Practice With a Native Spanish Speaker

One of the most effective ways of learning Spanish is to practice with a native Spanish speaker, however that may be harder to do depending on where you live. Here are a few ideas for supplementing your learning with computer programs such as Rocket Spanish or Learning Spanish Like Crazy.

One place to look is to try and find a community outreach program or church who are trying to teach English to Spanish speaking immigrants. Volunteer to help them. While you are helping them with their English, they will be helping you with your Spanish. Depending on the English level of the person you are helping, you may have to explain certain concepts in Spanish in order for them to understand. When you are placed in a situation where communication is a priority and you have no choice, you naturally develop your communication skills.

For me living in Mexico, especially when I first arrived, I remember going to the market and buying food, and having to speak to everyone in order to accomplish my task. The Spanish I was speaking soon improved, and I was able to be understood.

Remember that if you don’t practice what you are learning, you will not improve and you will be throwing money away.