Are you new to the family and unsure what the Spanish Learning Community and Resources actually is? Check below!
WHAT IS OLS SPANISH?
OLS Spanish is not only a package of courses, nor is it just a language assessment you are required to take. It is an online community where, besides finding formal teaching materials, you can read blog posts about the Spanish-speaking world, engage in thematic forums, take part in online speaking sessions, and enter exciting contests.
HOW TO GET STARTED?
First things first: we invite you to complete the language assessment to determine your level of Spanish. Once done, the platform will recommend the course (A1, A2, B1, B2) that is best suited to your needs on your Dashboard. You can explore additional didactic materials by using the Curriculum tab, which is located at the bottom of the landing page.
ENGAGE IN THE FORUMS
This community has three main forums where, among other things, you can ask questions, connect with other mobility participants, practise your language skills, and share your experiences abroad. These are:
While the community manager (myself, until further notice) is here to stimulate discussion and facilitate participation, feel free to create your own threads and discuss whichever subject interests you. The more of us writing in the forums, the more useful content there will be for all of us.
Why don't you start by introducing yourself in Spanish HERE? :-)
READ OUR BLOG POSTS
We publish articles about Spanish-speaking countries and language learning on a regular basis. Some are in Spanish, others in English. We aim to create useful and interesting content for everyone, regardless of their language level. They are available in the OLS Blog section, which is located within the Interactions category, just below the forums.
PRACTISE SPANISH WITH ME AND OTHER COMMUNITY MEMBERS!
We organise online speaking sessions periodically, typically lasting between one hour and an hour and a half. Each session starts with a quick quiz, followed by introductions where participants share a little about themselves. You'll then participate in engaging group discussions and paired activities in breakout rooms. Click HERE to find all the details on how to join and register!
CONTESTS
On OLS, we organise a variety of contests, both general and community-specific. The main contest, open to all 29 language communities, is the #OLSCommunityStories video contest, with its fourth edition coming up in a few months. We also host mini contests from time to time on topics like captioning images, photo competitions, slogan writing, or creating your own ending. Prizes often include gift cards or private speaking sessions.
STAY TUNED WITH THE ANNOUNCEMENTS
If you want to stay up-to-date with the activities and events of this community, keep an eye on the community Announcements section. There, we share important information, including the schedule for online Spanish practice sessions and details about contests.HAVE FUN AND BE RESPECTFUL
In this community, everyone is welcome. Our only request is that, whatever is said, it is done with respect. If you respond to an opinion that is not compatible with your own, do so with consideration. If you find an error in one of the articles, please point it out gently. If the platform experiences any problems, let us know politely. A small ray of positivity and kindness goes a long way.
¡UN SALUDO A TODO EL MUNDO!
Bernat, OLS Community Manager – Spanish