As someone who has been running what I call my “one-woman English academy” for the past two years, I’ve learned not only how to teach my native language to others of all levels, I’ve also learned the techniques to learning a second language. I always tell my students not to be shy in front of me, because I’m a student myself—learning their language, Spanish.

So when Kaplan asked me to share what I think are the best ways to learn English, I related it to my experience not only as a teacher, but also as one of a student, learning a language myself.

In order to learn English (or any foreign language) you need a few key elements:

1. Lots and LOTS of motivation. You need to have a very clear-cut reason for learning a language because this reason is going to be what carries you through your studies. In language learning one day you’ll feel like you’re making leaps and bounds, while other days you’ll feel like you’ve regressed terribly. It’s easy to get down on yourself, and for that, motivation is of the upmost importance. 
2. Natives to practice with. There are so many resources online that make native speakers of nearly any given language available to practice with. Better yet, travel abroad to the country that speaks your target language. Being immersed in the language makes everything an opportunity to learn new vocabulary or practice a new tense.
3. Thick skin. Learning a language is a humbling experience. You’ll likely embarrass yourself often mixing up words and locals will probably laugh at your expense more than once. Though your first reaction may be to curl up in the fetal position and ask yourself why you’re putting yourself through this, the much more reasonable option is to simply build up some tough skin—you’ll need it!

Infographic: How to learn Englishvia Kaplan Blog

No matter what language you’re learning, listening to music/podcasts and watching TV/films in the language is a great way to boost comprehension. To practice speaking, a language exchange (in-person, via Skype) with a native is your best bet. 

Whatever you do, experiment with lots of different methods, and you’ll find one that works for you. Everyone is different and learns at a different pace, so what worked for your friend may or may not work for you.

Playa La Concha in San Sebastián, Basque Country

I often get e-mails from readers asking for my Spain travel advice. They give me a run-down of their itinerary and it always looks something like this: Madrid, Barcelona and somewhere in Andalucía (usually Sevilla or Granada). Once in awhile I might see a trip planned around a famous festival—like San Fermines (The Running of the Bulls) in Pamplona or Tomatina in tiny Buñol, but usually they just stick to this tried-and-true sun and sangria trail.

Plaza Nueva, Bilbao, Basque Country

Sounds like a pretty solid travel itinerary, right? Barcelona is a city I could never tire of and Andalucía is a must for a glimpse of the romantic Spain we dream of. But, I can’t help but add my two cents and tell them they should really try to make it up north during their time in Spain. And by “really try” I actually mean if you don’t include it you’re making a big mistake.

Yup, I said it.

San Sebastián

The mysterious north of Spain seems to be the country’s best-kept secret. From the wild coast and fresh seafood of Galicia, to the crisp cider and snow-capped mountains of Asturias and the rolling green hills and Michelin-starred restaurants of Basque Country, the north of Spain is by no means untouched by tourism. But, it offers a completely different Spain than the one you’ve envisioned.

And Basque Country, a region special to me for several reasons, will be worth every penny it takes you to include it in your travel plans. Different people feel differently about well, different, places but—I’ve yet to meet a person who has been to Basque Country and didn’t love the place. I’m not a gambler, but I’d be willing to bet Basque Country will have the same effect on you too.

You’ll eat delicious pintxos, which kick tapas a$$ any day:

You’ll wash it down with Txakoli, a crisp, white wine:

You’ll admire how Bilbao balances its industrial past with its modern present

You’ll walk mouth agape in San Sebastián

…but most of all you’ll wonder why a place so beautiful is one many seem to have never even heard of. So, I’m feeling generous and I’m letting the secret out. Go to Basque Country, and thank me later.

Happy Friday! Here’s a peek of my life lately though Instagram. Click on the link for the first week, which I did awhile back. Click on the photos above to see them enlarged+captions.

I’m off today on a road trip through the entirety of Spain from south to north (Andalucía to País Vasco!). It seems in Spain we can’t go a couple of weeks without having an extended weekend, or some holiday—but, I’m not complaining!

I won’t be posting here on the blog until late next week, so in the meantime, follow my road-trip on my Facebook fan page or over on Twitter!

Have a wonderful weekend!