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Spanish for Shy People

Learn and practice Spanish as your whole self — no judgment.

Based in Chicago, Spanish for Shy People offers inclusive Spanish conversation groups, individual lessons, and free community events.We believe fluency does not look one way, and we prioritize queer, disabled forms of teaching and learning.Online and in-person options available.Need an accommodation? Email us at spanishforshypeople (at) gmail (dot) com.

Spanish for Shy People was created by Monica (she/her), a queer Latina community educator with a BA in English and Spanish. She has taught in both university and public school settings.In her work, she noticed that most language instruction promotes a narrow definition of fluency that leaves no room for atypical communication, gender-diverse folks, or heritage speakers. With Spanish for Shy People, she's bringing inclusive, accessible, and affordable Spanish education to the community.

NEW: Conversation Group Sign-ups are open for September!

đź’•Spanglish Socials

Community events for fun, low-stakes Spanish practice with like-minded folks!In-person events are on the north side of Chicago. Face masks required; N95s available.
Virtual events take place in CST. Registration required for virtual events.(Spanglish Socials are PAUSED for August while we work on launching conversation groups!)

đź’•Conversation Groups

60-minute sessions for building conversational fluency and vocabulary. Each group has about 4-6 people of similar Spanish level. Flexible and adaptive to your communication needs. Ideal for those who speak some Spanish and want to gain confidence.Pricing
$20 for 1 session
$60 for 4 sessionsRead more at the FAQ!

đź’•Individual Lessons

60-minute one-on-one sessions with Monica. These can be conversation-focused, or they can get more technical with grammar and vocabulary. Any level of Spanish welcome.Pricing
$40 for 1 session
$130 for 4 sessions
$175 for 4 sessions + access to conversation groupsSliding scale available on request.⬇️Click below to fill out a pre-registration form, book a 15-minute consultation, or ask any questions.

Linguistic Justice: Language evolves to suit the needs of its speakers. In both Spanish and English, we aim to use words carefully to tear down hierarchies instead of building them up. This includes promoting use of lenguaje inclusivo, or gender-neutral Spanish.Trauma-centered pedagogy: Many Latine folks have been shamed for speaking Spanish "wrong" in some way. Many neurodivergent and disabled folks have been harmed in language classes as they're forced to conform to dominant modes of communication. Our groups move at the speed that you do.Decolonialism: We recognize that Spanish is a colonial language, spoken by past and current oppressors. We also recognize that Spanish is part of the vibrant present of radical resistance. We hold both truths at the same time.