Apart from English, Spanish is undoubtedly the most popular foreign language in the world — hence why the Spanish education industry is completely saturated.
Image from Leonardo Toshiro Okubo on Unsplash
It’s simple to see why so many people want to start learning the language. Everyone wants to travel to Spanish-speaking countries like Spain, Colombia, Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia—but it’s also becoming increasingly crucial for business and career success in a variety of fields.
To communicate effectively, you could start learning the language online, listen to an audiobook, or attend physical classes.
Follow along as we analyze Spanish with Paul’s course.
Spanish With Paul Review
What is Spanish with Paul?
Founded by Paul Noble, Spanish with Paul is an online study video course. It builds from the hugely famous YouTube channel of the same name. All available video content covers nearly every aspect of the Spanish language in the same methodology.
Although living in Latin America (Mexico), Paul uses natives to create video content for his course. He claims to have 4 Spanish speakers who assist him in teaching students all over the world.
The same course is available in audiobooks which are available from leading stores such as Amazon. You can buy them anytime and start putting in hours learning Spanish words and pronunciation at your own pace.
However, if you are the type that needs a free trial before buying any language course, then you can get a sense of the course from his free videos on YouTube.
All the 3 courses have the same name. In this article, we will not review the audiobook course or the YouTube training videos.
So, how does the paid course go? Let’s get started!
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Getting started with Spanish with Paul
To get started, sign up for a Spanish with Paul by registering an account. You will be directed to a simple-to-use members’ area page.
What is in the members’ area?
For a start, Paul welcomes you with letters and videos for you to watch before starting the course. The videos explain the challenges faced by people who want to learn the Spanish language as well as how many hours they should devote to learning every day.
Paul suggests that for you to speak Spanish comfortably and competently, you should start at level 1 and learn every bit as you progress. This is regardless of your level of Spanish language fluency.
When done with the member’s area, go to ‘getting started’ on level 1, where Paul speaks reassuringly. This video is a comprehensive tutorial on how to use the videos to learn Spanish.
Spanish with Paul: Structure Review
just like all other learning programs, the method of instruction plays a key role. Videos and audio are the primary sources of instruction. The structure is of course easy to follow. Spanish with Paul is divided into 9 levels (video playlists). The number of videos in each level varies, ranging from 12 to 29 minutes.
The shortest video is roughly 3 minutes, while the longest is about 20 minutes long.
While Spanish with Paul covers a lot and in detail, you aren’t required to do much more than pause the video and practice speaking. There are also brief videos to test how much you have retained.
They give the information consistently throughout, to enable you to engage with the language and consider how it is used and spoken rather than merely memorizing words, phrases, and grammar points.
As mentioned earlier, each level has videos that follow a particular pattern. The first few videos introduce you to the level and teach you new words. As you proceed with the content, you will encounter grammar and sentence construction videos and recap with a test video.
Let’s have a look at reviews of what’s identical on every level of Paul’s Spanish course.
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Vocabulary reviews
At each level, Paul starts by teaching about similar English and Spanish words. As a beginner, you’ll build your Spanish vocabulary by working with familiar words.
For example, Paul will take you through similar words like horrible, flexible, and terrible just to get you started. If you’re a native English, you will find it easy.
To ensure you can start speaking Spanish immediately, he adds extra words, verbs, and conjugations to get you going. Within a few minutes, you should be able to construct your first Spanish sentence if you take your time to engage with the content.
He throws in a drill video now and then where you are asked to change some English terms into Spanish, and you should be able to figure out how to pronounce them for yourself based on the content already taught, even if you haven’t learned them before.
After that, you will dig deeper into the Spanish language as the course advances. Instead of forcing you to learn a lot of phrases and words, you’re unlikely to use just because they fit into a category, I like that Paul stuck with extremely approachable, daily terminology.
Grammar lesson reviews
Paul’s grammar lectures are superior in both quality and simplicity. He has spent a great deal of effort and time explaining complex subjects clearly and accurately, and it’s evident.
For example, you’ll learn basic grammar ideas, such as how adjectives in Spanish can have a masculine or feminine last letter depending on the gender of the word they describe
If you’ve ever had difficulty with grammar, I’m sure you’ll like Paul. To develop an understanding of how he instructs, I recommend watching his Spanish lessons on YouTube.
Final review and thoughts
The last lesson is a video in which you review what you already know and see how much you remember. The tests cover what you have already covered at that level. Beginners may find this ideal since they can easily be able to speak basic Spanish.
Unfortunately, this video is just a way to test your memorization skills(how well you recall vocabulary) rather than comprehension skills (how well you recall any of the simple sentences you’ve learned or how well you speak), since there is no feedback.
A notable change is at level 5. At this level, Paul gives you seventeen sentences to translate as a follow-up on your mastery of what you have previously covered.
If you need to frequently evaluate what you already know, I’m sure you’ll like in-depth programs like Babbel Spanish and Mondly. However, this is only possible if you can put in hours and follow up with quizzes and practice.
Paul could have done better with a written test and provided immediate feedback to learners.
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Written notes
For those who prefer writing notes or written notes for reference, Spanish with Paul doesn’t ask you to take any notes. If you follow his lessons keenly, you’ll realize how he brags about why you don’t need written notes.
Practice opportunities review
Paul’s course provides limited opportunities for mastering the learned content. While Paul urges learners to ponder just the language and try to have real-life conversations, the exercises are not given much attention in the entire course.
To successfully learn a new language, it is necessary to practice unrehearsed speaking. While Paul teaches how to compose sentences and create narratives people already know, you will not be expected to generate ideas or Keep your point of view in a debate.
Even if you follow the course religiously, I’m sorry to tell you you won’t achieve fluency in Spanish soon. You’ll have to look for somewhere else to become conversational rather than read words and sentences to yourself. Audio courses and one-on-one tutors can easily help you become conversational.
Other features of Spanish with Paul
Downloadable material
After each vocabulary class, there is a downloadable document containing all the words covered in that video. Audio drills are also available. You can always download them for practicing on your own time.
While there are downloads, there is little reading material for those interested in learning to read and write.
Discussions and stories
If you love stories and conversations, Paul’s course uses them to engage learners as they progress. Subsequently, on level 7 of the course, the emphasis changes to comprehending Spanish. Paul provides you with stories and texts to translate. You will have to follow as he reviews the videos, helping you to translate while addressing any grammar or pronunciation issues that could arise.
Each story contains nearly an hour of information, and Paul painstakingly reviews each minor grammar issue that arises so you can understand why each word or phrase is shaped the way it is, it’s quite amazing to follow up with him!
Paul leads you through increasingly challenging stories and texts, explaining everything as he goes in these later classes, bringing together all the stuff you’ve already learned.
Regardless of your skill level, begin with lesson one.
Joining in the middle is significantly more difficult if you know some Spanish as Paul does not follow a standard course schedule.
All the following classes extensively use the precise vocabulary and sentence patterns you previously learned throughout the course. Paul advises against entering halfway.
If you are an intermediate student, then courses such as Pimsleur, (which allows you to skip some levels) and Italki (you can choose your tutor) will be better for you.
Paul’s encouraging and soothing voice
I must say that Paul’s voice was both soothing and motivating for me. The videos are audible, and Paul comes across as a kind friend gently guiding you through the treacherous waters of Spanish grammar and vocabulary.
On the other hand, the voice was almost too soothing at times! I was on the verge of falling asleep during some of the longer films, and it seemed simple to let his tone slip into my subconscious and be distracted by almost anything else.
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Price Review
Free plan
While Spanish with Paul doesn’t offer such a plan. However, they have a YouTube channel with tons of free content. If you like the videos, then you can upgrade to a regular membership.
Regular Membership
You’ll have to pay $99.95 for a year’s to enjoy all of his course’s 80+ hours. This also includes access to any updates, native speaker support, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Let’s say you study Spanish with Paul for two months, putting in about 10 hours of learning every week. This isn’t the most costly training ever, but it’s not the most affordable., at $50 per month. However, if you like this and would need more, there is an upgrade.
Premium Membership
The $199.95 Premium membership provides a year of unrestricted access to the course content, personal mentoring from Paul, native speaker support, weekly updates, and access to previously unavailable classes. You still get a 30-day money-back guarantee if you don’t like it.
Is this worth it? I don’t think it’s worth $100 to get access to personal mentoring while enjoying the Spanish with Paul course. Higher-end courses like Pimsleur and Babbel will provide you with better value for your money.
Who is best suited to Spanish with Paul’s course?
By now, you should have known who the course is best for. Beginners who fear starting will like his soothing and encouraging voice and follow up and sign up. If you prefer watching videos as your primary form of learning, then you’ll definitely like Spanish with Paul. However, if you have some fluency, you may not like starting at level 1.
Spanish with Paul: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Paul and his native assistants have adopted a wonderful method to teach grammar. As a novice, you will learn different aspects such as present tense, and future tense as well as how to stress words depending on their endings.
- The audio is soothing, clear, and encouraging. As a beginner, it is easy to grasp simple concepts because he teaches them in a friendly manner.
- Paul’s course is superb. As a student, you will find the build-up easy to follow and comprehend.
- The course can be completed while working in low-level positions.
Cons
- Watching video lessons can be boring. With identical videos following the same pattern, learners will easily find it hard to come back for more lessons.
- The course provides you with little information on Spanish culture.
- The course has limited content for practicing speaking Spanish. Reading and pronouncing words alone is not enough.
- While the speaker’s pronunciation is excellent, it’s clear he isn’t a native speaker.
- For those with some Spanish fluency, it’s difficult to avoid starting at level 1. This is because each level builds on the previous one, making it hard to learn.
- The courses follow a monotonous slideshow video format.
Alternatives to Spanish with Paul
Let’s take a quick review of like-for-like alternatives you can take if you want to study Spanish.
Pimsleur reviews
Summary
It’s one of the best platforms to start learning Spanish. Pimsleur is well known for its in-depth method of instruction. Its principal method of teaching is through listening to conversations with native speakers. With this, it immerses you right into the language.
The lessons are 30 minutes long and well structured. The speakers build up each lesson nicely, making it easier to learn Spanish.
What do we like about Pimsleur?
- Audio-based lessons are great for speaking Spanish faster. Emphasis on speaking hence can develop your vocabulary, pronunciation, and sentence construction.
- Uses cultural context in the conversations, making it easier for students to relate to real-life scenarios.
- You can switch from learning one language to another anytime.
- It provides you with 5 levels of Latin American Spanish.
- You can skip level 4 if your Spanish fluency improves.
- You can listen to audio podcasts anytime.
Price
To start learning Spanish, it will cost you between $14.95- $500 per month. However, you get a 7-day trial to get you started.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT PIMSLEUR
Italki reviews
With over 9000 reviews on Trustpilot, Italki is rated 4.8 stars. Reading through the comments and reviews, you will realize why the majority like it.
Summary
Italki is a language-learning platform that specializes in one-on-one virtual sessions with instructors from all around the world. You can look for professional language teachers in practically any language. You request a class booking at a time that is convenient for both of you once you have found a teacher who suits your learning style.
It not only connects you with teachers, but it also provides other tools to help you improve your language skills. Similarly, you can also tutor on the platform if you are fluent in any language.
For the Spanish language, be sure you will get the best teachers available online.
What do we like about Italki?
- Lessons are available at various prices.
- You can schedule your lessons anytime you want.
- You can choose your teacher depending on your fluency.
- The language community can help you master basic Spanish faster. The majority of these communities have native speakers. You can have real-life conversations with other students.
- They offer you a free trial to help you choose the best teacher.
- You can learn on the go since they are available on both mobile apps and websites.
However, finding the right teacher can take time and resources. You should use the free trial period appropriately.
Price
It will cost you an average of $10 per hour. However, you can still find good tutors charging as low as $3 per hour.
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Mondly reviews
After 96 reviews on Trustpilot, it’s rated 4 stars.
Summary
Mondly has a free version and a premium version starting from $9.99 a month.
If you have children interested in learning Spanish, this is for you. Mondly is centered on daily lessons focused on games and translations into your Spanish. They have a chatbot to ensure that you practice writing Spanish. Its primary method of instruction is through audio and chatbots. This ensures that you don’t get bored.
What do we like about Mondly?
- Innovative features keep you interested. Chatbots and audio bots can keep you engaged for a longer period.
- Have quizzes to review what you have learned. The quizzes are good for assessing your competence.
- Mondly is accessible from any device. Depending on whatever you like, you can either use the website or their mobile app.
- Caters for children.
Price
You can start enjoying Mondly for free. However, to access quality content, you will have to part with $9.99 a month.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT MONDLY
Babbel reviews
After over 17000 reviews on Trustpilot, it’s rated 4.6 stars. Although we don’t know who writes the reviews, it’s clear that customers like its in-depth content.
Summary
Babbel is an online language-learning platform based in Germany. Its Spanish course is structured on quizzes. They present learners with new material on grammar, vocabulary, verbs, and conjugations and then ask them to answer questions to reinforce what they learned throughout the course.
Babbel is an excellent tool for learning a foreign language. Courses span from basic to intermediate, with just basic material available for less popular languages like Danish. The courses are simple and easy to use, and they can be a valuable supplement to your language learning regimen.
Babbel’s Spanish course is one of the best on the platform. It has tons of content for every level. Its lessons feature real-life audio conversations between native speakers. Learners can practice speaking, listening, pronunciation, grammar, and reading by using the quality content availed on the platform.
What makes Babel Spanish stand out?
- Tons of quality content to ensure learners master the Spanish language faster.
- Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced Spanish speaker, there is something for you. You can choose to start at any level.
- Its easy-to-use platform makes it ideal for anyone learning a new language.
- It’s available as an e-learning platform and mobile app, making it easier to practice from anywhere, anytime.
Price
If you opt for a one-month subscription, you will part with $12.95 every month. The 3-month,6-month subscriptions and yearly subscriptions are priced lower, at $8.95, $7.45, and $6.95 per month, respectively.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT BABBEL
Final thoughts on Spanish with Paul’s review
Having gone through a few videos of the Spanish with Paul course, I’m pretty sure I’d struggle to focus on the course rather than shift to social media sites. The course is simply too boring.
However, I believe if you focus on the outcomes, you can be fluent within a short time.
I was already amazed at how much I’d learned after only a few classes, and I’m sure this would encourage some individuals to continue with the course.
The in-depth material is very well-thought-out, and the information goes into great detail, with each class building on the previous one. Paul encourages you to interact with the language and consider its structure and syntax is also beneficial since it prevents you from simply memorizing word after word and trying to regurgitate them at an appropriate time.
While it has shortcomings, I feel determined beginners who follow through with every bit of the course would benefit immensely. However, I strongly advise you to watch his popular YouTube channel. If you like the content, purchase the course.
In addition, you can browse through reviews from sites like Amazon and follow them on Facebook to know what they say about it. If you like them, then this course is good for you.
Overall, I prefer other Spanish classes to Spanish with Paul.
If you have used the audiobook resources to study any of the languages, let us know your thoughts on the style and cost in the comments section below. I’m looking forward to hearing from you.