Spanish Classes in Berkeley and Online
Learn Spanish in a small group in downtown Berkeley or practice with a live online conversation class. Start from scratch, return to the basics, or build on your Spanish with intermediate and advanced options. Compare the class listings below for current dates, format, instructor, and tuition before choosing your place.
The people behind the classes
Meet the Spanish instructors
Meet both Spanish teachers below. Each current class listing identifies its assigned instructor; individual lessons are arranged separately.
Ana
Berkeley groups
Originally from Peru, Ana holds an M.A. and Ph.D. in Spanish from UC Davis and brings more than 20 years of language and literature teaching to her classes.
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Ana is from Peru and lives in El Cerrito. She holds an M.A. and Ph.D. in Spanish from UC Davis and has taught Spanish as a second language, Spanish for heritage speakers, and Latin American literature for more than two decades. Her Bay Area teaching includes California State University East Bay, Berkeley City College, and local high schools; she has also taught at the University of San Diego and UC Davis.
Her teaching attends to students’ different needs, cultural identities, and growing ability to communicate. Ana is also a published poet and brings a deep appreciation for language and literature to the classroom.
Marcelo
Online advanced conversation
A native of Uruguay, Marcelo has taught Spanish language and culture in the United States since 1999, in both groups and one-to-one lessons.
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Marcelo studied History and Law in Uruguay and earned a law degree from Universidad de la República, where he began his education career in 1989. He has conducted historical research and published books and articles on history.
Since moving to the United States in 1999, he has taught Spanish language and culture from introductory through advanced levels, in both individual and group settings for learners from middle school through adulthood. A certified ELE teacher, he has also designed workshops and specialized immersion, intensive, travel, and business programs.
How the Spanish programme works
Learn by using Spanish with other people
Small groups create regular chances to speak, listen, ask questions, and receive feedback. Beginners work through pronunciation, useful exchanges, vocabulary, reading, and grammar in a clear sequence; later groups use more complex topics and conversation.
The listed Berkeley groups meet at our downtown classroom. Advanced conversation meets live online, and individual online lessons can be arranged around your goals. Check each course card for the exact schedule and tuition.
Which Spanish class fits you?
Starting from zero
Complete Beginner is for adults new to Spanish, with pronunciation and practical first conversations.
Building the basics
Low Beginner is a next step if you know introductory expressions; Low Intermediate suits learners ready for longer exchanges.
Ready to discuss more
Advanced Conversation is online for students who can already express ideas in Spanish. Individual lessons can target your particular needs.
Not sure where to begin? Compare our levels or ask for placement advice before registering. Availability varies by term.
Where can Spanish take you?
Spanish can help you connect with family and neighbors, navigate travel across many countries, and engage with film, books, music, and everyday life in Spanish-speaking communities. A live class gives you the repeated practice and feedback needed to move from recognizing words to using them.
Spanish class questions
Can I join without previous Spanish study?
Yes. Choose Complete Beginner for a first course. If you studied years ago, ask about placement before choosing Low Beginner.
Where do the in-person lessons meet?
At 2161 Shattuck Ave, Suites 234–235, Berkeley. The advanced conversation group is live online. Check each listing for its location and time.
Is the advanced conversation course suitable for beginners?
It is designed for people who can already hold a discussion. Read the course details and ask us if you are unsure whether your level fits.
What if I need a different time or a specific goal?
An individual online lesson may be a better fit. Tell us your current level and aims, and we can discuss a suitable format.
Not seeing your Spanish level or schedule?
Share what you have studied, what you want to do with Spanish, and when you are free. We can help you select a class or discuss individual lessons.