Do yourself a favor and take their Bootcamp. It's a super fast-paced and engaging 3-hours that you…read morewon't regret (and will go by so fast)! I've taken two (Spanish & Mandarin) of the three bootcamps that are offered currently, and each one you will leave with what you've learned seriously stuck in your head. They teach practical stuff that you can remember and use right away. The classes are small and the people are friendly; I can't imagine learning a language any other way now. Italian is next for me!

I love this organization! It is the only organization I've found in the Boston area that offers…read morelanguage classes and engages the public in multicultural events, something that I think is really important. They also offer immersion programs in other countries which is awesome! The teachers are very passionate and knowledgeable and the location is super convenient. They also organize conversation groups in bars and cafes in the languages they teach, which, if you're like me and enjoy learning in a casual environment, it's perfect. I really recommend AES!

My favorite place to learn and dance Tango. The artist/instructors Fernanda and Guillermo are…read moreamong some of the world renounced Tango masters. They are always evolving and creating new dimension. Aside from traveling all over the world performing and teaching, they also assembled the greatest dancers and musicians for their dance company. Seriously, they are always so energetic and cheerful. No wonder their students are all cheerful bunch.

tl;dr - Japanese Language Class Boston is amazing! I already recommend it to my friends and…read morecoworkers. I took Japanese through college; however, I had not had much opportunity to practice or maintain my language abilities in the years since graduation. Here's where Japanese Language Class Boston (JLCB) came in. Sachiko-sensei and Mari-sensei have been incredible resources helping me prepare for JLPT N-4 and prepare my language abilities for working in Japan. Since beginning with JLCB in July 2018, I've taken a variety of intermediate classes (Intermediate Conversation, N-4 Preparatory Class, Genki-2, and more), all have which broadened my vocabulary, grammar, and conversation skills. With JLCB's help, I successfully interviewed in Japanese and received a job offer in Japan! I move to Tokyo in August! :) Additional things to consider: the location, Post Office square, has been incredibly convenient. It is in the heart of downtown Boston easily accessible by all four T lines plus a ~5min walk. The students here are very friendly, a mix of levels (in a good way) and all looking to improve their language skills. The teachers are always looking for ways to tailor the course to the students' wants and needs. Whether your starting learn for the first time or looking for that extra push toward fluency, I'm confident that JLCB can help you accomplish your goals.

When I first started my lessons here, I had already passed N4 on the JLPT and was looking for more…read moreopportunities to continue my Japanese language studies. Unfortunately there are not many options in the Downtown Boston area that are easily accessible for working individuals. Luckily I came across Japanese Language Class Boston and decided to give it a try. I am now in my second year here and still plan on taking as many lessons as I can. There is a lot to learn and the instructors here have so much to offer and are very patient. They do want to make sure that you are getting the most out of the lessons and it shows in the way that they plan their curriculum. You will be asked what you want to learn in the lessons. Jump at the chance and let them know. You won't regret it. That said, no matter what skill level you're at or what industrial background you're from, there is bound to be a class here that is right for you. I am learning for personal interest, some are learning for business purposes. Group lessons available on most days of the week so you will be able to make it to one or two of the classes. Private lessons are also available. I definitely recommend starting your Japanese learning experience here!

In my profession, and particularly as a graduate student, I work closely with a lot of native…read moreChinese speakers. Even my advisor is Chinese. At the place I work here in Boston, the majority of my group is native Chinese or Chinese American, including one of my bosses. Thus, I decided that it was about time that I learn how to speak Mandarin, so that I could understand better the language and culture of my fellow students and co-workers, and so that I could help those who have difficulty or are reluctant to speak in English. I looked at the Boston Language Institute, but their high prices suggested I look elsewhere. Thanks to Lauren S.'s review, I found this place, the Chinese Institute of Language and Arts. Their prices are more than reasonable - I paid $220 for 20 hours of class in beginning Mandarin, as well as the workbook and CDs. The owner/manager, Peter, is very friendly and welcoming. Classes are amazingly small - I think the most I saw from any one class was 5, and my average was about 3. This means that you get plenty of individual attention and practice with the language, including drills on character recognition, help with pronunciation of words and tones, and conversation practice. The teachers are typically native Chinese or Chinese American college students or recent graduates, which is more than enough to teach beginning Chinese. They might not have tons of experience teaching, but they all seem to follow a general lesson plan, and they're quite willing to help with problems or questions you have. All in all, I think that going to CILA was a good move on my part, as it helped introduce me to the Chinese language and gave me some tools that I can use in everyday conversations with my fellow classmates and co-workers. While I need more practice (and indeed, practice outside of class helps a lot), I feel I'm sufficiently prepared to take on more studying of the language in attempts to become semi-fluent. I would definitely recommend classes here to anyone interested in learning Chinese.

Since traveling to China three years ago, I've become obsessed with all things China; I will read…read moreany related book or magazine article I can get my hands on. After a lovely breakup and many months spent shunning all my interests, I decided to finally get off my ass in late '08 and pursue two of my longer-lasting loves: learning and languages. I scoured the internet for a class offering Mandarin Chinese and found a couple of schools located in Chinatown that had decent prices compared to the go-to linguistic center in town, the Boston Language Institute, whose prices were more than double these other two places. The Chinese Language Institute offered a course breakdown with joining dates for new classes (limited to 6 people!) along with a prominent guarantee of satisfaction. A 10-week course, two hours a week, cost only $180, compared to the $450+ offered by BLI, so I warily but cheerfully submitted my interest online, promising to show up on the date of the first class, scheduled for 1/12/09. I dutifully showed up at 6pm that night but was informed that class began the next week (even though the website had not updated the schedule). I didn't consider this a big deal, so I came back the next week and enrolled with four other people in Beginning Mandarin. I forgot my checkbook that night, but they were really cool about it, saying I could pay them next week and letting me take the textbook and CDs for the class (these were not included in the online price; it added $30 to the total class fee). A little bit about the space-- it's a small area of a couple classrooms that are in, uh, dilapidated condition. This, I imagine, is probably quite unlike the BLI, which probably has gleaming whiteboards and spanking new desks. However, I cannot praise CIL enough. This is the kind of place where you get as much as you want out of the class-- you're not there to pay to have a teacher clap their hands and hand you a fancy certificate at the end of the class. You're there because you want to be there, and the teachers will give you two hours of their best work each week. The first night I had a different teacher than the one I have now-- she was very good, but the teacher I've had since the second night is amazing. She is firmer than the first girl and throws in so many different teaching activities in two hours that I'm really impressed (I work in textbook publishing so I know a little bit about teaching styles). We sometimes sing songs, work off picture charts, practice conversation with each other... in terms of the environment, it's bare bones essentials, but Wen Laoshi (Teacher Wen) has taught me a hell of a lot in only a few weeks. She sends us emails in Chinese and English with song attachments and is always fetching us tea on breaks. She's smart and makes the class challenging and enjoyable at the same time. In short, I love CIL and I am very glad I signed up for a class. If you want a language class that has an official syllabus and nice classrooms, then this isn't the place for you. But if you want to learn Mandarin or Cantonese in a supportive, engaging environment, then CIL is your best bet. Cheap classes, fantastic instruction-- one of the best things I've found in Boston. Wo hen mang. Zaijian!

My first lesson in Argentine Tango was fun and enjoyable, but more importantly for me Claudia…read moreexpressed the feeling of the dance, the roles of the leader and follower, and the music itself as she patiently guided me through the walks and Basic steps. I'm looking forward to taking more lessons from her and learning more about this special form of dance. Thank you Claudia! Brent M

I've been taking Argentine Tango with Seyyide for several months now and I absolutely love her…read moreclasses. She's supremely talented and teaches the classes in a way that makes learning incredibly enjoyable. Always professional and attentive to her students, Seyyide's tango classes are certainly a treat! Being a native of Argentina, who else would you want to go if you wanted to learn Argentinian Tango?

For me, I think that GEOS is a good school. The staff and teachers do a good job as well. I made…read morefriends who are from different countries. The school has field trips one time per month, but they don't have many outside activities. I've taken 3 classes such as listening, grammar, and speaking. It's useful. In a nutshell this is a good school I think.

I chose the TOEFL course at GEOS. Not very helpful at all. I could have done everything that they…read moredid at home. Did not get very significant feedback from the instructor. Also was overcharged for the TOEFL book at the beginning (double the price at Amazon)!

This is a review of their week long summer camp options only, and not a review of their ongoing…read moredaycare experience. I'll keep my feedback clear and succinct. I encountered the following issues, which I think are significant problems: 1) The ABC Spanish staff are very disorganized. I signed up for a week in August back in early May and had to reach out twice before getting my kids properly registered. The errors were careless and were easily preventable. 3) The paperwork is pointlessly long and tedious. The forms were stupidly repetitive, and even though we filled them all out and submitted in a timely fashion I still got an emergency phone call from the director on the first day telling me she couldn't find my forms... Is this not something you verify before kids arrive? 2) The summer camp descriptions used in advertising do not properly represent the activities my children ended up doing. At one point, the director of the center told me there would be a concert for the kids at the end of the week, and this did not occur. In addition, the description stated that there would be a parade, and that staff would dress up for the kids, none of which actually occurred. I find this problematic in various ways, not to mention disappointing. There were a series of other little disappointing things that occurred during the week which I don't think are worth mentioning. I just want to make sure other parents are aware of these bad business practices before they sign up their children for a $400 dollar week-long program with this organization.

After spending a lot of time planning our kids' vacation camp experiences, we parents are nervous…read moreabout whether the kids will end up liking the camps. I hedged my bets and enrolled my twin boys (age 6) in a variety of different one week camps. The first one, beginning Tuesday July 5, was ABC Spanish in Motion, conveniently located in Newton Highlands walking distance from our house. In the days prior: Elias: I don't want go to Espanol school! I don't want to learn Spanish. Me: But think of all your friends who speak two languages (rattled off the names of various friends). Elias: But they speak English! Me: But then you'll be able to speakin Spanish to Tania (favorite babysitter). Elias: I do not want to go. So, July 5 rolled around and there was plenty of complaining from my son. Me: But why not check it out and decide? So we piled in the car (easier than making them walk), along with twin brother Raymong who was *not* complaining. Elias: You're going to stay right, Mom? We're just going to see if we like it. Me: Okay. We arrived at the school, with director Anya Laporta greeting us, showing us the jacket hooks and backpack cubbies, and how to sign in. Elias took one look at the light filled, scrupulously clean playroom set up with enticing different play areas (see pictures) and his faced glowed with sudden anticipation and delight. He scampered in, I was forgotten, and he immediately wanted to start in on an arts and crafts project. As I talked to the director, I heard Elias exclaiming with excitement to the teacher, "I can count in Spanish, uno, dos, tres..." Wow. Was I ever relieved and happy. And also pleased at how beautiful the classroom was. On pickup, I was still a bit nervous: Me: So how was Escuela de Espanol? Elias: Ay-may-zeen! The next day he threw on his clothes with glee and when we arrived at school my son insisted on showing me his art objects (see photos). I may sign up for an additional week later in the summer that I still have open. Thank you Director Anya Laporta!

I asked for a quote. I think it is overpriced and they want…read moreyou to buy a package.

I have taken two years of Italian lessons with Sabrina and am very pleased with the lessons and…read moreresults. I can now read easy books, take part in a basic conversation, ask qustions on the phone with hotels, for instance, and much to my delight not being answered in English. Voglio dimostrare che quello che ho detto e vero. Se chi sono errori sono miei errori e non e colpa di Sabrina. E un piacere e vale la pena d'imparare o migliorare su italiano con Sabrina.