It is said that with more than 400 million native speakers, Spanish is second most spoken language in the world. So it is not shocking that many people like me have “Learn to Speak Spanish Fluently” on our bucket lists. Perhaps, this is because learning Spanish can help with business or give us a leg up while we travel. But for me, becoming fluent in Spanish holds a very important and personal meaning. Finding a way to learn Spanish will allow me to connect to my Cuban heritage.

If you explore The Adventure Travel List part of The Bucket List Project, it won’t take you long to find the item titled “Visit Cuba: Visit my Cuban Family Homeland“. In fact, it is one of the top items on my entire list only behind some Personal Growth items. But with it now being easier to travel to Cuba from America, why haven’t I tackled it with full enthusiasm? Why haven’t I walked the streets where my mother and grandparents walked many years ago?

The main reason for me: because I speak Spanish very poorly. You see growing up, I took classes and spoke Spanish with my family whenever I was given a chance. But, we didn’t live near our Cuban relatives. Plus, growing up in New Orleans, I never really had an opportunity to practice my Spanish. Therefore, without practice and more study, my level of Spanish stalled at a child’s speaking level.

Now don’t get me wrong, this basic level of Spanish has worked for me while travelling the world. I was able to manage while walking the Camino de Santiago across Spain, backpack to Machu Picchu in Peru, and explore the amazing street art in Cartagena, Colombia. But with Cuba, I don’t want to just manage it. When I get to Cuba, I want to interact with the locals, find my mother’s childhood home, and really dive into the culture more than just the way a tourist would do.

So now what?

Well, I created the bucket list project as a way to make a conscious effort to start tackling items on my list! Therefore, to go to Cuba, I need to first take care of item #36 – Learn Spanish Fluently. Thus, I have researched 5 of the best way to learn Spanish and then some advanced techniques to help you practice what you have learned! If learning Spanish is on your bucket list, hopefully one of the five below will help you too!

1) Learn Spanish with a 1 on 1 Language Trainer

For me personally, Language Trainers are hands down the best way to learn Spanish. There is just something about having someone 1 on 1 to hold you responsible for your learning. What I like is that it forces you to study even if just for an hour with your trainer. For example, I had a Spanish language trainer before I went to Spain. She would work not only on my grammar and pronunciation skills but hold me responsible on days I didn’t do my homework. Plus, everyone learns differently, so a good language trainer can tailor lessons to your level rather than a blanket approach.

To learn with a 1 on 1 Spanish trainer we recommend: Language Trainers

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2) Learn Spanish with a Language App

Probably the 2nd best way to learn Spanish is via a language app on your phone or mobile device. The reason why I like language apps is that they combine effective education methods with state-of-the-art technology. Plus they are extremely convenient to use whenever you have a break. Rather than checking Facebook or crushing some candy, you can score points while playing interactive games in Spanish. In general, these games will help you learn the more commonly used words and phrases in Spanish. But it is a start!

Apps that are the best to learn Spanish are:

• Babbel – Babbel is currently the #1 selling language learning app in the world. What I like is that most of their lessons can be done in 10 – 15 minutes. Plus, you can practice dialogue based on real-life situations rather than asking where the damn “biblioteca” is! Plus, can get 50% off a 6-month subscription at Babbel when you click here to download Babbel for your computer, smartphone, or tablet.
• Duolingo – Probably the 2nd most popular language app, Duolingo operates in a similar manner as Babbel. With this app, it seems that you can schedule a fixed amount of time every day and it fits your lessons around your schedule. What I like is that Duolingo turns learning into a game where you earn points for correct answers as you race against the clock. So now your boss can’t yell at you for playing because you keep playing that word tile game on your phone. Instead tell him you are studying!
• Memrise – So in doing my research, Memrise is becoming more and more popular from the looks of it. From what I gather Memrise takes old school flash cards to the next level. But it is not just another flash card app. (Yes they make flash card apps if you’re into that!) Essentially, it teaches you Spanish by showing you a limited amount of words, phrases, or concepts per lesson. Then they test your retention with multiple choice quizzes. One of the features that many people like is that there is plenty of Spanish lessons. But you can also words or phrases you need to learn whether for business or otherwise.

3) Learn Spanish with Classic Language Software

If you been conscious for the last 25 years, then you will recognize the infamous yellow box from Rosetta Stone. This software has been the leader in learning Spanish on your computer. Their comprehensive self-paced program offers ways to learn words and phrases that will help you in real life Spanish conversations. Plus they offer great audio tools to help you not only with pronunciation but also understanding natives in a real conversation. There is nothing worse than being told something in Spanish and replying, “huh? can you repeat that MAS LENTO!” because he spoke too fast or with a proper accent! My only issue with Rosetta Stone is that for the price you better be committed to using the software. But with that said, like anything, if you use their software properly, you can find success.

4) Learn Spanish with Old School Books

There is something to be said for digital Spanish learning tools. They are always accessible, easy to use, and often very interactive. But just like the resurgence of music records, there is a new interest in old school Spanish lesson books. Perhaps this is due to people suffering eye strain from staring at a their screens too long or just the desire to hold a real book again. Either way, there is no lack of books at your local library or BooksAMillion that can help you learn Spanish!

Here are a few books we found that are the best to learn Spanish:

• Living Language Spanish – This book teaches Spanish with proven techniques that will help you express yourself rather than regurgitate words you memorized like a parrot.
• Spanish for Dummies – So this may seem really silly to add Spanish for Dummies but after doing a lot of research they have an entire series of books that cover every aspect of learning Spanish. They have books for intro, intermediate, grammar, verbs, common phrases and more.
• See It and Say It in Spanish – So this book by Margarita Madrigal has been around for a while. Yet, it still maintains itself as one of the best ways to learn Spanish. I remember getting it for Christmas from one of my Cuban uncles several years ago who wanted to help me improve my skills. It’s great because right from the start, the book leads you into speaking conversational Spanish. One of the best features is that it implements line drawings that illustrate the words you are trying to learn!

5) Learn Spanish by Studying Abroad

I love the book in this picture because “Via Fora” essentially translates to “GET OUT!” Sometimes you just need to get out of your current environment to learn something new. This can definitely be true with learning a foreign language like Spanish. Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t always easy. But if you are going to go on vacation anyways, why not spend it doing something for yourself! In my personal experience, I learn far more Spanish while being forced to engage locals in another country. Plus, there are several international study abroad programs that offer unbelievable experiences that go well beyond the class room.

Study Abroad Programs that we like are:

• ESL – ESL offers study abroad programs in over 250 destinations around the world. What I like is that they offer programs that fit anyone from business professionals to young adults enjoying a gap year.
• International House – With over 160 schools in 52 countries, International House tries to make learning Spanish or any language enjoyable and functional. While learning Spanish they throw you into cultural experiences so you not only learn but have fun too.

Advanced Techniques to Help You Learn Spanish

One of the problems with learning anything is retaining what you have learned. This has always been a problem for me. So after doing some research, I have found ways to help you practice your Spanish no matter what method you choose to learn. Since I am a sensory learner, I find these ways engage me in different ways that will hopefully solidify the Spanish language.

• Watch things in Spanish – Whether you watch Sesame Street on your tv or you subscribe to fun educational Spanish shows on YouTube, your eyes will reinforce your skills. Plus, it will help you put visuals with words to help make them easier to remember.
• Listen to things in Spanish –  There have been countless studies that prove that music can help with memory. So bust out your favorite playlist and sing along. On top of music, there are countless podcasts that teach Spanish in a fun yet educational way.
• Read things in Spanish – Obviously you can always read some of the books we listed above. But you should also add fun magazines, comics, or your favorite novel in Spanish. I remember my parents giving me Castor and Pollux or Pitufos (the Smurfs) comics in Spanish when I was kid. It was a great way for me to be entertained while secretly I was learning Spanish.
• Write things in Spanish – Writing things out is a great way to commit them to memory. So whether you write out a daily journal that you share with your Language Trainers or you plaster all the things in your house with sticky notes written in Spanish, it can all help.
• Learn a new hobby in Spanish – One of the best ways to learn Spanish is to engage in a way outside of the classroom. It doesn’t matter if you decide to learn how to work out, build something, or take up a new talent. By trying to read the instructions in Spanish, can possibly help you strengthen your skills.
• Talk to other people in Spanish – Obviously, real life practice with other people is a great way to further learn Spanish. There are often meet up groups in your own community where you can go to practice your pronunciation skills and for an added bonus you make new friends.

So there you have it. Some of the best ways to learn Spanish along with some advanced techniques to help you practice what you have learned! Is learning Spanish is on your bucket list? Have you used any of the five ways above to learn Spanish? What has been the best way you have learned Spanish or any other language? Let us know all about it in the comments below!

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