So you decided you want to learn Spanish and you started looking for different options: books, video courses, live lessons, apps, you name it. You start wondering if you should take lessons in person or online, with a group or one-on-one, or maybe you should self-teach yourself.
There are so many options that you start feeling overwhelmed. Should you use this book or that one? Can I do it on my own, or do I need a tutor? Is this app any good? Many people claim that their course or their method is the best one out there.
So you start reading reviews, and while you find that there are some negative opinions on some courses or methods, you mostly read raving reviews of people claiming that what they did is the best way to go.
So how can you know what works and what doesn't? Well, the question shouldn't be what is the best way to learn Spanish, but rather, what is the best way FOR YOU to learn Spanish.
Let me give you a personal example of how this works. I am a visual person, I like learning by watching things. So you would think that a book with lots of pictures or videos showing what things mean would be a good fit for me. However, I don't really like sitting and doing non-work activities, and I don't usually have many hours a day to dedicate to my language studies. So I found out that what works well for me are audio lessons. That way I can learn while I am commuting, or doing house chores.
This example shows why knowing your learning preferences is just the starting point. Your lifestyle, schedule, and personal habits are equally important in choosing the right method.
Whatever method you choose should meet three essential criteria:
Be enjoyable - If you don't enjoy what you're doing, you won't stick with it. Language learning is a long-term commitment, so find something that feels engaging rather than like a chore.
Train your brain to think in your target language - The goal isn't just to memorize words and rules, but to develop the ability to think directly in Spanish without translating everything in your head first.
Make you progress - You should see improvement over time, whether that's understanding more conversations, expressing yourself more clearly, or feeling more confident using the language.
While grammar can help you understand the structure of Spanish, in most cases it doesn't accelerate your learning because it makes you overthink. Remember, you're trying to train your brain to think in Spanish and to acquire the language naturally. Too much focus on grammar rules can actually slow down this natural acquisition process.
You should have a way to track your progress, whether that's through an app, a journal, or regular check-ins with a tutor. Seeing your improvement keeps you motivated and helps you identify what's working.
Creating habits is really important. Sometimes doing something consistently for a short period of time every day beats having long sessions and then abandoning your efforts after a few weeks. Even 15 minutes daily can be more effective than cramming for hours once a week.
Your Available Time: Do you have dedicated study blocks, or do you need to fit learning into busy moments throughout your day? Some methods work better for intensive study sessions, while others are perfect for learning on the go.
Your Learning Goals: Are you planning to travel to a Spanish-speaking country next month, or are you learning for long-term personal growth? Your timeline affects which approach will serve you best.
Your Budget: Language learning can range from free apps to expensive private tutoring. Be honest about what you can comfortably invest without creating financial stress.
Your Motivation Style: Do you thrive with structure and accountability, or do you prefer self-directed learning? Some people need the social pressure of a class, while others flourish learning at their own pace.
Traditional Classroom Learning works well if you enjoy social interaction, benefit from structured schedules, and like having a teacher guide your progress. It's ideal for people who need accountability and enjoy learning alongside others.
Private Tutoring is perfect for those who want personalized attention, have specific learning goals, or need flexibility in scheduling. It works especially well for people who learn better one-on-one or have unique learning challenges.
Language Apps suit busy people who want to learn in short bursts throughout the day. They're great for visual learners who enjoy gamification and want to track their progress easily.
Immersion Programs are excellent for adventurous learners who want rapid progress and aren't afraid to make mistakes. They work best for people who can dedicate significant time and have some basic foundation.
Self-Study with Books and Audio appeals to independent learners who prefer to control their pace and schedule. It's ideal for people who are self-motivated and enjoy structured learning materials.
Here's the truth: most successful Spanish learners don't use just one method. They combine different approaches based on their needs and circumstances. You might use an app for daily practice, attend a weekly conversation group, and listen to Spanish podcasts during your commute.
The key is to start with one method that appeals to you, then gradually add others as you discover what works and what doesn't. Pay attention to which activities you actually enjoy and look forward to – these are the ones you'll stick with long-term.
Be wary of any method that promises you'll be fluent in an unrealistic timeframe or claims to be the "only" way to learn Spanish. Language learning is a personal journey, and anyone telling you there's a one-size-fits-all solution probably doesn't understand how learning actually works.
Also, don't feel pressured to stick with a method that isn't working for you just because it worked for someone else. Your learning journey is unique, and what matters is finding what keeps you motivated and progressing.
Begin by honestly assessing your current situation. How much time can you realistically dedicate to learning Spanish each week? What's your budget? What are your specific goals? Once you have these answers, choose one method to start with and commit to it for at least a month.
Remember, the best way to learn Spanish is the way that you'll actually use consistently. A mediocre method that you stick with will always beat a perfect method that you abandon after two weeks.
Your Spanish learning journey is unique to you. Trust yourself to find the path that works, and don't be afraid to adjust course when needed. The most important step is simply to begin.
This website has information about different methods, approaches, and courses to help you explore your options further. If you're looking for tutoring or personalized advice tailored to your specific situation, you can book a session with me.