Learning a new language is a challenge that some people take on for work, study, travel, or simply for the pleasure of learning and getting closer to a new culture.  

But, beyond the particular reasons why everyone decides to undertake the adventure of studying a new language, there are some practices that can help us all along our way. From the Spanish school Nueva Lengua – Colombia we tell you what are 6 of those practical steps, as an entry point towards your language study. 

1. Set your goals: 

The first thing is that you have clear objectives when starting your studies: why am I learning? what do i want to achieve? how do i want to achieve it? These goals must be specific, realistic and achievable. When you have them very clear, they will help you maintain motivation. On the other hand, these objectives must be adjusted to a particular period of time, so it will be easier to evaluate the process you are carrying out.  

2. Be consistent: 

The most important thing is not to get discouraged. Remember that everything is a process. There are strategies that work and others that don't, there are good days and bad days, but don't let that stop you from continuing your learning process. In the end you will feel very happy to have achieved your goals. Don't forget that one of the best things about learning a language is that you always make progress: each step, each goal, no matter how small, will make you better. So aim for your goals consistently.  

3. Identify your way of learning: 

Whether you learn privately or in a group, it is important that you design a learning strategy that suits you. For example, if you learn quickly with songs or movies, include them in the daily activities of your classes. If, on the other hand, you are more schematic, use concept maps, images or notes to organize in your mind all that theory, grammar and vocabulary that you will accumulate.  

Whatever the method of your choice, it is best that you carry it out with the support of professional teachers. And it is that, although it is true that many people recommend studying self-taught, what is actually seen in practice is that there is absolutely nothing as effective or rewarding as direct contact with native speakers. And if they are professionals capable of helping you implement the study method of your choice, the results will be unbeatable.  

4. Take advantage of social networks: 

Thanks to applications like Facebook, Instagram and Telegram, nowadays it is very easy to make friends or be part of groups of people who, like you, want to practice the language they are learning. In fact, many of our students have arrived in Colombia already having plans and organized trips, thanks to the local people they had known before coming.  

5. Don't be afraid of being wrong: 

Remember: this is a process, and for that reason it's okay if you mess up. You can always learn from mistakes, so don't be afraid to take risks with language. In the end, what matters is not being perfect but being able to live the languages ​​and their cultures, and for this you only need good energy, an open mind and a lot of attitude.  

6. Travel!: 

Practice, practice and practice: there is no other way. try to use the nueva lengua as long as you can. It is important that you speak, write and listen to the language you are learning; make it a necessity for your life and an indispensable tool to communicate. And for this, the most effective —and fun— is to travel.  

Everything we have mentioned up to here is enhanced when your learning occurs through immersive experiences. That's why here, at school Nueva Lengua, we offer our students the opportunity to learn Spanish according to their own interests and needs: we have general Spanish courses, which you can complement with activities such as dancing, diving and cooking, or also with specific topics ranging from medicine and business to music and volunteering. 

With these recommendations you can now start learning Spanish. Come and experience the beauty of this language and the wonders of Colombian culture; You will fall in love with the friendliness of the people, the gastronomy, the landscapes, the music, the coffee and many more things to discover in Colombia.  

Check the variety of immersive courses that we offer around the country, or write to us at info@nuevalengua.com for more information about the plans we have for you in Colombia. 

We are looking forward to seeing you in this Special Mini-webinar!