THE SPANISH ADVENTURE BLOG

Can AI Replace Human Interaction and Cultural Exchange in Language Learning?
Learn Spanish Juan Martinez Learn Spanish Juan Martinez

Can AI Replace Human Interaction and Cultural Exchange in Language Learning?

Nowadays, learning Spanish seems as easy as downloading an app and clicking around until you get the “Congratulations! You’ve completed the level” notification. But let’s be honest, are you really going to become fluent in Spanish with just automated exercises and fictional dialogues with a bot? That’s like thinking you can learn to surf by watching YouTube videos: it sounds nice, but when the wave hits, you’re left floundering and clueless. So, if you’re wondering how to learn Spanish quickly, ditch the illusions and let’s get real.

Read More
The Colorful World of Colombian Sayings: Unraveling the Charm of Spanish Expressions
Learn Spanish Juan Martinez Learn Spanish Juan Martinez

The Colorful World of Colombian Sayings: Unraveling the Charm of Spanish Expressions

If you're looking to learn Spanish, immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of Colombia is one of the best ways to do it. Known for its friendly people, stunning landscapes, and unique local expressions, Colombia offers an incredible backdrop for language learners. When you dive into the Spanish spoken in Colombia, you'll quickly realize that it's full of colorful sayings, slang, and expressions that give the language its heart and soul. In this blog, we'll take a journey through some of the most iconic dichos (sayings) and slang that will help you speak Spanish like a true Colombian.

Read More
How to learn Spanish?
Learn Spanish Juan Martinez Learn Spanish Juan Martinez

How to learn Spanish?

So, what’s the plan to really learn Spanish? Do what you need to do with the apps and books, but don’t stop there. True fluency and the fun come from getting out there, interacting with people, and letting yourself be swept away by the language and culture.

Read More
Respond in Spanish like a Native: Common Spanish Phrases
Learn Spanish Juan Martinez Learn Spanish Juan Martinez

Respond in Spanish like a Native: Common Spanish Phrases

Learning Spanish can be a long and difficult process. Once you’ve learned the basics well enough to carry on a simple conversation (trust me, you’ll get there soon enough), you can start adding some common phrases to your repertoire. Using common phrases will make others think you’ve been working to master Spanish for a long time, and may even convince native Spanish speakers that you know what you’re doing! Your confidence will be supercharged, which will open doors for you to have more in-depth and real-world conversations. You’ll be well on your way to learning more and more Spanish.

Read More
How I learned Spanish in 6 weeks during my trip (from zero)
Learn Spanish Juan Martinez Learn Spanish Juan Martinez

How I learned Spanish in 6 weeks during my trip (from zero)

A month and a half ago, I landed in the city of Medellin, Colombia, with only my backpack for company. There I was, a little lost, but ready for the greatest adventure of my life: a solo tour of South America. But first, I absolutely had to learn Spanish!

Because clearly, I didn't really have a notion, zero, nada. Oh yes, I had just learned "dónde está el baño?", in case of absolute necessity. And I took a year's Spanish course in Belgium a few years ago, in vain. After explaining my slightly complicated background with this beautiful language, I'm now going to share with you my biggest secrets for learning Spanish fast. Have a seat, grab a coconut lemonade, vamos!

Read More
How to ask questions in Spanish
Learn Spanish Juan Martinez Learn Spanish Juan Martinez

How to ask questions in Spanish

If you're planning to travel to Colombia or San Carlos, you'll need to know how to communicate with the locals and also learn Spanish in Colombia can be a fanstastic idea. In touristy areas, people might speak to you in Spanish, but in many areas of the country, people will speak little to no English, so you'll need to use your Spanish skills. One of the most important things while traveling to Colombia will be knowing how to ask questions.

Read More
Learning a Language in the Countryside
Learn Spanish Juan Martinez Learn Spanish Juan Martinez

Learning a Language in the Countryside

The countryside gives more opportunities to get into natural environments and explore a variety of landscapes, flora and fauna while you are learning spanish. You'll find yourself getting familiar with the area and with local people much quicker than you would in a city. Add to that a laid back atmosphere, and you'll be feeling comfortable and at home in no time - allowing you to relax and keep a positive mind-set as you take on the task of learning a new language.

Read More
6 Slang Words and Phrases in Colombia you will Hear a lot
Colombia Immersion, Learn Spanish Juan Martinez Colombia Immersion, Learn Spanish Juan Martinez

6 Slang Words and Phrases in Colombia you will Hear a lot

Colombia is one of the most popular travel destinations in South America due to its beautiful landscapes, rich history, and because of the incredibly diverse and friendly people who call Colombia home. So, if you want to speak like a Colombian, here are the top 6 most common and strange words/phrases that you will hear when travelling through Colombia.

Read More
Searching for my (Spanish) sense of humor
Learn Spanish Dan Balcauski Learn Spanish Dan Balcauski

Searching for my (Spanish) sense of humor

I was able to immerse myself in the Spanish language of Colombia and the peculiarities of San Carlos. It was a unique experience! And for the first time I really enjoyed learning a new language. The wonderful view, the dedicated teachers and the many friendly locals, were of course instrumental in this! My motivation to learn more is there; but I really hope that...

Read More
Why learn Spanish?
Learn Spanish Juan Martinez Learn Spanish Juan Martinez

Why learn Spanish?

You already know that there are many reasons to learn Spanish here, in San Carlos. But what if what you are struggling with is not where to study Spanish, but if? There are countless reasons to learn Spanish, but the ones listed in this blog are the most important ones to me.

Read More
Life experience over job experience
Learn Spanish, Travel Blog Juan Martinez Learn Spanish, Travel Blog Juan Martinez

Life experience over job experience

Like with most tasks that have been put on hold for a while, I’m having a hard time finding a place to start. So why not start in, uhm, southern Italy, in June 2019. Back then I was on vacation, camping and surfing with some good friends. The weather was incredible, our camping site was located right by the ocean and the wind was strong. Shortly before, I had just started my first job in a rehabilitation hospital after finishing university for a degree in psychology. My original wish was to travel the world before starting my career, but that’s kind of difficult when you don’t have any money saved up for it. So I did what my parents urged me to do: I took the path of flawless CV’s and least resistance, leading straight into the world of full-time-work. I searched for a job to begin my therapy program, found one, and eventually started helping people get their life back together while mine was not really where I wanted it to be.

Read More
4 Reasons Why You Should Learn a Language (& Travel!) with your Partner
Travel Blog, Learn Spanish Juan Martinez Travel Blog, Learn Spanish Juan Martinez

4 Reasons Why You Should Learn a Language (& Travel!) with your Partner

My husband and I have been together for a little over 4 years. The first night we met, I told him about this epic “World Tour” that I was planning to take one day and he was ALL about it. Fast forward a few years to early (“pre”-pandemic) 2020: we were celebrating our wedding and looking forward to finally making our World Tour dream a reality… and then COVID-19 happened.

Read More
Slow Down, the Best Way to Learn Spanish - Student Profile
Learn Spanish Juan Martinez Learn Spanish Juan Martinez

Slow Down, the Best Way to Learn Spanish - Student Profile

Travelling is a wonderful exciting adventure, but being away from home for an extended period of time can take it's toll. My advice: slow down. Studying Spanish allows you to travel more easily, have more authentic interactions with locals, and it’s also a wonderful opportunity to slow down and settle in somewhere for a little while. I’ll tell you why you won’t regret it!

Read More