I've wanted to learn French for years. It always seemed out of reach. I took Spanish in high school and thought the only way I could learn another language was in a "traditional" school setting. Wow was I wrong. I have one week left in my Beginning 1A French class with Freestyle Languages and feel like I've already learned more than I did in all of high school. I am able to talk about myself, the weather, what I like and don't like to eat, the sports I play, my hobbies - how cool is that? My ultimately dream of becoming fluent in French and moving to Paris doesn't seem out of reach anymore. If you're wanting to learn another language, I HIGHLY recommend Freestyle Languages. read more

I self-studied French on and off for two years before deciding to take a formal class. I don't live in Austin, but I was aware of Freestyle through an Instagram account they run (@frenchphraseoftheday), and checked them out after they started offering virtual classes because of covid. I had a pretty large vocabulary but really wanted to improve my speaking and understanding of different tenses. I've gotten both of those things and a lot more. We're about halfway through the semester and I'm already sad at the thought of it being over!! My teacher, Gloria, is patient and encouraging, and I really like the other students. My speaking has gotten a LOT better and more colloquial. The classes are held twice a week with an optional practice "café" on Saturdays. Every week is focused on a different theme: food, giving directions, etc. The classes are on Zoom, which means there is the occasional technical glitch, but mostly they run smoothly. The only drawback is that it's clear some of the fun events they now have to hold virtually, like movie screenings and happy hour, just aren't the same online. But I'm glad I get to attend them at all, because I couldn't if they were held in person. It's been a lot of fun and I look forward to every class and conversation. read more

I came as a guest to one of their events called the Mois de la Francophonie. The head of the Freestyle Language Center was kind enough to let me sit in a French class to see what it was like. If you want to learn French this is the place. At the same time, it can be intimidating because I only knew a couple of phrases. So I was able pick up words here and there. But the class I sat in brought in a French guitarist and sang a song in French. Then the teacher helped translate it. At the event, I was hoping to win a free month of French immersion class which unfortunately I didn't win. But if you have the time and money to do it then learn another language. They also offer different languages too. I do want to thank them for letting me sit in a class to see what their classes were like. read more

I've done some French as a teenager, and did Rosetta stone online, as well as Coffeebreak French podcasts... then I took a class at Freestyle Austin and my French improved in leaps and bounds. I had an amazing teacher, Rachel, and she was the kind of teacher that not only helped you learn, but made you enthusiastic and inspired. That class help me rediscover my love for French and learning languages. The classes were fun, lots of conversation and also multimedia to help you stay interested. The students were also really interesting and fun people. I have been to their mini events like a museum tour, or dinner where we speak the language we are learning. Freestyle is the best place in Austin to learn a new language! read more

Learning a lot of Spanish and it has been very fun. I look forward to each class and café! I even enjoy doing my weekly homework.

I have taken 3 semesters of French classes at freestyle and I am so pleased with how much I have learned and advanced in French. Their teaching method is not boring, it engages you and most importantly, it motivates you to continue learning. In a regular semester you receive two weekly classes and a "Saturday Cafe" , which is a more casual conversational class on the weekend. It is worth every penny. Something I particularly love about Freestyle is that they incorporate a lot of the actual culture of the language/countries that speak it. It really is an immersive experience...happy hours, movies (Netflix watch parties), virtual tours, etc. read more

Surprisingly, I had a hard time finding a good, affordable Spanish program in Austin. The best I could come up with was a short-term weekly night class, which wasn't really enough for me. Freestyle Language Center appeared at just the right time, and I'm so glad it did. I first heard about them via Austin Film Society, at a screening they sponsored (which should tell you something about their approach). The genius of their syllabus is that it integrates neatly with the experience of language as lived, rather than as an austere list of rules and protocols. Yes, it's rigorous and detailed about the structural fundamentals that underpin the language, and the teachers are amazing - AMAZING. But mostly, I feel like I'm actually USING the language rather than simply repeating what I've heard in class. It feels alive, and it works. I've been lucky enough to visit Spanish speaking countries in the year since I've been studying at Freestyle, and it's clear how much of an impact the program has made on my life. I'm far from fluent, but there's nothing more satisfying than realizing how much I know by simply using the language. Sign up! I have no idea if the pricing structure is competitive, because I simply sign up whenever the next session rolls around, no questions asked. But it works for me. There are a lot of options, for a range of levels. Even if you "graduate" from higher level classes, there are still Saturday cafes where you can maintain your language development, as well as book groups (Cervantes in Spanish, anyone?), wine tastings, film screenings and whatever else they're planning at any given moment. The program just works. I'm well on my way to speaking Spanish, in just over a year. I can't think of a higher recommendation, and I'm incredibly grateful. read more

I have taken both Advanced French and a Spanish Recap course at Freestyle, and I've been nothing short of amazed by the quality of their curriculum and instruction. Because they incorporate so many elements into the language learning process -- film screenings, cultural discussions, the Saturday cafes, museum outings, international cuisine nights, etc. -- you really feel as if you're living the language & culture, as well as getting a ton of valuable speaking practice in. The quality of the teachers is top-notch and they are all just so good at what they do. Freestyle is also just in general such a warm, supportive, family of people that really value language learning. This is the place to be if you truly want to learn another language! read more

I found it really difficult to engage at FLC. I tried learning French. It was my first French class. It was just really frustrating. They don't use books, but they use these packets in the same way you would use a book (which just feels like a subpar book). I think if I'd had some experience with French, then this would have been a better experience for me. I have returned to Duolingo. It's cheaper and more fun. If you're thinking about signing up with FLC, then I highly recommend visiting a class first. Be sure it's the right format for you before spending so much money. They were gracious enough to offer to let me start over in the Fall, but I declined. I'm not sure it wouldn't be the same experience. Time is precious. read more

I just registered for my 4th semester at Freestyle. I am learning espanol. All of my professoras have been amazing! You have your 2 classes per week (with optional "conversation spanish" for 30 min afterwards) then you also have the ability to attend conversation "cafe" on Saturday mornings for 1.5 hours. The key to learning any language is to practice, practice, practice. I love the classroom setting and interaction with other students! I tried Rosetta Stone in the past and that format just did not work for me. This does! Check it out!!! read more

LOVE THIS PLACE! My beginning Italian class is so much fun. I honestly look forward to it and study at home so I'll have even more fun in class. Patrizzia is an engaging & patient teacher, and we all laugh a lot. read more

I have been in the language education field for over 11 year as a teacher and now facilitating study abroad for high school students. I wanted to really improve my French (which is not as strong as my Spanish) and Freestyle provided more than just top quality teachers and curriculum, they connected our entire class with the culture and got us speaking! I cannot recommend their model for learning and overall approach to learning languages enough. This is a very well-run and high quality language learning opportunity for a very reasonable price in Austin. Take advantage of all the "extras" they offer as well! read more

My husband and I were planning an anniversary trip to Italy this past summer, and we decided we wanted to learn at least a bit of the language. My husband found Freestyle Language Center on Google, and we signed up back in May. It's now mid October, and we have just signed up for our third session! Everything about Freestyle's approach is highly conducive to the learning process, especially for those of us who are at that age when our brains don't just soak up new things, but need a bit of prodding. As many of the other reviews have stated, Freestyle's curriculum centers around putting into practice what we learn and being able to do so in a variety of fun ways. We have experienced wine tastings in Italian, watched great classic Italian movies and clips, heard lectures from local purveyors of Italian food, and played games like Bingo and Guess Who. Our instructor makes the learning process fun, and he makes it easy for all students to feel comfortable participating in class. And, the best part? When we went to Italy, after only 6 weeks of language study this summer, Italians told my husband that they were truly impressed with his command of their language ( I was a bit more shy to try, but he really went for it). So, we got immediate results!! In conclusion--highest ratings for Freestyle!!! read more

I love FLC! I appreciate the way we build fluency through culturally relevant conversation topics, French film, and current events. The curriculum is dynamic and well paced, and the class size is ideal. Skillful teachers and native speakers--Kristine and Clem are the best--present a nuanced learning experience, and I am grateful for the fun, low-pressure environment they create. The community is very supportive, so there isn't much self-consciousness in class. The supplementary events make FLC an even greater value! Elizabeth, Sharnicia, and team offer an amazing service to Austin, and I'm proud to support this local business. I've already signed up for another session and am sure my proficiency will continue to improve--helping me to engage in French more confidently, professionally and socially! read more

Excellent method for learning a new language. Classes are fun and engaging and the extra-curricular activities make it easy to learn a new language. I highly recommend Freestyle for anyone wanting to learn another language. I'm on my 3rd and loving it! read more

Love the way Freestyle does language learning! They use things like movies and music videos from the culture of the language you're learning, as well as events in Austin like film screenings, happy hours, and museum visits as opportunities to learn to speak the language. The Saturday Cafes are cool, too, everyday Saturday for 1.5 hours. It all seems to work so well together. Highly recommend! read more

Learning a second language requires commitment from the learner and I am always looking for fun ways to continue my learning. I am taking an Italian immersion class at Freestyle and have been completely blown away. The class is done in Italian by a cool Italian teacher Patrizia. She has these interesting topics that she discusses each class. There are videos, pictures, music and so much interaction that you become immersed which is the point. It is so much fun that I am going to do them more often. Speaking Italian is my hobby, it's relaxing and it exercises my brain. Immersion is the way to go!! read more

Freestyle expertly addresses one aspect of language learning that most schools in Austin totally miss... the conversation! They have so many opportunities available to practice conversation every week and they are super patient with those of us that still have to mentally conjugate every verb. If you are looking to expand your Spanish or French skills, THIS is the place! read more

Went for the free trial lesson about a month ago and it's definitely a place where I want to be. Can't wait to start learning my 3rd language this summer! read more

Learning a new language is an ongoing process that does not happen overnight or even in a year. I am signing up for my second Italian class with Freestyle because having that live interaction is what makes the pieces fall in place for me. I have been doing Rosetta Stone for a year and actually have done very well but do I know the grammar rules? No. Rosetta Stone is total immersion and it takes a lot of self discipline and lots of figuring things out for yourself. On the first day of class at Freestyle the light bulb switched on and I had an ah ha moment. I am going to take more classes because I like my instructor so much, it is a lot of fun and I like to speak Italian live. It is also very helpful to do the exercises in a classroom setting. I am also a big fan of Rosetta Stone which is my daily "parla italiano". When you love the language you are learning you will do whatever it takes to learn. Having fun while doing it, makes it all the better. Ciao, a presto!! read more

To all who would like the opportunity to learn another language, the opportunity is now here. I was one of the first students to ever enroll in the Freestyle Language Center and I will never choose another program. I have been a spanish student for over 2 years and I would not be passing my current advanced classes without the professional expertise for learning languages that Freestyle has to offer. This program takes on the task that is left out by standard education toward learning language, which is speaking and comprehension. My level of speaking, listening, and comprehension has gone up ten-fold in this program which I have only been a part of since October 2011. For those who want to learn how to communicate and comprehend a language rather than just understand the grammar and syntax, THIS IS YOUR PROGRAM!!!! I urge all people who want to learn a language rather than just understand it to join this program immediately. It is worth every penny and flexible to your schedule. read more