¿TIENES DUDAS?
It is a Spanish language school online on Zoom or Skype. Classes are held on video call. If you’d like to take classes using another software, write me an email to info@spanishteachermonica.com
- How do I teach?
I have a very communicative methodology. I always speak Spanish during my classes, but if you don’t get something and it is important, don’t worry. Generally, I don’t utter words in other languages (so far English and Italian) but I can write them down for you.
I work with many handbooks and dynamic exercises, but what I mostly do is conversating with the student applying grammar. For example, if you want to practice past tenses, I will ask you some specific questions to help you use that tense. And what if you don’t know how to do it? It’s all right, I will explain it to you in no time during class.
WRITING. Learning how to write properly isn’t something that most people look for, but I think it is a great resource. Thanks to creative writing you can learn vocabulary and grammar in a very stimulating way. Some years ago, I used to write roleplays (something like collaborative writing) and now I love doing it with my students. You can truly learn a lot! Of course, if you prefer not to do it, you don’t have to worry about it, because it is an elective activity, it’s never mandatory.
I am very flexible. If you already have a learning system that works well for you and don’t want to change it, tell me about it and I will adapt to it! Communication is very important for me. I want to be the teacher you need, so if there is something in my system that you don’t like, just tell me and I will find a way to change it.
- What do I need to get started?
Do I need to download a specific software in my computer in order to take classes?
No specific software is needed, because we will have classes online through Skype and Zoom which are free for the learner and can be accessed by the browser without the need to download them. Furthermore, they also have their mobile applications for both Android and Apple. However, if you prefer to use another platform, write me an e-mail to info@spanishteachermonica.com so we can talk about it
- Minimum requirements to have a steady online class:
A stable internet connection of at least 20 mega is required to have high quality videocalls and you will need a Skype or Zoom compatible device. I recommend having a desktop computer or a laptop, because it could be more difficult working with other devices.
If there is a lot of noise in the place where you are going to connect, I recommend you use headphones with integrated microphone, so I can hear you better.
- Am I expected to buy some material?
I will provide you with all the material needed for class for free. However, if you’d like to buy some books, I can give some advice according to your needs.
Our first class won’t exactly be the same as a normal class, it will be more like an interview to get to know each other. You can ask me all your questions and I will be able to assess your Spanish level and find out your needs. I will also suggest you a working method to understand if it is suitable for you.
A class lasts 55 minutes, but 30 minutes classes are available too.
Yes, because communication and learning process will be more effective if you keep your webcam turned on. Being able to see me is important, but for me is even more important being able to see you, because I will be able to understand if you didn’t get some of the explanation. In the end, communication consists of verbal and nonverbal language.
I will speak to you mostly in Spanish, as this will make you use it as well to communicate in a real way. Nevertheless, if necessary (e.g., a grammar rule) the teacher could use English or Italian to help you, but it will be an exception.
Each student is free to decide how many hours to attend per week (1, 2,3…5). You can attend as many Spanish classes as you want. However, it’s advisable to attend at least one class per week; constancy and frequency of contact with a language are essential to the learn it.
It is the student who learns and is responsible for his or her learning. The teacher can only provide you with means to learn using the most appropriate activities, good explanations, recommendations to follow to keep learning even out of class, etc. The teacher is a guide. The learning process depends on each student, on their motivation and interest to learn Spanish, on the number of classes you are attending per week, on the individual work you are doing out of class, etc. Generally, you can say that from 10-20 classes onwards, under normal conditions, the student will notice improvements in their Spanish.
You can pay with PayPal, which is quick and easy. However, if you’d rather using another method of payment, like bank transfer, Revolut, Wise or others, send me an email so we can talk about it.
Of course, you can! As long as you do it 24 hours before the class, it won’t be a problem. Nevertheless, if you are unsure about your schedule, I suggest you wait until you are sure about it, before constantly change the time of the class. Unforeseen events can happen at any time and it’s normal, but if you can I kindly ask you not to reschedule the same class more than twice. Rescheduling a class many times means that I won’t be able to fill in the hour and normally I won’t have the chance to work.
Of course, you can! However, keep in mind that the class will finish at the scheduled time, try to be on time so that we can use the time better. Nevertheless, if I am late, we will finish the class when all the scheduled time has passed; otherwise, we will save that amount of extra time for the next class.
Yes, I could cancel a class because of connection issues, power cuts, sickness, natural disasters or other consistent reasons. However, the class will be re-arranged as soon as possible according to your availability and obviously without any extra charge for you.
If a class is interrupted on several occasions or cannot be completed because of specific technical issues or that can be attributable to me (Mónica), the class will be rescheduled without any charge for you. In case of recurrent technical issues (due to connection problems on your side) and if you want to, I will proceed to revoke the pending classes due to the impossibility to provide a proper learning experience. Consequently, I will give you your money back for the classes we could not have.
No, you can have access to your paid lessons at any time.
Keep in mind that I live in Madrid (Spain). Here you can have a look at the time zone map and calculate the difference between Spain’s time zone and your country’s:
My Spanish classes are private and independent from any official institution. Consequently, I cannot give you any certificate or accreditation, because they wouldn’t have any official value. If you are interested in getting the “Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera” (DELE), which is the official qualification grated by the “Instituto Cervantes”, click here:
Yes, my study program is based on the Curricular Plan of the “Instituto Cervantes”, which develops and sets the referential levels for Spanish according to the recommendations proposed by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) of the European Council:
A1. – Beginner. Introductory level.
A2. – Elementary (basic knowledge).
B1. – intermediate (limited expression and comprehension).
B2. – Upper-intermediate (enhanced expression and comprehension).
C1. – Advanced level. Independent user (great expression and comprehension).
C2. – Proficient level. Nearly native speaker level (complete fluency).
In the section “Book your class” you can see my availability and book your class from there.
If at any time you need to contact me, you can write me an e-mail info@spanishteachermonica.com or you can text me on WhatsApp, Telegram, Line (+34 680983874) and I will reply withing my working hours:
Monday and Thursday from 9.00 to 14.00 and from 16.00 to 21.00
Tuesday from 9.30 to 13.00 and from 16.00 to 18.00
Wednesday from 16.00 to 21.00
Friday from 9.00 to 17.00