The different ways to learn Spanish and the advantages and disadvantages

Spanish as a foreign language is not integrated into the curriculum at Swiss elementary school. However, this beautiful, spirited and multifaceted language is sometimes taught at grammar schools. In view of the fact that Español is the second most spoken language in the world, it is worth considering whether learning Spanish would be a good idea. Whether for traveling or for your career - if you like to travel a lot, you can't avoid learning Spanish. Latin America is an important trading partner in various sectors. International companies are therefore always on the lookout for specialists and managers with in-depth knowledge of Spanish. Learning Spanish can therefore be worthwhile.

If you would like to learn Spanish, it is important that you familiarize yourself with the various options available. In addition to traditional Spanish courses, high-quality online tools are increasingly being offered in the language sector. Some learners say that they have never learned the language as quickly before or since as they did during a longer stay in a Spanish-speaking country.

Perhaps you have theTips for learning Spanish betteralready read. Otherwise, it is definitely worth taking a look at this helpful list of different learning opportunities.

Learning Spanish: Overview of learning methods, advantages / disadvantages

Below we have created a supplementary table in which we detail the advantages and disadvantages of the different learning methods. This table will also help you to decide on the right way to learn Spanish. Only when you have found your own personal, correct way of learning will you have lasting pleasure and enjoyment in learning and achieve rapid success.

Learning style, learning method Advantages of learning Spanish Disadvantages of learning Spanish
Self-study, online learning to learn Spanish
  • Low or no costs
  • Learning independent of time and place (commute, break, etc.)
  • Flexible, easily compatible with job and other commitments
  • Personal learning pace
  • Requires a lot of self-discipline
  • Without social contacts or learning partners
  • No teacher is available to answer questions
  • Little variety
  • Wide range on the net, difficult choice of the right tool
  • Possibly underchallenged because nobody pushes

Language courses to learn Spanish

(Spanish course in any form, Spanish diploma course, DELE etc.)
  • Evening courses are easily compatible with a job
  • Teacher is the contact person for questions
  • Class group motivates, you find learning partners
  • Commitment helps to achieve goals
  • Structured learning
  • Diploma or course confirmation
  • Costs, travel expenses, parking fees
  • Learning pace and teaching materials specified
  • Teaching style specified
  • Expectations and ambitious goals (e.g. homework, diploma) could cause pressure

Language trips to learn Spanish

(stays with host families, courses abroad, international internships and work placements)
  • Constant use of language - rapid learning progress
  • Culture and people promote interest in the language
  • Can be combined with travel
  • Social contacts promote long-term language use
  • Ø An internship abroad is considered career-enhancing
  • Diplomas / Course confirmations
  • Difficult to reconcile with work and career due to long absences
  • No income during a stay abroad
  • High costs (travel, rent, possible language course on site)
  • Large investment of time

The table shows that an advantage in learning Spanish can also be a disadvantage. Those who yearn for independence are more likely to opt for self-learning. However, without great motivation and discipline, it will be difficult to persevere. Great progress is then often not made. However, those who find it difficult to fit into a class and adapt to the given teaching methods may need the flexibility and freedom of an online tool, as the joy of learning would otherwise quickly fade.

Therefore, if you want to learn Spanish, make sure you check your learning type and your current possibilities and circumstances and then decide on the right way to learn the foreign language. This is the only way to learn in a motivated and enjoyable way.

Overview of schools for learning Spanish