Learning a Language at The Center

The Cambridge Center for Adult Education offers language classes ranging from beginner classes to advanced. In order to assist students in selecting the right section, we are including a brief description of the general background requirements for each level. Although each particular class will vary according to the skill level of the participants, this is an approximate range to assist you in matching your level of experience. Textbooks are available at the Harvard Coop and cost $30-$100. Language classes are limited to 16 students.

Beginner Level 1

This level is for students with no, or almost no, background in the language. Subjects to be studied include: the alphabet (or character system), pronunciation, greetings, basic vocabulary and sentence formation.

Beginner Level 2

This level is for students who have completed Beginner Level 1 of the language at The Cambridge Center, or who have completed a similar class elsewhere (of twelve to sixteen hours) within the last year. The grammar and vocabulary to be studied builds upon that in Level 1, with more attention to verbs.

Beginner Level 3

This level is for students who have completed Beginner Level 2 of the language at The Cambridge Center, or who have completed a similar class elsewhere (of twelve to sixteen hours) within the last year. The grammar and vocabulary to be studied builds upon that in Level 2, with additional work on verbs.

Beginner Level 4

This level is for students who have completed Beginner Level 3 of the language at The Cambridge Center, or who have completed a similar class elsewhere (of twelve to sixteen hours) within the last year. The grammar to be studied includes conditionals, for example: "If I were you, I would sign up for this class!"

Intermediate

This level is appropriate for students who already feel comfortable with their vocabulary and grammatical abilities, but wish to develop them further. Some of our language programs offer "low intermediate" and "high intermediate" sections. "Low intermediate" classes are a good bridge between beginner level 4 and intermediate. Similarly, "high intermediate" has been designed to ease a student’s transition from intermediate to advanced.

Advanced

This level is intended for students who have strong skills in the language and can easily participate in a large variety of class discussions and exercises

Tests for Spanish and French!

We now have an easy to use multiple choice test on the web site for students wanting to learn Spanish that will gauge your level of proficiency in the language and make course reccomendations for you. You can take the test by clicking HERE.

Here is a version of the test for students wanting to learn French that will gauge proficiency in the language and make course reccomendations. You can take the test by clicking HERE.