Rosetta Stone Spanish Course: An Honest Review
 by Maria Cristina Silva Lopez Oct 2011 | Learn Spanish Programs co-editor             

I teach Spanish for a living and it's critical to keep my students interested in learning.  Otherwise it's easy to quit.
Rosetta Spanish Course
So, I can appreciate Rosettas's language learning method of keeping what is often perceived as boring or intimidating -- ACTUALLY FUN!

How Does it Work?

The Rosseta Stone Spanish program mixes audio, images and text, so you have more chances or a higher probability of permanently remembering Spanish words and phrases. The way Rosetta Stone teaches is: you get a picture, followed by the appearance of text, and a word is spoken. Then it's simple, you just match the right Spanish word with the correct image. If you get it right, you move on; if not, you try again.

At first Rosetta Stone only teaches words, then short phrases, and after a while complete sentences. There have been complaints about this from those who feel they're being 'held up'. Keep in mind that the Rosetta Stone Spanish course strives to build a solid foundation first, and when you are confident with basic Spanish vocabulary, you can then leverage that learning for creating Spanish sentences.


Check for Rosetta Stone Spanish Course Discounts or Coupons Here!

Is it Easy to Use?

This program isn't equipped with spanish worksheets, manuals or detailed instructions. They've all but removed traditional approaches to learning Spanish that stress Spanish flash cards, translation, grammar rules, dictionaries, or memorizing Spanish words and phrases. The learning is an immersive approach and relies upon being totally engaged.

Rosetta software incomporates an interactive, interface that takes a little getting used to before you start up and go. The 'Audio Companion' makes learning Spanish mobile utilizes a multiple-CD set for uploading spanish to your MP3 player.

Are there any Bonus, Coupon or Discount offers?
Rossetta Stone has often been criticized for being expensive. However, if you buy Rosetta software through their website, you can almost always get a special discount ($100 discount/coupon) depending upon which Spanish version or program you choose. And there is a fully working demo.

There is an online subscription. You pay monthly to use the program. If you are a fast learner, this is a great advantage. It’s also handy because you can use the Roseta Stone Spanish software from any computer tied to the internet. If you buy the CDs you get a 6-month money-back guarantee, longer than any other language course.

As with any expensive program, it’s always nice to give it a test run before you buy. Rosetta Spanish allows you to get a good feel for its learning style visually in action here: Rosetta Stone Spanish Review .

What do I Really get?

It depends on what levels you purchase. When you buy Rosetta Stone inside the box is one installation CD along with the CD-ROM software.

Each levels can be purchased individually i.e. Rosetta Spanish (Latin America) level 1 or 1,2 or intermediate levels 3,4, or 5. Rosetta offers discounts on their comprehensive package that includes levels 1-5. Rosetta Spanish Course

You can also buy Rosetta's "TOTALE" Spanish Program that allows users to not only learn spanish LIVE online but also participate in a guided Spanish sessions with a native-speaking Spanish coach or tutor or what they term "Rosetta Studio". In addition Totale enables you to practice Spanish online with the community forum i.e. "Rosetta World".

The Roettas Totale comprehensive program is all part of their learn, practice, and play approach to learning that keeps learning fun.

Next to Spanish immersion, Rosetta's language programs utilize technology of the internet to its advanatage. You can see how it compares to other Spanish comprehensive classes here: Rosetta Totale Review Comparison.

Regardless of what level you choose each one consists of four units, each unit has four lessons. These lessons last for 30 minutes, depending how fast you are. In each lesson you get to cover vocabulary, grammar, reading, speaking, listening, writing and pronunciation. And there are reviews all throughout the course.

Is Rosetta the Best Program for Learning Spanish?

The answer to this question is always relative to the goals of the user. Most language programs offer lessons in either Latin American Spanish or Castilian Spanish. Rosetta Stone offers both options. You can choose which one you prefer.

All audio lessons are conducted by native Spanish speakers, so you become fluent in native Spanish. The software has a very good voice recognition feature to help you learn and practice correct pronunciation as well. It is expensive for a language course, but a comprehensive program is worth the money.

The games are quite fun. But after a while they can get a bit repetitive. The best way I’ve found to not get bored is to mix them up. Don’t do the same game over and over; try different games for 20-30 minute intervals.

What's Support Like?

You may need extra help when using or setting up Rosetta Stone for whatever reason. It is intuitive software and you probably won't but just in case you need to trouble shoot something, or just need Spanish help in general, there is ongoing phone and email support. The program come equipped with a manual and FAQ.

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