extraordinary and I love it.
- Charlotte Rivera
Rating: 5 out of 5
I appreciate the opportunity to converse so much. I have taken many classes in Spanish where the teacher talks in English-so frustrating.. I have been looking for a way to prioritize conversation for so long!-And here’ it is! Reasonably priced, curated by professionals, and Leslie has been so attentive , encouraging & helpful-my emails are always answered promptly with the info I requested.
- Nancy Penman
Rating: 5 out of 5
Thank you for helping me to speak Spanish with Intercambio. This class came at a perfect time to help me achieve my dream of learning and speaking Spanish. I am grateful that you shared the importance of getting the message across rather than getting hung up on proper grammar. Since I have never taken a Spanish class (until now), I've always been afraid to say anything at all. Literally anything! I have a good friend that is from Mexico, and I wouldn't even try to say anything to her in Spanish! Now I am being brave, and it is because of you and this class that you are offering. I truly appreciate how your passion to help others has changed many lives including mine. Thank you!
- Chelsie Cabak
42 responses to “Spanish – English Practice Group: Online Intercambio Language Exchange”
Alicia
May 4, 2020 at 8:40 am
Hello,
I’ve registered but am not able to access the group site. When I initally registered I did so on my phone. I’m having problems when trying to access using my phone. I’ve even tried to reset my password. It basically says that my email doesn’t exit. Please help
I’d be interested in this program if I can still get the $19.99 /mo rate. The price has gone up to 29.99/mo starting this morning, I’m guessing. I just received the original advertisement for founding members at the cheaper rate. The offer expired at midnight last night. Would you be willing to extend the founding members offer through today so I can join at this rate as well? Thank you for your consideration, Deedee Caldwell
Hi Deedee, thanks for the note. The special promo offer has expired, sorry you didn’t see those emails we sent out talking about it. We’d love to have you in the group if you can make it work with your budget. Thanks for being part of our community. Cheers,
I’ve been looking at this for a couple weeks now. As an educator, I like the idea that this brings something new to the on-line experience. Although I will always be a “student” of the Spanish language (and English for that matter!) I am already what most would consider fluent/bi-lingual: my BA is in Spanish with an MA in International Studies, I have lived in Spain and Latin America for extended periods and I currently teach high school Spanish.
Question: is this something for me? Perhaps there is a different capacity in which I could be involved?
Hola Nick! THanks for your question. It sound like you have incredible lang. skills. I personally agree with your “student” analogy – I feel like I’m always learning with my 20+ years of Spanish learning, teaching, traveling, etc. But there is still room for me to grow- we never stop learning. If you feel like you need to improve you near-native speech, then as you know there is no better way that to communicate. The supplemental grammar and vocab. will be too easy for you. But the opportunity to build a strong community of language advancers is huge!
I am a physician and my level is intermediate.I would like to chat with a medical professional like a nurse or anybody related to the medical field.
Thanks,
BB
My husband is an English language learner and I am a Spanish language learner. He communicates well, but would like to improve his fluency, especially at work (he is an architect). While we can practice with each other, I understand him so well that frequently I will miss his mistakes. Might this program be good for him?
Hello Megan, yes absolutely! It would be excellent for him to join and have a chance to speak with others on a regular basis. Go ahead and get him signed up while the price is still discounted!
This looks very promising and I’m excited to try it out! However, when I go to enter my address in Checkout, it does not offer Canada as an option for country…just states in the US…and asks for ZIP code when Canada uses a Postal Code. I’m unsure how to proceed.
Hello! I am very interested/close to registering…could you offer an option to sign up for 6 months? I prefer not to have monthly withdrawals yet want to commit…give it a good try. If after 6 months, do you provide a pro-rated refund if necessary, for the one year option. In the past I tried an informal conversational app but it was not structured enough to feel like I was learning and improving…so your weekly conversation lessons seems helpful. Thank you,
Will the intercambio be specific to professionals? I am a teacher, but currently I am interested in learning more Spanish related to culture, travel, conversation, shopping and family life. Thanks for all you do! Monica
¡Hola! I am interested in learning if the goal of the intercambio is to stay focused on the participants’ profession? I am a teacher, however, currently I am more interested in learning Spanish language that focuses on culture, family life, travelling, shopping etc. I have been moved to a school that has very few Spanish speaking students and now my language goals have changed. Thanks for all you do! Monica
Hola Monica! Thanks for the great questions. The topical conversational themes will vary each week, but they will not be focused on specific professions. WE have lots of specific indutry focused Spanish available online. Weekly topics will include more general topics as you listed with essential vocabulary and grammar. This is a great opportunity to take a deep dive into cultural elements with your conversation partner. And this is a great opportunity to expand on the themes you list above with your partner.
FYI: I’m sure you’re already aware, computer spellcheck has sabotaged one of your headlines.
I’m already foundering in Spanish, that’s why i would want to become a founding member of your Spanish group!!! I’m not sure how to direct you to where to find the foundering vs founding entry, but thought you’d like to know…..
(No need to reply to my remark)
This sounds exciting. I get to use my mediocre Spanish a couple of times a month as a volunteer in Denver/Aurora with Casa de Paz. It’s not essential to speak Spanish, but it would be very helpful if I did, for all concerned.
I am a speech language pathologist and a beginner. I work with Spanish speaking families and want to be able to speak with parents about their children’s communication disorders and things we work on in therapy. I recently took Spanish I and know some basic vocab but I still consider myself a beginner. A) Should my foundation be stronger to participate? B)Can you match me with an SLP?
Hi Miriam, thanks for the note! I don’t know if we have any other SLPs in the group – so I can’t promise that. However, knowing some basic vocabulary is a great start. Each week, you’ll get a conversational topic and a mini-lesson to support that week’s conversation. I can also encourage to take a look at some of these online medical Spanish classes to begin strengthening your foundation. You might consider beginning with Ser v Estar & Present Tense Verbs in Spanish
I live in the UK & have had a place in Spain for 15 years, which I visit once a month (not now with the COVID lockdown of course) & have built very basic Spanish, which allows me to communicate in bars, restaurants, shops etc. but NOT to hold a conversation. I’d like to move to the next level to allow this, as I intend to spend longer periods & integrate far better out there rather than brief stays & integrate far better with the community. Just 2 questions:
1. Would this help with my language goals? &:
2. Would the time difference between the US & the UK allow me to access the LIVE Spanish / English Office Hours?
Great questions, Peter! Intercambio will definitely help you meet your communicative goals in Spanish – no doubt. The whole purpose is to practice speaking & listening! We’re thinking of holding the office hours at around 8p Eastern time on Thursdays – but we haven’t surveyed the group of registrants yet. That would be 1am BST. But again, as soon as the enrollment period ends, we’ll survey the group and choose the hr & day that fits best for most. We hope you can join us!
I am a retired english teacher and have no professional reason for wanting to study spanish. I just love the language, have travelled to much of latin america, have had tutors and taken classes, but my skills are still pretty mediocre-especially my grammar. Is your program appropriate for me?
Hey Susan, thanks for the note. Absolutely, this would be good to help you get more fluid & comfortable with the grammar you’ve already learned at some point in the past. That’s the goal – to bring it out of your head :). The weekly conversation guides will also include mini grammar tips and a vocabulary guide for the week’s topics that you will focus on getting comfortable with that week. We’d love to work with you in Intercambio!
I am wanting to practice my spanish by having conversations with native spanish speakers – is that what this will provide? If so, do we do something like a 1/2 hr in spanish and then a half hour in english? I am asking this since i couldn’t find any specifics or examples in your info. Thanks
Hey John, yes that’s exactly right. We’re suggesting you split time 50/50 with your native Spanish speaking compañero. If you want to split each meeting 50/50 that’s fine. If you’d prefer to meet 1 day/week in 100% Spanish and then another day 100% in English that’s fine too. Whatever works best for you and your partner.
Hola! I truly have a passion for experiencing the beautiful spanish language and have been attempting to follow multiple online apps and videos on my own. I am a NP as well, so I know being bilingual will be a great asset to my career in helping my patients here in south Florida. I have been following some online courses both for conversational and medical, I find myself all over the place and have been searching for a more structured curriculum as well as a practice partner!Intercambio sounds exactly what I have been searching for!
I am just beginning to refresh what I have previously learned in school so I am VERY slow at this point. Will there be partners at my level as I do not wish to hold anyone back.
Thank you!
Hola Christine! It sounds like you have some great experience with Spanish already, fantastic. Yes, we expect a variety of levels in the Intercambio community. It’s best to have at least a foundation to build upon and it sounds like you do! You will be able to view conversational partners that are at your level. Thanks for the great question!
I am primarily interested in improving my medical Spanish as well as my general conversational Spanish. I’m a nurse and have different schedules every week, what happens if I can’t find anyone to practice with during my odd hours?
Hola Jonathon! Thanks for your great question. You are not alone. There are other health care workers with shifting schedules week by week in the group. There is the flexibility to set your schedule week by week. If you are having a hard time finding a conversation partner based off your schedule we will do all we can to help you. Keep in mind, you can cancel at anytime if it truly does not work out.
Buenas Dias! Espero que todo va bien en su familia. Me encanta ese proyecto and am wondering if there is some flexibility with the days of the week for conversation. – I know my schedule one month at a time so could plan that way but I never have a set day off. Gracias! Anita
Hola Anita! YES, there is flexibility. Once enrollment closes on May 1st, you will build your profile and select when you are available. You can change your availability in your profile on a week-by-week basis. Based off of that, you will be able to see who is available to you during your time frames.
Hi Susan, Good question! We recommend 1 hr at least. But there is not a time limit from our end. It is up to what you and your conversational partner agree to. It’s flexible for example; one week you might only be able to meet for an hour and the next week for 2. In short, there is flexibility depending on your schedule.
This sounds like an interesting idea. I have taught Elementary Spanish programs for about 20 years, but I speak Spanish at an intermediate level. Can this program help me progress me to a more advanced level?
Are you locked into a year’s membership or can you quit the program at any time?
Hola Lynn! Great questions! Yes, you will be able to boost your intermediate conversational skills in this group by pairing with a native Spanish speaker and reaching that near-native fluency!!! If you are not fully satisfied with this opportunity, you can cancel your membership at any time. We have a monthly and yearly plan. If you cancel the yearly plan, we will prorate the amount back to you that you did not use based on the monthly rate. Thanks!
I am a pediatrician and am taking a community based medical Spanish course. My wife is a spiritual director. We both also work with ‘at risk’ youth and the juvenile justice system. Would it work out/make sense to sign on as a couple? Besides our distant partners, we could practice at home.
Thanks,
Larry Lerman
Andrea Bliss-Lerman
Hola Larry and Andrea! Great question. If both of you want to connect with a partner and advance your language skills you will need two seperate accounts. I’ll send you an mail with more detials. Thanks!
Hola Derrick! Good question…Yes, this group is not for kids learning Spanish. It more geared towards adult learners with a professional need to improve conversation skills in Spanish and/or are highly motivated to boost their communication skills. Have you checked out https://calicospanish.com/? It is a fantastic kid’s Spanish curriculum!
42 responses to “Spanish – English Practice Group: Online Intercambio Language Exchange”
Hello,
I’ve registered but am not able to access the group site. When I initally registered I did so on my phone. I’m having problems when trying to access using my phone. I’ve even tried to reset my password. It basically says that my email doesn’t exit. Please help
Alicia
Resolved – we had the wrong email address in our system for you (.cim vs .com). You should be all set now!
Hello,
I’d be interested in this program if I can still get the $19.99 /mo rate. The price has gone up to 29.99/mo starting this morning, I’m guessing. I just received the original advertisement for founding members at the cheaper rate. The offer expired at midnight last night. Would you be willing to extend the founding members offer through today so I can join at this rate as well? Thank you for your consideration, Deedee Caldwell
Hi Deedee, thanks for the note. The special promo offer has expired, sorry you didn’t see those emails we sent out talking about it. We’d love to have you in the group if you can make it work with your budget. Thanks for being part of our community. Cheers,
I’ve been looking at this for a couple weeks now. As an educator, I like the idea that this brings something new to the on-line experience. Although I will always be a “student” of the Spanish language (and English for that matter!) I am already what most would consider fluent/bi-lingual: my BA is in Spanish with an MA in International Studies, I have lived in Spain and Latin America for extended periods and I currently teach high school Spanish.
Question: is this something for me? Perhaps there is a different capacity in which I could be involved?
Thanks!
Nick
Hola Nick! THanks for your question. It sound like you have incredible lang. skills. I personally agree with your “student” analogy – I feel like I’m always learning with my 20+ years of Spanish learning, teaching, traveling, etc. But there is still room for me to grow- we never stop learning. If you feel like you need to improve you near-native speech, then as you know there is no better way that to communicate. The supplemental grammar and vocab. will be too easy for you. But the opportunity to build a strong community of language advancers is huge!
I am a physician and my level is intermediate.I would like to chat with a medical professional like a nurse or anybody related to the medical field.
Thanks,
BB
My husband is an English language learner and I am a Spanish language learner. He communicates well, but would like to improve his fluency, especially at work (he is an architect). While we can practice with each other, I understand him so well that frequently I will miss his mistakes. Might this program be good for him?
Hello Megan, yes absolutely! It would be excellent for him to join and have a chance to speak with others on a regular basis. Go ahead and get him signed up while the price is still discounted!
This looks very promising and I’m excited to try it out! However, when I go to enter my address in Checkout, it does not offer Canada as an option for country…just states in the US…and asks for ZIP code when Canada uses a Postal Code. I’m unsure how to proceed.
Hi Lucia, it should be working. Try clicking on the dropdown for country in checkout and scrolling up to find Canada. See screenshot:
Hello! I am very interested/close to registering…could you offer an option to sign up for 6 months? I prefer not to have monthly withdrawals yet want to commit…give it a good try. If after 6 months, do you provide a pro-rated refund if necessary, for the one year option. In the past I tried an informal conversational app but it was not structured enough to feel like I was learning and improving…so your weekly conversation lessons seems helpful. Thank you,
Hola!
Will the intercambio be specific to professionals? I am a teacher, but currently I am interested in learning more Spanish related to culture, travel, conversation, shopping and family life. Thanks for all you do! Monica
¡Hola! I am interested in learning if the goal of the intercambio is to stay focused on the participants’ profession? I am a teacher, however, currently I am more interested in learning Spanish language that focuses on culture, family life, travelling, shopping etc. I have been moved to a school that has very few Spanish speaking students and now my language goals have changed. Thanks for all you do! Monica
Hola Monica! Thanks for the great questions. The topical conversational themes will vary each week, but they will not be focused on specific professions. WE have lots of specific indutry focused Spanish available online. Weekly topics will include more general topics as you listed with essential vocabulary and grammar. This is a great opportunity to take a deep dive into cultural elements with your conversation partner. And this is a great opportunity to expand on the themes you list above with your partner.
Second message from Dale.
FYI: I’m sure you’re already aware, computer spellcheck has sabotaged one of your headlines.
I’m already foundering in Spanish, that’s why i would want to become a founding member of your Spanish group!!! I’m not sure how to direct you to where to find the foundering vs founding entry, but thought you’d like to know…..
(No need to reply to my remark)
Hah! Love it Dale – thanks for the proofreading … Gracias a Dios we didn’t have “floundering” members … :).
This sounds exciting. I get to use my mediocre Spanish a couple of times a month as a volunteer in Denver/Aurora with Casa de Paz. It’s not essential to speak Spanish, but it would be very helpful if I did, for all concerned.
I am a speech language pathologist and a beginner. I work with Spanish speaking families and want to be able to speak with parents about their children’s communication disorders and things we work on in therapy. I recently took Spanish I and know some basic vocab but I still consider myself a beginner. A) Should my foundation be stronger to participate? B)Can you match me with an SLP?
Hi Miriam, thanks for the note! I don’t know if we have any other SLPs in the group – so I can’t promise that. However, knowing some basic vocabulary is a great start. Each week, you’ll get a conversational topic and a mini-lesson to support that week’s conversation. I can also encourage to take a look at some of these online medical Spanish classes to begin strengthening your foundation. You might consider beginning with Ser v Estar & Present Tense Verbs in Spanish
I live in the UK & have had a place in Spain for 15 years, which I visit once a month (not now with the COVID lockdown of course) & have built very basic Spanish, which allows me to communicate in bars, restaurants, shops etc. but NOT to hold a conversation. I’d like to move to the next level to allow this, as I intend to spend longer periods & integrate far better out there rather than brief stays & integrate far better with the community. Just 2 questions:
1. Would this help with my language goals? &:
2. Would the time difference between the US & the UK allow me to access the LIVE Spanish / English Office Hours?
Great questions, Peter! Intercambio will definitely help you meet your communicative goals in Spanish – no doubt. The whole purpose is to practice speaking & listening! We’re thinking of holding the office hours at around 8p Eastern time on Thursdays – but we haven’t surveyed the group of registrants yet. That would be 1am BST. But again, as soon as the enrollment period ends, we’ll survey the group and choose the hr & day that fits best for most. We hope you can join us!
I am a retired english teacher and have no professional reason for wanting to study spanish. I just love the language, have travelled to much of latin america, have had tutors and taken classes, but my skills are still pretty mediocre-especially my grammar. Is your program appropriate for me?
Hey Susan, thanks for the note. Absolutely, this would be good to help you get more fluid & comfortable with the grammar you’ve already learned at some point in the past. That’s the goal – to bring it out of your head :). The weekly conversation guides will also include mini grammar tips and a vocabulary guide for the week’s topics that you will focus on getting comfortable with that week. We’d love to work with you in Intercambio!
I want to sign up!
Great Marla! Founding members enrollment ends May 1st. Be sure to do register soon!
I am wanting to practice my spanish by having conversations with native spanish speakers – is that what this will provide? If so, do we do something like a 1/2 hr in spanish and then a half hour in english? I am asking this since i couldn’t find any specifics or examples in your info. Thanks
Hey John, yes that’s exactly right. We’re suggesting you split time 50/50 with your native Spanish speaking compañero. If you want to split each meeting 50/50 that’s fine. If you’d prefer to meet 1 day/week in 100% Spanish and then another day 100% in English that’s fine too. Whatever works best for you and your partner.
Hola! I truly have a passion for experiencing the beautiful spanish language and have been attempting to follow multiple online apps and videos on my own. I am a NP as well, so I know being bilingual will be a great asset to my career in helping my patients here in south Florida. I have been following some online courses both for conversational and medical, I find myself all over the place and have been searching for a more structured curriculum as well as a practice partner!Intercambio sounds exactly what I have been searching for!
I am just beginning to refresh what I have previously learned in school so I am VERY slow at this point. Will there be partners at my level as I do not wish to hold anyone back.
Thank you!
Hola Christine! It sounds like you have some great experience with Spanish already, fantastic. Yes, we expect a variety of levels in the Intercambio community. It’s best to have at least a foundation to build upon and it sounds like you do! You will be able to view conversational partners that are at your level. Thanks for the great question!
I am primarily interested in improving my medical Spanish as well as my general conversational Spanish. I’m a nurse and have different schedules every week, what happens if I can’t find anyone to practice with during my odd hours?
Hola Jonathon! Thanks for your great question. You are not alone. There are other health care workers with shifting schedules week by week in the group. There is the flexibility to set your schedule week by week. If you are having a hard time finding a conversation partner based off your schedule we will do all we can to help you. Keep in mind, you can cancel at anytime if it truly does not work out.
Buenas Dias! Espero que todo va bien en su familia. Me encanta ese proyecto and am wondering if there is some flexibility with the days of the week for conversation. – I know my schedule one month at a time so could plan that way but I never have a set day off. Gracias! Anita
Hola Anita! YES, there is flexibility. Once enrollment closes on May 1st, you will build your profile and select when you are available. You can change your availability in your profile on a week-by-week basis. Based off of that, you will be able to see who is available to you during your time frames.
What is the length of time for one session? 1 hour, 2 hours?
Hi Susan, Good question! We recommend 1 hr at least. But there is not a time limit from our end. It is up to what you and your conversational partner agree to. It’s flexible for example; one week you might only be able to meet for an hour and the next week for 2. In short, there is flexibility depending on your schedule.
This sounds like an interesting idea. I have taught Elementary Spanish programs for about 20 years, but I speak Spanish at an intermediate level. Can this program help me progress me to a more advanced level?
Are you locked into a year’s membership or can you quit the program at any time?
Hola Lynn! Great questions! Yes, you will be able to boost your intermediate conversational skills in this group by pairing with a native Spanish speaker and reaching that near-native fluency!!! If you are not fully satisfied with this opportunity, you can cancel your membership at any time. We have a monthly and yearly plan. If you cancel the yearly plan, we will prorate the amount back to you that you did not use based on the monthly rate. Thanks!
I am a pediatrician and am taking a community based medical Spanish course. My wife is a spiritual director. We both also work with ‘at risk’ youth and the juvenile justice system. Would it work out/make sense to sign on as a couple? Besides our distant partners, we could practice at home.
Thanks,
Larry Lerman
Andrea Bliss-Lerman
Hola Larry and Andrea! Great question. If both of you want to connect with a partner and advance your language skills you will need two seperate accounts. I’ll send you an mail with more detials. Thanks!
Are there age limits? We are trying to teach our 12, 10 and 6 year olds Spanish. They have spent a month in Spain at a language camp the pat summer.
Hola Derrick! Good question…Yes, this group is not for kids learning Spanish. It more geared towards adult learners with a professional need to improve conversation skills in Spanish and/or are highly motivated to boost their communication skills. Have you checked out https://calicospanish.com/? It is a fantastic kid’s Spanish curriculum!