What is the Most Accurate Way to Learn Spanish?

So you’re interested in the Spanish language but not sure how to go about studying it? Learning a new language can be daunting, especially when starting out as a beginner. But it’s also an exciting journey that extends far beyond grammar textbooks and vocabulary exercises. In fact, it’s not even just about the Spanish language itself - it's about opening up a whole new world of opportunities, connections, and adventures. It can even be about discovering a new side to yourself.

Here we’ll look at some of the best and most accurate ways to learn Spanish, no matter what level you’re starting it.

What is the most effective way to learn Spanish? 

There are many ways to go about studying a language, but the best way to improve your Spanish quickly is by combining structured learning with consistent practice and immersion.

Of course, every individual is different and the most effective program to learn Spanish might vary according to your unique circumstances, goals and schedule. But here are some key recommendations for learning Spanish accurately and effectively.

1. Set goals and find a Spanish course that suits you: First think about why you want to learn Spanish and then set yourself goals that are achievable. Having a reason or end goal for studying will help you stay focused and motivated. Then follow a program that develops all four key language skills - writing, reading, speaking and listening - in order to encourage well-rounded progress. While you can learn some aspects of a language on your own, a Spanish course led by qualified, native Spanish-speaking teachers will help you advance more quickly and accurately. Accredited language schools like Expanish have a wide range of Spanish courses to suit different needs and tastes, including group classes, private lessons and specialist courses.

2. Immersion is key: Surrounding yourself with the Spanish language is a great way to accelerate your learning and get used to hearing/reading/speaking it every day. It shouldn’t be difficult to do: Spanish is the third language in global terms, spoken by nearly 600 million people. It’s also the third most widely used language on the internet, while Spanish-language music and TV is booming. But, for true immersion you need to spend some time in a Spanish-speaking country, surrounded by native Spanish speakers and with unlimited local material to learn from.

3. Learn Spanish Abroad: What’s the best way to combine structured learning with Spanish immersion? By taking a Spanish course in a Spanish-speaking country, of course! This provides unlimited opportunities for real-world practice and interaction with native speakers in everyday contexts and situations outside of school. The city itself becomes a classroom, and rather than learning the language, you’ll be living in it!

4. Focus on speaking Spanish first: While there is immense value in writing and reading comprehension, as a beginner or intermediate student we think it’s best to focus first on getting yourself to a conversational level in Spanish. The ability to speak in a different language is what will fast track your integration into the social and cultural aspects of a different society. This will help create a virtuous circle of increasing Spanish proficiency, greater confidence using it and deeper cultural immersion. It will also make for a more rewarding overall study abroad experience.

At Expanish we use the Communicative Approach to language teaching, emphasizing the continuous use of Spanish from the very beginning. We encourage students to interact and speak in Spanish from day one, which helps grow confidence using the language practically in a variety of scenarios. Find out more about our Spanish teaching methods here.

Is it better to learn Spanish in person or online?

This is an increasingly common debate these days, given the growth of virtual Spanish classes and online language learning tools. Everyone will have their own preference, but we strongly believe that nothing can truly match an immersive, in-person language learning experience in a Spanish-speaking country.

Being surrounded by native speakers and immersed in the language on a daily basis accelerates learning and helps improve comprehension, pronunciation, and fluency much faster than in an online environment. It also gives you unbeatable access to the rich culture, traditions, and lifestyle of Spanish-speaking communities. And this first hand exposure allows you to gain a deeper cultural understanding and make meaningful social connections, creating a more rounded and enriching learning experience that goes beyond just language proficiency. 

In person Spanish courses abroad like the ones offered by Expanish in four different destinations across Spain and Argentina give you the chance to learn a new language while also potentially sharing some life-changing experiences with like-minded people from all over the world.

Should you learn Spanish in Spain or Latin America?

There are more-than 20 Spanish-speaking countries in the world, each with their own range of Spanish accents and dialects. But they are all based on the same “official” Spanish language (known as Castilian Spanish, governed by the Royal Spanish Academy in Spain). Just as a British person can easily make themselves understood in the US or Australia, you can use the Spanish you learn in Spain or Latin America throughout the Spanish-speaking world. 

Ultimately, the decision on whether to learn Spanish in Spain or Latin America boils down to personal preferences, cultural connections and practical possibilities. Whichever destination you choose, we’re certain that spending some time learning Spanish in a Spanish-speaking country will be an experience that you will remember forever!