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Best Language Classes In Sacramento

Whether for fun, business or travel, learning a new language can be a rewarding experience for adults and children of all ages. These Sacramento schools and cultural centers have what it takes to help you become multilingual.
Sakura Gakuen Japanese Language School
Sacramento Buddhist Church
2401 Riverside Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 542-0557
www.sakuragakuen.org

Sakura Gakuen offers classes to both adults and children of various backgrounds and all levels of prior experience. The nonprofit school offers classes outside of normal Monday through Friday school and work hours, and focuses on the traditions and culture of Japan as well as the language. Summer programs and various short courses throughout the year can also provide an introduction to conversational Japanese, the kana writing system and native foods of Japan. Other short classes help prepare people who plan to visit Japan, and customized travel classes may be arranged. Youth programs are taught by bilingual professionals, but parents are involved in cultural event planning and fundraising. The school aims to make the learning process fun, and past field trips have included visits to music and dance events and the Cherry Blossom Festival in San Francisco.

Related: Ask A Sacramento Expert: After-School Activity Ideas

German Language School
Sacramento Turn Verein
3349 J St.
Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 442-7360
www.stv-germanlanguageschool.org

Located in the Turn Verein culture and event center, the school has courses for children and adults of all levels. The teachers are native German speakers, and endeavor to make the learning process fun and easy. Kids as young as one to three years old can start to learn German through songs and rhymes, with classes for other age groups offering more advanced culture and language studies. Adult courses include German language, but also conversation usage and studies on holidays and celebrations. A German for travelers course helps prepare people to order food and drinks, follow road signs, understand social mores, use Euros and more.

Sacramento Italian Cultural Society
Italian Center
6821 Fair Oaks Blvd.
Carmichael CA 95608
(916) 482-5900
www.italiancenter.net

Ciao Piccoli classes for children ages two through five, and Ciao Italia is for students up to age 12, provide kids with a fun and instructive journey into the Italian language and culture. There are summer programs for youth and adults, and children's classes include things such as music, food, crafts, literature, films and dance. Adult classes, available year round, range from those for people with little to no background in Italian all the way to those who can fully write, speak and interact with the language. Conversational Italian studies are offered, and fun, interesting and very helpful courses for travelers are led by travel planner, author and native of Tuscany Patrizia Cinquini Cerruti.

Farsi Language Learning Center
Ottomon Elementary School
9460 Ottomon Way
Orangevale, CA 95662
(916) 726-1197
www.farsilanguagelearningcenter.org

The Learning Center teaches Farsi, also known as Persian, to Iranian adults and children now living in the U.S. and to English-speaking Americans of all ages. Language courses for the latter are also designed to promote a mutual understanding and awareness of the Iranian people and culture. Classes are held from January through May, and then from September through December, and are available in levels from basic to advanced. While the culture and literature of Iran are a definite part of the coursework, classes lay the groundwork for a lifetime of continued learning. Short-term or travel related courses are not available.

The Spanish Immersion Program
1500 Dom Way
Sacramento, CA 95864
(916) 486-8276
www.thespanishimmersion.com

Rather than using just rote memorization and drilling, the Immersion Program helps children and adults learn practical Spanish in fun and creative ways. Traditions and culture are explored along with the language, using music, dance, arts and crafts, games and conversations. Enjoyable activities for kids are available at hands-on, interactive summer camps. Adult classes are available at all levels, using role-play and conversation-based learning with practical applications for travel and business. Special, customized adult classes can be held at the program site or at a location of your choosing.

Related: Best places To Go On A Picnic In Sacramento

Valerie Heimerich is a freelance writer out of Sacramento. She typically covers business, employment, animal rescue, volunteerism and nonprofits. Her work can also be found at Examiner.com.
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