Learning Spanish didn’t just open doors for me — it completely rewired how I see the world. From running a travel agency specialising in wine tours in Argentina to later teaching Spanish in the UK, it’s a language that’s shaped my career, my friendships, and even the way I order coffee. (If you’re curious how Spanish can transform your travels too, check out this cooking experience in Málaga — because learning through food is always a good idea.)
From Wine Tours to Word Nerd
When I first moved to Argentina, my Spanish was very limited. I didn’t know many words beyond hola and gracias. My plan was simple: stay for a year, soak up the sunshine, drink a bit of Malbec, and then move on. But as with all good travel stories, life had other ideas.
Somehow, one year turned into fifteen. I ended up running a travel agency that specialised in wine tours across Mendoza’s vineyards — a dream job if you like good wine, better food, and conversations that last until 2 a.m. (which, in Argentina, they always do). But here’s the thing: I wouldn’t have got very far without Spanish.
It wasn’t just about business. It was about connection. Speaking Spanish opened up a whole new layer of culture — jokes that didn’t translate, local gossip, family meals where asado was served with a side of laughter and ten different opinions. The more I spoke, the more I understood that language isn’t just a way to communicate; it’s a way to belong.
What Happens When a Language Becomes Part of Who You Are?
When I eventually moved back to the UK, I realised Spanish had become part of my identity. It wasn’t something I could leave behind with the empanadas and mountain views. My kids were growing up bilingual, my friends were scattered across Latin America, and my brain still switched to Spanish when I stubbed my toe. (Ay, no! sounds so much more dramatic than ouch, doesn’t it?)
That’s when teaching came into the picture. I wanted to share the magic of Spanish — not the grammar charts and verb drills, but the life that comes with it. The kind that lets you chat to your waiter in Seville, order tapas like a pro, or strike up a conversation on a train to Córdoba. The kind that lets you really experience the world, not just watch it go by.
Learning Spanish changed my career, yes. But more than that, it changed my outlook. It made me braver, more curious, and endlessly grateful for the connections it’s brought into my life. And every time I see one of my students light up when they order something in Spanish for the first time — I’m reminded all over again why this language matters so much.
Because learning Spanish isn’t just about words. It’s about stepping into a new version of yourself — one that says sí to more of life.
