All of the materials you need to plan, organize and conduct a Reciprocal Language Partnership (RLP) program are available on this web site to download and use at no charge. In order to access these materials, you must first obtain a password, which you can receive by speaking with Amy Devanney (see contact information below). Once you have a password just click on RLP Materials.

We highly recommend that sites have training regarding the program and use of the materials available on this web site. The charge for a full nine hour training day at our site in Holland, MI with two experts in the RLP program is $600 (this charge includes a hard copy of the RLP Operations Manual). The full day of training is for directors, coordinators, and teachers.

Consultation is also available from experts experienced in the use of the RLP materials. The charge for this consultation is $35.00 per hour.

While the program materials contained on this web site are available for you to download and use without charge, we kindly request a voluntary contribution to RLP (which is tax deductible) to help defray the costs associated with the maintenance of this web site and the periodic update of the class and program materials. A typical contribution has been $500. While you may give a contribution at any time during the semester, it may be convenient to do so within a week of the classes’ conclusion. Feedback and associated documentation from your experience can simultaneously be provided to the RLP organization at that time.

If you have an interest in arranging for a day-long training and/or consultation, please contact Amy Devanney at 616-403-9203 or by email

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The Reciprocal Language Partnership mission is to build unity and cross-cultural understanding through the teaching and learning of languages. Reciprocal Language Partnership pairs native Spanish speakers seeking to learn English, one-on-one with native English speakers seeking to learn Spanish. Learning languages is a primary goal. However, equally important is that the structure provides the opportunity for the two dominant cultures in the community to build bridges. Each participant offers the gift of teaching their native language and sharing their culture, while learning a second language and culture. This framework acknowledges and validates the gifts of both cultures. Furthermore, the one-on-one pairing, sustained throughout the class sessions, encourages and promotes the development of friendships.

Who is the Reciprocal Language Partnership for?

-Native English speaking and native Spanish speaking adults who want to teach their native language and also learn a second language.
-Adults who want to develop a friendship with someone from another culture.
-People who can commit to class attendance for a 12 week period.

What Will I Learn?

We currently offer three levels of classes: Beginner A, Beginner B, and Intermediate. The lessons are practical so that students can converse on a variety of topics with native speakers of the language they are learning. All lessons are designed to create cultural understanding while increasing language proficiency. Lessons are theme based and include a grammar and/or vocabulary focus along with specific language functions.

Beginner A is for students who have little to no proficiency of the second language.
A sample of Beginner A:
Lesson 4A has a thematic focus on Family and Hobbies. The vocabulary focus is verbs like work, drink, eat, sleep, talk, read and watch. The language function tied to this lesson is asking and answering yes or no questions and sharing likes and dislikes.

Beginner B is for students who have some basic proficiency in their second language.
A sample of Beginner B:
Lesson B’s theme is Jobs. The grammar focus is future tense of be and the superlatives best and worst. The vocabulary tied to the theme is the adjectives safe, dangerous, difficult, easy, interesting and boring. The language function is describing one’s job and conducting short interviews.

Intermediate is for students who can communicate with speakers of their second language but need to increase their vocabulary and practice aspects of the second language grammar.
A sample of Intermediate:
Lesson 7’s theme is Community/Neighborhoods. The grammar focus is future tense will and going to. The language functions include making predictions, giving opinions, and making plans.

How Will I Learn?

You will be paired one-on-one with a native speaking adult of the language you want to learn. Instructors teach the classes from our approved curriculum, while you and your partner immediately practice the presented material with one another. You will be listening to, speaking, reading, and writing your second language and your partner will do likewise. Most language practice is with your partner, however often there are activities in which you will practice with other students in your class or in whole group activities. You will be immersed in your second language for a full hour. A class session consists of one hour of Spanish immersion and one hour of English immersion. There is no translation in Reciprocal Language Partnership classes. You will learn by listening, watching, using pictures, gestures, considering context, etc.

“We are excited about organizing RLP in Iowa! During our training in Holland, we enjoyed the opportunity to participate in a real RLP class. To sit across from classmates who were excited about teaching us basic Spanish and then to have the opportunity to share basic English with them was a great experience!”

Rosalinda Cortez:
Reciprocal Language Partnership has helped me work on my English. This will help me support my family because I can find a better job, have better earnings, and also feel more part of the community through the friendships I made in class.

Testimonials from Reciprocal Language Partnership alumni

To be together. To share the two languages, English and Spanish, was marvelous!
~ Maria D.

Through my participation in the Reciprocal Language Partnership program, my oral Spanish speaking skills increased greatly and I am now more comfortable in my conversational Spanish skills. I know that the opportunities I had to practice consistently each week through the Reciprocal Language Partnership program greatly helped me attain these skills.
~ Kathy T.

Beatriz and I had fun learning from each other and laughing at our mistakes as we learned how to correct them. I had been looking for a way to learn Spanish and meet Spanish speaking people in Holland and this program was just what I needed.
~ Jackie F.

The RLP atmosphere was fun and encouraging and allowed a unique venue for cross-culture sharing to take place. There were no prejudices, no judgments on who knew more or less, no competition. We were all students joined by the desire to learn and share and help each other.
~ Robin P.

English 2010

Spanish 2010

Participants will read the book Esperanza Rising in their 2^nd language and come together for bilingual discussion. The book club is an excellent way to enhance English and Spanish reading and writing skills, as well as provide continued practice in speaking and listening skills. The club and discussion will be facilitated by Christa Holland-Anderson.

The Book Club, being intiated this semester, will meet at First Presbyterian Church in Holland from 7 pm to 9 pm the following evenings:

1. March 1^st
2. March 29^th
3. April 19^th
4. May 24^th

Note: This semester’s Book Club has been filled, keep an eye out for future Book Club offers!