Winter Two term language classes begin January 15 at Maria’s Language Learning Center, with a variety of affordable conversational language classes, online courses, Spanish for healthcare and social services professionals, and a new class for business professionals who wish to learn basic Spanish. Specializing in conversational Spanish and Portuguese, including European Portuguese and Brazilian Portuguese, the Language Learning Center also provides classes in French, Italian, Mandarin, and English for Non-Native Speakers. Classes are primarily for adult learners, but there is also an after-school program for students between ages 7 and 11, with each term lasting six weekly sessions, at both day and evening classes.

“Our classes feature small groups of 10 or less students which provides more time for individual attention and faster learning”, explains Maria Oliveira, director of Maria’s Language Learning Center, located in Pinole, California. “We work closely with our students to guide them towards becoming bilingual, whether it is through a conversational language class, online options, or even our language classes for healthcare and social services professionals.”

New Classes for Business Professionals to Learn Basic Spanish
New this term is a six-hour class for business professionals who wish to learn basic Spanish language skills to better conduct business with their Spanish-speaking customers. Through this class, students will learn the vocabulary and phrases used to close a business transaction, Spanish greetings, frequently used expressions, and numbers to clarify prices. This learning will enable them to build trust with their Spanish-speaking customers and demonstrate an improved cultural awareness.

Also offered is the popular conversational Spanish classes for healthcare and social service professionals, which also provide the benefit of continuing education hours. The Healthcare Professionals class is a specialized and intensive course designed to enhance effective communication between patients and healthcare providers. For social services professionals and employees who interact with Spanish-speaking clients, the Spanish for Social Services Professionals class can improve communication with Spanish-speaking clients in screenings and interviews.

The Language Learning Center also offers online courses, workbooks, and CDs for students. These materials can supplement their classroom learning through study aids such as practice lessons, self-tests with interactive exercises, quizzes, and audio clips to review correct pronunciations.

Recognizing that individuals learn languages differently, there are a variety of other programs offered to meet students’ needs, such as one-on-one instruction; learning groups that meet weekly; and free social hours for students to practice their language skills with teachers, fellow students, and bilingual guests. Maria’s Language Learning Center also has specialized English classes for non-native speakers, plus special classes on specific topics, such as classes on Spanish reflexive verbs and pronouns, for those students who need a review.

Informational Open House Scheduled for February 22, 2013
Be sure to attend this great opportunity to meet fellow students, talk with Maria and other teachers, ask questions, and even practice your language skills in a relaxed social setting. Learn about the Language Learning Center and its programs and enjoy light refreshments. The Open House will be from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Center at 2644 Appian Way, Suite 102, in Pinole, California. Bring a friend and if that friend registers for a class, you will receive a 10% discount on your registration for a Fall Two session. The open house is free, but space is limited, so please rsvp on the website athttp://www.marialanguages.com/classes/socialevents.shtml.

Coming Up Summer and Fall of 2013: Study Abroad Program Combines Classes with Tours of Mexico and the Azores Islands
For those students who want to combine intensive language classes with tours, the Language Center offers a two-week Spanish and a three-week Portuguese Language Learning Immersion Program. Now in its tenth year, students attend formal classes from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and then spend afternoons and weekends touring and practicing their new language skills. The Portuguese Language Immersion Program is planned for July 1-20, 2013 and takes place in the Azores Island and the Spanish Language Immersion Program is planned for later in the year, November 9-16, 2013, and is located in Nayarit, Mexico.

Register for Winter Two Classes Now!
Students can register for any program online, by phone, in person at our offices, or by mail. For more information, visit our website: http://www.marialanguages.com

The goal for all of the classes at the Center is to guide students towards becoming bilingual. We start by teaching basic phrases and sentences that become usable in a very short period of time; when success builds upon success, confidence grows and information becomes easier to absorb. Affordability, convenience, and an encouraging environment make Maria Oliveira’s classes the top choice for effective language learning in the Bay Area.

Contact Details: Maria Oliveira Language Learning, 2644 Appian Way, Suite 102, Pinole, CA 94564 Phone: 510-223-3320 http://www.marialanguages.com