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

Learn Spanish

Dec 19

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!

I went back to school in a small town in rural Colombia

Once I'd arrived in Colombia, and after a few days in the city of eternal spring, I took a 4 hours bus to San Carlos, located in the Antioquia region, for an imminent return to school. Here I was for a 6-week Spanish course at Spanish Adventure, the best Spanish immersion school in my opinion. But ... Would it be enough to deal with a new language ?

I arrived at the school on Sunday and was warmly welcomed by the volunteers. Clearly, I wasn't expecting this: I arrived in a big, lovely house in the middle of the hills. Everything was so beautiful and so different from what I knew in Belgium, my home country. Well, It's not every day you get a pig for a pet, you might say!

After a good night's sleep and a day of discovery, I started my first Spanish course on Tuesday. At first, it was very difficult, I can't hide it. I couldn't help comparing myself to the others and devaluing myself. But believe me, you're far from alone when you start! The advantage is that we're placed in classes that correspond to our level of Spanish, which means we're more comfortable speaking. With the help of our teacher, we finally dare to speak up and say a few words. Over the weeks, I've met several other teachers, all of whom are excellent, funny and interesting.

Best of all, every day we have an hour of practice lessons (1 to 1). Some of the teachers don't speak English, which is perfect. Every week I learned new vocabulary, better understood what was being said around me and could even speak in the past tense! Quite an evolution, isn't it?

Everything at Spanish Adventure is made to get you moving fast: the grammar and discussion classes, the Spanish project classes, the nature adventures in San Carlos and even the Wednesday night dance class! Yes, twerking contributes to our learning. Everything is an excuse to learn new vocabulary every day. And that's what I love about living here: the daily practice.

*Project of the week in Spanish : carnivals and festivals*

The advantage of living in a small town in Antioquia is that most people don't speak English. So shopping is a unique opportunity to practice. A kind of personal exercise. It's amazing, you're already saying "muchas gracias", "lo siento" or "con gusto". How easy is that?

I volunteered

After a few weeks as a student, I finally became a marketing volunteer. A new step and not the least.

Spanish Adventure welcomes new volunteers every week via their website. The idea is to mix student life and carrying out tasks in our chosen field.

So I continued to go to classes in the morning and do all the activities, while at the same time taking care of the school's social media and cleaning the house once a week. It was challenging, but so nice to see myself progressing a little more every day.

I got to know the locals

This is one of the golden rules: dare to reach out to others, chat with the waiter in the café, go to the discussion evenings organized by the school in town, take fresh air and walk in the streets and meet people... In a small town like San Carlos, people will be delighted to help you and talk with you. No need to discuss politics, just talk about what brings you here, your trip or your family. Every week, you'll get better and better at conversation.

*We walk around and talk to people in Spanish*

Over time, I've really gained confidence in myself. It's rewarding to be able to express yourself freely in another language.

*Big fiesta in San Carlos with Colombians we had just met*

I listened to music (and not just Reggaeton)

I confess, I'm an unconditional fan of Daddy Yankee or Bad Bunny. But Colombia has shown me so much more. Good student that I am, I created a Spotify playlist dedicated to my learning with more traditional songs, music that makes you happy when you listen to it.

Here are some Colombian artists you should definitely check out

I watched films in Spanish

What could be better than jumping under your blanket for the evening to watch Coco or Encanto on Disney +? With some nachos, por favor !

I took breaks

Be kind to yourself and take a break. Your brain will thank you. The great thing about Spanish Adventure is that you get to go on nature adventures 2-3 times a week! Fresh hill air, horses frolicking, cows dozing in the meadow... It's the real thing.

*Take the time to breathe in a natural environment!*

Traveling, the school of life

I know, I speak a lot about San Carlos because it was a dream setting to study Spanish. A small town nestled in the heart of the Colombian countryside, 4 hours from Medellin. I came to improve my Spanish, but I left having learned a lot more. I learned to acclimatize to cold-water showers (well, almost), to approach people in the street even if I was scared to speak, to live 24 hours a day with the other students from all over the world and even to improve my English (yes, I normally speak French…).

*One of our great Saturday adventures, a hike to “Piedra el Tabor”*

Spanish Adventure was above all a life experience. So no, I don't speak the language perfectly yet, but what an evolution in such a short time. And what memories I have now in my head ...

So, no matter where you are in your journey, I 100% recommend immersion in a less touristy region. Daily practice with locals, music or films will help you evolve very quickly and give you confidence for the future. Buena suerte y disfrute de su viaje a Sudamérica !