Boston Area Spanish Exchange

I very rarely write reviews, but considering how happy I am with my choice to come to BASE for my first few Spanish courses, I wanted to put it out there for others! So far I have take two courses, covering 4 total levels (Basic A-C and Intermediate A). They also offer less intensive classes as well as private and semi-private options as well, but considering I was looking for conversational practice I chose the group option. Bill (the director/owner of the program with his wife) and all of the teachers are friendly, attentive, and do their best to make you feel welcome and comfortable. This school is also located in the heart of Downtown Crossing, which made it super convenient and was among the most reasonably priced options out there (including the Centers for Adult Ed.). At first I was apprehensive to start with classes, as this is more of an "exchange", as the name implies, and has a fairly informal office space setting. However, my worries were immediately set aside when I met Bill and my teacher, Elaine. From day one I felt confident that I was in good hands. She was always engaged and focused with myself and other students, catering to the varying experience levels in my class so as not to leave anyone behind or bore anyone. While the curriculum is set by the course level, she kept the class fresh and was consistently challenging us with homework and in-class conversation sessions. I also took a few make-ups with another teacher, Ricardo, who had his own style of teaching but was equally engaged and concerned with his students' progress. Overall, I feel I gained a lot from my time so far (~14 weeks), going from someone with a very basic comprehension level and non-existent speaking skill, to a much more confident and capable reader, listener and speaker. While I still have a long ways to go, I am happy in particular with the confidence Bill and his team have built in my abilities!

I took two intensive classes at BASE, the most recent one via Zoom with Elaine. I like that the classes are more conversationally driven, especially the fact that homework was designed to incorporate both grammar practice and preparation for conversation during the next class. Because we each had a lot of leeway over the conversation material we prepared for each class, the class discussions felt organic and interesting, like chatting with a group of new friends over drinks. I also gained a ton of useful vocabulary needed for day to day conversations, as opposed to what is covered in textbooks. Elaine did a really great job fostering a comfortable environment to chat in Spanish without being afraid to make mistakes, and gently drawing out the shy ones from their shell. The classes were a fun way to shake up an otherwise monotonous daily routine during social distancing, and my Spanish SO says my speaking has improved significantly after I finished the last course period. I’ve also interacted with the owners, Bill and Lorena, for logistics and when they've substituted for classes, and they are both great to work with.

I have loved my experience at BASE and learned SO much. I walked in with basically no Spanish and am now conversational. It was important that from the very first class we were being taught in Spanish and we were getting to know each other in Spanish. I learned so much more quickly because of that. You get into a rhythm there. The teachers are full of energy, warmth and knowledge. Regardless of your level, they make you feel comfortable speaking in Spanish, making mistakes and learning out loud. We discussed all kinds of interesting topics in class. The teachers are also very generous responding to email questions outside of class time. As a school they understand that sometimes scheduling conflicts are inevitable so they will let you make up classes you miss. Its also been wonderful meeting other people interested in learning Spanish, traveling and community building - people with interesting stories of their own. I have made friends who have increased my motivation to go back. And the location is amazing - right outside of Downtown Crossing. I enthusiastically recommend BASE!

If you are looking for an amazing place to learn Spanish, and a community full of great people, BASE is it. My husband and I started taking Spanish lessons at BASE last semester and we could not be more impressed. First, their rates are so reasonable, literaly the most affordable place for high quality Spanish lessons! Second, the instructors are INCREDABLE. We had Luis for Basico A, and he was just so great. The classes are small, he takes tons of time to answer questions and give one on one attention to students. He also gets you speaking from day one. Third, they are really building a community at BASE. There are game nights, Spanish speaking lunchs, really just anything to bring people together and speaking spanish. Finally, they are the most understanding and personalized business. We had signed up to take Basico B, and were all preped to take it online because of social distancing, but then we needed to drop out of the class in order to travel to take care of some family. BASE was so understanding and kind. They are allowing up to take the class next semester, even though the semester had already started. If you are even considering taking a class with BASE, GO FOR IT, you will not regret it.

I went to the Friday free conversation practice and it was really fun! Super nice instructor, Luis, and inclusive, friendly attendees. Would go again!

I really appreciate how communicative and friendly the staff is here. The classes are a fair price, and the Arabic teachers are very committed. However, as someone who has taken many language classes, I feel the pedagogy is not modern or effective. The teachers push speed, correctness, and content over letting the students speak and make mistakes.

I've taken Spanish, Arabic, and Farsi (Persian) classes here and had great experiences in all! The prices cannot be beat (truly incredible value for language classes in Boston) and the teachers are warm, welcoming, and skilled. Great community for language learners of all levels.