Jackson Heights Life

ESL classes are definitely more plentiful than Spanish classes around here. 

Two general language places that I know of are Zoni Language center (Roosevelt around 78th) and Laguardia Community College (LIC near the 7 train).  I don't have first hand knowledge of either one.

There have been Spanish-English exchanges through the New Immigrant Community Empowerment, but I think they most likely won't be much good if you are a total beginner in Spanish.

I have been thinking that I would start with some software like Pimsleur or Learning Spanish Like Crazy, and then try to graduate on from there to maybe a tutor.  A friend has used a NYC guy who has a business called spanishwithpablo.com. 

I did the trial lesson (free) of Rosetta Stone online but when I read the reviews I realized that I don't think I will do well with that kind of learning.  Supposedly it's extremely effective but I would caution you to read the reviews on Amazon before spending the huge amounts of money for it.  (It might work fine for you but I realized after reading the reviews that I'm not cut out for that kind of thing.)

I have used the Rosetta Stone Cd-roms, and they seem to work pretty well.  They are very repetitive, and you catch on quick.

You can just burn a copy of rosetta stone instead of shelling out a ton of money for it.  I did it last year and the software is great.  Not that I condone illegal copies or anything, lol.  Like someone said earlier, it is very repetitive.  I need that though because I forget quickly

As a native New Yorker and former ESL tutor volunteer I would like to see SSL classes (Spanish as A Second Language) offered for free by a competent person or group.

It would be nice if there were classes offered in the local schools at night.

There used to be an adult and extended education program at Forest Hills High School, evenings and weekends. It was great. I took Spanish and French there; my kids took tennis, gymnastics, chess and art. The closest thing to it is at Christ the King High School in Middle Village. There are similar course offerings at QCC in Bayside and LaGuardia Community College in Long Island City.

You should consider Easy Espanol (www.easyespanol.org).  The owners live in Jackson Heights and they offer one-on-one classes via the internet or from their office in Manhattan.  You can also join them for Spanish language meetups at museums and restaurants or travel to Ecuador with their study abroad program.  I have not found another option that can beat them for price and quality. 

Regardless of who you ultimately go with, I strongly suggest you only consider native-spanish professionals trained in language instruction. 

Thanks - that site looks really interesting, plus the 10-day Spanish immersion in Quito sounds really great. 

The attached document will help you understand the different types of Spanish used in many countries.  Even though the attached is the usage of Cuban Spanish, it will help you understand the diffrent usages.   

Word of warning, there is even a section of the dirty words and their meaning.