Gainesville residents can now learn Spanish without the hassle of taking a university course.
A local company, Gainesville Spanish Tutoring, began offering classes this semester.
The new company is geared to teaching adults who want to travel to Spanish-speaking countries but are unsure because of the language barrier.
"There are no other businesses in the area that teach Spanish for adults ... like we plan to do it," said Tim Carswell, creator of the program.
The program offers Gainesville residents several options to choose from to learn or practice their Spanish: Survival Spanish: A Boot Camp for Travelers, El Dinero: Spanish for Business, La Doctora: Spanish for Medical Professions, Beginning Spanish Level I, Intermediate Spanish Level I and Spanish on Sundays.
Survival Spanish is a monthlong, high-intensity course that begins Oct. 31 and is intended for people who are going abroad and want to have a better experience.
Beginner and intermediate courses will start on Oct. 24 and 25, respectively. Classes will be taught at Brain Works inside Tower 24 Center, located at 2445 SW 76th St., from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Gainesville residents can take the courses for $499 per class, which includes the classes, a book and a coursepack.
Another program this new company offers is Spanish on Sundays, a free bilingual meet-up, that takes place every Sunday at 6:30 p.m. at Tapas and Tinis, located at 2725 SW 91st St.
"Nobody offers a short-term course for people that are traveling abroad for volunteering or business," Carswell said. "No other company in town teaches like this."