Watch CBS News

Top Spots For Language Classes In Miami

Fluency in more than one language can only help you, especially if you live in Miami. Latinos make up 60 percent of the population, making Spanish the dominant language in this city. French and Portuguese are becoming increasingly popular as more people from Canada, Brazil and Haiti move to Miami, purchase real estate and vacation here. Research shows that bilingual people have increased brain density which increases memory and attention. It may be easier to learn a second language as a child, but if you're willing to put in the time and effort, there is no reason you can't learn and become fluent as an adult. Check out some of Miami's best options for learning a new language.
Language Class
(credit: Thinkstock)

South Beach Languages
227 9th St
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 397-8298
www.southbeachlanguages.com

Just one block from the ocean, South Beach Languages teaches English and Spanish to people of all ages. Join small group classes or take individual lessons if you prefer. There are beginner, intermediate and college prep classes offered, and classes focus highly on writing. This presents you with an opportunity to become affluent in both the spoken and written language. International students are welcomed from all over the world. Visit the web page and click on your native language to read about admission requirements for local and international students.

Spanish Language Class
(credit: Thinkstock)

University of Miami Intensive Language Institute
5050 Brunson Drive
Coral Gables, FL 33124
(305) 284-4000
www.educationmiami.com

The New Times newspaper has become well known in South Florida for its "Best Of" list, and this language program at the University of Miami's beautiful Coral Gables campus has deservedly snagged a spot on it. Its most popular classes are the Spanish classes. You can take classes every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for six weeks. An intimate class setting with a maximum of seven students per class, allows professors to give students the attention they need. If you think you're up for it, the intensive course is a seven-day, eight-hour per day course. However, the accelerated course comes with perks: a continental breakfast and lunch, a one-hour salsa class and a tour of Calle Ocho and Little Havana. Doctors and medical professionals can enroll in the Medical Spanish class to learn vocabulary specific to their industry, and language classes include instruction in English, Mandarin Chinese, French, Italian and Portuguese.

Related: Top Arts & Crafts Classes And Activities For Kids In Miami

International Student
(credit: Thinkstock)

CCLS-Cultural Center for Language Studies
3191 Coral Way
Coral Gables, FL 33145
(305) 529-2257
www.cclscorp.com

Providing instruction in English, Spanish and Portuguese, the Cultural Center for Language Studies offers a flexible schedule of classes. Gather two of your friends to take classes with you, and an instructor will provide the lessons at your chosen location. Learn an entirely new language and have fun doing it. Those more advanced can take conversational classes to nail down the lingo of the land. For those who need language skills for business purposes, there are appropriate classes offered. Feeling self-conscious about your accent? Enroll in an accent-reduction class. TOFEL® and TOEIC® preparation classes are also available. These tests access your proficiency in English in a workplace or academic environment.

Language on Lincoln
(credit: miamibeachlanguages.com)

Language On Lincoln
420 Lincoln Road
, Suite 225
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 532-4903
www.miamibeachlanguages.com

Lincoln Road is the most popular street on South Beach. It's filled with restaurants, cafes, nightclubs and lounges. It is also the location of Language On Lincoln, a school that teaches English and Spanish. Its prime location makes it ideal for residents and visitors alike to partake in the learning of a new language. You can take classes for as little as two weeks or as long as 12 weeks. Private and group classes are available as well, and group classes never exceed six students.

Open Hearts Language Academy
(credit: ohla.com)

Open Hearts Language Academy
825 Brickell Bay Drive, Suite 1850
Miami, FL 33131
(305) 379-4027
www.ohla.com

Learn English and get a tour of some of the hottest attractions and historical sites Miami has to offer. Open Hearts Language Academy has the goal to have you speak English with confidence, while immersing you in the diverse culture that makes up this city. Enjoy sports, city tours and a trip to Miami Seaquarium. Located near the MetroRail station and the Metrobus stop, transportation to and from class is easy. TOEFL,® IELTS® and Cambridge Exam preparation courses are also offered, and housing is available on and off campus.

Donna Carter has a passion for life that compels her to write about life. She was raised in Miami and graduated from Florida International University. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.