“We’ve been offering language education in some form since the beginning,” Moab Valley Multicultural Center Executive Director Rhiana Medina said. “Sometimes it’s been English, sometimes it’s Spanish. Sometimes it’s for adults, or other times it’s for kids.”
Following their mission to “build bridges across language and culture,” the Moab Valley Multicultural Center (MVMC), located at 156 N. 100 West, is offering Spanish language classes once again, guided by instructor Juliana Rey.
Originally from Colombia, Rey is a trained educator. There, she taught French and Spanish to travelers and discovered a passion for languages.
“Juliana happened to come and work for us as a program assistant and in her resume, she has an extensive teaching and education background,” Medina said. “It’s her exact skill set.”
Classes are offered at the beginner and intermediate level and the cost is a suggested $10 per class.
“We have an assessment in the first class to figure out which level is best for them,” Rey said, “and everyone can learn from the classes no matter the level they are at.”
Beginner classes take place on Tuesdays from 5:15 to 7:30 p.m., while intermediate-level classes are on Thursdays from 5:15 to 7:30 p.m.
“Classes have already been great,” said Rey, “and I’m happy for even more people to come.”
Classes run until Dec. 13, and will resume again in the spring.
The structure of the classes will vary from week to week, but are focused mainly on conversational skills.
“I’m going to lead some work in class but the class is oriented mostly toward conversation,” Rey said. “I expect students to do some homework at home and prepare for the lessons so they can use the class for conversation practice.”
Rey said she keeps the classes flexible so that all students are able to learn, regardless of previous experience speaking Spanish.
Former MVMC Spanish class student Duncan Fuchise shared his experience fondly.
“It was so accessible for someone who didn’t know Spanish,” Fuchise said.
Medina emphasized how much the Spanish classes reflect the MVMC community.
“We certainly—whenever possible—try to utilize those experts that we have here in our community,” Medina said. “We understand that by providing language learning opportunities it’s just another way to meet our mission of building bridges across language and culture.”
Spanish classes at the MVMC range from 5 to 40 participants, depending on the day. Those interested are urged to email Rey at jrey@moabmc.org
“Everyone is invited, we’re going to have a lot of fun,” Rey said. “If you want to learn some Spanish, practice it, and have fun with it—please come!”
“The class was so accessible for someone who didn’t know Spanish.”
– Duncan Fuchise
Spanish classes at the MVMC
When: Beginner classes are on Tuesdays from 5:15 to 7:30 p.m., Intermediate classes are on Thursdays from 5:15 to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Moab Valley Multicultural Center, 156 N. 100 West
For more information, go to www.facebook.com/moabmvmc or call 435-259-5444
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