Learning a language doesn’t just happen in a classroom. It’s an adventure—a series of missteps, laughs, and lightbulb moments. Trust me, I know. I spent two decades exploring South America, and those years profoundly shaped how I approach teaching Spanish today. Let me walk you through the top lessons I picked up from my life abroad.
Embracing Mistakes (Because They’re Inevitable)
Picture this: I’m in Ecuador, confidently asking a vendor for some almejas (clams) when I actually wanted almendras (almonds). The vendor’s bewildered expression said it all. Moments like these taught me the importance of making mistakes—and laughing about them. As a teacher, I now encourage my students to see errors as opportunities, not failures. After all, how can you master the nuances of ser and estar without a few giggles along the way?
Cultural Immersion Is the Secret Sauce
You can memorize vocabulary until your brain aches, but real fluency comes from living the language. In Colombia, I discovered this truth while teaching English and learning Spanish at the same time. Every interaction—whether diving in the Caribbean or chatting with locals over arepas—pushed me to think and respond naturally. Today, I always advise my students to engage with Spanish in real-world contexts. Whether it’s listening to a podcast or ordering tapas, immersion makes the language stick.
Adapting to Regional Differences
South America is a linguistic treasure chest. One week I’d be in Venezuela, acclimating to one set of slang, and the next, in Argentina, where “vos” reigns supreme. These constant adjustments taught me to value dialectical diversity, which I pass on to my students. I explain that there’s no single “correct” Spanish; it’s a living, breathing language shaped by millions of speakers. Being flexible with these differences can turn learning into a fun cultural expedition.
My South American adventures weren’t just personal milestones; they were transformative lessons that made me a more empathetic, creative, and effective teacher. If there’s one takeaway, it’s this: don’t fear the adventure of language learning. Dive in, make mistakes, and, most importantly, enjoy the ride.
