Studio Espanol is a great place to either begin your study of or practice your fluency in the Spanish language. I am currently in my 4th 6-week session with Senior Frias. Both instructors design their interactions to meet the different levels and expectations of each new student. The Studio is very welcoming of all age levels and projects a friendly, positive learning environment. That's not to say one doesn't have to put forth the effort to learn a second (or third) language, but the ambiance helps relax the students as they work through the lessons. I love that my class is a mix of senior citizens, recent college grads and an engineer. During class sessions Joachim and Gaby also interject a lot of interesting cultural and language differences between Mexico, Spain and the U.S. read more

I am a teacher in Detroit, and many of my students and their families speak Spanish as a first language. I was motivated to take a class to learn conversational Spanish and came across Studio Espanol while searching online. I am currently taking the introductory spanish conversation class with Juaquin and it is great. We move through a lot of material but Juaquin explains everything well and it is a fun and comfortable environment. It is a good mixture of conjugation, vocabulary and conversational practice and I have enjoyed it a lot. If you are looking to learn Spanish, I would highly recommend Juaquin and Studio Espanol! read more

Hello, I have been taking Spanish lessons from Joaquin Frias for almost a year. He is an excellent teacher and has used various methods to challenge me and enhance my understanding. I have used other self- learning methods including Rosetta Stone and the Pimsleur audio tapes, and while they are useful and effective, Joaquin's course helps it all make sense and allows me to put that knowledge into practice. He has homework exercises that help build on the topic he is teaching and builds on previous material in a logical progression. He offers private classes as well as group classes and I highly recommend him!! read more

I returned to my Spanish studies after a long hiatus. Joaquin Frias inspired me with confidence! After studying with him for just 5 months, I have regained much of my ability to speak Spanish. He is a careful and perceptive listener and an excellent teacher. Each week he brings in current articles from Spanish Newspapers or Magazines to discuss. It is clear to me that he takes the time to find articles that are of particular interest to me. We use the articles as a jumping off point for conversation and for refreshers on grammer, usage and pronunciation. I look forward to class each week! read more

I am nearing the conclusion of the first conversational Spanish course with Joaquin and I am pleasantly surprised. Joaquin makes the class comfortable and enjoyable while moving at a decent pace . He is able to adjust to the various skill levels of everyone in the class to keep the class challenging, engaging, and accessible. The course incorporates a text book with weekly 'homework' exercises that are not overwhelming. The teaching approach incorporates speaking, writing, reading and listening skills. I definitely plan to continue on in my studies with Joaquin and Studio Espanol. read more

I'd wanted to learn Spanish for years, but could never find a good class. Then I heard about a class at the Community House, and met Joaquin. Since then I've been going to classes as his Studio Español. It's a great environment for learning, and it's great fun too! I've been taking Spanish classes with Joaquin for two years. His teaching methods are great: from the use of a good text book, to fun dialogs that we read to each other. I can't say that I'm fluent yet, but I can speak Spanish now without fear, and am beginning to follow and understand native Spanish language speakers. read more

I joined spanish international in April 2012. As a German native I first had difficulties to learn Spanish in an English speaking environment. Joaquin help me to get adjusted and found the right leveled Spanish class for me. He works with different methods focusing on conversation and comprehension of Spanish. We are always having fun and learn a lot. To get a proper basis of grammar we use a book and there is no week without homework. Most important for me: we have to talk a lot in Spanish and it never gets boring in class! read more

Gaby Saldana is absolutely delightful and I couldn't be happier with her class. It's challenging but never discouraging and always fun -- even the homework. She's a natural at teaching. I am not that natural as a student and have been frustrated in previous attempts to learn Spanish but finally know I'll be able to do this. Thanks to Gaby my next visit to Mexico will be a much richer experience. I have already told friends how wonderful Studio Espanol is. Gracias, Gaby. ¡Eres fabulosa! read more

Joaquin is a wonderfully patient and fun teacher. He makes learning relatively stress free (only stress I experience is because of my own expectations) and after each class I come away feeling that I have learned something new. I actually LIKE doing homework and though I am a long way from being proficient I am enjoying the journey to that point. I am very grateful for Joaquin's experience, style and knowledge of teaching and his sense of humor. Muchas Gracias! Joaquin read more

I've been taking a conversational Spanish course with Senor Joaquin for the past five weeks. Having not taken any prior Spanish, I feel that he moves at a crisp pace but makes sure that everyone can follow along. It's pretty amazing to see how much you can learn in just a few weeks. Joaquin is friendly and patient and incorporates various conversational aspects to the learning process. I plan to continue my studies with him after my current session is done. Adios! read more

Joaquín Frias is a wonderful teacher who has the special knack of making Spanish instruction fun and rewarding. I would highly recommend him as a teacher. I spoke a fair amount of Spanish before even engaging Joaquin as an instructor to help further build my skill level. Joaquin makes the learning process easier than I had ever experienced in a formal classroom and he has been instrumental in getting my Spanish language proficiency to the next level. Paul S. read more

I have been studying Spanish with Joaquin for four years and have thoroughly enjoyed the experience. He is a terrific teacher who is very tuned into the needs of each student. I began with his class at the Birmingham Community House and had zero speaking ability in Spanish. Now, I can read Spanish instructions and in two trips to Central America, was able to get by fairly well. If you have always wanted to learn a foreign language, this is a great way to do so. read more

I have been studying Spanish with Joaquin Frias for 12 weeks, and just enrolled for 6 more weeks. Dr. Frias is a conscientious teacher who takes the time to point out important details, and makes sure everyone understands. The pace of learning for me is just right, and the group is small so everyone participates. There is lots of laughter, and much learning occurs in the environment Dr. Frias creates at Studio Español. read more

I've been taking a Conversational Spanish class with Gaby Saldana and must say, she makes the time go fast. Love that she includes games and other fun stuff when learning a new language. She keeps the class fresh and fun. She's also very patient with the class and has a nice sense of humor. Sorry to see the class end, but look forward to the next one. Thanks Gaby! read more

My husband and daughter and I wanted to learn to speak Spanish. We found Studio Espanol online and signed up for the beginner class. I am amazed at how much I was able to learn in just 6 weeks. Patricia and Joaquin are patient, friendly, professional and enthusiastic teachers. More importantly, they have inspired us to continue to learn Spanish! read more

I've been taking Spanish lessons for about three months now at Studio Espanol. I took two years of Spanish in college which was ages ago. I'm surprised at how much I've learned in this short period of time. Joaquin and Gabby are excellent teachers. They truly make the learning experience enjoyable. read more

Joaquin was the only Spanish instructor that made the language really stick! I've tried online classes and apps and there's nothing that compares to the conversational method he uses. He teaches using Zoom now and has really mastered remote teaching. Thanks, Amigo! read more

Joaquin has been teaching me Spanish for about three months now (private tutoring). I enjoy it immensely! Working with him makes trying to learn Spanish at my age (70) really a lot of fun, even though it is a lot of work! Diane Seavitt-Conway read more