My Spanish Learning Journey: Practical Tips and Reflections

4 minute read

Learning Spanish has been one of the most rewarding parts of my experience living in Mexico. Before moving, I had tried a few different methods to get myself to a conversational level, and after arriving, I realized just how much further I still had to go. Here, I want to share some of the practical methods I used that helped me get better over time—methods that were realistic and fit into my busy life.

Prepping in the U.S.: Classes and Duolingo

Before moving to Mexico, I took night classes at a local high school. These community programs were instrumental in getting me from knowing virtually nothing to having at least a basic level of understanding. I did this for about a year, which gave me a foundation in reading, speaking, and understanding Spanish. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a significant first step.

I also used Duolingo early on. While it’s often criticized, and I agree it has limitations, I found it helpful as a daily practice tool. Spending just a few minutes each day seeing Spanish words and thinking in Spanish was better than nothing. I wouldn’t say it’s enough to get you fluent, but it’s a good way to get started if you’re just beginning. Once you start feeling like Duolingo isn’t adding value anymore, it’s okay to move on to other tools.

Flashcards with Anki: Building Vocabulary

One of the best tools I discovered after arriving in Mexico was Anki, a flashcard app that lets you create personalized decks. Every time I heard a new word, read something unfamiliar, or struggled to remember a particular term, I’d add it to my Anki deck. The trick is to not overwhelm yourself with trying to memorize every single word—focus on the ones you keep encountering or know will be useful.

I dedicated five to ten minutes every morning to reviewing these flashcards. It was a manageable amount of time, even on busy days, and over time, it really helped build a solid vocabulary. The key is consistency—it’s not about cramming but about steady, daily progress.

Daily Listening Practice

Another method I used that I found incredibly helpful was daily listening practice. This doesn’t have to be anything formal. I would often listen to Spanish audiobooks or podcasts for five to ten minutes each morning. I started with familiar content, like Harry Potter, because I already knew the storyline, which made it easier to follow along in a new language. Listening every day helped tune my ear to the rhythm and sounds of Spanish, making real-life conversations more comprehensible.

Realism in Language Learning: No Quick Fixes

One thing I’ve learned through this journey is that there’s no quick way to learn a language. No single method is the best for everyone—it depends on your personal learning style and, most importantly, what you can stick with consistently. I tried several things: group classes, flashcards, listening exercises, and later, even private tutoring. Each had its place in my learning process.

In the beginning, group classes were excellent because they offered social interaction and kept me motivated. I don’t recommend starting with one-on-one tutoring unless you’re already at a high level, as it can be isolating. Now that I’ve reached a more advanced stage, I find private tutoring useful for diving deeper into Mexican history, slang, and cultural nuances—things that even some native speakers might not know. At this level, it becomes less about the basics and more about understanding cultural context and subtleties.

Perseverance Over Speed

Learning a language like Spanish doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, and it’s important not to rush or expect instant results. I’m in my 30s, and while I may not learn as quickly as I did in my younger years, I’ve found that dedication, perseverance, and responsibility have allowed me to keep improving. Learning a language is like any other worthwhile pursuit—it requires patience and consistent effort, but the rewards are more than worth it.

Key Takeaways

Start with Community Classes: If you’re in the U.S., take advantage of local community programs to get a foundation in Spanish.
Use Apps Like Duolingo—But Know When to Move On: Great for early stages and building a habit, but eventually, you’ll outgrow it.
Anki for Vocabulary: Create personalized flashcards for words that matter to you. Just five to ten minutes a day can make a big difference.
Daily Listening: Five to ten minutes of listening practice each day will help with comprehension and getting used to the flow of the language.
No Shortcuts: There’s no fast track to fluency. It’s about putting in the time and being consistent, not about perfection.

Learning Spanish has been a journey of ups and downs, but it’s made my experience in Mexico so much richer. I hope these tips help you in your own language-learning journey—whether you’re planning a move or just want to challenge yourself with a new skill.