My main issue is that by pre-paying to learn a language (the only way Berlitz operates for in…read moreperson lessons), you have no recourse if the Berlitz method is not one that works for your adult learning style. I found the instructors highly professional and the facility nice. But at my age, literally from minute one, not having the ability to converse in my native language and ask questions not a fit. At all. I would encourage a prospective student who is not a corporate client, to ask if they can sign up for one or two classes to see if it's a fit. Again, the instructors and the method may work for some, but not for my style. I was frustrated and the instructors were too, I'll wager. It was a monstrous waste of my money and time. I found a private tutor who spent as much time as needed explaining in my language and repeating at a slower pace than Berlitz. I made huge strides in less time. Berlitz Method is not for all though they clearly believe it is.

Friendly and knowledgable staff, and professional teachers with tons of experience. After using…read morethe Berlitz Method of teaching, I will never go back to self-study or community ed classes. Really is the only way to truly learn and speak a foreign language!

was adopted from Costa Rica at birth and raised for most of my life in Minnesota. Growing in a…read morepredominantly white community and raised by white patents family; I had no real connections to my heritage, cultural or background. Learning to speak Spanish has been a lifelong dream to help provide that connection to my story of origin. After visiting my country of origin this past year, the determination to learn became even more prevalent. I had taken Spanish in high school but wanted to find a program that could provide a more meaningful experience. I have tried all kinds of learning programs over the years including- Rosetta Stone, app-based learning systems like Duolingo and Babel; I even did community education classes, and while all were good in their own right, that connection of culture, and community was the missing piece. I found Luis and Rojas Spanish doing a local search, and it's been an incredible experience. Luis' unique approach to instruction combines small group learning, real-life conversational lessons, and a welcoming snd no-pressure space for learning Spanish. The Rojas program creates a welcoming environment for learners at all levels. You can join in-person classes or participate online. Each week his guided and immerse lessons helps increase confidence in speaking, writing and comprehension. I absolutely recommend Rojas!

I have been searching for a local spanish language school that focuses on conversation vs grammar…read more I found Rojas on line and couldn't be happier. The school is on line during the pandemic and there are multiple classes during the week. This is exactly what I have been looking for. If you want to learn Spanish in a welcoming environment and are nervous about jumping in or sounding stupid Rojas is the school for you!

The Minneapolis Community Ed. program is one of the oldest (if not the oldest) program in the…read morecountry. They've had 40 years to work the kinks out, and it shows. The huge catalog has brief descriptions of the classes and you can find out about the teachers online. Like Jillian C. says, they have everything: sushi rolling demonstrations, ashtanga yoga, money-management, kids programs, watercolor painting and Facebook lessons (Dad would benefit). Years of school have conditioned me into thinking that September is the start of the year, even now, quite a few years after graduation. Point is, I make my "resolutions" in September. Last year I resolved to learn to play the guitar and speak French. I did both for less than $100 with Community Ed.! [cue infomercial] I highly recommend Beginning Guitar with Chris. For less than $40, I had ten practically one-one-one lessons with a great teacher. He even gave us an extra week! When the class was over, I was able to keep practicing using his packet and handouts fairly easily. I wouldn't say my French 1 class was as impressive because the teacher didn't get too creative. I didn't get a lot out of doing flashcards over and over and over again.

My love affair with Community Ed in the fine city of Minneapolis has only just begun. They offer…read moreeverything imaginable including art classes, fitness classes, how to make homemade soap, cooking, vegan cooking, how to manage your finances, how to operate a computer, foreign languages, writing, how to grow an herb garden in your kitchen...and so forth. Some classes are 8 weeks long, some are three hours in one evening. Take your pick! There truly is something for everyone. I've taken beginner Pilates and French 1 and can only say that I have been very, very pleasantly surprised. 8 weeks of French for less than $70 - &)#%!?!? (Oh, and 8 weeks of Pilates for $35, in case you were curious). I was worried that I would be getting what I paid for but was sorely mistaken. If you can deal with taking notes and not having a text book (who cracks them anyway?) the quality of the class so much more than makes up for the lack of supplies and materials. The instructors are fantastic and the class sizes small. To think I considered spending $400 on a French class somewhere else... Pilates is fantastic as well, and I've only heard good things about other yoga or dance classes. The spring catalogue is online now!

I was here for the first time recently to see an art exhibit. Four artists were sharing their work…read moredocumenting their travels through France through sketching. The event was held upstairs in a room with amazing views of the Minneapolis skyline. What a fun place! It was full of so much energy on a Sat morning. People were enjoying pastries and coffees from the on-site cafe. I walked through the library and gift shop. I'm so glad I was able to visit and learn about this place. What a fun place to go to practice your French. Adieu!

Beautiful Surroundings, The best I Have Seen And Enjoyed In A Very Long Time…read more Wishful Thinking, If I Could Visit Daily! Thoughts Of Paradise... Donald Johnson

Let's just say we've been driving to ISLA for nine years, starting with my daughter who is now in…read moreeighth grade when we could've had the kids take the bus from three houses away. I've been a substitute teacher for seven years, I've subbed at ISLA and I've subbed at about about 50 other schools in the Twin Cities metro. This is an amazing school! They have two classes of every grade from kindergarten to sixth grade. They cap the classes at 25 students. They also have a preschool in the building which is convenient if you have younger children. The school has won awards, it's a blue ribbon school and it's an inter-national baccalaureate school. It's a highly rated charter school in the state of Minnesota. They have a library, a gym, and office in the classrooms. It's an office building that was specifically converted to be a school. I did have to take my daughter out after fourth grade because she needed more special ed help. Most charter schools don't specialize in special ed. They'll do their best because they're legally required to provide those services. But we felt she would be better served in her local school district with a larger team to help her out. Your child to be greeted by name by smiling happy teachers and staff and if you know any Spanish, they will be correcting your pronunciation about a month into kindergarten. No regrets!

We played games the whole time! Sorry but most students need alittle more structure than that! This…read morestuff costs alot of money we want our money's worth!

Abra Palabra offers Spanish classes for adults. The classes are small and welcoming.read more

Came to the German American Institute tofay for the Christmas in Germany event. The mansion is…read morelovely! And they some pretty decorations up for the holiday. The event itself was just okay. The focus was more on the vendors than the mansion and holiday spirit. I'd like to come back another to see what else the Institute has to offer.

Deutsche Tage (German Days) this weekend! Free music and fun! Learn to polka! Have a Paulander…read moreBier from Germany! Lots of vendors & foods available! Wunderbar!

Our daughter goes in Europe to a French school, and while I was in Minneapolis during a three-month…read morework stay she joined in. We were very happy to find out that a French school exists in Minneapolis, and so we registered her. The contact with the school was from the start very positive: they were welcoming to our daughter, the classes are small groups so a lot of attention is given to each student. We are also very much impressed by the STEAM approach, which is a much more intuitive and creative form of learning. Our daughter has learned in this three months so much more compared to the more traditional learning process in Europe. That all of this was moreover tuition free makes notre école a little gem.

I was so happy when I found Notre Ecole for our (at the time) Kindergartener! I am a French native…read moreand having her learn French is a priority for me and my family. It's a charter school so it's FREE and the small size means that all the adults in the school know all the children and I know she is in a safe environment. Now she is a First Grader I hope she can attend until 5th Grade!