The Students Speak.... from 1989 until today:
      Let over 22 years of satisfied students speak for themselves!
 

   Barry creates an extraordinary environment for learning. From the first class, I felt inspired by his love for the language and his passion for teaching. In addition to the great Spanish training, the class is a superbly fun escape. After a long day at work, I enjoy taking on a different name and alter ego and gaining new language skills with his fresh and unique approach. I was a total beginner and am making great strides and I can't wait to move through the next levels with the VIP Program. I highly recommend these classes.
Craig Hella Johnson, International Artistic Director, Conductor, Vocalist, and founder of The Grammy Nominated Choral Ensemble, Conspirare (2010)
 

    Our family decided that we wanted to take Spanish lessons together so that we could support each other as we prepared for our trip to Barcelona.  We ran across Rapid Spanish while looking for lesson options on the internet.  It was a wonderful find!
     Barry and his team keep it fun, lively, interesting, and our progress was, in fact, rapid.  Actually, it was pretty amazing how, with this methodology, we were able to quickly grasp concepts, patterns of speech, grammar and vocabulary.  The environment is positive and encouraging.  Even our teenage daughter had a great time.  And when we got to Spain, we were all able to function readily.     
     With the VIP Program, we have been able to revisit and take supplemental classes which have been a huge help in reviewing, retaining, and learning new information.  We have had many “light bulb” experiences as we have repeated lessons.  Because the students learn faster than other, more traditional systems, we believe our costs for Rapid Spanish have been significantly cheaper.  We have recommended this program to our friends.   It’s a great deal!
-Jan, Dave , and  Britt Ellen Keeler, Austin TX  (2009)
 

    As a public school teacher, I have found these classes taught by Barry Carstetter to be excellent.  The teaching techniques that he uses are techniques that work.  The student actually LEARNS the targeted information.  As a professional educator, it is exciting to find and experience teaching methods that assure student success.

     I have studied the Spanish language in a variety of settings (public high school, university classes, and language classes in Mexico) and have never before been able to use the language.  After one class of Rapid Spanish I gained the confidence to begin practicing and using the knowledge that I had locked inside my head.  For the first time ever, I am enjoying learning Spanish.  It IS possible to learn Spanish and it is FUN!

 -Kelly Pritchard, Public School Teacher, Austin TX  (2008)

    Just a quick line to let you know how much I've appreciated the Construction Spanish seminar last month. Doing Safety inspections on construction sites all the time, the Construction Spanish seminar sure has made my life a whole lot more productive. Barry's presentation and personal attention to the students, makes the class interesting and productive. Please keep me in the loop about anymore Construction Spanish seminars.
-Paul M.,  U.S. Government. Construction Safety Inspector  (2007)

    "The unconventional way that Rapid Spanish is taught, allows your mind to absorb Spanish in the way it is needed for long-term usage.  You think that you've forgotten because you haven't used it, but it sticks in your head. A month out of class, I went to Costa Rica and I couldn't believe how it just all came back so easily.  Rapid Spanish really works!
-Nate Polzin, Installation Specialist, James Hardie Building Products (2006)
   
     "As an airline pilot my job takes me to many places where English is not the language of choice. Being able to communicate with both passengers and government officials from various Latin American countries is a must. I've studied Spanish off and on throughout the years in both structured and unstructured environments and without a doubt the Rapid Spanish methodology is the best I have encountered. The pace, style and overall approach makes it an enjoyable and educational experience. Retention is obviously the key and through the Rapid Spanish VIP program I have accomplished much more than trying to learn through rote memorization. Hats off to Barry and his staff."
-Jerry Moore, Pilot, American Airlines (2005)

       "I am so pleased with your Rapid Spanish program. The whole set-up is perfect.  You provide a very encouraging and challenging atmosphere and it seems like everyone in the class is comfortable regardless of their level of Spanish.  The whole concept of accelerated learning has not only allowed me to relax but also be confident that I really can master this language!!

     I have never had this kind of educational experience before and I would recommend it to anyone".

-Paul Enos, VP / Mortgage Account Executive, Bank of America (2004)
 

     “I would recommend Rapid Spanish to anyone interested in learning the Spanish language.  The classes are unlike any learning environment I have ever experienced.  The integral learning process allowed me to achieve my full potential.  The classes were fun and stress free.  Students of all levels of the VIP Program can benefit from these classes, and learn from each other.  Through the use of a script about a family and their adventures, you are able to learn the differences in speech of a nine-year-old boy, a teen-age boy, and college age girl, their parents and uncle.  Even after the beginner level class, I was amazed at the amount of Spanish I was able to comprehend and speak compared to my first class. 
     On a recent trip to Mexico, I was able to communicate with the cab drivers, shop owners, restaurant and bar staff, as well as the locals. -Thanks Barry!”
 -Tony Proctor, Mechanical Contractor-Project Manager, TD Industries (2004)

    
    "I am one of those people that has always wanted to have the confidence to speak Spanish.  I have tried many different ways of leaning the language: two years of high school, two years of College, Berlitz classes, and my native speaking husband.  I have not been able to accomplish my goal.  I have been in Barry's classes for 16 weeks, and now I can honestly say that I can speak Spanish out loud!    I have gone from being able to understand 10 - 25% of what is being said in a conversation to around 70-80%. 
I am absolutely amazed!
     I also work with Spanish speaking children and adults at my job, and I am thankful for Barry's help.  Just yesterday I was testing a child in Spanish and she started answering me in that beautiful completely off-topic way children sometimes do.  I actually understood exactly what she was saying and could navigate my way through to getting her back on topic.  I can now joke with the kids and the staff.  Sometimes I actually have a hard time turning off my Spanish! I would love to say thanks to Barry and to the other students in my VIP classes!  You all have helped me so much!"

-Lindsay Rose-Arellano, Head Start  (2004)
 

     "I am so pleased with Rapid Spanish.  Our leader, Barry, led the class at a challenging pace and was able to maintain a friendly, relaxed atmosphere in the classroom.  His logical and practicable teaching techniques, along with the VIP course and CDs, made it easy to take what I learned and use it every day, both at work and at home.  The course material was organized appropriately.  Barry's presentations were consistently off-beat, motivating, and interesting.  The conversational group sessions are also fun; they give the classroom a feeling of an evening of casual Spanish immersion. 
     Rapid Spanish offers exceptional service, academic excellence, enjoyable activities, and a comfortable ambiance.  This has been an incredibly rewarding experience.  Rapid Spanish has provided me with a strong linguistic base and helped me to reach the first of my goals in the ongoing quest to learn Spanish."

 -Jeffrey M. Trigger, Director-The Historical Driskill Hotel, Austin TX (2003)
 

     "After moving to Austin from Wisconsin three years ago I got a job working in a local Barbeque chain.  About 3 hours into my new job, another employee said to me, "¿Como se llama?"  At that point I knew I was in trouble.  So I started researching
Spanish classes on line.  ACC?  Ugh. Too boring sitting in a classroom.  Been there, done that, still don't remember anything from what we studied.  Then I saw Rapid Spanish and I thought I would give it a shot.  I started and didn't stop.  I went through all three levels and learned sooooo much.
     One day I returned to the original store where I started and was speaking (in Spanish) to some employees with whom I had never been able to communicate.  One of them said " You can speak Spanish now!"  Yup,  I can speak Spanish now and (as a result) have been promoted to management!
     The methods Barry uses to teach are awesome. There are so many activities and fun things we do in class it just breezes by.  I have gotten more compliments on my Spanish and how it has improved than I can count. My Spanish speaking employees are impressed by how quickly I have learned.  You don't even realize you are learning until one day you will say-HEY! I can speak Spanish!!"
-Janette Kinney, Manager,Rudy's BBQ  (2002)

     "Awesome! I never expected the class be so much fun.  If every class would follow the interactive methods of participation that Barry (El Maestro) uses, people would be amazed at what information they retained, and understood.  My first thought of attending a 5 hour class was, ¡Ay Dios Mio! (Oh My God!), 5 hours of sitting and listening to some guy lecture.  How wrong I was. The time went by so quickly it was unbelievable.  I am very glad I signed up for the VIP program. It was fun, educational and I've made some new friends to add to my portfolio as well.  If you're wanting to learn Spanish in a non pressured, fun environment, Rapid Spanish is the place to be."
-Terry Helton, Manager, Professional Services (2001)
 

     "With this method of learning the most amazing thing is when a word just comes to you and you weren't even conscious you knew it.  The class moves very fast and I learned much more than I realized.  I was concerned about the time going slowly and being able to stay awake after working all day but I didn't have a problem at all-it kept my attention all the time." 
 -Caran Wysong, Marketing Consultant (2000)  

     "Rapid Spanish  really works. In the past, I enrolled in traditional Spanish courses in high school and college and became an expert in conjugating verbs, but could not actually speak Spanish. I became totally frustrated and almost gave up trying. However, after enrolling in the ILS course, I am actually reading, understanding, writing, and speaking Spanish with almost native fluency. Barry Carstetter is a master at making the classes interesting and fun. In fact, I looked forward to participating in class each week.
     In the middle of the Intermediate level, I took a short trip to Mexico to confirm my progress. I was pleasantly surprised that I was actually thinking and speaking Spanish with the locals.  Since Texas has plenty of immigrants from Mexico and Central America, my ability to speak Spanish has opened many doors to new customers." 
-James Whitehead, Sales Rep  (1998)