Study Spanish language for free


(photo by José A. used under terms of Creative Commons license.)
spain flagWe provide free online Spanish classes based on the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center's (DLIFLC) "Spanish Headstart for Spain" program.We provide free online Spanish classes based on the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center's (DLIFLC) "Spanish Headstart for Spain" program.

This 100% free online Spanish language program includes four themes, 12 lessons, 24 dialogues, over 180 exercises and quizzes, and around eight hours of audio (MP3 format).

Initially, military personnel and other eligible individuals who needed Spanish proficiency for specific assignments or missions in Spain were the target audience for the "Spanish Headstart for Spain".

The program was developed in the 1980s. The program's design is intended to provide learners with an intensive and focused language learning experience, allowing them to converse successfully in a Spanish-speaking environment. It caters primarily to beginners, aiming to enhance their language abilities within a relatively short timeframe.

The curriculum for DLIFLC's "Spanish Headstart for Spain" program is both thorough and immersive. It covers various aspects of language acquisition, such as grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. The emphasis is placed on practical language skills relevant to real-world scenarios encountered in military and diplomatic settings.

Originally, in addition to classroom instruction, students had opportunities for cultural immersion activities, which might have included interactions with native speakers, field trips to local communities, and cultural workshops. These experiences improved students' comprehension of the Spanish language and increased their cross-cultural competency and awareness.

Participants who complete the "Spanish Headstart for Spain" program will have the linguistic and cultural skills to engage properly in Spanish-speaking settings.

This Spanish program's objectives are::

While specific objectives are stated for each theme, below is a more general statement of the overall skill levels expected upon completion of this course (estimated study time: 40–50 hours). 


1. Comprehension

This course aims to give students a sufficient understanding of spoken Spanish to meet their survival needs and travel requirements. They will be able to comprehend the key characteristics of face-to-face discourse in standard Spanish that pertain to basic needs such as food and drink, simple instructions, shopping, directions, money, and time. Remember that while the Spanish expressions in the materials are frequently repeated on the audio files, they are delivered at a fairly standard speech rate. Students will easily grasp these expressions in real-life circumstances because they have been exposed to the "real language" throughout their study.

2. Speaking. 

By the end of this course, students will be able to ask and respond to questions about the topics covered. Thus, all students at this level should be able to hold polite, short conversations, ask for directions, order a meal, and make purchases and travel plans. Despite the students' limited vocabulary for expressing basic needs and frequent errors in pronunciation and grammar, Spanish speakers can comprehend them. 

Course Content

(photo by  Smallest Forest used under terms of Creative Commons license.)

spanish course

The program is divided into 4 themes:

The three lessons in this theme teach core Spanish language abilities such as greetings, introductions, basic vocabulary, and frequent phrases used in everyday conversations.

This theme's four lessons cover fundamental terminology and phrases for travel, transportation, and navigation. You'll discover vocabulary and phrases that are frequently used in airports, train stations, bus terminals, taxi services, and other transportation hubs.

These lessons cover common phrases and expressions used during shopping interactions, such as asking for assistance, inquiring about product details, requesting sizes or colours, and making purchases. You'll learn to understand and discuss prices in Spanish, including numbers, currencies, and units of measurement commonly used in Spain. This includes practising conversions and learning about discounts and sales. The course introduces you to various stores and markets widely found in Spain, such as supermarkets, department stores, boutiques, specialty shops, and local markets. You will learn to navigate these shopping areas and engage with employees and vendors.


These lessons will help you learn some basic Spanish phrases to navigate menus and interact with waiters and waitresses. Here are some essential phrases:

  • Greetings:
    • "Hola" - Hello
    • "Buenos días" - Good morning
    • "Buenas tardes" - Good afternoon
    • "Buenas noches" - Good evening/night
  • Ordering:
    • "¿Puedo ver el menú, por favor?" - Can I see the menu, please?
    • "Quisiera..." - I would like...
    • "¿Qué recomienda usted?" - What do you recommend?
    • "¿Tiene opciones vegetarianas/veganas?" - Do you have vegetarian/vegan options?
    • "Para beber, ..." - To drink, ...
    • "Para comer, ..." - To eat, ...
  • Courtesy:
    • "Por favor" - Please
    • "Gracias" - Thank you
    • "De nada" - You're welcome
    • "Perdón" or "Disculpe" - Excuse me
  • Asking for the Check:
    • "La cuenta, por favor" - The check, please
  • Basic Food Vocabulary:
    • "Café" - Coffee
    • "Agua" - Water
    • "Vino" - Wine
    • "Pan" - Bread
    • "Pollo" - Chicken
    • "Pescado" - Fish
    • "Carne" - Meat
    • "Verduras" - Vegetables
    • "Ensalada" - Salad
    • "Postre" - Dessert

Practicing these phrases ahead of time can help make your dining experience in Spain smoother and more enjoyable. Taking a language course is an excellent method to improve your comprehension and proficiency. Enjoy your culinary adventures in Spain!

Course Design

(photo by  Nacho Rascón used under terms of Creative Commons license.)
libros

1. Sentence patterns and vocabulary.

 For the conversations and exercises in this course, we have selected the most frequently used sentence patterns, words, expressions, and the least complicated phrases and sentences.

 2. Grammar.

 The grammar explanations in the Headstart program are minimal. Instructors should avoid them unless students specifically request them.

 3. Instructional modes.

 The "Spanish Headstart for Spain" program offers the advantage of allowing students to use the materials entirely independently, without the need for an instructor's guidance. The students work independently with the website and take the self-evaluation quiz whenever they feel ready at the end of each lesson.

 

To complete the program, students usually need to spend approximately 40–50 hours of study, spread over at least two weeks (20–25 hours per week).

Reasons to learn spanish with the "Spanish Headstart for Spain" program

Learning Spanish with the "Spanish Headstart for Spain" program offers a multitude of benefits:

  1. Cultural Immersion:Immerse yourself in Spain's rich culture. Learning the language provides a deeper understanding of Spanish literature, music, art, and cuisine.

  2. Career Opportunities: Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. Proficiency in Spanish can enhance your career prospects, especially if you're interested in fields like international commerce, tourism, diplomacy, or translation.

  3. Travel:Spain is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches, vibrant cities, and historical sites. Speaking Spanish will improve your travel experiences by helping you communicate with locals and navigate more effectively.

  4. Personal Growth: Learning a new language challenges your brain and enhances cognitive skills such as problem-solving and multitasking. It also boosts confidence and adaptability as you venture outside your comfort zone to communicate in Spanish.

  5. Networking:Join a global community of Spanish speakers. Whether you're communicating with native speakers or fellow learners, learning Spanish opens up opportunities for meaningful connections and friendships.

  6. Educational Opportunities: Spain boasts outstanding universities and academic programs. Learning Spanish through the "Spanish Headstart for Spain" program could lead to future educational opportunities in Spain or other Spanish-speaking nations.

  7. Global Perspective: Understanding Spanish gives you insight into diverse perspectives and cultures beyond your own. It fosters empathy, tolerance, and appreciation for the global community.

Overall, the "Spanish Headstart for Spain" program offers a structured and immersive approach to learning Spanish, providing valuable skills and experiences that go beyond language ability.