Global Citizens Network

I am taking Spanish classes at Global Citizens Network and it is a great experience. I am not apt at learning languages — I have «studied» a few in my life but never mastered any. My goals were to do something new, something mind-​stimulating outside of work, and maybe too, something that would enhance my travel experiences in a part of the world I am drawn to. Also, more and more people I meet and work with speak Spanish! (that’s you Miguel– just wait)
The learning program works well for me. It has just the right intensity allowing students to learn at a personal pace with options for extra labs, and conversation sessions. Classes are structured but flexible. The classes are small and my fellow students are diverse in age and experience making for interesting and fun times. The class size allows the teachers to tailor learning needs and approaches.
What I like most about GCN? — the teachers. They are native speakers and so qualified to not only teach but to bring a special life to the language through occasional personal stories and perspectives that immeasurably enhance the experience. From time to time, my first teacher shared personal moments in her life, reflecting the culture of Mexico. In our class finale, we had a celebratory party with cool old Spanish bingo picture cards that she brought! My current teacher, (who brings the interesting perspective of a lawyer), sometimes uses YouTube videos of events from his home –Columbia, to make points about language in a way that is quite fascinating. And who knows the influence of French judicial philosophy in Latin America?
Although the service trips that GCN organizes were not part of my original interest, hmmm –I am intrigued, and what I am doing now would be great preparation.
How lucky to find GCN!
John Butler, Minneapolis