I have taken two of Elena's classes (Beginner One and Beginner Two). As someone who never studied…read moreSpanish in school and came in with nearly no Spanish language experience - aside from a few hours spent on Duolingo - I learned so much and left both B1 and B2 with confidence in my Spanish speaking skills. Elena is an amazing instructor. She keeps the content engaging, easy to follow/understand, and fun. The setup of the class is conversation based, so you're constantly speaking with your classmates and putting the learnings into practice. I would recommend Elena's classes to anyone in Chicago looking to learn a new language. I never felt like I'd be able to learn a new language as an adult - but Elena makes it exciting and enjoyable. I can't wait to continue taking her classes this summer!

Loved this experience! It takes you out of your normal routine and adds a little education to your…read moreschedule. The classes are in the back of Club Lucky in Wicker. Elena is a fun teacher and everyone who took the class was a good time. People get martinis and beers prior to class. She gives homework after each class, so I would say make sure your schedule allows a little extra time to make it well worth it. I recommend it!

I've been taking lessons here and Johanna is so friendly! The team really wants to help you grow…read moreand learn and they're very accommodating. Highly recommend checking them out and booking! Such a nice group of people

I submitted an online form for more information and did not hear back. Upon calling to confirm that…read moremy form was received, I was told that I had not received a response because they were not currently offering the language that I wanted...glad that I called so that I could at least search for another provider. Not a good experience. Had I been seeking a more common language, my interactions *may* have been better, but this was a clear message of "We wouldn't get any money out of you, so we didn't bother to respond." The person on the phone was polite, which is why I gave two stars.

We came here for an event about poetry in various languages by Chicago-based poets and translators…read more We used to come years ago (pre-pandemic) to watch movies, or listen to book reviews. We speak NO German but it was always a nice space to visit. We never joined to study the language or take classes but we definitely want to visit someday. The space is about how I remember it, and the presentation (we were kind of late) was good. The seating was not ideal. I was not able to see the subtitles for the readings (there were PowerPoint slides) so I sat in the very back on a sofa. I really blame myself for being too late to sit up front, not the institution. There was a wine reception following, with treats from local bakers as well as the Italian Cultural Institute. We chatted with a few people too. The view of Michigan Avenue from there is so great, even at night. I'd go back for another event, I do miss this place.

Once upon a time, I took German in High School. Over a decade later, I decided to rekindle my…read morerelationship with the language. There's a good chance that I may be going to Germany to teach English next year, so now is a good a time as any to take the class! I thought I would know a lot coming into the class (I barely tested into A1.2) but then I realized that there were already many things I didn't know or forgot. But the great thing about these classes is that you are thrown in and fully immersed in a certain theme of German speaking. ie, asking for directions, making a doctors appointment, telling time, etc. Unlike my HS German class, you don't necessarily learn "from the start" but take steps towards learning the language in a way that may be helpful in speaking and understanding. My last class is next week, but I've already signed up for the next level. The instructors seem to rotate and vary depending on skill level, but our teacher is simply the best! She's always high energy, positive, and makes the class engaging. I certainly hope she's the instructor for the next level! A great course at a great price. High recommendation.

If you are looking for Spanish classes - this is the spot…read more I took 3-4 years of Spanish in middle and high school and haven't "formally" studied since. I practiced on Duolingo a bit but noticed that my speaking and listening weren't improving very much on a trip abroad. I signed up for classes at LALC and instantly started progressing in my Spanish. The classes are 100% speaking and listening so you get an immersive experience for 2 hours a week. They also tell you how to best practice during the week so you can continue to learn after class. LALC combined with Duolingo helped me greatly improve my vocab, listen, and feel confident speaking. Highly highly highly recommend.

I have been taking Spanish lessons at LALC and must say this is the perfect fit for my needs. Mara,…read moremy teacher/owner, offers group classes or private lessons and super accommodates my every need. I have a very busy schedule and she always finds a time to work around it - be it morning classes or night. Her teaching style is very individual and she pushes hard to making sure you do your homework and get your money's worth out of it. It's great how she incorporates technology and e-learning thru shared google files as an integral part in her classes. I have lived in several countries and been taking language classes all over. Mara is hands down the best I've ever had!

I spent many years learning French but have not kept up the maintenance. It had been on my list to…read morestart taking classes at L'ecole Francaise since 2014 but hadn't done so. It took COVID-19, me living in another city, and class via Zoom to finally bite the bullet. Currently taking Erwan's 104a course and absolutely loving it. Love the interactive style of the class and find myself coming out of each class being excited about all that I am learning. I recommend if you are even remotely interested to try out their classes and you will want to come back! Thanks Erwan!

This is hands down the best French school in Chicago. Don't waste your time at that other school…read moredowntown full of out of touch elitists who can't retain repeat students. Vive la Révolution!This school is well located in Lakeview, has experienced and friendly teachers . Erwin and Daphne are very good teachers. Your dollars will stretch further here so you can convert your left over to euros and take that annual trip to France or two. They also have cultural events in December I think these are for students only ;) so make sure you sign up this fall at L'école Française

There are lots of social activities for students, nice people around and so many nations! Lessons…read moreare split to three parts, 1.5 each and teachers rotate. Mike and Kevin are fantastic teachers, Kelley was my another favorite but she left :( Prices are good and we can pay by instalments. There are talks that Solex may increase tuition (currently, its $480 a month including books) but it will not effect old students, fingers crossed. Oh yes, they just bought new furniture and comps, it looks soooo nice. Hope we will get a coffee machine on the 4th fooor too.

Solex its very good school for many reasons first and foremost most of the students are…read moreinternational students and someone from different country could feel there very comfortable. All the instructors are very qualified and very friendly the school is located in the middle of downtown so the students can go for lunch to me millenium Park and enjoy all the things the city of Chicago has to offer .

Very good teacher is very nice and they teach very well. It is a very nice atmosphere and you've…read morelearned a ton there's also good front desk and helpers

1. they never answer their phones and never return messages left on voicemail. IVR phone system…read moredoesn't work - "to speak to an agent, press 1 at any time" does nothing. Thus, all transactions need to be done in person in downtown Chicago. 2. teachers only teach Castilian Spanish including conjugations that are not used in the US. 3. teachers talk too fast even when you ask them to slow down. if I could follow spanish speech at normal speed I wouldn't need lessons. 4. would not recommend.

Store was closed when I went today around 3:30PM. Calling did not go through. Emailed 2 weeks ago…read morefor french classes and never got back a response. Waited 10 mins and knocked the door as well, no response.Why bother keeping the store open at all? Will remove the review if I hear back.

When I first started studying French at other schools upon retirement, the reading came fairly…read moreeasily, but speaking was terrifying. So I decided that I would just learn to read French. All that changed when I started working in conversation groups with "Prof. Jacques". His way of teaching is warm and welcoming, and his close attention to what you are saying allows you to "think in French" without worrying about making mistakes. When it comes to helping you learn the nuances of the language, he remembers little things that you say and brings up later the ways that a native speaker would have put it. If I hadn't met Jacques, I never would have reached the level I have now, which is what in the French system is around "high B-2" or "low C-1". I'll always be grateful for my time working with him.

The Spanish Studio is an excellent and inviting environment for anyone who is serious about…read moreimproving their Spanish. Alex Beltrán, the lead teacher and founder of the Spanish Studio has thoughtfully designed an engaging curriculum including workbooks and streaming speaking exercises for all levels. I highly recommend Alex of The Spanish Studio as a highly skilled and motivating teacher for individual and group Spanish instructions. Jessie Ewing

I took Spanish classes here over 20 ago and had an excellent experience. I still understand most…read moreSpanish and can speak it relatively well. I liked the small class size.

Excellent teachers! Great experience learning Italian with all teachers originally from Italy. The…read moreprocess includes a lot of discussion time so you start speaking from day 1.

I waited until finishing level A1 before reviewing the Italian courses offered at ItalCultura as…read morethe tiny classroom, Aula (room) 1, was starting to become alarmingly full. Now that I'm safely well ahead of you in my studies, I will invite you to join. (; As soon as you exit the elevator to the floor where the Italian Cultural Institute is housed, you are transported. The instructors are all Italian, and there is often a cultural program going on on the floor during the evening classes, so you are immersed in Italian culture. I was hesitant to take night classes as I'm usually pooped after work, but this fear was abandoned on day one of class A1-1. Classes are taught in Italian, and the instructors are masters of judging exactly when to switch to English and when to switch back. You may not catch every word, and this can be intimidating at first, but it's astounding how quickly your ear adjusts. The classes are challenging and engaging, and Silvia is one of the best instructors I've ever had. This is coming from a life-long student. The staff is friendly and helpful, and I cannot describe to you the infectious energy you will experience and share with your fellow students and instructors at this extraordinary institution. Originally I'd wanted to learn enough Italian to converse adequately during my travels. Now I'm inspired to try and become fluent enough to be able to read Umberto Eco in his native language.