What is the best way to learn Spanish?

There are different approaches to learning Spanish. It all depends on your personal preferences, time and budget.

Whatever approach you choose, you will need some kind of training. It could be a teacher, either in a group or private class or you could also follow an organized program using books and/or software.

The most effective and fast way to learn Spanish or any other language is, without a doubt, inmersion, which is travelling to a country where your target language is spoken and spend a few months “living the language and the culture”. However, before you jump into this experience, I recommend getting some previous training.

Let’s analyze different methods:

1.INMERSION
As I mentioned, it is the most effective method. Living in a Spanish speaking country you will be force to communicate in Spanish 24 hours a day. Learning Spanish is mostly situational so if you manage to communicate only in Spanish in everyday situation, you will be on the right track to master the language.
The inmersion approach requires having an open mind, positive attitude and a friendly personality to open up to a new culture and be able to make friends with the native people.

If you have the right personality and the time to take some time off, I recommend taking a look at: www.ef.com if you wish to go to Spain, Ecuador or Costa Rica.

2.PRIVATE TUTOR
Using a private Spanish tutor has many advantages over independent learning or learning through a group class. In my opinion, once you find the right tutor, this is a fast and effective way to learn a language.
If you decide to look for a private tutor, do research first about the tutor’s background and experience and make sure that the dynamics of the class respond to your expectations. Don’t make the mistake of making your decision based on price. A very low hourly rate usually means poor teaching quality.

BENEFITS OF HIRING A PRIVATE TUTOR:

--Private tutors offer one on one teaching which means that the lessons are 100% customized for the student communication needs. In a group class, you will be just one of many and usually won’t have a chance to ask all the questions you may have.
--Learning with a private tutor often means a faster leaning process since the lessons can be more intensive and follow your learning speed.
--Some students find learning easier with a private tutor. This includes learners who don’t like to speak up in front of a class or who struggle with certain aspects of the language, such as grammar or pronunciation, which may not be explained in detail in a class or when learning on your own.

3.CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT
This maybe the right method for people who need to be surrounded by other students in order to keep motivated and do not have the budget for private lessons.
Group classes are less expensive but also less personalized. Learning Spanish in a class environment will be a longer process since the teacher has to divide his attention among many students, who very often don’t have the exact language knowledge and skills.

4.HOME STUDY PROGRAM (computer software, multimedia)
This is a good method for self learners and self motivated people who don’t mind spending much time in front of a computer. It is also the best complement for a private or group Spanish program.
However, a computer will not answer your questions, give you extra examples or have a real conversation with you. In my opinion, a software or multimedia program will help you build a nice vocabulary foundation, but will not teach you how to communicate effectively in Spanish.

If you would like to try this method I would recommend taking a look at: http://www.rocketlanguages.com/spanish/premium/

5.PHONE/INTERNET CLASSES
They are perfect for people with limited time and availability. Phone and Internet class can be held at any time and any location. The only requirement is having a phone line or a computer with Internet connection. In my opinion, these classes are more effective if you have already a basic or intermediate conversational level since the tools used in this method are limited to voice (phone) and writing (Internet).

Regardless of the method you choose to learn Spanish, remember that consistency is the key to learning a language successfully. Do not get discourage during the first months, since they are the key to build a strong foundation to understand how the language works. Also, the more exposed you are to the language, the faster the learning process will be. So, practice, practice, practice!