Your Language Connection: Spanish, ESL, American Sign Language, and More!

Welcome to Your Language Connection.

We understand that learning a new language can be challenging. Discovering the best method for you, while making it fun to learn and utilize a new language, is our ambition.

Our mission is to provide people, businesses, and organizations language classes that are specifically designed to meet their communication needs.

Over the years, YLC has translated many report cards and school letters, helped reduce accents and improve language skills for many foreigners, taught Spanish to city teachers to aid in their communication with students and parents, held summer Spanish camps for children, and offered many private classes to adults, children, and families. YLC is consistently improving the language classes and services offered, as the needs of the community change and grow. Michelle Salinas and YLC understand that the demand for language learning is imperative—for all ages—in today’s society.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. When and where are the classes held?

    Here is our up-to-date class schedule.

    Our classes are held at two locations.
    Central Pennsylvania College. The address is 1905 Old Philadelphia Pike in Lancaster. It is convenient to Route 30 and Lincoln Highway.
    Lancaster Country Day School. The address is 725 Hamilton Road in Lancaster. The school is located near Franklin & Marshall College.

  2. How much is tuition?

    Adult Classes
    Class tuition is $165 per adult, except for ESL classes, which are $200 per adult. This includes a 10-week group course focused on interactive language learning.

    Family and Children’s Classes
    Class tuition is $200 per family or $150 per child (if enrolled individually). This includes a 10-week group course focused on interactive language learning. Our teachers are trained in the Your Language Connection approach to provide dynamic and fun learning for you and your family.

    Private Instruction
    $50/hour—Private instruction focuses on your needs/wants in language learning. Your teacher will go at the pace you set, focus on your desired outcomes, and tailor the course to your schedule. Private instruction can be arranged for one or two people, or a family.

  3. How many students are in an average class?

    We limit our class size to 12 students. Our goal is to give students the opportunity to engage. This also allows our teachers to give each student personal attention.

  4. Is my child old enough or ready to learn a new language?

    Children all over the world are learning more than one language as babies. Children can easily learn a new language. The question you should ask is, “Is my child ready for a classroom setting?” You know your child best. Because our classes are fun, full of activities, and have a variety of ages, children are very successful in learning a new language in this environment. You are welcome to sample a class with your child.

  5. How is the curriculum designed to meet the needs of the client?

    We listen to the clients to find out their specific needs related to vocabulary, phrases, and questions typically used in their day-to-day lives. The curriculum includes the language skills needed to put it all together and communicate on a basic level. The design also takes into account that everyone is coming with different background knowledge, learning styles, and language learning abilities. There is more flexibility in our curriculum than in a traditional class.

  6. What if I am not sure about my language level or ability?

    By answering a few questions, Your Language Connection can help you determine which class is right for you. You are also welcome to observe a class for free to decide if it is the right class for you.

  7. Will I be fluent after I take a language class?

    The nature of language learning is an ongoing process, meaning you learn the language step-by-step, and like anything, it takes practice. While you may not be fluent after a 10-week course, our focus is to make you feel more comfortable communicating in the language, and have fun in the process!

  8. What if I didn’t do well in my language class in school?

    Because YLC takes a totally different approach than high school and college classes, everyone can learn any language. The classes are small, informal, and fun. The focus is on conversation and not on test taking. The teachers are very approachable, and the pace of the class is determined by the participants.

  9. How soon should I register?

    We encourage you to register as soon as you decide which class you want to take. We accept registrations up until the date the class begins. However, closer to the start date, we cannot guarantee an opening in the class.

  10. Will I need to buy books or materials for my class?

    Materials are provided for most classes. If a book is needed, you will be informed when you register. A list of additional resources is also provided by the teacher so that you may purchase materials to support your language learning if you would like.

  11. Do your teachers give homework?

    Our goal is not to overwhelm you with homework and tedious assignments. We understand that many of our students are busy with jobs, families, school, and other obligations. Our teachers give short assignments meant to reinforce and complement what you learn in class. For example, your assignment may be to write questions to ask your classmates, and then in the next class you will use those questions to start a conversation in the language! Your Language Connection wants everything you do to enhance your language learning experience.

  12. As a corporate client, how do I go about setting up classes in my business?

    The first step would be to arrange a meeting with Michelle Salinas to discuss your needs and draft a contract for services. Next, there would be interviews to gather information about the communication and vocabulary needs of the business. A curriculum will then be designed to address these needs. The day/time/location of the class will be chosen by the client, as well as the starting date.

  13. My company/organization/school has documents that need to be translated into other languages. Do you offer this service?

    Yes. We offer translation services in many languages. Contact us for more information.

  14. I am looking for an interpreter for a meeting or appointment. Do you offer this service?

    Yes. We offer interpretation in dozens of languages. Contact us for more information.

  15. I would like to give someone the gift of a language class or camp. Do you offer gift cards for your classes?

    Yes! Language learning makes a great gift for anyone. Contact us to purchase a Your Language Connection gift certificate for your loved one today. Please specify the amount you would like and any special instructions.

  16. Does Your Language Connection have job openings?

    View open positions at Your Language Connection.

Your Language Connection is dedicated to providing quality instruction and excellent customer service.

Michelle Salinas

Throughout her professional career, Michelle Salinas has proven to be a qualified, dedicated teacher and truly has a gift for language instruction.

Michelle’s qualifications and accomplishments:

  • Bachelor’s of science degree in Education from Millersville University
  • Certificate of Language from the University of Madrid, Spain
  • PA Instructional II in elementary education and secondary Spanish.
  • PA Certification for teaching English as a Second Language (ESL)
  • Bilingual teacher for Carter & MacRae Elementary, 7 years
  • World Language teacher for Wharton Elementary, 6 years
  • Traveled throughout Spain, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Ecuador, and Costa Rica

Your Language Connection has been overseen by Michelle since 2000, and she thoroughly enjoys the opportunity to teach adults and children new language skills.

Read about some of our many professionals who bring our services to you in over 20 languages!

Michelle and Your Language Connection were featured recently in the SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) Lancaster blog. Read more about the Your Language Connection story!