9 Spanish Lessons That Enhanced My Travel Adventures

Hi! My name is Sergii, and I’m a 25-year-old software engineer from Kyiv, Ukraine. 

My adventure in learning Spanish kicked off as I planned an exciting three-week trip to Colombia and Peru with friends. We quickly discovered that English is not commonly spoken in these countries, even at a basic level, which motivated us to dive into the language.

In the end, we discovered it was indeed the case. For example, our host in Bogotá communicated entirely in Spanish, struggling to explain the local social challenges. He even asked if I could help him out with some money for food.

Before my trip, I realized the importance of enhancing my language skills to connect with locals and seek assistance in emergencies. Fortunately, I had previously studied Spanish, but during my first lesson with a tutor, all I could manage to say was, “Vivo en Ucrania” (I live in Ukraine).

How to study on a busy schedule

With my hectic schedule, I had just one hour a week to dedicate to language learning. That’s when I discovered LingualNeeds for Spanish lessons. Their online format allowed me to study at my convenience, and I found that the best time for me to learn was during my work hours, right from the office.

To be honest, I never really established a consistent learning schedule. I aimed to plan one lesson each week, but there were times when I had to cancel—whether due to illness, a business meeting, or just the need for extra sleep. I recognize that this isn’t ideal, but it’s a reality many of us face.

Despite just nine online lessons with my tutor before the trip, I made significant strides in my learning. I relied solely on LingualNeeds as my study tool, which helped me advance quickly.

The moment when I felt progress

I’ve never gauged my language progress by simply reaching a new proficiency level. However, there were several “wow” moments that highlighted my growth. For instance, I began to comprehend YouTube videos in Spanish shared by my tutor, despite them not being tailored for learners—I even watched them at half speed! Additionally, I ventured into reading articles meant for native Spanish speakers online, which marked a significant step forward in my skills.

The highlight of my trip to Colombia was engaging with the locals. I communicated using simple phrases like, “Can you help us?”, “Can I have some dietetic food?”, and “I left my phone on that table; have you seen it?” This experience allowed me to successfully reach my language learning goal!

My perfect tutor was…

Meet a talented young graphic designer and language teacher from Spain, now residing in Germany. I selected her from a pool of tutors highly recommended by my colleagues, all of whom have benefited from their experiences with LingualNeeds.

In my opinion, a perfect tutor has to be a:

• Native speaker. Non-natives would never sound natural enough for me to enjoy speaking with them. 
• Experienced language teacher focused on developing personalized study plans tailored to individual learning needs.
• Easy-going person. I didn’t want to turn my language learning into a stressful experience. 

There were times when I struggled to find enough time for my homework, but my tutor was always supportive and guided me through it during our lessons. She often kicked off our sessions by asking, “What did you do last week?” This led to engaging conversations about a variety of topics, including art, travel, politics, and cooking.

What I like the most about LingualNeeds

What I appreciate most about LingualNeeds is the complete customization of their lessons. Personally, I found grammar straightforward, but my primary focus was on improving my speaking skills. My tutor crafted a tailored lesson plan that addressed my specific needs, ensuring I got the practice I required.

The schedule offered the flexibility I needed to study at my convenience, eliminating the hassle of commuting to classes. All of my lessons with my tutor took place online through the intuitive video chat platform, LingualNeeds Space. I enjoyed learning from the comfort of my office while sipping my favorite coffee. It truly couldn’t get any better!

So, what’s next? 

Today, I’m gearing up for my trip to Spain while honing my language skills to boost my confidence in conversations with locals. My goal is to be fluent in at least two foreign languages, as simply knowing one is no longer sufficient in the 21st century.

If you’re eager to reach your language goals like I did, consider taking online Spanish classes with a native speaker. An experienced instructor will guide you in mastering pronunciation and help you sound like a local. Plus, they can share valuable insights and tips for your upcoming trip to your dream destination. Give online learning a try—you won’t regret it!