Ventanas Mexico
Complete Interactive Guide to Learning Spanish Free Online

Introduction

“English is the language of business, French the language of love, Spanish is the language with which to speak to God.” - unknown

When you learn another language you unlock a door. The door might open to a world of traveling more authentically through Spanish-speaking countries.

The door might be to retiring to a less-expensive Latin America country empowered by command of the language.

Or the door might be to learning Spanish as a social skill that challenges you mentally; one you can do anytime, anywhere, for the rest of your life.

Speaking a second language is like scuba diving, submerging you in another world only accessible to those willing to dive in.

Not a Spanish Book

This book is not a Spanish language instruction manual. It could not be called “Spanish for Dummies,” although perhaps it could be called “The Best Free Parts of Spanish Language Learning Sites for Dummies on a Budget Over 40.”

Of course we are not dummies. We are people who want to speak Spanish well and invest wisely in the tools to get us there. We are people who don’t want to spend all our spare time determining which tools meet our needs and how much they cost rather than learning the language.

This reference book takes you directly to the best free bits of learning language sites, tells you what skill the feature develops and what the rest cost, if anything. You also will be provided sample lesson plans showing you how to mix and match elements for your needs.

With this book you can try the best free features of dozens of sites, and save yourself the aggravation of flawed sections. You can go to tools that really are free, and know what skill they develop best. You will know the costs of sites and sections that aren’t free without having to drill through pages of sales copy writing.

After checking them out, create your own study plan based on what you know about yourself and your learning style.

With this book you will use fabulous tools few others know about. You will drive right up to the gate of developing second language skills that will enhance your social life, your travel and your mental acuity. You will invest wisely when and if you make a language tool purchase.

By varying your tools, you will have more fun and not fall into the rut of waking up every day with only a tool or two to choose from.

Who This Book is For

People over 45 who have always wanted to learn Spanish and are wondering where to begin.
People who are thinking about retiring or spending extended time to a Spanish-speaking country and want to make native friends.
People who want to conscientiously choose the mix of free and paid learning programs that best meets their needs, tastes and budget.
People who have become frustrated with digging through the misleading labeling and sales pitches by the hundreds of language sites just to figure out what the real cost is.
People who are interested in learning Spanish skills for the long haul, to read and write and speak the language on a wide range of topics, not just get by day to day with survival Spanish.
Couples where each partner is at a different level of Spanish skill.
People who always choose “assorted’ chocolates.

Purpose of this book: To be your “greatest hits” D.J for all the free online language learning tools

You listen to certain radio stations because the music is curated for you. You probably aren’t so interested in knowing why the D.J doesn’t like a particular song. You know the D.J. has listened and researched hundreds of songs. You want him to save you time from hearing bad songs.

Consider this book your D.J., pointing you to the free highlights of online tools I think you’ll like as a person over 40 desiring to speak, read, comprehend and write Spanish for as little cost as possible. The screenshots included later will take you directly to the meatiest free feature of each site.

Chapter One:

Are you planning to expatriate either full or part-time?

Thinking about expatriating to a Spanish speaking country someday? Or how about just spending the winters there? Congratulations on deciding to learn the language! Speaking Spanish will place you head and shoulders above the typical expat.

Over one million Americans already live in Mexico alone. Even more have second homes there. Latin America’s lower cost of living, lovely climate, proximity and often high quality health care systems make it a top choice for expats.

With an estimated 3.3 million people saying they are considering retiring abroad, interest in living part-time or retiring to Latin America has never been higher. Mexico anticipates a flood of retiring baby boomers in coming years as they look at the cost of healthcare and anticipated shortage of reasonably-priced housing in the United States in future years.

While many expats there live quite happily without speaking Spanish, to get the most out of the expat experience, Spanish is essential.

Many Latin Americans speak some English. Most do not speak well enough to make an evening out of it, and evenings with your native friends will be some of the best you’ve ever had.

Native friends are important to expats because they:

Watch out for you. If they suspect you are being taken for a ride or paying too much, they will intercede.

Teach you how to fully live your exciting double life just by hanging out with you.

Are fun. They enjoy life in a way unique to Spanish-speaking countries.

Express the things that concern them deeply about their country. You learn the real issues.

They know people. Lots of people. They often live in the same town they were born in and have extensive networks. Networks come in very handy when you are an expat.

Expats who limit themselves to English-speaking professionals cut themselves off from some of the best dentists, doctors and a host of other specialists who have better things to do than learn a foreign language for expats’ convenience. After all, you are in their country. They are not in yours.

With Spanish, you will never have to limit yourself to contractors, service providers, hair stylists, tour operators or others who charge non-Spanish speakers more because they went to the trouble to learn a second language and you didn’t.