You’re never too old to learn a new skill — or brush up on a forgotten one. Language classes in Northern Virginia make it easy to pick up a new language, either through in-person classes or easily accessible (and free!) online resources. Before you know it, you’ll be chatting away in French, Spanish, American Sign Language, or another language of your choosing.
Berlitz Tysons Corner Language Center
The Berlitz Center uses a fully immersive technique to teach language. If you sign up for a Spanish class, the class will be taught fully in Spanish right from the beginning. There are options for in-person and online classes, in either a group format or with one-on-one private lessons.
French Academy
For those dreaming of learning French, the French Academy has in-person and online group classes in different levels of experience, from the complete beginner to those who are already fluent and want to improve their skills. There are locations in Alexandria, Baltimore, and Washington, DC. Classes span five to eight weeks, with sessions beginning throughout January.
Fairfax County Public Schools
The school system offers world language classes for adults and community members, in languages such as American Sign Language, Arabic, Italian, and Korean. There are classes both online and in-person at locations throughout the county. There are seven difficulty levels, including a crash course for beginners and travelers, conversational classes, and reading groups.
Mango
Mango is a fully online resource that teaches over 70 languages with a mix of listening and reading activities and an algorithm that reviews your progress. The resource is provided for free through public libraries in Fairfax, Arlington, and Loudoun counties and the City of Alexandria. Just go to your library’s online resources page and log in with your library card.
Transparent Language
Transparent Language is another online resource that lets you learn a new language from your phone or computer. There are over 100 languages available. It’s available for free through the libraries in Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William counties, plus Manassas Park City and the City of Alexandria.
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
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