Stavros Aivaliotis
15 May 2015
I Learn Spanish! … Stavros Aivaliotis
Stavros is a well seasoned Northcote student! Having started in El Patio at Elementary 1 in 2009 and now at an Upper Intermediate level, his is a familiar face at our Northcote school. Stavros has made many friends with staff, teachers and fellow students, often finding time to practice with them outside of class. He attributes this aspect to his continued enthusiasm for learning!
Stavros shares his story ...
What was your motivation to start learning Spanish?
I was interested in Spanish speaking cultures for a very long time and wanted to learn a new language.
When did you begin?
In July 2009.
How did you start - group classes, online, CD, book, podcasts, in the street ...?
I used to live in Northcote and I often saw El Patio Spanish Language School and one day decided to walk in and I enrolled.
Have you travelled or lived in a Spanish speaking country?
Last year for the first time I went to Perú for a few weeks.
Do you have a current goal, and if so, what is it?
To keep learning Spanish and improving.
Do you have a particular study schedule apart from your group class?
Once a fortnight a few of us get together at Kelvins bar in Northcote and talk about our week (or any topic) in Spanish.
What do you think is the most challenging thing about learning Spanish?
The most challenging, for me, is remembering the language. Living in a country where the language is not spoken much I find it a challenge remembering from week to week everything I've learnt.
What do you think your strengths and weaknesses are for learning Spanish?
Strengths for me is probably pronunciation. I already speak another language and phonetically they are similar and my weakness is definitely remembering everything.
What is your most effective method for memorisation?
Practice, practice, practice.
What are or have been your most helpful resources?
Watching Spanish language movies or favourite tv shows dubbed in Spanish, following some Spanish speaking singers or actors on facebook and using the app, duolingo.
What is your advice for anybody starting out learning Spanish?
Practice as much as possible. Find time once a week (apart from your class) to practice some Spanish.
One of Cusco's tiny streets, with a magnificent view of the Andes in the background
Take our course matching quiz
Not sure which course is right for you? We’ve got you – answer a few questions to find the right class for you. Select the option that’s closest to your level of experience.
What's your experience with learning Spanish?
None, I'm brand new to Spanish
We heart absolute beginners. No matter the reason for wanting to learn, we have a class style for you.
A little, I can speak some
Let’s build on those fundamentals! Progressing focuses on increasing grammar and vocabulary while building your speaking confidence.
Experienced, keen to improve
Here’s where you learn to become fluent and begin to build natural interactions.
More like this
Join El Patio teacher Patricio for a captivating introduction to Latin American culture - from food to artists and much more!
Penny
Australia's best-loved Spanish language school, now teaching in Melbourne CBD, Northcote, and Online. Learn Spanish socially - whoever and wherever you are.
Phil
Every language has it's nuggets of wisdom - those bite-sized proverbs that pack a punch of truth, wit and life lessons. In Spanish, they say: decir refranes es decir verdades - 'to speak proverbs is to speak truth'. When it...
Phil & Penny
Carousel
Carousel-
“
You can't do better than this school! It's a very well organised school. They have so many levels you will find the right class for you. Great teachers, fun and just the right amount of challenge.
-
“
After becoming frustrated at my lack of progress with their competitor, I received a recommendation for the classes at El Patio. Since enrolling I have never looked back.
-
“
I never shut up about how much I like my classes, pretty sure my colleagues and all my friends are getting sick of hearing about it.
-
“
After finding another company frustrating and unenthusiastic, El Patio has reinvigorated my excitement for learning Spanish...
-
“
The teachers are welcoming and seem to love what they do, which brings passion to each class. The homework and resources are highly organised and professional. I would highly recommend El Patio Spanish
-
“
As a retired teacher, I know good teaching when I see it, and the teachers at El Patio are absolutely wonderful - caring, professional and fun.