Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is HelloSpanish?

It's a personal Spanish learning program focused on accelerated growth through custom, engaging and fun lessons.

You can choose the frequency that suits your interests best: once, twice or three times per week.

We create a custom learning plan for every student. Each student receives also outstanding custom materials that always match your interests.

Can I have Spanish lessons at my office in San Francisco?

Of course. Living in this busy city, many of our students receive lessons at their workplace. Check the info for Spanish Lessons in San Francisco to learn more.

Who is HelloSpanish for?

Anybody committed to taking their Spanish to the next level in a professional, efficient and engaging way.

You can be a beginner, intermediate or advanced student, but you have to be willing to commit to our learning plan and to spend a minimum of hours per week on your learning.

Most of my clients have been Americans, specifically from California. It makes sense, considering the deep Spanish roots of the place we're living in.

In the past, I've also worked with students from the Netherlands, France, Brazil, Japan, China, Taiwan, Italy, Belgium, Lituania, Russia...

When can I have my lessons?

You'll access the availability calendar for the lessons once you create your user on Satori (our student management system).

There's availability from Monday to Saturday, regular office hours and after-office.

We're located in San Francisco, so our time is Pacific Time.

How can I start?

You can book your first lesson now!

You can also request a Free Trial Lesson if you are not sure of what you need yet.

Alternatively, you can contact me directly. I always answer!

How much do I have to study every week?

You can choose your preferred frequency for our meetings: 1, 2 or 3 lessons per week.

You have to be sure that you can also spend time reviewing what we learned in every lesson, finishing homework, and memorizing conjugations and vocabulary from time to time.

So, you can create the schedule that works best for you. But remember, the longer the hours, the faster the progress!

Do I need to buy textbooks or other material?

All the materials are provided by Hello Spanish.

I have a huge selection of curated materials, from textbooks to worksheets to apps to podcasts to articles to short movies to music. By providing a specific resource in a specific time, we'll make sure that it is what you can take

By providing a specific resource in a specific time, we'll make sure that it is what you can take the most advantage of at that moment.

Can I learn for free?

Sure! There are tons of resources in Hello Spanish that you can use.

You can start by downloading our free guide to expand your Vocab from 0 to 100 with no effort.

You can also read our blog posts on Spanish culture and Spanish learning.

How long will I study Spanish with José?

As long as you want.

The Personal Coaching Packages are automatically due at the beginning of each month, for 3 months. We will renew our contract after every 3rd month.

Will I be fluent in 3 months?

If you have studied any language before, you know that's not how it works. Learning a language is like learning any physical skill - it takes time and practice.

The key is: to enjoy the ride! That's where personal, engaging, fun and effective lessons come to help.

Is there a trial period?

You can have a taste of what is like to meet with me, and ask any questions you might have, in our Free Trial Lesson.

If you aren't sure just yet that I'm the number 1 teacher for you, you can contact me anytime.

How is this different from other online resources, such as Duolingo, or Rosetta Stone?

This is a person-to-person, custom, private and engaging learning program developed with the human interaction in mind.

It's not aiming to scale worldwide, but to provide a personal and efficient experience to the individuals that are part of it. It's different for every student because every student is different. It changes as you change.

You'll learn but also you'll practice: your teacher is a real person too!

Will I be able to speak more confidently and with fewer mistakes?

That's for sure! Personal Spanish Lessons are the best way to get real practice of the language and timely corrections that will make you sure you're saying the right thing.

This is what other students say about this matter:

"I’ve always felt stuck when trying to speak in Spanish. José is making it possible for me to communicate in Spanish. In the past two months I have learned a lot". Ligia, Brazil.

"Due to José's classes, I feel a lot more comfortable expressing myself in Spanish". Bouke, Netherlands.

"Above all, José's lessons have helped me develop a new confidence in and deeper understanding of Spanish". Daniel, Los Angeles.

"I feel much more confident having conversations in Spanish than I did a few months ago". Sarah, New York

"The most accomplished thing is that now I'm not afraid to speak to the native speaker!".  Mia, Shangai.

What do past students think about it?

They think the lessons are engaging, efficient, and fun.

You can read their testimonials here.

Will I have to study grammar, or is it just conversation?

As Daniel, from LA, said, "the lessons with José Miguel are the perfect balance of conversational practice and grammatical correction".

You need to work on both aspects of the language to achieve mastery. I see grammar as the "technique", and conversation as the "practice" aspects of the language training.

The good thing is: when you are working on what you really need to know to be able to speak, grammar doesn't feel boring. It feels useful and efficient!

Will I learn Spanish from Spain or from Latin America?

I was born in Granada, Spain. My accent, however, is not the typical Spanish accent that you might hear in the movies. It is very mild, especially when teaching or talking to foreigners.

I also lived in Mexico for 3 years, and my Spanish was very influenced by it.

So you will be able to learn the Spanish version you need, regardless your country of interest.

Still got questions?

You can contact me and I'll answer personally.