Now this is a new learning experience for me: learning a language through the use of music. This is an interesting concept and something that Earworms calls an  ‘accelerated learning technique’. The idea behind it is to listen to words and phrases in a rhythmic way set to melodic music . You feel at ease as you listen and somehow the phrases become catchy and easy to recall.

I tried Volume 1 of the Earworms Rapid French language course which is the downloadable version (it is also available on CD). It is audio only (although a phrase book is included – more on this later). It is just over an hour long (70 minutes) and covers subjects that you might encounter whilst you are abroad such as ordering things, asking for things, asking directions, telling the time, numbers, days of the week, greetings and other useful expressions. You also cover verbs such as to eat, to order, to buy, to rent as well as asking questions such as ‘do you like?’, ‘what’s this?’ and ‘how much is it?’.

The first track deals with ‘je voudrais’ or, ‘I would like’. Before you know it you are ordering drinks, as well as saying other expressions such as ‘parfait’, ‘de rien’ and ‘merci’ – all good conversation fillers and useful pleasantries!

Each sentence is repeated at least three to four times, but each time it is said at a slightly different pace and with a slightly different intonation. The sentence is then broken down into parts. So, for example, ‘I would like to eat something’ is broken down into its components and then the word order is compared to English:   ‘I would like’, then ‘to eat’, then ‘something’ then ‘to eat’ again and then ‘something’ again and then the whole sentence is said in full once more. This idea of breaking up an expression and reconstructing it reminds me vaguely of the Michel Thomas Method language courses>>. But the Earworms method uses music and rhythmic repetition to great language learning effect!

The music varies from techno to funky jazz, guitar and what I would call ’lift’ music (musak)! Each type of music denotes a different chapter so learning doesn’t become monotonous and allows you to associate certain language with certain music. At the end of each chapter track, a challenge is set for us, although the male English language speaker answers the questions. The female native French speaker asks us ‘how do you say…..?’ with something that we have just covered in the chapter. It’s a good exercise and nothing too challenging.

In fact, this is what I enjoyed most about the Earworms Rapid French; I found the whole experience not too challenging or exhausting and yet I remembered quite a bit of the French after each sessino so, it was really quite effective. The course comes with a useful phrase book. It gives more information into what the accelerated learning technique is about. It also lists all the phrases and words found in the course. This is useful for those (like me) that like to see the written language and associate it with hearing the language at the same time. You even get a list of the English, the French (along with the audio of the sound) and its ‘memory hook’ – something which helps you associate the French to a visual memory and familiar words in English.

Overall, I thought that this course was fun, entertaining and I was under no pressure to memorise words. I later found myself humming one of the tunes and remembering the repetition of the French words! This method really does seem to work! C’est parfait!

The Earworms Rapid language courses can be uploaded to iPod, iPhone, iPad or other MP3 players.

Learn a language on your iPod ® with Earworms Rapid French Volume 1>>

Read a review of the Earworms Rapid French Volume 2>>

find out more about the full range of Earworms Rapid language courses>>

Get the French language advantage with Earworms Rapid French. Claim your competitive advantage!

Teach Yourself Business Mandarin Chinese is a three-hour, all-audio, straightforward course that will help you to acquire essential up-to-date business language to use in China. You can use the course at any time – to dip into in the office or as a refresher before travelling to a meeting. Through realistic conversations and authentic material, the ten Business Zones will give you all the specialist terms you need for your role or your project.

The three CDs come with a booklet containing the transcript of the recorded material in pinyin as well as a glossary listing all the vocabulary from the course. The accompanying culture book contains tips on etiquette and business culture so you will never be stuck for something to talk about or worry about committing blunders.

Teach Yourself Business Mandarin Chinese is perfect for intermediate and advanced learners of Mandarin Chinese.

for more information and to buy Teach Yourself Business Mandarin Chinese>>

Also available in the range are Teach Yourself Business French, Teach Yourself Business Spanish and Teach Yourself Business Japanese>>

Get the language advantage with Teach Yourself Business Mandarin Chinese. Claim your competitive advantage!

The Think French audio magazine is more than a simple French audio language course – as with the Think Spanish audio magazine, it is designed to help you to learn French while teaching you about life and culture in French-speaking countries.  It is a much more current and engaging approach to learning French online for intermediate and advanced learners.

As a French beginner however, I wanted to get an idea of what the French magazine could offer me and whether it would be too difficult for someone at my learning level.

I viewed the December 2010 issue of the Think French audio magazine. As with the Think Spanish audio magazines, the content changes every month and each magazine has between eight and ten articles which you can read, while listening along to the French. Each article has between one and two pages of text including images and photos. A lot of the vocabulary is highlighted in bold, which means it is listed in the bilingual glossary and runs along the left-hand or right-hand side of the page.  The selected vocab also corresponds with each paragraph in the text making it easier to find the words as you listen/read. You can check the meaning or get a translation of any of these words – the glossary includes nouns, adjectives, tenses, idioms and phrases – all relating to the context of the article. This is a useful tool for your language learning skills.

Article topics range from recipes to focus on people, places, religious festivals, tourism, arts and crafts, ecotourism, the environment, history as well as news stories from around the world. The topics are current, engaging and enjoyable. The Think French December 2010 issue had articles about the Christmas traditions in Canada, food of Provence, sport and biographies. The edition had one biography about the Belgian singer songwriter, Jacques Brel and included the lyrics to his best known song ‘Ne me quitte pas‘ and a link to youtube.com where you can listen and watch Brel singing the song (with English subtitles).

The articles are not too long and are good for French learners of all ages and levels. They say that you need to have a least ‘high school level French’. The magazines may be better suited for intermediate and advanced learners. Having said that, as a beginner, I gained a lot of new French vocabulary and cultural knowledge without feeling overwhelmed. I listened, read the text and gained the general gist of the articles. I could look up any words I didn’t know (and weren’t in the glossary) in my dictionary. This is an excellent way to improve your French reading and listening skills no matter what level you are.

Think French is slightly different to conventional French language courses and this is how it works.  Once you pay your membership fee, you will be able to login online and get access to your new French audio magazine every month online – or (and, as an added bonus) – you can download the magazine as a PDF and print it out as well as download the accompanying audio clips to your ipod, itunes, mp3 or transfer them to a CD or your PC. You can choose to download the entire magazine by clicking on the cover image or to download one article at a time by opening each article PDF. They recommend that you make a folder on your desktop and save the entire magazine in one go. That way you will still have access to the whole magazine even when you don’t have access to the internet. This is a practical time-saving tip.

“as a beginner, I gained a lot of new French vocabulary and cultural knowledge without feeling overwhelmed”

Each article has an option to download an audio clip in French. The audio clip has a clear and understandable narrator who reads the article out aloud in French. The narrators are both male and female and vary in speed and pronunciation.

At the end of each issue you can practice what you have read and heard by having a go at the ‘Grammar Lesson’ and ‘Repeat After Me’ tasks. A PDF of the grammar lesson is available so that you can print off the sheet and write in the answers to the quiz or keep the sheet for future reference. The Repeat After Me task corresponds with the Grammar Lesson and gives you the chance to practice your listening skills. You download the audio clip of each phrase (there are about 9-10 phrases in all), listen to the short phrase and then repeat it during the pause. A PDF of the list of phrases is also available. The December 2010 French magazine for example, had been running a series (of 3) lessons called ‘Linking Words’. Each grammar lesson is different.

Think French membership also includes access to the Think French online community. You receive extra learning tools such as additional audio files and vocab flashcards, access to the French writers if you have any language learning questions as well as exclusive members-only offers.

Sign up for your Think French audiomagazine subscription now>>

SPECIAL OFFER!!

For a limited time only, you can get one year of back issues free with Think French! For more information on this offer and to buy the Think French Audio Magazine subscription now>>

The Think Language range of audio magazines is also available as Think Spanish and Think Italian>>

Get the French language advantage with Think French. Claim your competitive advantage!

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These innovative audio magazines are great if you’re not using your languages as much as you would like, but want to perfect your language skills and learn Spanish at home or on the move. If you already know the basics of a language and now want to improve or maintain your fluency, then Think Spanish audio magazines are for you. They will help you improve your vocabulary, grammar, listening comprehension and conversation skills, whilst expanding your cultural knowledge at the same time.

Think Spanish Audio Magazine

level: intermediate, advanced
media: online with PDF downloads of articles & audio clip downloads to ipod, iphone, itunes, mp3, mobile phone, PC etc.
frequency: twelve a year by annual subscription

Think Spanish audio magazine is a monthly online audiomagazine packed with features about the arts and entertainment world, people and places, current news and events, history, Spanish recipes and much more.  The magazine comes with a bilingual Spanish-English glossary for each article, with translations of more difficult Spanish words or phrases into English, which are also highlighted in bold in the text. Each month you will receive an exclusive grammar lesson and ‘Repeat After Me’ tasks.You can improve your pronunciation and listening skills by listening to and then repeating the audio. The articles are read aloud by native Spanish speakers from around the Spanish-speaking world, including South America & Spain. The Think Spanish audio magazine subscription also includes membership of the Think Spanish online community, where you get access to extra learning tools and exclusive special offers. This is an authentic way to learn Spanish online.

Read our review of the Think Spanish audio magazine now>>

Click here for more information and to buy your Think Spanish Audio Magazine subscription>>

SPECIAL OFFER!!

For a limited time only, you can get one year of back issues free with Think Spanish! For more information on this offer and to buy Think Spanish Audio Magazine now>>

The Think Language range of audio magazines is also available as Think French and Think Italian>>

Get the Spanish language advantage with Think Spanish. Claim your competitive advantage!

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These innovative audio magazines are great if you’re not using your languages as much as you would like, but want to perfect your language skills and learn French at home or on the move. If you already know the basics of a language and now want to improve or maintain your fluency, then Think French audio magazines are for you. They will help you improve your vocabulary, grammar, listening comprehension and conversation skills, whilst expanding your cultural knowledge at the same time.

Think French Audio Magazine

level: intermediate, advanced
media: online with PDF downloads of articles & audio clip downloads to ipod, iphone, itunes, mp3, mobile phone, PC etc.
frequency: twelve a year by annual subscription

Think French Audio Magazine is a monthly online audiomagazine packed with features about the arts and entertainment world, people and places, current news and events, history, French food and wine, markets and much more. The magazine comes with a bilingual French-English glossary for each article with translations of more difficult vocabulary into English, which are also highlighted in bold in the text. Each month you will receive an exclusive grammar lesson and ‘Repeat After Me’ tasks. You can improve your pronunciation and listening skills by listening to and then repeating the audio. The articles are read aloud by native French speakers from around the French-speaking world. Think French’s writers come from different parts of France and Canada, as well as Guadeloupe.  The Think French audio magazine subscription also includes membership of the Think French online community where you get access to extra learning tools and exclusive special offers. This is an authentic way to learn French online.

Read our review of the Think French audio magazine now>>

Click here for more information and to buy your Think French audio magazine subscription>>

SPECIAL OFFER!!

For a limited time only, you can get one year of back issues free with Think French! For more information on this offer and to buy the Think French Audio Magazine subscription now>>

The Think Language range of audio magazines is also available as Think Spanish and Think Italian>>

Get the French language advantage with Think French. Claim your competitive advantage!

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Book don Quijote’s most requested course, on their intensive Spanish course in Guanajuato, Mexico before the 28 April 2011 and get 25% off!

This is a great opportunity to learn Spanish whilst staying in one of the most beautiful towns in Mexico, Guanajuato. Join the general intensive Spanish course in Guanajuato for one week or more and enjoy a 25% discount. This is another fantastic offer from don Quijote.

Book the intensive Spanish course in Guanajuato, Mexico before the 28th April and get 25% off!

Find out more about this special offer and Spanish language courses in Mexico>>

Find out more about Spanish language courses in Spain>>

Find out more about Spanish language courses in South America>>

Request a brochure to learn Spanish with don Quijote>>

Get the Spanish language advantage with don Quijote. Claim your competitive advantage!

That’s TWO full years at an already reduced rate! Think French is a complete online learning package of monthly articles, audio, lessons and more. An engaging approach to language learning, Think French is designed to improve your French while teaching you about life and culture in French speaking countries.

read our review of the Think French online audio language magazine now>>

more information and to buy Think French online audio language magazine now >>

We’ve teamed up with don Quijote, one of the best Spanish language schools in the world. They offer you the best courses, the best locations and most importantly the best service. Going to Latin America will always be the best way to learn Spanish and learn about the Latin American culture. And if you want to be adventurous, try Spanish and Tango in Buenos Aires, Argentina or Spanish and Cooking in Guanajuato, Mexico. This is an authentic way to learn Spanish in Latin America.

Request a free brochure to learn Spanish in Latin America with don Quijote>>

Browse don Quijote Spanish language courses in Spain>>

Read reviews of don Quijote Spanish language courses in Latin America>>

Destinations

Learn Spanish in Argentina>>
Spanish Language Schools in: Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Bariloche, Mendoza

Learn Spanish in Bolivia>>
Spanish Language School in: Sucre

Learn Spanish in Chile>>
Spanish Language School in: Santiago de Chile

Learn Spanish in Costa Rica>>
Spanish Language School in: Flamingo Beach, Heredia, Monteverde, Playa Jacó, Coronado

Learn Spanish in Cuba>>
Spanish Language Schools in: Havana, Santiago de Cuba, Trinidad

Learn Spanish in the Dominian Republic>>
Spanish Language Schools in: Santo Domingo, Sosua

Learn Spanish in Ecuador>>
Spanish Language School in: Quito

Learn Spanish in Guatemala>>
Spanish Language Schools in: Antigua

Learn Spanish in Mexico>>
Spanish Language Schools in: Guanajuato (Mexico), Oaxaca, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta

Learn Spanish in Peru>>
Spanish Language Schools in: Cuzco

Spanish Language Courses

Intensive Spanish
The intensive Spanish is a group course where you study for 4 or 6 hours a day, leaving the rest of the day free for you to explore the language and culture of Latin America. You can study Spanish for 1 to 40 weeks.
Find out more about Intensive Spanish courses in Latin America>>
Request a free brochure to learn Spanish with don Quijote>>

Individual Spanish Tuition
You can take additional one-to-one Spanish lessons after your Intensive Spanish course, or alternatively you can tailor-make your whole Spanish language course to be one-on-one, concentrating on specific language skills or on specialist vocabulary areas you need. It’s up to you! And you’ll make fast progress.
Find out more about Individual Spanish Tuition courses in Latin America>>
Request a free brochure to learn Spanish with don Quijote>>

Business Spanish
There are a selection of Business Spanish language courses, where you can study Business Spanish for two hours a day. The first business course focuses on Finance and Business and the second on International Commerce and Human Resources. It is recommended to take this course alongside or after an Intensive Spanish course.  This Spanish language course is for intermediate or advanced learners of Spanish.
Find out more about Business Spanish courses in Latin America>>
Request a free brochure to learn Spanish with don Quijote>>

Spanish & Voluntary Work Experience
This programme gives you a Spanish language course and a voluntary experience in a Latin American social institution. You need to have an adequate level of Spanish and take at least a four week intensive Spanish course at one of the Latin American language schools, before you start your voluntary experience.
Find out more about Spanish and Voluntary Work Experience in Latin America>>
Request a free brochure to learn Spanish with don Quijote>>

Spanish for Exam Preparation
This programme gives you a high-level  Spanish language course and prepares you for the DELE examination (Spanish as a Foreign Language).
Find out more about DELE Spanish courses in Latin America>>
Request a free brochure to learn Spanish with don Quijote>>

Professional Spanish
You take the Spanish intensive course of 4 hours a day and select from the professional programmes which you will take after your Spanish courses during the week to build up your vocabulary and knowledge of your profession.  This Spanish language course is for intermediate or advanced learners of Spanish.
Find out more about Spanish for Teachers courses in Latin America>>
Find out more about Medical Spanish courses in Latin America>>
Request a free brochure to learn Spanish with don Quijote>>

Browse don Quijote Spanish language courses in Spain>>

Spanish and Activities

You take the Spanish intensive course for 4 hours a day and select from an activity which you will take after your Spanish courses during the week! There are many exciting and adventurous courses to choose from, so give one a go and have an amazing language holiday!

Find out more about Spanish and Cooking courses in Guanajuato, Mexico, Latin America>>

Find out more about Spanish and Dance in Havana, Santiago de Cuba or Trinidad, Cuba, Latin America>>

Find out more about Spanish and Christmas Cultural Program in Guanajuato, Mexico, Latin America>>

Find out more about Spanish and Art, History or Literature in Guanajuato, Mexico, Latin America>>

Find out more about Spanish and Tango in Buenos Aires or Cordoba, Argentina, Latin America>>

Find out more about Spanish and Salsa in Santiago de Chile or Antigua, Guatemala, Latin America>>

Find out more about Spanish and Music in Havana, Santiago de Cuba or Trinidad, Cuba, Latin America>>

Find out more about Spanish and Nature in Cuzco, Peru, Latin America>>

Request a free brochure to learn Spanish with don Quijote>>

Browse don Quijote Spanish language courses in Spain>>

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We’ve teamed up with don Quijote, one of the best Spanish language schools in the world. They offer you great Spanish courses in fabulous locations and most importantly good service. Going to Spain will always be one of the best ways to study Spanish and learn about the Spanish culture. If you want to be adventurous, try Spanish and Scuba Diving in Tenerife or Spanish and Flamenco in Madrid! If you’re looking for something a bit more serious, take a Spanish language business course or an internship and meet local Spanish business people. This is an authentic way to learn Spanish in Spain.

Request a free brochure to learn Spanish in Spain now>>

Browse don Quijote Spanish language courses in Latin America>>

Destinations

Learn Spanish in Alicante>>

Learn Spanish in Barcelona>>

Learn Spanish in Cadiz>>

Learn Spanish in Fuerteventura>>

Learn Spanish in Granada>>

Learn Spanish in Lanzarote>>

Learn Spanish in Madrid>>

Learn Spanish in Malaga>>

Learn Spanish in Mallorca>>

Learn Spanish in Marbella>>

Learn Spanish in Pamplona>>

Learn Spanish in Salamanca>>

Learn Spanish in Sevilla>>

Learn Spanish in Tenerife>>

Learn Spanish in Valencia>>

Spanish Language Courses

Intensive Spanish course

This is a group course where you can study Spanish for 4 or 6 hours a day, leaving the rest of the day free for you to explore the language and culture of Spain. You can learn Spanish for 1 to 40 weeks. You will acquire strategies for understanding and communicating messages in spoken and written Spanish, including culture and body language.

Read our review of a week studying Spanish at a Spanish language school in Spain with don Quijote>>

Find out more about Intensive Spanish courses in Spain>>

Request a free brochure to learn Spanish with don Quijote>>

Individual Spanish Tuition

You can take additional personal Spanish lessons after your Intensive Spanish course, or alternatively you can tailor-make your whole Spanish language course to be one-on-one, concentrating on specific language skills or on specialist vocabulary areas you need. It’s up to you! And you’ll make fast progress.

Find out more about Individual Spanish tuition courses in Spain>>

Request a free brochure to learn Spanish with don Quijote>>

Business Spanish

There are a selection of Business Spanish language courses, so you can study Business Spanish for two hours a day during 1-4 weeks. By doing the complete 4 weeks, you will leave the course well prepared for the Basic Spanish Certificate in Business granted by the Madrid Chamber of Commerce. It is recommended to take this course alongside an Intensive Spanish course.

Find out more about Business Spanish courses in Spain>>

Request a free brochure to learn Spanish with don Quijote>>

Spanish and Paid Work Experience

This programme gives you an intensive Spanish language course and real paid work experience in a hotel or country house. You take a minimum of a four week intensive Spanish course at one of the Spanish language schools, then put your new language skills to work in a hotel or country house in mainland Spain, or in the Spanish Canary or Balearic Islands.

Find out more about Spanish and Paid Work Experience in Spain>>

Request a free brochure to learn Spanish with don Quijote>>

Spanish and Internship Experience

This programme gives you a high-level of Spanish language course and real work experience in a Spanish business. You take a six week intensive Spanish course at one of the Spanish language schools, then a Professional Orientation course and then start your 2 month internship.

Find out more about Spanish and Internship Experiences in Spain>>

Request a free brochure to learn Spanish with don Quijote>>

Spanish for Exam Preparation

This programme gives you a high-level of Spanish language course and prepares you for either the DELE (Spanish as a Foreign Language) or the Chamber of Commerce Certificate in Business or Tourism examinations in Spanish.

Find out more about DELE courses in Spain>>

Find out more about Chamber of Commerce courses in Spain>>

Request a free brochure to learn Spanish with don Quijote>>

Professional Spanish

You take the Spanish intensive course of 4 hours a day and select from the professional programmes which you will take after your Spanish courses during the week to build up your vocabulary and knowledge of your profession.

Find out more about Professional Spanish courses in Spain>>

Request a free brochure to learn Spanish with don Quijote>>

Spanish and Activities

You take the Spanish intensive course of 4 hours a day and select from activity programmes which you will take after your Spanish courses during the week! There are many exciting, cultural and adventurous courses to choose from, so give one a go and have an amazing language holiday!

Find out more about Spanish and Cooking in Barcelona, Madrid or Salamanca, Spain>>

Find out more about Spanish and Wine Tasting in Salamanca, Spain>>

Find out more about Spanish and Flamenco in Granada or Madrid, Spain>>

Find out more about Spanish and Art, History or Literature in Granada, Spain>>

Find out more about Spanish and Scuba Diving in Tenerife, Spain>>

Find out more about Spanish and Christmas Cultural Programs in Barcelona, Granada, Salamanca, Madrid, Tenerife or Valencia, Spain>>

Request a free brochure to learn Spanish with don Quijote>>

Spanish for 50+

For the more senior language learner, you can take the Spanish intensive course of 4 hours a day and take part in a programme of leisure activities to explore the culture of Spain and its language. Activities include visits to interesting places in Tenerife as well as dance classes in Salsa or Merengue.

Find out more about Spanish for 50+ courses in Spain>>

Request a free brochure to learn Spanish with don Quijote>>

Summer Camp Spanish for Kids (Kid and Teen Programs)

This is a great opportunity for your child to learn Spanish as they experience a fun and active summer holiday while making international friends. The summer camps include intensive Spanish language courses together with sports and leisure activities. Give your child this language summer holiday with Don Quijote!

Find out more about Spanish Summer Camp for Kids in Spain>>

Request a free brochure to learn Spanish with don Quijote>>

Browse don Quijote Spanish language courses in Latin America>>

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