Rola Languages

Fantastic experience: I have been taking classes at Rola for over two years now and love it. I am an advanced Spanish student and they offer a variety of 8-week courses on different topics that are always applicable to my daily life. Raquel and Ed are fantastic teachers and I love the in-person classes. They tailor the classes according to the skill level and make sure I am challenged. We listen to podcasts, watch TV shows, movies, and other content that gives me something to talk about with other Spanish speakers. Rola classes keep my Spanish skills sharp and I have even made friends with my classmates!

Negative experience: A sour and confusing experience. I reached out for a $10 placement exam in order to know what language level course I should sign up for. Over a rushed Zoom call, the founder of the school asked me one or two simple questions and immediately recommended I enroll in their private tutoring lessons, their most expensive offering, because according to him, even their most advanced classes weren’t suitable for me. Personally, I thought this was a little of an overstatement. I speak Spanish well enough to converse in daily settings but I’m missing a lot of basic grammar and tenses. Additionally, I like learning in a class environment with other students. In any case, I communicated all of these concerns to him, and also let him know that private tutoring would most likely be cost prohibitive for me. In the end though, I put my trust in the instructor’s credentials and reputation, and was convinced that private tutoring was appropriate for me. I thanked him for his time and waited excitedly to hear back. I resolved to save up and treat myself to private tutoring. At the very least, I wanted to enroll in the communal classes at his school. Weeks passed by and all I heard was silence. I followed up and still received no response. It seems like I paid $10 for nothing. And while that isn’t a lot of money, it’s the way in which this school conducted business with me that left me extremely disappointed. I would suggest looking at language classes at the nearby CCAE; they were much more professional and responsive in answering my questions. They also don’t charge $10 for a rudimentary, unrigorous placement exam. I will be going to them in the future.

Fantastic experience: I highly recommend taking classes at Rola! If you're struggling with learning another language through mobile apps like Duolingo, I highly recommend giving Rola a try. Rola helps focus on the fundamentals (alphabet, grammar, pronunciation) that you end up missing out on with the apps, but are super important for setting you up with long term success They have a unique teaching style that boosts learning and increases memory retention through repetition.

Fantastic experience: I took private Spanish classes at Rola for about 4 years. I started without much Spanish knowledge, and my goal was to be able to have conversations in Spanish with my partner’s family. I first started with in person classes, and during and after covid continued my classes online. My teacher Erin was very knowledgeable and I consistently felt myself improving over time. After 4 years I am comfortable having conversations in Spanish with native speakers. I would highly recommend Rola for anyone looking for Spanish classes.

Fantastic experience: I just finished a Spanish 2 course! The course and teacher Ed were both phenomenal!

Fantastic experience: I took the Spanish 2 class with Mr. Ed Rocha and it was such an amazing experience. He is so knowledgeable and helpful with his students. I felt so supported and comfortable to speak and communicate with my peers. I will absolutely continue my lessons with ROLA!

Fantastic experience: I just finished a course in level 2 Spanish. The course was great and so was the teacher — I highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: Rola works with our school district and I had a wonderful experience taking Spanish for educators!

Fantastic experience: Rola Languages is such a gem! I have been enjoying my French classes very much (read: I love going to class each week because they are fun and I'm learning so much!), and Gina Marie is an excellent teacher. I love the classes and the opportunity to speak, hear, and converse in French - something language apps can't really offer you. To be honest, in level 1, I knew much of what we were learning, as I have attempted teaching myself French in the past and have picked up some basics. However, with the way Gina Marie teaches, I felt like I was enriching my limited knowledge in class - I was never bored, she made learning fun, and I even learned some new things as we went along, which was fantastic. I truly did not feel like I was repeating what I already knew while I was in class, I felt as if I was practicing to get better. Now I have moved onto Level 2 and it is equally as great. Thank goodness for Rola's online classes - I couldn't be happier that I am finally achieving my goal to learn French!

Fantastic experience: I would highly recommend Rola Languages to anyone who wishes to get on the path to polyglotism, or just improve their language skills. Very professional and experienced staff. Small class structure. Also a great opportunity to make new friends.

Fantastic experience: Been taking Spanish on and off with Rola for years, have always loved their teachers, commitment, and communication. Also when in person classes open again, it’s nice that they’re directly next to one of the best bagel places in Cambridge.

Fantastic experience: Professional, fun and great value. Would highly recommend to beginner or advanced language learners!

Fantastic experience: I’ve taken Intro 1-3 in Spanish with Rola and would recommend. I particularly enjoyed the intensive 10 day Intro 1 Spanish which had 1 hour of class per day each weekday for 2 weeks. While a bigger time commitment, it made learning and practicing so much easier to have class daily. Would recommend checking out their group classes!

Fantastic experience: Having studies with other programs in the area and ; therefore, being able to have a Real Comparison, I recommend Rola Languages. I feel that I LEARN. No fluff, no attitude , pure positive experience. The texts have been methodically thought out and planned to re-enforce the lessons. (As a former educator, they are excellent text, point on task. Administration and teachers support their students 100% for success. I can say they are AWESOME to work with. If you are serious to learn a foreign language quickly and with confidence;again, I highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: Rola is great, one of the most affordable language schools in the area. I have taken french with them for the last year. I've never had a class with more than 6 people which is great. I have had the opportunity to get to know the other student's teacher and makes for a really fun learning environment where students can choose what we are most interested in learning and focusing on, and also creates a safe learning environment where people are not scared to mess up which is so important in learning a language!

Positive experience: I've been taking French classes at RoLa for at least the last six years. I enjoy the small informal classes, the chance to meet new students, and the interesting teachers from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. It's miles away from traditional classroom teaching and much more like spending time with friends.

Fantastic experience: I have been taking Portuguese classes here for two years and am so happy with the experience. The teachers are all very caring and knowledgeable. They have encouraged me when I felt my progress was slow and wanted to quit. I was so happy that I continued with their support because I am now able to communicate and understand a new language. Learning new things is not easy but with persistence, patience, and good coaches it is possible. Also, the location is very convenient, right in Porter Square, and I never had a problem parking at a meter close by the school.

Fantastic experience: I've been taking Spanish at Rola for a few years now. I started with their in-person group classes and later continued with their private online tutoring. I was amazed how well the online tutoring worked for me. The cost difference is not significant and you get to enjoy a one-on-one with your dedicated teacher. Everything in the class is catered to your style and speed of learning. It's an amazing value and I highly recommend it. Rola also has this family feel to it, everyone is very sweet and helpful. A very special shout-out to my adorable profesora--Almu!

Fantastic experience: Depuis 2 ans, je prends des cours avec Erica qui est devenue une amie, et je travaille désormais en anglais, à l'international, alors que j'avais des difficultés à m'exprimer à l'oral. Merci ! :)

Fantastic experience: I am so happy I found ROLA. I studied abroad in Spain and have been looking for a fun and affordable way to relearn the language. After multiple sessions with different teachers at RoLa, I have quickly improved my reading, writing and speaking abilities and look forward to my class each week. The teachers and students in the classes have all been great. Highly recommend RoLa!

Fantastic experience: RoLa Languages is a gem of a school and community resource! It is small, intimate, and truly cares about its students. The staff have taken great care to create a community of learners that adds to the warmth and camaraderie of the school--enhancing the learning & cultural experience for everyone!

Fantastic experience: I began Rola a little under a year ago to learn Spanish. I knew some basic vocabulary and phrases, but knew almost nothing about grammar, conjugations or written Spanish. In less than a year, the wonderful staff at Rola has dramatically improved both my writing and speaking. The small class sizes allow for a lot of individual attention; I now feel quite comfortable speaking with Spanish-speaking friends. Once I’ve finished Spanish I’ve even considered coming back to brush up on my French! I cannot recommend Rola enough!

Fantastic experience: I have had a wonderful experience at Rola. The classes are small and the progression of the lessons are really helpful. I highly recommend Rola when wanting to learn a language as a beginner and as one advances.

Fantastic experience: Both my children have been taking Spanish classes at Rola for a year now. Initially they took classes in person and now they have been doing them online. Their teacher has been really good at motivating them and finding exercises that are appropriate for their level. We have been very happy with our experience and both our kids have made significant progress with their Spanish.

Fantastic experience: I have had such a great experience at RoLa from enhancing my language skills with native speakers to making new language learning friends. The classes are small which is the ideal way to learn a language, would definitely recommend anybody who wants to improve their language skills to start here!

Fantastic experience: At present, I have been taking Spanish classes with ROLA for a year and a half. I am always balancing a very busy schedule and looked for a long time for a program that would allow me to make gradual progress in Spanish without interrupting my work life. ROLA has been perfect for me! Sessions at ROLA mix grammar-instruction, vocabulary, and ample speaking practice, allowing learners to develop a well-balanced grasp of their chosen language. I am very satisfied with the progress I've made. ROLA's instructors have always been supportive and communicative and it's been fun to move through the various levels with an albeit shifting "cohort" of other students. And, as a final note, the price is extremely reasonable for the high-quality instruction and small-group setting. As a classroom teacher myself, I know full-well the value of small class sizes and ROLA's small classes are very much in keeping with pedagogical best-practices.

Fantastic experience: I have been a student with ROLA Languages for almost five years, and I absolutely love their program. Great instructors, engaging topics, and fun students. Highly recommended.

Fantastic experience: My teacher is excellent! The class content is interesting, challenging and fun, practicing the language as we discuss current issues and learn about history and culture associated with Brazilian Portuguese. Answers to questions are thoughtful and well explained.

Fantastic experience: I would absolutely recommend RoLa to anyone who is looking to take their language skills to the next level! I've been a student at RoLa for almost a year now and each teacher I have had the pleasure of learning from has dramatically helped me improve my Spanish. I am now confidently speaking, reading, and watching movies completely in Spanish! The staff at Rola truly cares about you and helping you reach your language goals!

Fantastic experience: I loved my spanish classes at Rola. Fun, appropriately challenging, terrific teachers, small group learning. I can't say enough good things about the experience.

Fantastic experience: I recently finished about 6 months of private French lessons with Rola. The school was very accommodating of my needs - I had to pause for a weeks at two different points, and eventually added an additional tutor to my schedule to ramp up in preparation for a test. My tutors were excellent - with one, I focused more on writing and conversational speaking about current events, and with another, I used a C1 level textbook which came with reading and listening exercises, which we'd discuss during our sessions. If you've hit a plateau (very common between B2 and C1) I definitely recommend considering doing a package of private lessons with Rola!

Fantastic experience: The staff at Rola is highly responsive and flexible. I had a very smooth experience setting up different types of classes and tutoring. The two Spanish teachers I worked with (Vanessa and Rita) were both native speakers, very friendly and organized.

Fantastic experience: I’m taking Portuguese classes with Etyelle and she’s great! She gives a nice mix of written/oral exercises as well as songs to listen to and shows to watch so that we can learn in a fun and well-rounded way.

Fantastic experience: Amazing teachers. Strongly recommend Ed's Spanish classes!

Fantastic experience: Its been an awesome Experience

Positive experience: Decent location, fun class structure, perhaps a more formal language assessment or test throughout could gauge progress more acutely.

Negative experience: I was extremely dissatisfied with the instruction I received at RoLa. I took lessons with Luis. It is apparent he is not a trained teacher. This includes everything from his method of instruction to his feedback. Aside from an inability to deliver lessons in an effective way, there is no positive feedback. RoLa advertises that all their instructors are native speakers. This is not very helpful since the native speakers are not teachers. They are simply people who happen to speak both languages with equal skill. This is admirable but not helpful in teaching something as complex as a language. RoLa charges almost as much for this as schools with trained teachers. Furthermore they advertise that all materials are included. What is actually included is an eBook which must be printed out by the students. It was quite an expense in printer ink. It also has a slight indication of dishonesty There are also separate immersion classes which must be paid for separately. They are $75 extra per immersion class. This can run up to $150.00 for one weekend of classes. Another big problem with RoLa is the learning atmosphere. They share a building with a dance class. The music which is heard quite clearly makes concentration very difficult. RoLa seems to be an inexpensive alternative to the more expensive, high quality language schools in Boston. They are actually quite expensive without the trained staff that can be found elsewhere.