Learning Spanish... Is Rosetta Stone worth the price tag?

[Jill Wood]

We don’t go to Spain often enough, but always make an attempt to speak the language when we are there. 
Hubby has had this brilliant idea of getting a language course and wonders if Rosetta Stone is worth the huge price-tag. 
Anyone tried it? Or is there anything similar/better/cheaper out there?

[Chris Chrebet]

Rosetta Stone is very helpful, but it is also very expensive. They certainly have programs exactly like Rosetta Stone at half the price. the computer interaction with these programs is great and the visuals definitely help in learning. They basically say a sentence and you pick the matching picture... (well there is a little more they offer than that)

Another great thing is audio programs... particularly Pimsleur. Unlike a computer program, audio tapes you can use in the car while driving, or while cleaning the house, so you can maximize your learning time.

So I would get both a visual computer program and Pimsleur audio programs. Truth be told, you can easily pirate both of these programs online using software like Vuze (free to download), but I would never suggest doing something illegal to skip paying the outrageous price tag just because it's not worth it and so easy to do!

Good luck!

[Jill Wood]

Thank you - the answer I'd hoped for - didn't want to be forking out enough for a nice weekend away on R/S! Will check out Pimsleur :-)

[Alison Turner]

I work in an office with multiple languages flying about and can tell you that the Rosetta Stone is the most effective "teach yourself" program on the market and what we use for our staff. That said, no language program is perfect and nothing will work if the student doesn't dedicate themselves. I've also taught and regardless of how good (or bad) the program is, it is up to the student to immerse themselves as much as possible and then maintain their level through whatever channels necessary. Even after years of living abroad, if I do not read, listen, and speak in my adopted language regularly, I lose fluidity on some points. So whether you want to be able to comfortably order food at a restaurant or hold deep philosophical debates with locals, there is an initial heavy commitment necessary followed by consistent upkeep.

[Las Villas de Bellavista]

If you are really ready to immerse yourself in a second language, nothing beats being in the culture for the whole integrative approach to language learning. I know that Mexico has been in the press for sometime as a place not to go to, but in reality it is close, inexpensive, safe (except for the borders) and incredibly fascinating and as Madonna answered the question, "Why Mexico?" as she opened her new gym today in Mexico City, it is because she loves the country, the food, the history, the culture, the music, the architecture and of course the people. Cuernavaca, Morelos is the world-renown Spanish Immersion Language center with over 60 language schools that have been teaching Spanish to foreigners for over 40 years. Europe is of course a wonderful destination, but Mexico and the Latin American countries of Central and South America are right at your doorstep and they all speak Spanish!

[Colette Connolly]

There are other products out there, Jill, but Rosetta Stone seems to be the leader in the language learning marketplace. I have the French language CDs and intend to start using them this year to brush up on my French.
Colette