Finding the course that’s right for you can make all the difference in your journey to fluency.
The team at Language Blend claims it can deliver a fast, effective and flexible Spanish learning experience.
But is it true?
In this in-depth review, we’ll dive deep and explore what Language Blend has to offer, from its functionality, pricing, as well as the pros and cons of the course.
Let’s find out if Language Blend has the best online Spanish classes, shall we?
P.S: Click here for a free week of private lessons!
What is Language Blend?
Language Blend is an online Spanish learning platform that offers comprehensive conversation classes for individuals of all levels. The program provides learners with unlimited one-on-one lessons conducted by native Spanish-speaking instructors.
The primary focus of Language Blend is to facilitate immersive conversation practice, which, of course, is essential for developing practical language skills and achieving fluency.
They claim that they “cut out the fluff” to get you conversational in the fastest manner possible.
The company’s heavy focus on conversation does have merit. Language acquisition research has consistently shown that active engagement in real-life conversation is one of the most important – if not most important – factors for developing language skills.
Language Blend clearly believes this, and thus structures its lessons to prioritize meaningful interactions between learners and instructors. Through engaging lessons, discussions, role-plays, and other dialogue-based activities, learners are able to apply their knowledge in real-life contexts.
Its native Spanish-speaking instructors provide learners with immediate feedback, correction, and guidance tailored to their specific needs.
These instructors not only provide linguistic expertise, but also bring a wealth of cultural insights to the lessons, which is a pretty cool added bonus if you ask me.
Although it prioritizes conversation practice, Language Blend also covers various other aspects of language learning, including vocabulary expansion, grammar instruction, and reading comprehension. Indeed, it does an impressive job at developing all aspects of a student’s language development.
Let’s get into how it all works.
How Does Language Blend Work?
The Language Blend model is simple. Upon signing up, learners will select a dedicated language teacher of their choice who will tailor the lessons to their specific goals and proficiency level.
These teachers are native speakers from a variety of different Spanish-speaking countries, for instance Mexico, Guatemala, Spain, Colombia, and Venezuela. All lessons are conducted through video calls (via Zoom, specifically).
Learners have the opportunity to see and hear their teacher in real-time, facilitating a more immersive and authentic language learning environment. The face-to-face interaction that its video calls allow helps learners to practice their speaking and listening skills with immediate feedback and guidance from their teacher.
The personalized nature of Language Blend is one of its shining features.
It allows teachers to adapt the curriculum to match learners’ interests and goals. Teachers are encouraged to incorporate materials and discussions that align with learners’ specific areas of interest, making the learning experience more enjoyable (and less boring) than most other language courses.
How Much Does Language Blend Cost?
Language Blend follows a subscription-based pricing model.
The cost is $199/month. This monthly subscription fee includes access to unlimited one-on-one lessons. Although $199/month is slightly more costly than its competitors, I think it’s a fair price relative to the high-quality service it offers.
Language Blend Review | Pros and Cons:
Here’s a few of the pros…
1. Immersive Conversation Practice
Language Blend focuses on conversation practice as a core component of its curriculum. Through one-on-one lessons with native Spanish-speaking instructors, learners have ample opportunities to engage in authentic and meaningful conversations. This immersive approach allows learners to develop practical language skills and gain confidence in their ability to speak and understand Spanish in real-life situations.
2. Tailored Learning Experience
Upon signing up, learners are given an option of a number of dedicated language teachers who tailor the lessons to the student’s specific goals and proficiency level. This personalized approach ensures that learners receive instruction and guidance that aligns with their personal wants and needs. Whether learners are beginners or advanced, the curriculum can be adapted to suit their learning pace, schedule and preferences.
3. Highly Qualified Instructors
Language Blend boasts a team of highly qualified and experienced native Spanish-speaking teachers that are also fluent in English. According to Language Blend, each instructor undergoes a rigorous selection process, ensuring that they possess both language proficiency and effective teaching skills.
Thanks to its intense vetting process, students can expect personalized attention, expert guidance, and constructive feedback to help them progress in their language journey. The expertise and cultural insights shared by the instructors enhance the learning experience as well.
4. Texting Assistant
This is arguably Language Blend’s greatest feature, and we’ve never seen anything quite like it offered by a Spanish learning company. Language Blend offers a unique texting assistant feature which it calls “artificial immersion” that allows learners to engage in written conversations with a language assistant.
This assistant can help with anything from confusing WhatsApp voice or text messages, to emails or even book passages. We’ll talk a little more about this feature in an upcoming section.
Now, let’s take a look at some of the cons…
Pricing: While Language Blend provides a comprehensive learning experience, there’s no denying that it’s one of the more expensive Spanish classes out there. For those that can afford it, it’s certainly worth it. However, those on a tighter budget may want to consider other, cheaper resources.
Teacher Quality
In a word, Language Blend’s native Spanish-speaking teachers are excellent.
The fact that the teachers are also fluent in English is a nice touch if the student has a question he or she is unable to express in Spanish.
The platform truly does appear to seek educators who possess a deep understanding of the Spanish language as well as cultural nuances that are specific to their native countries. They provide constructive feedback and helpful guidance on pronunciation, grammar usage, and vocabulary. The teachers are also responsible for tracking learners’ progress and adjusting each lesson in accordance to the student’s rate of progress.
During the lessons themselves, learners are encouraged to ask questions, seek clarification, and engage in meaningful conversations with instructors. This interactive and supportive environment really helps to make each lesson an enjoyable and productive experience. You can expect personalized attention, expert guidance, and constructive feedback every step of the way if you choose to go with Language Blend.
Is the Curriculum Good?
Language Blend’s curriculum is designed to equip learners with practical language skills. By focusing on conversation practice, learners are able to develop their ability to speak and understand Spanish in real-life situations.
The program does a great job of only focusing on real life conversations that you’re likely to encounter in real life circumstances.
Additionally, the fact that the adaptable curriculum allows you to progress at your own pace in the style that suits you best is an important advantage.
The conversation-based approach of Language Blend’s curriculum is also going to make sure that learners receive ample opportunities to practice both their speaking and listening skills. Through engaging dialogues, role-plays, and interactive activities, learners simulate real-life scenarios that will help them when they encounter similar situations in the real world.
And, unlike Duolingo that teaches a lot of useless words and phrases that a beginner isn’t likely to use, Language Blend teaches you what’s actually important.
You’ll become familiar with common expressions, idiomatic phrases, and cultural norms aimed at helping you communicate to native speakers in a natural and familiar manner.
So, what can you expect to learn right off the bat?
In your first few lessons, you’ll likely touch on practical topics such as greetings, introductions, ordering food, making reservations, traveling, and conducting business conversations. As you progress, more complicated topics will be seamlessly integrated into what you’ve already learned. This includes noun genders, conjugations, and past, present and future tenses.
Overall, Language Blend’s curriculum is thoughtfully designed and does the job of equipping learners with practical language skills for the real world. The focus on conversation practice, adaptability to individual goals, and coverage of relevant topics create a dynamic learning experience.
It’s impressive how the company was able to provide both structure and flexibility into its curriculum.
Is the Platform Easy to Use?
Language Blend provides an intuitive and user-friendly platform. Navigating through the website is seamless, and scheduling lessons via Zoom is convenient and straightforward. The video call interface is well-designed, and the teachers are equipped with high quality video and audio equipment.
As far as usability goes, I have zero complaints.
Texting Assistant
One of the standout features of Language Blend is its texting assistant.
Part of Language Blend’s “artificial immersion” philosophy, this tool allows learners the opportunity to practice their writing skills or interpret difficult texts by messaging a language assistant. This feature allows for real-time feedback on written communication, helping learners refine their language skills beyond speaking and listening.
The texting assistant feature serves as a valuable tool for learners to enhance their written communication abilities. Any writing practice you might miss during the conversation classes can be made up for with this feature.
After all, writing is an essential component of language learning – you’re going to want to not only speak Spanish, but be able to write in it as well!
By honing your reading and writing skills, Language Blend’s texting assistant feature effectively complements the conversational aspects of the program.
The real-time nature of the feedback is particularly great for learners, as it allows them to immediately apply corrections and suggestions to their writing or understand something that’s been written to them. This instant feedback is a huge benefit that, again, we’ve never seen offered by any language learning course before.
Props to the creators, because this is an incredibly innovative and useful tool.
I’m sure we’ll see other language programs adopt something similar as well.
Any Additional Cons?
While Language Blend offers a comprehensive and effective learning experience, it’s not going to be everyone’s first choice for one main reason: video based classes.
Learners who are extremely introverted may struggle to adapt to such a personal and intimate learning environment. Although it’s harsh to consider this a ‘con,’ it’s worth mentioning. Whereas other language courses such as audio recordings provide a more passive form of learning, Language Blend is not like that – this is a highly interactive and immersive environment that requires you to engage with other people (i.e. your chosen tutor).
Is Language Blend the Best Way to Learn Spanish Fast?
Language Blend offers several advantages that contribute to quick language acquisition.
As I mentioned, the personalized one-on-one lessons with native Spanish-speaking teachers provide focused attention and tailored instruction, allowing learners to make faster progress than they would with less complete and comprehensive programs; the huge emphasis on conversation practice helps learners rapidly develop their speaking and listening skills.
Moreover, the flexibility of Language Blend’s teaching content allows learners to customize their learning experience according both to their schedule and to their interests. With unlimited lessons, learners can immerse themselves in the language and practice as much as they like and whenever they like, which is another major advantage that Language Blend has over other language learning programs.
Additionally, Language Blend’s curriculum covers a wide range of topics, not only via practical everyday conversations but also via the cultural insights that are shared by the professors. This guarantees that learners will quickly gain both language proficiency and also a deeper understanding of the Spanish-speaking world and its cultures.
Is Language Blend the best way to learn Spanish fast?
Well, I’d say yes. At least, it’s the best program that I’ve come across.
FAQ
I reached out to the Language Blend team to ask them some additional questions about their program.
Here are their responses:
1. Will complete beginners benefit from Language Blend?
Language Blend is suitable for learners of all levels, including beginners. The personalized instruction and conversational approach help beginners build a strong foundation and develop their language skills right from the start.
2. Is there a minimum commitment period for Language Blend?
Language Blend offers flexibility in terms of commitment. There is no minimum commitment period. You’ll be able to choose how often or how little you want to study.
3. Are the lessons only focused on conversation practice, or will I have access to other materials?
While conversation practice is the main component of the lessons, the curriculum also covers other important aspects of language learning, such as vocabulary expansion, grammar, and comprehension. However, again, the primary emphasis remains on developing practical, spoken communication skills.
4. Can I choose a specific focus or area of interest within the Language Blend curriculum?
Language Blend recognizes that learners may have specific areas of interest. Whether you want to focus on business communication, travel vocabulary, or any other specific aspect of the language, the curriculum can be customized to meet your requirements. Discuss your preferences with your assigned teacher if you’re looking for a tailored learning experience that aligns with your interests and goals.
5. How can I track my progress with Language Blend?
Your qualified instructor will be responsible for tracing your progress. This feedback will help you stay motivated and allow you to gauge your progress over time. Regular assessments and feedback from your language teacher will be provided to you.
6. Is Language Blend suitable for those with a busy schedule?
Another advantage of Language Blend is its flexibility. If you have a busy schedule, it’s no problem: Language Blend can work around it. The online nature of the lessons allows you to schedule sessions at a time that works best for you, whether it’s early morning, during lunch breaks, or in the evenings. You have complete freedom to adapt your learning to fit your lifestyle.
7. Can I switch teachers if I feel the need to?
Yes. Language Blend understands that teacher-student compatibility plays a crucial role. If, for any reason, you feel the need to switch teachers, Language Blend offers the flexibility to make that change.
8. What if I need additional support or have questions outside of the lessons?
Language Blend recognizes the importance of providing ongoing support to learners. While the primary focus is on one-on-one lessons, Language Blend offers avenues for additional support and guidance. Whether you have questions between lessons or need clarification on specific topics, you can reach out to your assigned teacher via messaging or email. This feature allows you to have continuous communication and assistance throughout your language learning journey.
9. Can I take a break from lessons and resume at a later time?
Yes, Language Blend understands that life can sometimes get busy, and learners may need to take a break from their lessons. You’re not obligated to take a certain number of lessons each month. The choice is yours.
10. What resources are available to supplement the lessons?
Language Blend aims to provide a comprehensive learning experience by offering supplementary resources to support your progress. These resources may include suggested vocabulary lists, grammar explanations, cultural materials, and recommended readings. While the core of Language Blend’s approach is its conversation practice, the availability of additional resource recommendations will allow you to deepen your understanding of the language and explore specific areas of interest.
Review of Language Blend | Overall
Language Blend offers an innovative and effective way to learn Spanish.
With its emphasis on conversation practice, personalized instruction by native Spanish speakers, and flexible, adaptable learning options, it provides learners with all the tools they need to achieve fluency in a relatively short period of time. The high-quality teachers, user-friendly platform, and additional features (especially the texting assistant…love that thing) contribute to a comprehensive and engaging learning experience.
While Language Blend may not cater to every specific language learning style, it excels in providing practical language skills and fostering fluency through its video-based conversation classes. It is an excellent choice for learners who prioritize speaking over writing, i.e. they simply want to learn how to have conversations as fast as possible.
Ultimately, the effectiveness of Language Blend will depend somewhat on individual learning styles and preferences. If you’re really uncomfortable with video-based classes, this might not be the program for you. However, it’s hard to deny that this medium is truly the best way to learn, considering its strong focus on one-on-one conversations, which is what you’ll be doing in real life!
All this considered…is Language Blend worth the money?
Si.
It’s the best Spanish program I’ve found to date and, considering it’s new to the market, I’m excited to see just how much better it can get.
Click here if you want to try Language Blend today.