- Have a clear goal for learning Spanish
Having a clear goal helps you focus and have clarity in your studies. If you want to learn Spanish for traveling, look for a broader vocabulary, with common everyday expressions. For example, you can look for travel guides in Spanish and learn about terms related to reservations, cuisine, etc.
If you want to learn Spanish to study abroad or to get a jumpstart in your professional life, you will need a more academic and/or business-oriented vocabulary to learn the terms and expressions that are appropriate in these environments. If you’re looking for high-quality education, there are many Spanish schools across Spain that cater to different learning styles and proficiency levels.
Don’t forget to have a strict discipline and set your study goals. Every moment you have contact with the language will help you learn faster.
- Read everything you can in Spanish
This tip actually works for learning any new language! It can be used in newspapers, books, online news – it can even be used to change the settings on all your devices (phone, computer, etc.) to Spanish. This way, you’ll discover more common and practical vocabulary in a very intuitive way.
- Practice with real people
Whenever you can, try to talk to real people. If you’re ready to take your Spanish to the next level, enrolling in a language program in Spain is the first step. Many students choose to learn Spanish in Spain because of the structured learning experience combined with the excitement of cultural immersion.
- Watch movies in Spanish
There are countless movies I could recommend, but you can certainly find your own selection by going to Netflix. Invite your friends over, have an Almodóvar movie marathon, and have a great time while practicing your Spanish.
- Do an exchange
Going on an exchange program is a transformative experience. Living in a new culture, listening to, reading and experiencing the language 24 hours a day changes a “switch in your brain”. It may seem a little difficult at first, but in a few days, you will be speaking and understanding the new language much more naturally – with the added bonus of getting to know a new destination and making lots of friends. So, if you have the opportunity to study a language abroad, be sure to take advantage of it. Even if it’s just for 2 weeks on vacation, I’m sure you’ll come back feeling like a different person.
- Listen to lots of music
Listening to music is a huge pleasure for me and I’m sure you can find a song that resonates with every stage of your day – in Spanish! Feeling in love? How about listening to Julieta Venegas or Jorge Drexler? Feeling excited? Spotify has a great party-ready playlist to learn Spanish fast. Missing your teenage years? How about listening to the good old (or not so old) Shakira and Ricky Martin?
- Make good use of your free time
What if instead of scrolling through Instagram or Facebook on your way to university or work, you used that time to learn Spanish? Take advantage of free language learning apps like Duolingo and practice whenever you can. I promise that 30 minutes a day makes all the difference.
- Don’t get discouraged
In our busy lives, it can sometimes be very difficult to dedicate 100% to learning a language. So, when you can’t put in the effort, don’t feel guilty. Learning a language should be a pleasure, not an obligation. I guarantee that if you find a way to have fun doing it, everything will be much easier. Even so, when you can’t, take a deep breath, organize yourself to get back into your study routine and remember your ultimate goal.