Last year, I decided to learn Spanish because I have a dream: to become Miss Universe (link). That year, the competition was held in Mexico, inspiring me even more. While I didn’t win Miss Universe… yet—I’m not giving up on that crown!—I continued learning Spanish, and now I’m determined to become fluent within a year.
If you’re looking to learn Spanish too, here’s a list of my favorite tools that have made all the difference.
1. Baselang: The Ultimate Game-Changer
If I could only recommend one tool, it would be Baselang. It’s an online platform offering one-on-one Spanish lessons with live tutors. The teachers come from Spanish-speaking countries like Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, and Peru, giving you the chance to learn from diverse accents and cultures.
Why I Love Baselang
- Flexibility: Each lesson is tailored to your needs. Whether you want to follow their structured curriculum, focus on a specific topic, or just have casual conversations, it’s all up to you.
- Immersive Experience: Unlike other tools, you get real-time interaction with native speakers, helping you practice conversational Spanish in a natural and fun way.
- Affordable Pricing: For around $200/month, you get unlimited classes. If you prefer a pay-as-you-go option, it’s less than $20 per class.
Here’s my personal experience: In my first year, I took 132 classes! Now, I’m so close to fluency I can almost taste it—“¡Puedo saborearlo!”
2. Lingopie: Watching and Learning
If you’re someone who loves binge-watching, Lingopie might be your new best friend. It’s a platform that combines entertainment with learning. Think of it as Netflix for Spanish learners but with interactive subtitles that take it to the next level.
How It Works
- Interactive Subtitles: You can click on any word in the subtitles to see its translation instantly. This makes it super easy to understand and learn new vocabulary in context.
- Flashcard Integration: Words you click on are saved as flashcards, so you can review and practice them later.
Watching Spanish shows and movies on Lingopie has been a fantastic way for me to immerse myself in the language while having fun.
3. Babbel and Duolingo: Great Starting Points
When I was just beginning my Spanish journey, I experimented with Babbel and Duolingo. These apps are fantastic for building a foundation, especially if you’re completely new to the language.
Pros of Babbel and Duolingo
- Gamified Learning: Duolingo’s game-like structure keeps learning light and engaging.
- Grammar Basics: Babbel’s lessons dive deeper into grammar rules, helping you understand the “why” behind the language.
However, as I progressed, I found these tools less effective for practical use. They often teach Spanish in a way that feels isolated from real-world conversation. Still, they’re excellent supplementary resources, especially in the early stages.
Final Thoughts: Consistency is Key
Learning Spanish is a journey, not a race. Tools like Baselang, Lingopie, and even Babbel and Duolingo each serve their purpose depending on your level and learning style. For me, the combination of structured lessons with Baselang and immersion through Lingopie has been a winning strategy.
If you’re serious about becoming fluent, my advice is to stay consistent, immerse yourself in the language, and remember to have fun along the way!
