Best Way to Learn Spanish

Best Way to Learn Spanish

It is said that with more than 400 million native speakers, Spanish is second most spoken language in the world. So it is not shocking that many people like me have “Learn to Speak Spanish Fluently” on our bucket lists. Perhaps, this is because learning Spanish can help with business or give us a leg up while we travel. But for me, becoming fluent in Spanish holds a very important and personal meaning. Finding a way to learn Spanish will allow me to connect to my Cuban heritage.

If you explore The Adventure Travel List part of The Bucket List Project, it won’t take you long to find the item titled “Visit Cuba: Visit my Cuban Family Homeland“. In fact, it is one of the top items on my entire list only behind some Personal Growth items. But with it now being easier to travel to Cuba from America, why haven’t I tackled it with full enthusiasm? Why haven’t I walked the streets where my mother and grandparents walked many years ago?

The main reason for me: because I speak Spanish very poorly. You see growing up, I took classes and spoke Spanish with my family whenever I was given a chance. But, we didn’t live near our Cuban relatives. Plus, growing up in New Orleans, I never really had an opportunity to practice my Spanish. Therefore, without practice and more study, my level of Spanish stalled at a child’s speaking level.

Now don’t get me wrong, this basic level of Spanish has worked for me while travelling the world. I was able to manage while walking the Camino de Santiago across Spain, backpack to Machu Picchu in Peru, and explore the amazing street art in Cartagena, Colombia. But with Cuba, I don’t want to just manage it. When I get to Cuba, I want to interact with the locals, find my mother’s childhood home, and really dive into the culture more than just the way a tourist would do.

So now what?

Well, I created the bucket list project as a way to make a conscious effort to start tackling items on my list! Therefore, to go to Cuba, I need to first take care of item #36 – Learn Spanish Fluently. Thus, I have researched 5 of the best way to learn Spanish and then some advanced techniques to help you practice what you have learned! If learning Spanish is on your bucket list, hopefully one of the five below will help you too!

1) Learn Spanish with a 1 on 1 Language Trainer

Older Brother helping his younger sibling learn spanish
For me personally, Language Trainers are hands down the best way to learn Spanish. There is just something about having someone 1 on 1 to hold you responsible for your learning. What I like is that it forces you to study even if just for an hour with your trainer. For example, I had a Spanish language trainer before I went to Spain. She would work not only on my grammar and pronunciation skills but hold me responsible on days I didn’t do my homework. Plus, everyone learns differently, so a good language trainer can tailor lessons to your level rather than a blanket approach.

To learn with a 1 on 1 Spanish trainer we recommend: Language Trainers

Learning Spanish can help with business or just give you a leg up while you travel. But what is the Best Way to Learn Spanish? Discover a few great ways to help you learn Spanish today! #LearnSpanish #SpeakSpanish #LanguageApps Click To Tweet

2Learn Spanish with a Language App

Babbel Spanish learning app on a cell phone
Probably the 2nd best way to learn Spanish is via a language app on your phone or mobile device. The reason why I like language apps is that they combine effective education methods with state-of-the-art technology. Plus they are extremely convenient to use whenever you have a break. Rather than checking Facebook or crushing some candy, you can score points while playing interactive games in Spanish. In general, these games will help you learn the more commonly used words and phrases in Spanish. But it is a start!

Apps that are the best to learn Spanish are:

  • Babbel – Babbel is currently the #1 selling language learning app in the world. What I like is that most of their lessons can be done in 10 – 15 minutes. Plus, you can practice dialogue based on real-life situations rather than asking where the damn “biblioteca” is! Plus, can get 50% off a 6-month subscription at Babbel when you click here to download Babbel for your computer, smartphone, or tablet.
  • Duolingo – Probably the 2nd most popular language app, Duolingo operates in a similar manner as Babbel. With this app, it seems that you can schedule a fixed amount of time every day and it fits your lessons around your schedule. What I like is that Duolingo turns learning into a game where you earn points for correct answers as you race against the clock. So now your boss can’t yell at you for playing because you keep playing that word tile game on your phone. Instead tell him you are studying!
  • Memrise – So in doing my research, Memrise is becoming more and more popular from the looks of it. From what I gather Memrise takes old school flash cards to the next level. But it is not just another flash card app. (Yes they make flash card apps if you’re into that!) Essentially, it teaches you Spanish by showing you a limited amount of words, phrases, or concepts per lesson. Then they test your retention with multiple choice quizzes. One of the features that many people like is that there is plenty of Spanish lessons. But you can also words or phrases you need to learn whether for business or otherwise.

Image of the program called Babbel which is of one of the best ways to learn Spanish, German, Italian, or even French

3) Learn Spanish with Classic Language Software

man sitting in a coffee shop wearing headphones learning spanish from Rosetta Stone on his Apple laptop computer
If you been conscious for the last 25 years, then you will recognize the infamous yellow box from Rosetta Stone. This software has been the leader in learning Spanish on your computer. Their comprehensive self-paced program offers ways to learn words and phrases that will help you in real life Spanish conversations. Plus they offer great audio tools to help you not only with pronunciation but also understanding natives in a real conversation. There is nothing worse than being told something in Spanish and replying, “huh? can you repeat that MAS LENTO!” because he spoke too fast or with a proper accent! My only issue with Rosetta Stone is that for the price you better be committed to using the software. But with that said, like anything, if you use their software properly, you can find success.

4) Learn Spanish with Old School Books

assortment of Spanish learning text books
There is something to be said for digital Spanish learning tools. They are always accessible, easy to use, and often very interactive. But just like the resurgence of music records, there is a new interest in old school Spanish lesson books. Perhaps this is due to people suffering eye strain from staring at a their screens too long or just the desire to hold a real book again. Either way, there is no lack of books at your local library or BooksAMillion that can help you learn Spanish!

Here are a few books we found that are the best to learn Spanish:

  • Living Language Spanish – This book teaches Spanish with proven techniques that will help you express yourself rather than regurgitate words you memorized like a parrot.
  • Spanish for Dummies – So this may seem really silly to add Spanish for Dummies but after doing a lot of research they have an entire series of books that cover every aspect of learning Spanish. They have books for intro, intermediate, grammar, verbs, common phrases and more.
  • See It and Say It in Spanish – So this book by Margarita Madrigal has been around for a while. Yet, it still maintains itself as one of the best ways to learn Spanish. I remember getting it for Christmas from one of my Cuban uncles several years ago who wanted to help me improve my skills. It’s great because right from the start, the book leads you into speaking conversational Spanish. One of the best features is that it implements line drawings that illustrate the words you are trying to learn!

5) Learn Spanish by Studying Abroad

a person taking notes in a Spanish immersion class
I love the book in this picture because “Via Fora” essentially translates to “GET OUT!” Sometimes you just need to get out of your current environment to learn something new. This can definitely be true with learning a foreign language like Spanish. Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t always easy. But if you are going to go on vacation anyways, why not spend it doing something for yourself! In my personal experience, I learn far more Spanish while being forced to engage locals in another country. Plus, there are several international study abroad programs that offer unbelievable experiences that go well beyond the class room.

Study Abroad Programs that we like are:

  • ESL – ESL offers study abroad programs in over 250 destinations around the world. What I like is that they offer programs that fit anyone from business professionals to young adults enjoying a gap year.
  • International House – With over 160 schools in 52 countries, International House tries to make learning Spanish or any language enjoyable and functional. While learning Spanish they throw you into cultural experiences so you not only learn but have fun too.

Advanced Techniques to Help You Learn Spanish

neon sign on a brick wall that says Hola
One of the problems with learning anything is retaining what you have learned. This has always been a problem for me. So after doing some research, I have found ways to help you practice your Spanish no matter what method you choose to learn. Since I am a sensory learner, I find these ways engage me in different ways that will hopefully solidify the Spanish language.

  • Watch things in Spanish – Whether you watch Sesame Street on your tv or you subscribe to fun educational Spanish shows on YouTube, your eyes will reinforce your skills. Plus, it will help you put visuals with words to help make them easier to remember.
  • Listen to things in Spanish –  There have been countless studies that prove that music can help with memory. So bust out your favorite playlist and sing along. On top of music, there are countless podcasts that teach Spanish in a fun yet educational way.
  • Read things in Spanish – Obviously you can always read some of the books we listed above. But you should also add fun magazines, comics, or your favorite novel in Spanish. I remember my parents giving me Castor and Pollux or Pitufos (the Smurfs) comics in Spanish when I was kid. It was a great way for me to be entertained while secretly I was learning Spanish.
  • Write things in Spanish – Writing things out is a great way to commit them to memory. So whether you write out a daily journal that you share with your Language Trainers or you plaster all the things in your house with sticky notes written in Spanish, it can all help.
  • Learn a new hobby in Spanish – One of the best ways to learn Spanish is to engage in a way outside of the classroom. It doesn’t matter if you decide to learn how to work out, build something, or take up a new talent. By trying to read the instructions in Spanish, can possibly help you strengthen your skills.
  • Talk to other people in Spanish – Obviously, real life practice with other people is a great way to further learn Spanish. There are often meet up groups in your own community where you can go to practice your pronunciation skills and for an added bonus you make new friends.

So there you have it. Some of the best ways to learn Spanish along with some advanced techniques to help you practice what you have learned! Is learning Spanish is on your bucket list? Have you used any of the five ways above to learn Spanish? What has been the best way you have learned Spanish or any other language? Let us know all about it in the comments below!

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Disclaimer:  This is a collaborative post. With that said, all opinions in “Best Way to Learn Spanish” are our own. Also, “Best Way to Learn Spanish” may contain affiliate links. Using the links doesn’t cost you any extra, and it helps keep The Bucket List Project Blog free, fun, and community supported! Eric & Darcee will never recommend a product that we don’t genuinely believe in, actually use ourselves, have researched, and trust. Please see the disclosure policy for more information.

110 thoughts on “Best Way to Learn Spanish

  1. I’ve always wanted to study abroad but didn’t get the chance to and it’s definitely an asset to know how to speak another language.

  2. Learning new language is a bit of challenge for me. These are some great ways to learn Spanish!

  3. I was actually using Babbel to learn Spanish. However, I don’t want to avail yet for their paid plan. I learn new alternatives with this article.

  4. Great tips on how to learn Spanish. We actually went to Cube this January and we came back in love. My daughter wants to go back asap.

  5. Although I speak Italian, German, and French very well I have never considered learning Spanish but my older niece is trying to learn that via some app. I bet this post is going to help her and I’ll share it with her!

  6. I used to learn basic spanish via Google Translate and an application called Duolingo. Also we are a little same with Spanish words so it is great and kinda easy to learn.

  7. The list of options for learning Spanish is comprehensive. And as a bilingual person, I can tell you the best way to learn is to have someone to speak that language with. So studying abroad would be my number one option, with having a group of friends who are fluent in that language being a close second.

  8. Using a variety of methods is a great way to learn a new language. Then travel to a country that speaks the language and practice with the locals!

  9. I’m actually trying to learn Spanish right now by picking up bits of conversations in Spain! I’ve tried using apps like Duolingo and it’s helped a little but doesn’t teach you the proper way to construct a sentence. I think I’ll look into some old school books like you’ve said while the pandemic is on and then head to a class!

  10. I dip in and out of learning Spanish. It can be so hard to focus on it for the years you need to!

    1. Totally agree Samuel. With all that is always going on, I often get distracted and then abandon my spanish classes for a few weeks. I guess it take a lot of discipline and drive too!

  11. The best way to learn a language is to really immerse yourself in the culture and make it a part of your life. I am not a native English speaker, but my parents spoke to us in English so I couldn’t count English as a language I learned cus I kinda grew up learning it.

    My sister, however, speaks French fluently. She took it up briefly when we lived in London and she decided to minor in French when she was in college. She was OK, but what really made the difference was when she left for France and studied there for a semester.

    That sealed the deal. Now, she works as an investment banker, handling European accounts.

    1. Could not agree more Crickette! I study and use all the tools often listed here. But whenever we visit a Spanish Speaking country, it is only after a few days that it all starts to solidify in my mind and I become somewhat better at my second language! Now If only I can convince Darcee to move with me to Spain!

  12. I am using this time to do the whole Duolingo app to perfect my Espanol! I grew up in Calfornia where many people spoke Spanish, but it has been a long time. Next year we may have a foreign exchange student from Spain.

    1. That’ll be awesome. Yeah, you better practice so you know what that exchange student is telling their family back home in Spain about you! Haha!

  13. Love these ideas. I really liked Duolingo when I used it. I’m also in a women’s travel group that has all kinds of language circles available. (Virtually, right now!)

  14. Great suggestions Eric – I’ve been fortunate that my husband learnt Spanish in school, so as we were traveling around South and Central America, and even Spain, he was my personal translator 😀 The apps and one on one language trainers are great, and I am going to make the resolution to learn in 2020.

    Loved your suggestion of watching things in Spanish – I did this in Costa Rics actually inadvertently, but it actually worked quite well! Friends was on TV, and I know the English episodes BY HEART lol so it was actually a good tool for learning the language, by watching full episodes of my favorite re-runs :D!

  15. I have always wanted to learn the Spanish language.. not sure why really, cause never been to the Spanish-speaking countries yet.. haha. I will check out the app for sure. I think that this will be the easiest way to do so for me. Thank you for the advice.

  16. I LOVE to travel. And one of the most important languages during my travels has been Spanish. It’s a beautiful language and will help you out with SO many things. Awesome write-up.

  17. Fantastic list of ways to learn Spanish. I would probably do the same as I learnt French and try and switch English out of mind,and watch and listen music, television etc and try and get involved with conversations even if I dont know the language. There is only one way to learn and that is to try.

  18. Those are pretty good ideas. Nowadays, with Spanish and English, you can pretty much go anywhere. Lucky for us que somos españoles! 🙂

  19. Nice read. I have always wanted to be bilingual. Spanish would be my choice especially for my love of international travel. Learning Spanish just moved higher on my to do list. Thanks for all the tips.

  20. Hi, Very Good Article. I really appreciate it. Well researched article. Now you got one regular visitor to your website for new topics. Keep up the Good Work Thanks for always sharing. Nicole Graham

  21. Talk about a comprehensive post! I wish I would have seen this a few years ago when I was first trying to learn Spanish. Luckily, I ended up marrying a Colombian and the learning happened naturally 🥰

    P.S. Cuba is top on my bucket list! I’ve been dancing salsa in Colombia for the past couple years and would love to see how it is in Havana!

  22. Great post, really how much easier is life now with apps! There is something for everything! Going to a foreign country this is a big help!
    Happy Travels 🙂

  23. These are all great tips. I took Spanish in high school and college; very little stuck with me. I think I’d do best by being in an immersive situation.

  24. I think any of those choices would be great but I know that language school is very helpful and a quick way to learn. Steer clear of the super expensive programs such as Bertlitz, it was a total waste of our time. We left there knowing beer (like we didn’t already know that one), pen, and sunglasses, I kid you not! LOL

  25. These are all such great suggestions! I speak french fluently (thanks to university courses and a six week immersion course in Quebec) but just a little Spanish (thanks to a university course I took during my French degree many years ago). I’ve always wanted to learn Spanish more fluently but more so, I always want to learn more of the language spoken where we’re visiting. Before our visit to Switzerland many years ago I tried to teach myself German using an app. It actually worked great. Slow, but great! I think its so important for all travellers to at least be able to say key phrases when travelling even if you don’t necessarily understand everything that is said to you. The goal of being fluent is fantastic!

  26. Great tips here! As an American living in Spain I definitely know the struggle of truly learning a language fluently. When I first arrived in Madrid I thought I was pretty ¨fluent¨, but manohman, actually living in a country is where you really learn! Aside from spending a serious amount of time in a country that speaks the language you wish to learn, I agree that watching films and series and reading in that language are two of the best ways to pick up vocabulary.

  27. Learning on an app is a great way to learn another language. I was trying to learn Spanish on the duo lingo app and it was really helpful when I kept up with it daily. Of course, once I stopped I forgot almost everything. I need to get back on the app again:)

  28. Eric, I hope you are able to cross two items off of your bucket list. It is so much easier to learn language in this age of technology. Our kids have the Duolingo app on their phones. Granted, they are not studying languages hard-core, but they do learn a surprising amount. I teach in a high school, and one method our language teachers use is watching movies with subtitles on. They have found watching a movie in Spanish with English subtitles, or vice versa, effective in immersing the students in the language.

  29. I would love to learn Spanish which is the world’s second spoken language. Also learning through Language App would be easier for me. Thanks for sharing all tips.

  30. Such a great post! I can speak French fairly well and am in the process of learning Spanish ( the last few years). There is nothing like having someone hold you accountable because otherwise I get lazy and don’t practice. I have tried lots of the methods here and also meetups in South American countries. Poca a poca…..

  31. Me encanta este articulo! Me comencé a aprender español tenía 16 años y aunque soy conversacional, quiero ser fluida. Lo leo y lo escribo much mejor que lo hablo. 😉 I have tried many of the items on your list and they all most definitely helped. Especially reading, writing and watching all things in Spanish. I love Latin music, began watching American football in Spanish when ESPN2 started broadcasting Monday Night football en español and even bought a copy of Diary of Anne Frank in Spanish when I was at the house in Amsterdam. I try to post on social media in Spanish some too. I’m to the point now that I want to do an immersion program because I feel that’s going to be the only way to push myself into speaking and hearing fluently (and that and live in a foreign country are on my own bucket list). I have Spanish heritage (down the line) but I’m the only one in my family who wanted to learn! We’ll get there!

  32. Oh man can I relate. I have 4+ years of Spanish under my belt, from high school to college, and all I have to show for it is a fluency is saying “donde esta la puerta, la puerta estoy aqui.” 😉 I am now working on learning German as we spend so much time there and I have found success with both Rocket Language (they also have Spanish I believe) and Duolingo. For me, language is hard. For my wife, she hear a new language and it seems she just starts to pick it up. She’s fluent in German, conversant in French. Me, I am fluent in British and American … two very different languages … that counts, right?

  33. I’ve been using Duolingo and language software to try to learn a new language. However, I completely agree that you really need many of your advanced techniques like watching things in that language to really master a new language. I also switched my devices over to the new language to force myself into it. It’s a little tough when you get error messages on your phone though. 🙂

  34. This was on my list last year! My hubs and I took a conversational class at our local library, but it just wasn’t enough. I really want to keep moving down the path to learning Spanish, so I’ll delve into some of your suggestions this year!

  35. I am so bad with learning languages that I tried to learn French and Spanish a while back and I just could not! Having said that, you have listed some really good ways of doing it, should someone be keen. You’re so right about one of the hardest things about learning is to retain what you’ve learned and to speak to others in that language, have friends who speak that language or a hobby in that language are some really good ways to do it!

  36. I was using Duolingo to learn German and it was so fun. Spanish would be useful to learn.

  37. Ohhhh it’s so dreamy to learn a language (especially sexy Spanish) with locals in an exotic country! If I can’t make that happen though, Duolingo is the BEST…it’s so easy to use and I love the receptiveness (it really helps me remember).

  38. I should be better at Spanish by now ha. I grew up in California and worked in the service industry my whole life. I can read and write, but get nervous to speak it, because I don’t want to say it wrong. Silly I know. I just downloaded Babbel, I’m going to try it now.

  39. I’m trying to better my Spanish. These are all such great suggestions. Thanks!
    xx
    Izzy
    Isabella David Vintage

  40. I gave up on Spanish years ago, but that was long before language apps were invented. You’ve just inspired me to give it another go, especially considering my partner wants to relocate to Mexico next! Thanks for the tips.

  41. Spanish is also a super fun language to learn. We used DuoLingo for basic spanish skills before we did a big trip to South America. It helped us a lot.

  42. This is a great post for those who want to learn Spanish! For young people, the best way is definitely to study abroad in a Spanish speaking country, especially in South America since they speak slower than the Spaniards in Spain! As for me, I learnt Spanish when I was in highschool. Of course, I’ve forgotten a lot of it, but that’s alright because whenever I need a translator, I’ll just have to ask my wife Kerstin who’s got a Master in Spanish Literature. haha…

  43. I should really do the same for my French. Personally, I do find being in a French-speaking country is much the best way to learn – there I am naturally drawn to reading in French too.

    I wish I’d studied Spanish too at School, here in the UK it wasn’t that common.I’d be Fascinated to hear more about your Cuban roots and growing up in New Orleans!

  44. I’d love to be able to speak Spanish fluently and some of those language apps look interesting. It would be amazing to go and live in Colombia or Cuba or Spain, where you’re forced to speak the language daily. I’m sure you would learn pretty quickly!

  45. I can totally relate. Back when my work schedule was less tight, I was able to squeeze in a Spanish language class accredited by the Embassy of Spain itself. It has been a dream for me to speak this language because pardon me to say this but I feel like speaking Spanish for me is sexy! Well, after 3 months I have to quit because adulting is hitting me so much. I have to work and language school is an hour away. I salute you though for your persistence to learn this language.

  46. Eric, totally appreciate this post – I’m in the same boat and always interested in other views about learning Spanish. Totally agree nothing is better than taking lessons with native speakers – and complimenting with apps, reading, watching shows in Spanish. I also found that language meetups were great. For instance – I live in Colombia part of the year and virtually any week you can meet up with Colombians learning English – it builds up your confidence and makes you realize we are all just trying to achieve the same things. I’ve also met many friends this way – so many friends to practice. I also got out of my head that I can’t do languages — and how I do with it, is the effort I put into it. Keep on learning, thanks for your insights and suggestions on tools.

  47. I have tried to join intensive courses two weeks a year but it never brings me further. I think I will apply your tips and give a try again. I lie this languages as well Spanish food and culture very much.

  48. Such a great list! But you forgot the most important on – have a romantic relationship with someone who only speaks Spanish 😛

  49. Great post! Mu husband’s been trying to learn Spanish too. Will definitely share this with him. Good luck with your Spanish learning and travels! Thanks for sharing <3

  50. What a great list! I have heard really good things about Duolingo. I have never heard of Babbel but I will definitely check them out.

  51. Learning a different language is definitely on my bucket list. I took French in school, but the cobwebs have crept in now…I’ve been using Duolingo recently and really like that approach, so I may use some of the other apps you suggested – thanks for the tips!

  52. Great tips! I have tried studying a wide variety of ways, but nothing had me speaking and understanding Spanish like three months in Spain. I guess I learn best when being left to sink or swim!

  53. I have tried to learn Spanish using an app, but I lack discipline haha – I love the idea of reading old books in Spanish!

  54. I am from California and when I visited Costa Rica, I found out that Mexican Spanish is different than true Spanish. Are the sources you suggest, the TRUS Spanish language?

    1. So common there’s definitely I need difference with central American Spanish and even South American Spanish versus Caribbean’s island Spanish and the Spanish of Spain. With that said most Programs use meanly proper Spanish Out of Madrid. However learning it won’t hinder your language skills in places like Mexico at All in the same way that Learning English in America doesn’t hurt your ability to speak when traveling to London

  55. That is quite the incentive to learn Spanish. We homeschool our kids. This semester we are using Babble to learn French and Italian before we set sail for Europe.

  56. Eric

    Duolingo is my go to language tool. I stumbled on it about a year ago and your post reminded me to throw the app on my ipad before my trip to Costa Rica next week. I will have some good down time to practice and we will be heading to Cuba in July. It will give me some time to practice before our trip. We want to get to Cuba before it gets too commercialized. Thanks for the great reminder.

  57. Eric,

    Thanks a lot for great article. Currently I am spending 20-30 minutes everyday to learn Spanish language on Duolingo and it works really well. Currently I have almost 5000 xp in spanish and will try to reach 8000 or even 10 000 until I go to Central America in beginning of February.

    I think I will increase level of my Spanish speaking and reading skills a lot while travelling for 7 weeks in only Spanish speaking countries. And I think duolingo is a great app to have the basics before going there.

    Anyways, I should also try other tools you suggest in your article when I will become more serious about that.

    Joseph.

  58. Thanks so much for this timely reminder! I started learning Spanish a year ago for a trip to Colombia. Since I returned, despite my promise to keep learning the language I’ve been quite lazy. There are a couple of things in your list I haven’t tried (Rosetta Stone + practicing with Spanish speakers) – time to pick it up again 🙂

  59. I would love to increase my Spanish speaking levels as well! I took classes in middle, high, and a tad in college but I’m sure a 4 -year-old could speak better than me. I love all of your ideas on how to become immersed in the language. You provided a tool for all incomes, time frames, and attention spans!

  60. I love This! I was just looking into taking a class so this was very helpful! . I have some followers on Instagram who speak Spanish me which forces me to respond in Spanish so I find this is the best way for me to learn

  61. I’m a Spanish teacher (K-8th grade) and tutor High School Spanish. I can tell you these are all great ideas! The more you practice (immersion) the better. And, the sooner (I teach 5 year olds!) the better.

    1. First of all, thank you for confirming as a Spanish educator that these ideas are going to help!
      Second, I couldn’t agree more that immersion is on of the Best Ways to Learn Spanish! I love how Spanish teachers like yourself are now teaching other subjects in schools but in Spanish or another secondary language. Its a genius way to learn more and solidify your skills!

  62. When you don’t have the opportunity to simply be immersed in a language in order to learn it, I’ve found the most success with apps like Duolingo. I’ll have to compare it to the others you recommend up above. Some of the ones on this list are new to me, so I’m excited to check them out!

  63. These are great tips. I would love to speak a few different languages Spanish being one. In high school I was able to read and write it okay for not knowing the language, but I sounded like I was butchering it lol. My nephew learns it at his elementary school then they get to go to Mexico and learn their culture and eat authentic food (so jealous)! I think that is amazing. I’ll have to learn it to keep up with him lol.

    1. I love how kids are learning Spanish or other languages at such young ages in school. Hope you practice with him. Studying with kids is probably another best way to learn Spanish for sure!

  64. I’ve never heard of Babbel but I’m excited to check it out! I’m actually looking into learning a new language this semester at school.. Definitely will have to use your tips before classes start! Thanks soo so much for sharing!!

    1. Babbel is awesome. I just signed up for 1 year and love it. It’s great for someone in school too because it doesn’t take too much time and you can take it every without hauling some giant text book!

  65. Thanks for the tips! Both of my kids are learning to speak Spanish in school (classes) and I have been thinking about refreshing my knowledge of the language myself.

  66. Great tips. We’ve done many of these. I find that watching Netflix shows in Spanish is a good way to keep my mind on the language without seeming like I’m “studying.”

  67. This is a great! I’m from the Philippines and some of our words are Spanish because we were colonized many years ago. I think the best way to learn it is to literally talk to native speakers.

  68. I started using Duolingo about a month ago for Spanish. And I really like it so far. The game thing is very motivating for me.

  69. Hi there Eric!

    Thank you for sharing this very personal post about Spanish and your relationship to the language! I’m crossing my fingers that you are well on your way to improve your Spanish 🙂

    However, even though, I understand why you are bit hesitating about jumping on a flight to Cuba, I can only recommend that you get there as soon as possible. Learning a language is hard work with gradual improvements, but being around people whom speaks it all the time is the best master class you can ever have.

    At first you might feel completely lost (we all do when we come to Cuba for the first time) and will properly find it hard to communicate with people, but little by little I’m sure that you will be able to improve and have long fruitful conversations with your relatives in Cuba.

    Once again, I understand your hesitation but I don’t think going to Cuba necessarily needs to subordinated to learning Spanish – couldn’t you do both at the same time? 🙂

    All the best of luck! Abrazos Becci

    1. You are absolutely right Becci. Going to a foreign country and diving right into the language and culture is probably the greatest master class anyone can have because you have no choice but to try. Perhaps I have used My lack of advanced conversational Spanish as a crutch or excuse not to go to Cuba but I think is time to find me get over myself and dive right in.

  70. Gosh you have everything in this post! It’s super helpful for me because I am currently learning Spanish lol. I moved to Spain 3.5 years ago and my Spanish is now getting better but I’m hitting a block… So only recently I’ve been getting my Spanish friends to converse with me in Spanish (one of your ideas!) also I work on Duolingo every day and today will be my 550th consecutive day haha! I think some people, myself included, just aren’t natural language learners so your tips are super valuable! Thank you 🙂

  71. I find that using multiple tools to learn anything. I took three years of Spanish and don’t really remember much of it.

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