About Your Instructor

My name is Armando Oliva. I was born in Cuba and emigrated to the United States with my family when I was almost three years old. Although Spanish is my native tongue, and we spoke it exclusively at home, I am definitely more proficient in English. Having said that, I feel very comfortable speaking Spanish and I enjoy sharing my interest in the language with anyone.

I have spent many years learning other languages, such as French and German. This has given me an appreciation for what students experience learning another language. I find teaching as a mutually beneficial and enriching exercise. We all learn something new at the end of the day.

I have read the writings of numerous educators. Learning a new language is 20% learning the rules of spelling, pronunciation, and grammar, but 80% is repetition. I cannot stress the importance of being exposed to the language and hearing the words and phrases over and over again. Listen to music, watch Spanish TV, sing a song, read an article in the Spanish paper or on the internet, go out for dinner at a Spanish or Latin restaurant and order in Spanish. Read and listen to get a gist of what's going on. Don't try to know each word every time...with repetition those words will sink in. It's amazing how that happens.

Most of all. Have fun!