“I feel like I’m truly connecting with people, not just visiting places.” #BaseLangStories

Even after trying every app, video, and podcast he could find, Cannon – a music teacher from Georgia – still couldn’t hold real conversations in Spanish, especially with the families he worked with every day. But once he switched to BaseLang’s Real World program, everything finally clicked. He’s now speaking with confidence, connecting more deeply with his students, and actually enjoying the process along the way.

BaseLangStories series puts the spotlight on BaseLang students – asking them about their motivations for learning a foreign language, what impact learning Spanish has had on their lives, advice they have for fellow students, and more.

1. What’s your name? Where are you from?

Hi, I’m from Georgia, USA. I’m a music teacher and YouTube content creator, and I’m always looking for ways to connect with more people and make meaningful experiences, especially with my students and their families.

2. Why did you want to learn Spanish?

I wanted to learn Spanish because so many of my students and their families speak it. I realized that speaking even a little Spanish could help build deeper trust and relationships. Beyond that, I’ve always loved traveling and exploring different cultures, and Spanish opens so many doors around the world.  Plus Spanish is something that I always wanted to learn, but nothing really “clicked”.

3. In the past, what did you use to learn Spanish?

Before BaseLang, I tried Duolingo, YouTube videos, podcasts, and even a few textbooks. They were helpful for building vocabulary, but they didn’t really teach me how to hold a conversation. I still felt lost when it came to actually speaking or understanding real Spanish.

4. Before BaseLang, which part of learning Spanish did you struggle with the most?

My biggest challenge was conversation and comprehension. I could memorize vocabulary all day, but understanding native speakers in real time and responding naturally was tough. I also struggled to stay consistent without a clear path to follow.

5. What obstacle would have prevented you from signing up for BaseLang before?

At first, I worried about whether I’d really use it enough to justify the cost. I didn’t want it to be “another subscription I forget about.” Plus, I wasn’t sure if online lessons would actually feel personal and engaging.

6. What did you find as a result of signing up?

Signing up changed everything for me. First of all, the $1 week trial was incredible. It gave me a no-pressure way to try out multiple teachers and really feel how the program worked. Within a few days, I could tell it was different—it wasn’t just memorizing random grammar points. The lessons actually flowed and connected to each other, making it easier to build real-world skills step-by-step. Each class built naturally on the last one, so it felt like I was climbing a staircase instead of walking in circles.

7. What specific feature did you like the most about the Real World program?

The best part of the Real World program is how practical and structured it is. You don’t waste time learning things you’ll never say in real life. Everything you study—asking directions, having small talk, ordering food, traveling—feels immediately useful. Plus, because the lessons are so interconnected, you’re constantly reviewing and building without even realizing it.

8. How has learning Spanish impacted your life?

Learning Spanish has made a huge difference in my relationships with students, parents, and even strangers. I’ve been able to have full conversations with families that I could barely greet before. It’s also made traveling so much more fun and comfortable. I feel like I’m truly connecting with people, not just visiting places.

9. Would you recommend this course, if so, why?

Absolutely—I tell everyone who asks that BaseLang is hands-down the best program if you want to speak Spanish confidently. The flexibility, the supportive teachers, the structured yet natural flow of lessons… it’s a winning combination. It’s the perfect balance of accountability and freedom to learn at your own pace.

10. Complete the following sentence:

After my first month of BaseLang, I realized that consistent speaking practice every day—even just 30 minutes—can transform your Spanish faster than months of studying alone.

11. Anything else to add (advice for other students, what you wish you had known), etc?

My biggest advice is: don’t wait for the “perfect time” to start. Just dive in. Take advantage of the $1 trial week and meet a few different teachers. You’ll quickly find someone you click with. Also, trust the process—BaseLang designed their curriculum in a way that works, even when you don’t realize how much you’re building day by day. Mistakes aren’t failures—they’re the stepping stones to fluency. I just wish I had found BaseLang earlier!