Spanish

[cryscryscryscrys]

So I’m anxiously ready to get started with my degree. The only hesitation I am having is with Spanish. I tried to do Spanish 101 with instant cert and I’m just not getting it. Would it be easier to do it at UMPI or should I take it at my local community college?

[rachel83az]

If you're able to take it at your local community college, I think that would be the way to go. With languages, you sometimes need the kind of face-to-face interaction that you aren't getting with InstantCert. You wouldn't get that at UMPI either. You might also want to sign up for SpanishVIP.com to supplement your learning.

[cryscryscryscrys]

If you're able to take it at your local community college, I think that would be the way to go. With languages, you sometimes need the kind of face-to-face interaction that you aren't getting with InstantCert. You wouldn't get that at UMPI either. You might also want to sign up for SpanishVIP.com to supplement your learning.

Thanks! That’s the only class I have really struggled in and I tried SDC and it just felt overwhelming. I’ll take it at my community college. That’s one course I feel I need structure and support.

[rachel83az]

If you've tried both SDC and InstantCert and they didn't work for you, I would definitely suggest a more local option.

There are also some apps that might help. I would suggest Drops for vocabulary. Duolingo gets mocked sometimes, but it's really a good way to get started in a language. Finally, Speakly is pretty great. If you drill for 45-60 minutes a day with these apps, in addition to your homework, you should have no problem passing a local Spanish class.

[bjcheung77]

Just curious, have you tried another language? You don't have to do Spanish, what languages are you familiar with? There are CLEP for French and German. If you know another language, you can try ACTFL as well, it really depends on your language skill set... I wouldn't force yourself into Spanish unless it's a language you really want to learn.

[ss20ts]

So I’m anxiously ready to get started with my degree. The only hesitation I am having is with Spanish. I tried to do Spanish 101 with instant cert and I’m just not getting it. Would it be easier to do it at UMPI or should I take it at my local community college?

I took Spanish for 3.5 years in high school. I mean that was 3000 years go but when I took the class at UMPI a lot came back. I was really surprised at how much I remembered. I am not someone who ever thought language was my strong suit. If I didn't have that previous experience with Spanish I would have taken a language at a community college instead. I am not someone who learns a language well online. I did think about taking sign language at a local community college. That would qualify as a foreign language at UMPI. Also it doesn't have to be Spanish. It can be any language. When I started at UMPI French was the only option and I knew I would fail that class so I waited until Spanish was an option. 

If you're struggling with InstantCert and Study.com I would definitely not recommend the UMPI course. That's just a bunch of videos. You'll have to write paragraphs in the Milestones answering questions in Spanish. Then the Final Assessment is a 500+ word essay in Spanish answering a bunch of questions and an audio recording of yourself answering other questions. I would recommend the community college language course for someone who is struggling with online learning of a language. Remember that it doesn't have to be Spanish. It can be any language other than English. Sign language also counts.

[cryscryscryscrys]

So I’m anxiously ready to get started with my degree. The only hesitation I am having is with Spanish. I tried to do Spanish 101 with instant cert and I’m just not getting it. Would it be easier to do it at UMPI or should I take it at my local community college?

I took Spanish for 3.5 years in high school. I mean that was 3000 years go but when I took the class at UMPI a lot came back. I was really surprised at how much I remembered. I am not someone who ever thought language was my strong suit. If I didn't have that previous experience with Spanish I would have taken a language at a community college instead. I am not someone who learns a language well online. I did think about taking sign language at a local community college. That would qualify as a foreign language at UMPI. Also it doesn't have to be Spanish. It can be any language. When I started at UMPI French was the only option and I knew I would fail that class so I waited until Spanish was an option. 

If your'e struggling with InstantCert and Study.com I would definitely not recommend the UMPI course. That's just a bunch of videos. You'll have to write paragraphs in the Milestones answering questions in Spanish. Then the Final Assessment is a 500+ word essay in Spanish answering a bunch of questions and an audio recording of yourself answering other questions. I would recommend the community college language course for someone who is struggling with online learning of a language. Remember that it doesn't have to be Spanish. It can be any language other than English. Sign language also counts.

Thanks! I’ve taken German in that past but it’s hard to find a German course that I can take. I’ll probably take ASL or Spanish. I think it’s best for me to take it at a community college and transfer it in.

[rachel83az]

College of DuPage offers German: https://www.cod.edu/academics/programs/l...erman.aspx

It's a bit expensive if you're not in Illinois: https://www.cod.edu/costs/tuition/index.aspx But it might be easier than trying to force Spanish if you're not interested.

[bjcheung77]

Yes, I agree, take the German course at the community college or if you prefer the Sign Language course, I would try to get the course done before you enroll or start at UMPI so everything is off your plate. Do you have the others all done already, such as a lab science requirement?

[LevelUP]

With Instantcert, I suggest taking the vocab they teach and putting it into a Quizlet to drill the terms into your head.
You can get the Instantcert Spanish course done in around 40 hours or less. However, it does take some work if you are new to Spanish. 

Remember you are only learning the basics, not the entire language. Focus on the top 200-500 frequency words.

Another suggestion is to sign up for SpanishHour. It's only $10 owned by Instantcert.
https://www.spanishhour.com/welcome/signup

Duolingo is helpful too.