Destinos: An Introduction to Spanish (Student Edition)

The format and content of the course is the best I've found. A great way to supplement your learning and practice. We are using it in an informal conversation group to give us a basis for discussion as we view and do our workbook practice.

(translation of title: Very excellent for everyone who wants to learn the language!) I cannot emphasize enough how beneficial the Destinos: An Introduction to Spanish series is for those who want to learn Spanish, or become more familiar with the language. This was used in a course I took at college, and it felt like we were all travelling along with the main character, Raquel, a lawyer who travels from her home in Los Angeles, to Mexico, Spain, Argentina and Puerto Rico, as part of her work with her clients, a family living in an estate in Mexico City. The format of this program is styled after the Latin American "novelas" (soap operas). In other words, you will need to carefully watch each episode, to keep up with plot details. But, not to worry, because Raquel reviews what happened with you, at the end of every episode. Each episode is entirely in Spanish, and it gets you thinking in the language, comprehending what is going on very quickly, as well as picking up interesting information specific to the cultures she is immersed in, during her travels. We learn about art, music, dance, food and slang. (Slang is also a very valuable thing to know about, when travelling in Spanish-speaking countries. Words that are acceptable in one country could get you shot in another country---this isn't addressed in the episodes, but that is really important to be aware of) I am pleased to say that the series is entertaining, educational and very beneficial to students. It makes you WANT to learn, and also, in spite of the melodrama, you will want to stick it out to the last episode to see how things turn out. Muy excelente!

I'm using Destinos in a telecourse, and am having lots of fun with it, and even learning some Spanish. My listening skills have improved dramatically, since the video is the main learning tool, which forces one to sharpen up and really listen to what's going on. The workbook that accompanies Destinos is really detailed, making it possible to learn a considerable amount of Spanish grammar on one's own. Overall, the best Spanish textbook I've used yet! ¡Adiós!

okay, if you don't like Destinos, then you just aren't with the picture. Its the best, its the bomb, and if you don't like it, don't diss it! Go back and do your own little fancy thing! Forget the world around you and sit on your couch!

Destinos is a set of materials (books, videos, audio cassettes) that function together. The primary learning tool is the video. It allows the learner to listen to conversations in Spanish, but unlike audio cassettes, you have the aid of contextual clues provided by the scenes acted out on the video to help you understand the dialog. I found that to be an excellent learning tool. The chapters are designed to start with a basic vocabulary and add more with each chapter. Each chapter incorporates new vocabulary, and that vocabulary is tailored to include what a visitor to a Spanish-speaking country is most likely to use. The video is written in a soap-opera format, which "hooks" you into the story and characters, thus helping you to maintain interest and not quit the learning process. And the story introduces you to several different Spanish-speaking countries. The audio cassettes provide further listening practice, and the book provides the core of the grammatical curriculum. I think it's better for an intermediate student rather than a complete beginner. All in all a good way to improve listening comprehension and learn travelers vocabulary. For speaking, there's no substitute for live practice with a fluent teacher.