Gaviria Academy of Languages

Fantastic experience: Monica is a gem of a teacher. I’ve been working with her for about 8 months now, and I have noticed a huge improvement in my comprehension of the Spanish language. She’s a joy to work with, communicative, and tailors the lesson to what works best for you. I couldn’t recommend her more, for anyone starting or continuing their Spanish learning journey.

Fantastic experience: I highly recommend this place for learning Spanish. Mary Luz is great teacher, very patient, and understanding. I've improved a lot during my time there!

Fantastic experience: If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to learn from an expert teacher in a warm and personal environment, there is nothing to beat Gaviria Academy of Languages!!!!!

Fantastic experience: I am a french native, who can speak english and a little bit of german, but unfortunately i never took spanish at school. When i arrived in Miami in august 2018, i quickly realised that i could not survive here without speaking conversational spanish, so i looked up online for a place to start learning spanish, and found GAVIRA LANGUAGES center. I got in touch with mary-luz who offered to start me with one hour sessions twice a week at a very reasonable price. Since i started my session with mary-luz, i have improved my spanish considerably!! I can now speak, text, answer the phone, even negociate at work in spanish! And the beauty of it is: through this conversation system that the center offers ( “1 on 1”hour of talking to each other about your life while learning new words/ grammar/ etc..), i got to learn the spanish that I needed! For my private life and my work. I have to say i have gotten really close to my teacher mary luz, almost like a friend ( or a therapist!!) - she knows my entire life ! And has made me open to speaking spanish without fear or shame thanks to her “non jugemental” approach. I am addicted to my sessions and now stop them for a month every 2-3 months in order to practice more solo and get back to the center ready to improve even more! The system they use ( an app called quizlet), is very smart and targetted to you with all the words and expressions you learn along the way. I am extremly pleased with the gavira languages center and have already recommended it to my friends who want to start learning spanish or get better at it! You should try it!!

Fantastic experience: Monica and Mary Luz are outstanding teachers. The first thing you discover is their passion, patience, and experience when it comes to teaching Spanish. Each student's individual needs, personality, and schedule is perfectly tailored to match. Let's face it; not everyone learns the same way or at the same speed. The sisters make adjustments to keep things exciting and moving forward. I had just retired and was finally able to focus on my Spanish. Somewhere, locked in my head was a lot of grammar and vocabulary. They helped me unlock it. Before long, we were carrying on conversations in Spanish and I was feeling more and more confident. The sessions were challenging and enjoyable. My biggest complaint, they went by too quickly. Little by little I got better; and the better I got, the easier it became. I still have a long ways to go, but it feels great to be making so much progress. Thank you, Monica and Mary Luz. Their prices are very reasonable, and their schedule is accommodating. On top of that, they are super friendly people, delightful, and easy to engage. Has it been worth it? Definitely, or as they say in Spanish, "vale la pena."

Fantastic experience: I took Spanish classes with Monica for about 8 months, and I absolutely loved my experience! Monica is a fabulous teacher who provided lessons catered specifically to my interests and areas for improvement, and I was able to progress a lot with her help. I also took group lessons with Mary Luz, who is a wonderful instructor as well. Both of them were a pleasure to learn with because they make classes interesting and fun. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking to learn or improve their Spanish!

Fantastic experience: I have been taking Spanish lessons with Monica Carres for a little over a year now and I can honestly say that my comprehension of the Spanish language has improved tremendously. My understanding of the grammar is even better than some native speakers. I look forward to our classes with Monica.

Fantastic experience: Great way to learn Spanish! High quality personalized classes that tailor to individual needs. I have been taking private lessons for almost a year and couldn't be happier. My teacher, Mary Luz, made every class fun, interesting and very informative, teaching not only "proper book" Spanish but also conversational Spanish that is used in daily life. Whether you need to learn Spanish for work or for fun, private or group classes - there is no better place in Miami! Highly recommend Gaviria Academy of Languages

Fantastic experience: I have been taking Spanish classes for over a year with MONICA CARRES. Each lesson we will start by having conversational Spanish back and forth and then after we will specialize in a certain topic or lesson from a book. With this class structure with 1 hour a week - i have improved greatly from where i started. Monica is easy to talk to and fluent in Spanish and English. She is a great teacher and also very understanding and flexible. So for me it was perfect and exactly what i needed to start my improvement. When I started out I had very basic and rusty Spanish but as time passed and i had more classes under my belt i have shown gradual improvement over time. Also, with these weekly classes my confidence has improved greatly in my ability to communicate. My job requires me to communicate in Spanish daily and although I am not perfect, i am good enough to communicate and do my work effectively now after just a few months. I am still a very long way away from being absolutely perfect. But also, i am not the person taking 4-5 hours after class to work on my spanish. However, i do make my weekly meeting with Monica absolutely my priority when the day comes. I really make sure not to miss a class. I'd say if you do as i do and stick to the plan and the ups and downs that come with it - Monica will guide you into being an effective speaker. There will be ups and downs, but sticking to the end goal is the key. at the end of the day - Monica cannot force you to speak and practice 24/7 days of the year. She is more of a guide and an expert in pointing out flaws in what for me started off with correcting very basic words and conjugations. But today i am onto more difficult areas which if i keep this up i know i will get to where i want to be which is 100% fluent. Monica is always welcoming to me when i visit her weekly. Her home is always quiet and Monica is always focused on my needs during that hour we meet each week. I love the classes and they have worked for me. I would recommend Monica and the Gaviria Academy to speakers at any level. And if you are a novice like when i started it is perfect as there is no pressure with Monica. 1 hour per week is all i needed to get where i am at now. and is also very affordable for the specialized work she offers during that time. Also, i can text or call her anytime in case i am studying after class or have a question on something. Class never ends here, and she is always available to answer any questions. I look forward to continuing my Spanish lessons with her as she has a great understanding of my goals. Monica is an expert and i highly recommend her.

Fantastic experience: This residential place in a coconut grove is comfortable and accommodations to the busiest of schedules. Monica is a supportive and encouraging teacher of Spanish. My everyday conversations, my listening, and my reading all improved to my next level. The experience opened my interest to Spanish globally.

Fantastic experience: The school exemplifies professional educational values. Lessons are tailored to the student's learning style and expressed needs. I have made significant progress on my goal to speak Spanish using the past, present and future tenses. Having grown up in Miami and taken Spanish in a number of educational settings I could hobble along and understand more than I could speak. Monica has succeeded in advancing my fluency and confidence. I am delighted and you will be also. Jean D.

Fantastic experience: I can't express enough admiration for Maryluz's approach to teaching Spanish, one of the most charming languages. It is more than just learning the language, it is the whole experience at Maryluz's equally charming home office. Spanish time at Maryluz is definitely a highlight of my day; besides progressing my command of the language I am also re-energized and ready for next challenges!

Fantastic experience: It’s a very nice place, the classes have helped me so much and Monica and her sister are amazing people !!

Fantastic experience: When I moved to Miami, I knew that it would be the perfect opportunity to brush up on my espanol. I was so happy to find a place with excellent reviews near my house! The instruction at Gaviria is very personalized... each class begins with some spanish conversation during which time my instructor, Mary Luz, notes the terms I need to learn and that becomes my working vocabulary list. The verb conjugations have been introduced gradually. Mary Luz is a native spanish-speaker (why would anyone settle for less in Miami?) who is extremely personable, reliable, and encouraging. I highly recommend Gaviria Academy and Mary Luz in particular!

Fantastic experience: Wonderful teacher. Very patient. Our company has been using her for some time and I wouldn't change her for anything in the world. I highly recommend her services

Fantastic experience: Maryluz is the best!!!! I have advanced more in my Spanish speaking abilities with her in 1 year than I ever did throughout the 6+ years of taking Spanish in school. This is because her classes are tailored to your individual needs. Maryluz makes class fun-- rather than focusing on memorization or textbook exercises, her classes are conversational and it makes for a natural learning flow. She finds creative ways to introduce new vocabulary and tenses, which makes learning interesting and engaging. Not only is she an amazing teacher, but she is also a very kind person. I am so glad I started taking Spanish class with Maryluz and have already recommended her to friends in the area. Thank you, Maryluz!

Fantastic experience: I enjoy all my sessions with Mary Luz. She makes learning a new language engaging and fun. She also gives homework (if you want) to help you study while at home. I am a total Gringo speaking barely any Spanish. In only 2 months I am already speaking some basic conversational Spanish. She works out of a little home office that is the perfect cozy and quiet place to learn. If you need to learn Spanish, you should absolutely contact her. - Josh Meyer

Fantastic experience: For the past year I have been taking classes with Mary Luz. My experience has been one of true joy. In the past year Mary Luz has taken my Spanish level from beginner to proficient. Through her instruction I am now able to fully understand and communicate effectively in Spanish. The lessons I receive are specifically tailored to my individual needs. I prefer to concentrate heavily on difficult grammar concepts; Mary Luz has a profound depth of understanding of the grammatical workings of Spanish and she aides in effectively teaching the workings of the language. Additionally, she works diligently through conversation to aid the development of speaking abilities. The atmosphere created is comfortable and enjoyable. My classes continue to be challenging and rewarding. Mary Luz concentrates on my weaknesses and seeks each lesson to improve them. As pronunciation is highly important in the mastering of any language, Mary Luz focuses a good amount of time in cultivating the student's pronunciation. The communication in the class is entirely in Spanish and she understands how to progressively tailor the level of her speech as to improve the listening skills of the student. I would recommend Gaviria Academy of Languages for anyone who seeks to learn Spanish.

Fantastic experience: I moved back to Miami in August and was looking for a private class to brush up on my very rusty Spanish speaking skills. I began studying with Mary Luz at Gaviria Academy of Languages in Coconut Grove in September. It has been a wonderful experience and my Spanish speaking has come a long way over the past several months. Each class is tailored to my knowledge, skill level and needs. I would highly recommend this class to anyone at any level.

Fantastic experience: Ive had a couple different Spanish teachers and Mariluz is by far the best. She is very patient and her approach to teaching beginners is great. She's helped me where duo lingo and Rosetta Stone could not. I highly recommend her for anyone looking to strengthen their skills in Spanish.

Fantastic experience: Mary Luz is the BEST Spanish teacher I have ever had. She is smart, patient, fun, and accommodates my learning style and my interests. I've never been a "natural" with languages, but now I am confident that I will one day be fluent. I recommend the Gaviria Academy of Languages most highly.

Fantastic experience: I moved in Miami in 2014 and I start working with Monica over 6 months now. She is a very experienced teacher and working with her is a pleasure. She is very dedicated, knowledgeable and always with a positive attitude. My Spanish start improving very fast and my confidence is growing. I will definitely recommend Monica and Gaviria Academy!

Fantastic experience: I recently moved to Miami and started studying Spanish one-one-one at Gaviria Academy of Languages. (I found them on the internet and was impressed by their good reviews.) I rate my experience as 5-stars. I am studying at the intermediate level with Mary Luz, a native Spanish speaker whose English is outstanding. She is a terrific teacher who is patient, knowledgeable, always prepared, encouraging and unfailingly positive. We spend most of our time in Spanish conversation, and she corrects my Spanish as we talk. We also highlight grammar and vocabulary. I recommend her wholeheartedly.

Fantastic experience: I have been working with Monica for over 6 months now and it has been an amazing learning experience. She makes the learning very interesting with different activities. She doesn't just teach from a book. She would make us discuss different topics in Spanish. You learn a lot of things you need for daily interaction than just bookish Spanish, while she follows a very structured curriculum too. She personalizes the learning plan for everyone, which is very helpful and she also sets a target to be accomplished for each person. I would strongly recommend Gaviria Academy.

Fantastic experience: I have been working with Monica for over a year now and my Spanish skills have improved dramatically. She is an experienced teacher who is passionate about what she teaches, and has helped me learn the language fast. Rather than teach directly from a book, Monica designs a more personal lesson that is tailored to my needs and interests. If you want to learn to speak and understand Spanish easily and fast, I highly recommend Monica.

Fantastic experience: I had an amazing and informative 2 weeks with Monica. She help me to get all those fears out and speak with ppl with different dialects.!!! This is an amazing program !

Fantastic experience: I live in Orlando but I had the opportunity to work with Mary Luz and Monica for two weeks, taking four hours a day of private lessons. I found the classes very rewarding and tailored to my needs. I speak Spanish at a low intermediate level and over the two weeks my comfort level with speaking in Spanish improved drastically. I worked with both professoras, which is important, because it helped to train my ear to different Spanish speakers. The two were able to incorporate aspects of my own life into conversations. This added a personal aspect which invested me in the conversation, ultimately leading to improved memory and accelerated learning. It was much easier to talk about my own life than to try and remember an abstract sentence in a random book. The conversations are also scaled to the student. If you can handle a more complex exchange, they will engage in a more complex exchange. By far, however, the most useful aspect of the classes for me were the field trips and simulations. Because I had 40 hours over two weeks, they offered me the option of sitting in class and learning or venturing into Miami and learning. I chose the latter. Typically morning classes were at their office, which was like taking a class in the middle of the Amazon, but air conditioned and mosquito free. Afternoons we would venture into Calle Ocho for a contadito (similar to a café con leche…but with a Cuban kick) or to the Biltmore Hotel. The only requirement was that I had to order or ask the woman at the reception desk most likely to speak Spanish how much a room in the winter cost. I had to speak Spanish and inevitably a conversation would ensue. For those faint of heart, I was never abandoned. They were always there to jump in and help but would make every effort to steer the conversation back to me…in Spanish. Ultimately I am glad that I had a decent language base to work from but I got the sense that an absolute beginner or a more advanced speaker would both benefit from working with Mary Luz and Monica.

Fantastic experience: I studied Spanish with Mary Luz. It was a very fulfilling learning experience. Languages had not come easily to me before. But, when I worked with Mary Luz, it didn't feel like I was studying - but just discussing what was going on in my life - in Spanish. I felt very comfortable with her. She really made learning a language fun. I enjoy the ability to speak and understand Spanish well enough to travel in Latin countries - Mexico, Colombia, Spain, & Costa Rica - and here, in Miami. Gracias, Mary Luz, y Gaviria Academy of Languages.

Fantastic experience: I have been taking Spanish classes with Mary Luz for 2 years and I have improved tremendously in my grades, and the way I speak the language. I have been in an honors program for both years and would not have done near as well without her help. I now understand everything she says to me in Spanish and I can speak it well with her and carry out a conversation. I like the way the class is run, and it is a very effective way of learning to speak Spanish. I am happy that I have worked with her, because I know being able to speak it will help me in my future. I recomend the Gaviria Academy of Language to anyone of any skill level that wants to improve in Spanish.

Fantastic experience: I am lucky to have found such a hardworking, dedicated and passionate tutor. I have a background in Spanish but have not had the opportunity to use the language for an entire year. When I received a job offer for a position requiring Spanish I decided to seek out a tutor to help me review and prepare to use the language professionally. Monica responded more quickly and professionally than any other agency I contacted. She also went above and beyond right form the start, calling me to assess my level of proficiency in order to design a course tailored to my needs. It is obvious that Monica is dedicated to the success of her students. From day one she planned a variety of engaging activities that targeted my weaknesses and prepared me for situations I would encounter in my specific workplace. The results of my tutoring far exceeded my expectations. Monica detected my specific problem areas and corrected many common errors I was using in speech and gave me ample time to practice conversing on topics relevant to my future position and because of this I feel very confident about starting my new job. Monica is an incredibly warm, friendly and effective tutor. She is flexible, easy to communicate with and always plans lessons that are engaging and useful. I was looking for a week-long tutoring session and found a friend and language mentor that I will be able to turn to whenever I have questions or need help in the future. Monica and the Gaviria Academy of Languages are an invaluable resource for someone looking to learn or improve their language skills. I offer them my highest recommendation.

Fantastic experience: I have taken Spanish lessons with Monica both in the classroom and currently through skype. By far it's been the best experience I've had to date. I've had other Spanish classes and tried a CD package that were ok but I was never able to speak and read on the level I do now. Monica has both excellent teaching skills and a real desire to see her students master the language. If you live in Palm Beach County, Fl and you truly want to learn Spanish I would highly recommend her class. If you are outside the area take it through skype, You will be glad you did! Frank Trecki Lakeworth, Fl

Fantastic experience: This website provides a great place where people can go to learn Spanish. Spanish is one of the world’s fastest growing languages and is becoming more necessary in a shrinking world. The people associated with these websites are great people who take a genuine interest in their students’ success at becoming proficient in learning to use and understand Spanish as it is really spoken and in providing the best language instruction. They offer the advantage of online instruction and go beyond the old fashioned textbook approach that takes a long time and is hard work. They help people learn from anywhere with personal attention. Their attitude is that learning should be natural and not a difficult struggle of memorization. I think the have created a new approach to learning language that transcends the limitation of the old fashioned “classroom” and “book exercise” approach that is difficult and takes a lot of time so students can learn from office, home,, school, or anywhere while having a personal tutor to show them how to speak and understand Spanish more rapidly without dry book study and rote memorization that a lot of fancy “programs” use instead of real teachers who understand how to make the learning real and useful for each person. I recommend this method to anyone who wants to learn in a user friendly way without having to attend months and years of classes and a multitude of written exercises or go through a lot boring repetition from packaged language programs.