How to learn Spanish?

Learning Spanish: IA, Apps and Books? Nah, Better to Live It on the Streets

Learning Spanish might sound like one of those New Year’s resolutions you start with enthusiasm and drop after two months. The best place to learn Spanish? Spoiler alert: it’s not your room with a dozen apps open. It’s easy to get caught up in the convenience of books or apps that promise to turn you into a “pro” in no time, but how real is that? It’s like thinking you can learn to drive just by playing video games: without real practice, you’re headed straight into a ditch. So, if you really want to get the most out of Spanish, you’ve got to step out, take risks, and put in the effort.

The Real Deal: Learning Spanish on the Streets, Not on the Screen


Street Lessons: Better Than Any Online Course

You’ve probably wondered how to learn Spanish without complicating your life. Apps are cool and online courses help, but nothing compares to facing real life. Have you ever tried ordering an arepa with everything and ended up with something you didn’t even know existed? That’s where the magic happens! It’s on the streets, in the shops, and in random conversations where you truly learn. It’s not just about knowing what each word means, but understanding how the locals use them, feeling the rhythm, and letting the language surround you.

                                              Learning Spansih on the streets througt coversational activities with locals                     

Cultural Immersion: Because Culture Is the Soul of the Language

Sure, you could spend hours on YouTube watching Spanish tutorials, but if you don’t get why Colombians say “¡Qué vaina!” for just about everything, you’re missing the best part. How do you learn Spanish and really understand what it’s all about? By living the culture. Go to a few local parties, try the empanadas from the corner shop, dance to vallenato even if you have no clue how to move your feet. That’s where the language becomes real—when you feel it in the air and live it firsthand.



Talking with Natives: The Full Package

Talking with real people is what really sticks. You can spend your life saying you’re learning Spanish, but if you’re not speaking with someone who has it in their blood, you’re just talking to yourself (and that doesn’t count). Natives don’t just teach you words; they show you how it really is. They drop phrases that aren’t in the books and correct you with that brutal honesty you won’t find in any translator. That’s how you learn: by messing up, laughing, and trying again.



Technology: A Good Ally, But Don’t Rely on It Too Much

Sure, apps and online courses are all the rage, and they’re super useful when you have no other option. They help you review, practice vocabulary, and even learn handy phrases so you don’t go blank. But can they really replace the guidance of a good teacher or the energy of a face-to-face conversation? Honestly, that’s not going to happen. Technology is great and all, but a screen can’t give you the feeling of finally understanding a fast-paced conversation between Colombian friends, full of “parce,” “¿qué más?” and “tranqui, todo bien.”



Can Technology Replace Human Interaction and Cultural Immersion?

The truth is, no matter how advanced apps and online courses get, they’ll never be able to replicate that human connection. Learning a language isn’t just about stacking up words and phrases—it’s about connecting with people, understanding their humor, their worldview, and being part of their culture. Technology is a great tool, but it can’t give you the satisfaction of finally getting that local joke or confidently responding in a casual conversation.



Conclusion: The Magic Is in the People and Living It to the Fullest

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. In the end, learning Spanish is more than an academic challenge; it’s a gateway to new experiences, friendships, and ways of seeing the world. So go on, drop the excuses, and dive in. The streets, the locals, and full immersion are what will really take you to the next level. See you on the journey, amigo!

Language exchange every Saturday in San Carlos 




Previous
Previous

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

Next
Next

Respond in Spanish like a Native: Common Spanish Phrases