Learning software

[maravilloso]

First off I looked to see if anyone else asked something like this and I didn't see anything. Secondly, I hope I am asking this in the correct forum.

As I have stated I have taken Spanish classes, but the only real thing I have gotten out of any of them is the ability to read text and understand it. I am not saying that is a bad thing, but I want the ability to speak it and write it. I am about to take my last Spanish that I need to graduate and I feel I really haven't gotten much out of it them and I want to make my last class count for something.

As all of you have noticed I stink at writing it , but I have started a journal in Spanish where I take 30 minutes and write about real life situations. I stink just as bad in speaking Spanish as I do for writing But I am hoping to improve that and this is where my question comes in at.

Are software programs like Rosetta Stone worth the money? Will they really help me with speaking and writing? I have thought about getting it once, but I don't want to waste my money if it won't help me. I have heard how great these programs are, but they cost a lot of money and I don't want to invest in something that I can't benefit from.

The reason this is so important for me is because once I graduate college I want to work overseas as an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher and I wanted to do it in a Spanish speaking country.

If there are other techniques, books, or programs worth getting that will help please let me know.

[Rusty]

Rosetta Stone has been evaluated by several members. Search for 'Rosetta Stone' in the forums and you'll be able to read what has been said.

I'm closing this thread because it attracts spammers.

In my opinion, befriending someone who speaks Spanish natively is your best option. Most native speakers won't be able to explain the grammar (just like most of us English speakers can't), but you'll hear a native speaker using the language in real situations. More important, you'll be able to improve your speaking skills, if you open your mouth and speak.
For those grammar questions that may arise, ask your questions here.