Me da coraje.
That expression literally means “it gives me courage,” but it’s also like saying it pisses me off.
And that’s how I am feeling.
I just stumbled on two reviews of Synergy Spanish on the internet. They give my course a moderate review and a glowing review to a competitor.
That would be fair if they were honest reviews but they are fake.
The reviewers haven’t even taken my course.
How do I know?
Well, this statement gives it away.
“There is no audio interaction in Synergy Spanish.”
WTF!
Synergy Spanish is full of audio. It has over 12 hours of audio. The whole idea of Synergy Spanish is interacting with the audio. Abundant audio is integral to the Synergy Spanish success system.
Another online liar, I mean, reviewer, said: “Synergy Spanish has no free demos.”
Come on! I give away heaps of free demos. If you follow my emails, I have given away more audio lessons than most courses charge for.
I’ll show you where to get some more in a moment.
But first you need to understand why anyone would write a review like this.
It’s all about the money.
I believe we should make a contribution to the world while we make a living. My contribution is my talent to simplify Spanish and making it doable for everyone who wants to speak the language.
The burros (donkeys) contribute nothing. They wrote the fake reviews to get listed on Google. They use those fake reviews to then get paid affiliate commissions from my competitors.
Shame on them!
What really bugs me is that the BS reviews could stop someone who really needs to speak Spanish benefiting from my ability to make Spanish achievable. It irks me because I know with most other systems they’ll never get to speak the language.
That would be a shame.
Why deny anyone the chance to speak Spanish?
If you’re not sure if my methods will open the world of Spanish to you, here are three ways to make the best decision:
1) A while back I asked my Synergy Spanish students to comment on the course. I wanted to know how far they went with the course and what they could do with Spanish. That way I would know what to build for their next step. They gave very open and direct feedback.
Here are some comments including el Bueno el malo y el feo (the good, the bad and the ugly:
http://synergyspanishsystems.com/studentscomments.html
2) Here are three free demo audios for you to try out:
http://www.synergyspanishsystems.com/blog/synergy-spanish/
3) Here’s the strongest guarantee you’ll ever find for a Spanish program:
http://www.synergyspanishsystems.com/guaranteed-to-speak/
Saludos
Marcus Santamaria
The proof of the course is measured by the results
I first started studying with Marcus in 2014. I have been receiving monthly lessons ever since then and am now on module 14 of the Advanced Concepts Intensive course. I am learning Spanish simply to be able to hold down a conversation when I go to Spain on holiday and as a hobby. I learn by listening to my MP3 player a few times a week, whilst I am walking or sitting at home. When I go on holiday,
I am now able to speak with a decent / credible accent (because of the nature of the course) in Spanish that is understood by all those I talk to – and, as long as they slow down when speaking, I am able to understand them. In fact, they are genuinely amazed that an Englishman has taken the trouble to learn their language and this always results in a fun interaction between us. I have made real life and Facebook Spanish friends and we exchange messages via Text and Messenger. No course can ever be a substitute for living with and speaking with real Spanish people, but this course has given me 4 years of pleasure, and has and continues to give me a great basis for when I am able to spend more time in Spanish speaking countries. I don’t know about other courses, but for me this one is doing the job just great – Gracias Marcus
Hi Marcus
Please ignore any bad reviews. I have been studying your course for the last 8 weeks during my 45 minute drive home from work. I didn’t know a single word of Spanish before I started and can now construct sentences – something I never thought I would be able to do when I first started. Your course is fun, rewarding and easy to learn. I look forward to becoming fluent in Spanish as I know that with your course, combined with my enthusiasm, this will be something that I will achieve. I have tried other courses before, needless to say, yours is the best.
Marcus
Ignore the bad reviews. I have been studying your course for 8 weeks during my drive home from work and cannot believe how far I have come and how much I am enjoying it. I was a complete novice and can now construct sentences – something I never dreamed I would be able to do when I first started. The sense of achievement is amazing and believe me I have tried more than one course without success, until I found yours:)
Marcus, Synergy Spanish is probably one best beginning courses I have seen. I wish there was a Synergy for Brazilian Portuguese. Have you ever thought of using your method for other languages. “Synergy Chinese” how cool would that be..
Yes, I have thought about other languages and I would love to create programs for them. However, I still have more ideas for courses to take my students further in Spanish. So, I am very focused on Spanish at the moment.
Hola Marcus, these other people really have not idea what they are talking about. I had searched relentlessly for a course that would be extremely convenient for my schedule. I do not have time to sit in a class with a structured timeline, nor do I have time to sit at a computer and follow cue cards etc. I have tried several other type of audios to much disappointment. Then, yes, I did find your FREE demo audios, tried them and was hooked. This course is absolutely perfect for me because I spend an hour or two in the car every day. And just as important to me, your voice-overs are not mundane as I have found others to be. I started with Synergy Level 1 – 68 audio lessons! Then purchased Shortcut to Spanish Level 1 – 31 audio lessons, Shortcut to Spanish Level 2 – 30 audio lessons. My most recent purchase is Bola de Nieve Module 1. I can’t wait for the other Modules to become available to me. What I am lacking is someone with whom to practice; however without your lessons, I still wouldn’t be able to say more than Hola. I plan to travel and spend a lot of time in Costa Rica – I’ll have a head start and be able to practice there.
Muchas gracias, Marcus.
I do not understand why anyone could or would find fault with synergy Spanish. I have studied Spaish off and on for 45 years and this is absolutely the best program available. I am still in the first program because I have so much else going on at this time but I have already learned so very much. Also I appreciate the free lesson that come to me not knowing I am already a subscriber. They are brief and outstanding. The lessons are easy, fun and so straightforward and simple that one hardly realizies they are learning. Just this morning I heard a couple speaking in Spanish in the elevator and when they asked me which floor without even thinking I answered in Spanish and then spoke to them as I might have done if they had been speaking English. If you are considering SynergySpanish give it a try. The free lesson are truly unfettered and you will be amazed at how exciting it can be to learn a language that has become almost essential to know.
I am on holiday in cancun . My girl friend has been speaking spanish for many many years. She always has her tapes playing in her car. I was never able to pick up anythig .Boring was my feeling. Here on holiday she can’t believe how well I am speaking spanish. I have gone from nada to suprise. I played your lessons for her, she can’t believe them , I have to pass them on to her . I thought she was fluent. She’s surprised me now. I only started your course I believe around July 2015. Marcus you have the best course , I did try a few other options and I would never be speaking at all. I have yet to see how my brother is getting along with your course . He’s been living in Tenarife for 13 years. Could not hold a conversation last year when I was there. You are brilliant brilliant, I thank you for your course its a cake walk. My life is richer. I can converse in spainish. I am 77 years. Beryl
Marcus,
I think I read one of the reviews… It does have a point about one thing, on your product website,
https://synergyspanish.com/
I could not find a link to this one – and in fact found this website through searching for reviews. I think merging the two websites somehow would be highly beneficial to your product.
Hola Marcus
Estoy estudiando espanol cada sabado, pero yo necesito alguno para mi cuando yo estoy casa a practicar. Tu programa es en cursos diferentes?
Gracias por su ayuda
Lauren
Marcus, I found your course brilliant and helped me no end with learning Spanish but have you considered expanding the synergy method to learn other languages…I’m trying to learn Irish, with great difficulty 😀 but it’s a shame there isn’t a synergy Irish… although probably more of a market for synergy french or german, 😀 keep up the good work…..
Keep on Marcus , your system is just right !
Erik 86
BTW – Your program is awesome!!!!!! It really gave me the head start I needed to get going with the language.
Everyone who I have introduced it to loves it as well. I can wait till you come out with more stuff.
Keep up the good work Marcus. Those who know from experience like I do could never give such a poor review.
Thanks for everything!!!!
Hola Marcus,
First let me say that I have spent hundreds of dollars learning Spanish. I have used online and in-person private tutors, Rocket Spanish, Pimsleur, Michelle Thomas, Learning Spanish like Crazy, Teach Yourself, Living Language, Speak Now, Linguaphone, Assimil, and stacks and stacks of books! Some of these programs were just ok and some were not.
I can honestly say without a doubt that Synergy Spanish will have you speaking natural sounding Spanish quickly and easier than all the others. I’m not talking about tourist Spanish either. I’m talking about stringing together natural sounding sentences without hesitating thinking about grammar and being able to hold a conversation. There is a ton of audio included….seriously a lot, with the transcripts. I don’t want to sound like an infomercial, but if you want to get conversational fast, this is the system to put yourself in.
I still think you MUST get in your speaking practice with someone, and listen a lot to improve your comprehension. Everything else including the grammar is already built into the way you learn with Synergy Spanish. Also make sure you start with the right course for your level of Spanish. There are different levels. I’m an actual “bola de nieve” student because It’s the most clear, easiest, and effective way I have found to learn real everyday spoken Spanish. Now I feel like my Spanish is constantly improving, which is a good feeling. I’m probably preaching to the choir, but this course is vale la pena!
Nick
Dear Marcus: With your system, I finally made a break through with Spanish I thing in 2008,, struggling for many years, because the Italian I studied while 18 would interfere. I went with you up to Bola Nieve. And I want to review.
I recommend your system to anyone I know who is studying Spanish. If they IF IF would teach it in our schools, we would have a great amount of Spanish speakers. Alas.
You have done a wonderful job and your own struggles and your skills as an English teacher were useful.
Sorry for these XYZ “reviews” who try to distort your system.
Sauerkraut KW
good stuff, easy to learn and useful immediately!
Hola Marcus
I have enjoyed all of your courses that I have done and continue you to do. What is exceptional about your work is that you ‘simply’ say what you do and do what you say and do it exceptionally well. Which certainly encourages me to do the best that I can with your material.You and your team are indeed honest, encouraging and supportive.
Muchas gracias
Saludos
Colin
Marcus your Spanish course is the very best that I have found , I am 74 and have struggled with many other courses for many years getting not very far, then I found you ,. I know ,,,,,not confident yet to write this message in Spanish , but when I have sent this I am going to try it in Spanish to myself.
Hey Marcus, bought your course (synergy spanish and bola de nieve) utterly brilliant, all others had failed (or at least I’d failed with them! ) haven’t bought any follow ups since my redundancy a while ago, but still keep getting your ”freebies”. You are an inspiration and I have managed to communicate with the locals on my recent trips to Spain, keep up the good work my friend!
Hi all I need ur help and $10 please see my bilingual Education for all project on http://www.startsomegood.com/cbccodebreaker2013 we believe all kids in Honduras deserve an opportunity 2 become bilingual. our game CODEBREAKER makes spanish verb conjugations a walm in d park! Help us go national then GLOBAL PLZ.
Hola Marcus,
Only the ‘Best Persons’ are attacked or put down by people who are jealous of the success of others. I started your course 2 years ago from “Short Cut” to currently “Advanced Concepts Intensive (module 10)”. Due to your unique teaching method, I am now at ease when talking Spanish. It is rewarding to be able to follow the Spanish News.
Two years ago, I was searching for Spanish Schools and tried some free lessons. I was not impressed. Somehow, after trying your free Audio lessons, I felt you had something different and better to offer. After 5 lessons I was convinced that with your method, I would master the language within 2 years.
Thanks to you Marcus, I now find myself thinking in Spanish. The words come to mind easier all the time. Not bad for a 73 years young lady! If I would have opted for another Spanish school, I am sure I would still not be able to make sensible sentences. Your free videos also have helped a lot. I wish you would also teach Italian because after 5 years I am still struggling with that language.
Marcus, have no doubts, you are the best teacher. Muchas Gracias.
Danielle Kennedy
Hi Yer Marcus.
I know what it’s all about just you rise above it and don’t get pissed off There is always someone around who wants to down you. It’s so obvious your courses are the tops and I have had a few experiences of those that claim to be. So Marcus stand your ground——your system of learning is by far the tops and I only wish You were around 10 years ago. So carry on the good work.
All the best.
Clifford Tracy
Clearly you are an innovator, and innovators only appreciaton with time. The fact that they take the trouble to criticise means thay sense a challenge in the status quo, which is great news, rejoice my friend you are getting there.
A MI Maestro excelente, No te preocupe, Your approach in teaching spanish is excellent. I’ve never been so interested in learning the language. I am married to uruguay man that’s why i want to learn spanish. Ever since i start learning it your way i can communicate to my husband whenever he can;t understand me in english. We live here in Australia and he needs to be fluent in english, so i don;t want to practice with him that much. I stop studying for a while because of my illness. but anyway i am practicing with some friends. muchas gracias y saludos Perpetua G. Mateos
That’s great feedback that it’s helping you communicate with your husband. I hope he has forgiven the Aussies for when they beat Uruguay to qualify for the World Cup.
Do you have a basic course for the past?
Shortcut To Spanish level 2, details about it are inside the courses tab at the top of the page.
Apart from the fact that this is detrimental to your company, you should take some respite in the fact that if you have enough money you can become the president of the usa. I have taken your synergie Spanish course and I found it very user friendly and uncomplicated the lessons really stuck with me. Anyone who has taken your beginners course would recommend it!
I was trying to learn Spanish as we had bought a place in Spain, then we split up, lost the property and the interest in learning the language, I have always struggled with learning languages but I like the way you teach, so I will be trying your method
Your approach to teaching the Spanish language exceeds any and all the others I have come into contact with. Thank you so much for your concen, thoughtfulness and desire to help
us all learn, speak and write the Language…
Richard
Good for you being upset and getting mad about the cheap shot review.
Keep up the good work and don’t let those jerks get you down.
Send me the coarse, I need to learn more Spanish.
Best Wishes, Cap
Marcus,
Your “Synergy Spanish” is an incredible way to learn the language. I must admit I am a sloooooooow learner as it has taken me nearly 1 year to complete the course but I work at my own speed so if I have to take several months off…no problem. My Spanish friends are often surprised because I tell them my Espanol is muy malo, but they say, “You speak very good Spanish”. It is all because of the way your program is structured so it is easy to make up new sentences (yes, that is why they think I can speak so well) by using the structure I’ve learned in the Synergy program. For me it is important to see written information as well as hear in the audio interaction portion so I enjoyed the exercises in writing, especially the English to Spanish.
I think it’s about time for me to move up so I am waiting to hear what your new program it going to be….hopefully it will come out soon.
Oh, and also, the reason I finally purchased your course 1 year ago was because of the many helpful emails that had demos and so much helpful information….FOR FREE. I was convinced that it was the best program and I compared it to Pimsleur which I now consider 2nd best.
Keep up the excellent work!
Mi miestro:
Creo en todos su cursos de espanol y tambien que todo quien tomar su cursos dicen como tenia y decir a sus amigos punto como fantastico son su metodos.
A little personal history. Less than two years ago I decided to learn Spanish. I tried a couple of differant courses before trying Synergy Spanish after about three months. I feel very fortunate that I found the Synergy Spanish path so quickly.
I believe, resonable people that truly want to learn Spanish (not just fill a requirement or get a credit) reach the conclustion fairly quickly that, learning nouns and gramatical structure is not going to get them there. I believe that they will continue to search and there is a better than good chance either through word of mouth or finding your web site, that they too will be fortunate.
Your web site projects sincerity, professionalism, and offers all kinds of FREE lessons to try and therefore see the learning potential in your approach.
Sincerely,
Thanks to the whole Synergy Spanish team,
Perry Young
PS: Soy actualmente estudiando el curso de “Ear Training” y estoy emocionado punto el proximo curso “Bola de Nieve Intensivo”.
Hello Marcus,
I would like to thank you for giving us the free demos which I learned a lot out of them and I look forward to receive them.
Thank you again and keep it up.
Doris.
Malta.
Hola Marcus! No se preocupe por esos comentarios!! Le estan haciendo publicidad Gratis!!!! Su curso es el mejor!!!! “A PALABRAS NECIAS OIDOS SORDOS”
Hi Marcus
I tried various different Spanish courses without getting anywhere until I found Spanish Synergy. I now live in a tiny Spanish town where English is almost non-existent and I can talk with the town folk without difficulty most of the time. I really enjoy your method of teaching and do some study most mornings with my early morning cuppa before the rush of the day starts. Thanks Marcus..
Marcus, I wouldn’t give ten seconds of my time to what reviews on the internet say about Synergy Spanish. 99% of the ‘net is a vast wasteland of garbage. We have all been very fortunate to have found Synergy Spanish. I have learned tons of Spanish from your course for a more than reasonable cost. As someone else noted, the fact that you are being attacked is proof that your programs are that good, and they are! I have listened to so many hours that I consider you, Elena and Jose Luis as “friends”. If you are ever in my area, vivo in las afueras de la “gran manzana” (New York City), I would love to meet you. Muchas Gracias.
Jay
I love Nueva York. With a bit of luck, I might see you there one day.
Hola Marcus y otros amigos,
I have been on El Camino Francais for almost 2 weeks. As a result of my use of Synergy Spanish I enjoyed the opportunities that I got to practice what I have learned in a very short time. My Synergy Spanish helped me enormously as very few people spoke English in Galacia, Asturias and across norther Espana.
Your methodology is 1st class, muchas gracias.
I adore your lessons. They are the best I have seen and I have practically memorized every one that I have been able to get free. Sorry I’m a free-loader but that’s the best I can do. I sincerely thank you. With your help and some tapes that I have been given, I’m learning slowly but still cannot understand a regular conversation—– they talk too fast!
YOUR LESSONS ARE THE BEST ANYWHERE!
I have done ALL the Bola de Nieve courses and I am waiting for the next. I do NOT want it to be tied to a computer because I listen in my car while traveling to and from work. I want pure audio like the previous lessons–on CD and MP3. I would like to pick up the pace a bit –with longer sentences, less explanation, and higher level vocabulary. I like the listen/repeat interaction. I have CDs that require just listening but without the repeat, I quickly lose my concentration. Thank you and hurry along with the next level, por favor.
It might make me look like a gike but I enjoy your emails and some day I may make the effort to take your course. I just love language and your anecdotes. We live with an English dictionary on the breakfast table. Frequently we look up words we are unclear about in German. French, and even Spanish which we don’t know as well.
Take heart, we love your work and wish you every success.
I am 73 and have a place in Mexico. Believe it or not after struggling to open up my language learning brain centers, keeping at it, one day I was a kid again and what I heard just flowed in. What a gift!
Federico
Moved from California, now living in Mexico with my wife of 52 years. She had 6 years of Spanish in her California high school/college so speaks the language well. (Growing up in West Virginia, I don’t even speak English ‘none too good’.) I’ve tried many many Spanish courses but 1) I didn’t learn much and 2) I didn’t enjoy them. Not true of Synergy Spanish. Do them for an hour or so every day. Learning a lot and enjoying myself.
Thanks Marcus. Joe
Hola! Marcus,
As a teacher of both French and English, introduction to the Marcus Santamaria method of learning Spanish was a blessing…I can’t understand why this method would not be used in all the schools of the world!!!
I started learning Spanish at 65 years of age (now 68), and even my wife can’t believe how well I do when we go to Mexico…I make it an objective to speak only Spanish with the native speakers…What I know I write perfectly, and speak almost perfectly…I’m still learning and I love it…no conjugating, no memorization, no themes, only common sense learning readily available for use!!!
My first experience in speaking with a native speaker was after only three months of Synergy Spanish and I spoke with our bus driver from the airport to our hotel for 45 minutes…what a joy!!!
Thank you for the free lessons that convinced me immediately to buy the course. I am now finished with Bola de Nieve and ready to enroll in the next course.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS METHOD OF LEARNING TO ANYONE. The traditional learning method is a sure-fire way to fail!…If you don’t believe me, take a traditional course, then try the free lessons!
Thank you, Marcus, for giving me the opportunity to enjoy myself while learning.
Marcus
don’t let these bogus reviewers get you down. We at fun-learning-spanish think your course is first class and have just reminded our 7000 Twitter followers and 600 Facebook friends of this fact.
Keep up the good work! See our review at http://www.fun-learning-spanish.com/spanish-courses.html#synergy
You know that what you are doing is what people want, so as we say in Ireland, “feck ( not a polite way of another word) the begrudgers” . Some people survive by pulling others down when they can’t achieve themselves. Believe in yourself- the others are not even worth responding to. If they were worthy they wouldn’t need to use untruths.
you are a time waister.
In your original e-mail to me, you promised A FREE SPANISH COURSE.
From then on, you just keep sending all this stuff trying to get people to pay
for something you promised for free.
If you are a man of your word, do what you promised.
Thanks for your time.
There are hours of free lessons I give away and my subscribers get the “speak Spanish and be understood” audio course for free as promised.
I am sold on SynergySpanish.! I have tried several programs including one very big one with a “stone” in the name, but the only time I have made any progress is with synergy. I think it’s because of the short lessons. I am a professional procrastinator, but with the synergy system I never feel like I have to give up 1/2 a day to learn a little Spanish. Thanks Marcus!!
Marcus:
You have the BEST program on the market. Even at 70, I am determined to learn the language and I know you will be out there. Thanks to you and your family.
Marcus, you make it fun and easy, muy facil. And I’m able to open my mouth and speak, which lots of other courses do not do. Your shortcuts to communicate in the language is worth more than most of the parroting courses out there. A side note; a fun thing about this blog is, you’ve just taught me another easy way to say “I’m pissed off”. Very cool. Keep up the great work y muchisimas gracias!
Hi marcus
I think those are haters and do not mind them. Im one of those who ordered synergy and I can tell you that it has benefited me so much, coz now im able to understand what pipo are saying and able to speak a little in just a month.
I have recommended your Spanish lessons to many of my friends. I wish I could have had this
program years ago when I was trying to learn Spanish. I was taught with verbs, nouns ect. and
it was very difficult for me since I didn’t exel in the language arts. When I moved to Mexico I
started to learn by speaking with the Mexican people, who were more than happy to help me.
Hi there Marcus
Dont mind that rubbish thats being mailed to you.I had just about gave up the idea of studying spanish again until i came accross your spanish courses.Let me tell you they are top notch, i know this because my spanish has come on in leaps and bounds.Every year i holiday in Fuertaventura and now i have muchos amigos and they are really impressed how my spanish has come on,so i guess that says it all,dont you think?.Muchas gracias otra vez.
Salud
Martin.
No te preocupes Marcus – your students know how effective you methods of teaching are and, if they are like me, tell people who are looking for a great way to learrn Spanish all about Synergy.
As Matt has said – you are getting out there and facing it head on.
The idiots who have made the false criticisms of your course will be found out should some gullible people believe the “glowing review” (given by those who to use Matts phrase “attempt to increase their own web presence at your expense”) and miss out on Synergy & Bola – then that is their loss.
Keep on teaching us, keep on giving us emails that expand our vocabulary and ability to converse naturally in real life.
“no dejes que los bastardos te machaquen – te necesitamos” – or something like that!!
Kind regards and thanks
Howard