How to learn Spanish on the cheap?

[MegaVovaN]

Hi all, I would like to learn Spanish without the rush and without spending a lot of money.
I want to become fluent (in writing, reading, and conversation) in it.

I am 19, my native language is Russian, and it took me about 3 years to become fluent in English.

I searched, and threads I found were not addressing my exact criteria.

I live in Texas and have plenty of Spanish to practice my skills with.

Thanks in advance!

Update: 03/26/2008
Talked to counselor. She said auditing a class is a bad idea since I am not going to work as hard if there is no grade - and if I do work hard, I might as well get a grade. Plus Spanish on transcript looks really good.
There are two really basic Spanish classes: Conversational Spanish and Beginner's Spanish.
Conversational does not really count for anything. Basic Spanish can be used as a substitute for required elective - SPEECH class. So I get to learn language AND get credit in class I need!

Now, I'll take Beginner's Spanish, for credit, in the Fall 2008. She recommended not to take it during summer semester, because it is too much material to be compressed in only 10 weeks.

(I also learned my CC has two summer semesters, Summer I and Summer II. I can take a max of 2 classes during each summer semester.)

Until then, I'll learn language by means other than taking a class.



Cliffs:
-will take class for credit in fall
-other means to learn it till then

 

[waffleironhead]

Get a job working at a mexican resturant. You wait tables and learn from the cooks. Friends in college did this and said it was a great way to learn.

 

[olds]

Marry a Mexican chick.

 

[MiniDoom]

Originally posted by: oldsmoboat
Marry a Mexican chick.

I married a Salvadorian, but you're right. I couldn't learn shit in any class i ever took, until I was forced to by my non-English speaking in laws.

 

[Saint Michael]

Go to a library and get a textbook, Pimsleur lessons, whatever. Printout the vocabulary lists in the textbook and look at them throughout the day so you can memorize them fully. Buy the workbook so you can get practice reading and writing, and join an online forum for Spanish learners, there are plenty of them. They can help you with your writing and any specific questions you might have. This advice is the same for just about any language you want to learn, of course...

 

[hanoverphist]

Originally posted by: waffleironhead
Get a job working at a mexican resturant. You wait tables and learn from the cooks. Friends in college did this and said it was a great way to learn.

w3rd

 

[NanoStuff]

Better start soon, 10 years from now you won't be able to find a job if you can't speak Spanish.

The next paper currencies will have "Confiamos en Dios" printed on them.

 

[Baked]

Pickup a mexican crossing the border and chain him to your basement.

 

[OUCaptain]

torrent + Rosetta stone? Not that I condone such things or have any opinion on the product

 

[trmiv]

Go hang out in front of a Home Depot

 

[DrVos]

Take Spanish language classes at a local community college. Very affordable and worth it if you have time for classes + HW.

 

[Anubis]

pirate rosetta stone

 

[Mr Pickles]

"I pretty much want to be amazing, but don't want to pay anything for it. Isn't there a pill I can take?"

 

[FleshLight]

Get an MA in Chicano Studies

 

[BoomerD]

Many local high schools offer community education classes that include basic conversational Spanish. Go from there.

 

[blackdogdeek]

pimsleurLearnToSpeakSpanish_mp3.torrent

 

[ElFenix]

lay off the piracy suggestions.

 

[MegaVovaN]

Thanks for all the advice, I have thoroughly read each and every of your posts! :beer:

Originally posted by: DrVos
Take Spanish language classes at a local community college. Very affordable and worth it if you have time for classes + HW.

I am already going to community college for my 2yr degree. What I want is to take a class without credit - so that if I mess up my GPA won't be affected. Can I do that?

Originally posted by: MrLee
"I pretty much want to be amazing, but don't want to pay anything for it. Isn't there a pill I can take?"

I'd have to pay for the pill, DUH.
Seriously, I know it's going to take some/plenty/a lot/a metric sh!tton of work.

 

[DrVos]

Originally posted by: MegaVovaN

I am already going to community college for my 2yr degree. What I want is to take a class without credit - so that if I mess up my GPA won't be affected. Can I do that?

You may be able to audit the class. Talk to the prof.

 

[BoomerD]

Take the class credit/no credit?

May or may not be an option there...it is here.

 

[rpanic]

Get a minimum wage job, your coworkers will speak Spanish.

 

[MegaVovaN]

Update: 03/26/2008
Talked to counselor. She said auditing a class is a bad idea since I am not going to work as hard if there is no grade - and if I do work hard, I might as well get a grade. Plus Spanish on transcript looks really good.
There are two really basic Spanish classes: Conversational Spanish and Beginner's Spanish.
Conversational does not really count for anything. Basic Spanish can be used as a substitute for required elective - SPEECH class. So I get to learn language AND get credit in class I need!

Now, I'll take Beginner's Spanish, for credit, in the Fall 2008. She recommended not to take it during summer semester, because it is too much material to be compressed in only 10 weeks.

(I also learned my CC has two summer semesters, Summer I and Summer II. I can take a max of 2 classes during each summer semester.)

Until then, I'll learn language by means other than taking a class.



Cliffs:
-will take class for credit in fall
-other means to learn it till then

 

[Atomic Playboy]

Ummm... move to Mexico for like a year? It's cheap as hell to live down there and it will force you to learn the language faster than any class. Granted, it's kind of a hellhole, but comfort wasn't one of your stipulations.

 

[WildHorse]

``

 

[MegaVovaN]

Originally posted by: Atomic Playboy
Ummm... move to Mexico for like a year? It's cheap as hell to live down there and it will force you to learn the language faster than any class. Granted, it's kind of a hellhole, but comfort wasn't one of your stipulations.

I'll finish college, make a bunch of money first, and can do just that!

Originally posted by: scott
Get involved in playing soccer, the beautiful game.

Yiou'll learn espanol by osmosis around the players, referees and coaches, and their retty daughters on the sidelines.

OMG I played soccer when I was a kid. Was best goalie in my school!
Might get in soccer team in Uni (about 1.5 years from now)