SEASIDE – Spanish-speaking immigrants sometimes have a difficult time, students in the Seaside United Methodist Church literacy program said. They have a language barrier, often work two or three jobs and deal with assumptions that someone who speaks English with an accent must not understand it very well. However, there are resources in Clatsop County for Spanish speakers to get a GED, learn more English or improve reading and writing skills.

Study for the high school equivalency exams. (Estudie para los examenes de equivalencia de secundaria.) Clatsop Community College is holding high school equivalency classes starting this week to study for the GED exam 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday. Classes are at 1653 Jerome in Astoria and continue for 10 weeks, with a cost of $25 for the year. For more information, call 338-2475 or 338-2316 (se habla espa”ol).

English as a Second Language. (Ingles como un segundo idioma.) Free English classes are available at the college today and Thursday, and at the South County Center on 1475 N. Roosevelt, Seaside, Wednesday and Friday starting this week. The classes are from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and last 10 weeks. For more information, call 338-2557 or 338-2316 (se habla espa”ol).

Volunteer Literacy Tutor Program. (El programa de tutores voluntarios de alfabetacion.) Free classes to improve reading and writing are offered at St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 1465 Grand Ave. from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Catechism training is available for children during the Wednesday class.

The Astoria Yacht Club has a free reading and writing class from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays at 1555 W. Marine Drive next to the Riverine Apartments. For more information, call 338-2557 or 791-4835 (se habla espa”ol).