“Before BaseLang, I was stuck. Now I’m actually speaking.” #BaseLangStories

After moving from Indonesia to Spain for his master’s, Jesky realized that apps and twice-a-week classes weren’t enough to help him learn Spanish for real situations. With BaseLang’s Real World program he started speaking from day one, chose teachers he connected with, and got instant corrections, so now he’s handling daily life in Spanish and building a real network.

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, my name is Jehezkiel Juanito Owen Tobing. I don’t know why my name sounds Spanish (Juanito), haha. I’m from Indonesia, but I currently live in Spain to study.

2. Why did you want to learn Spanish?

Because I now live in Spain for my master’s degree, and I want to find a job here after my graduation, which requires fluency in Spanish. Also, to get local friends here, who barely speak English, that’s why I want to learn Spanish.

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

To be honest, when I was in Indonesia, I only learned from Duolingo and similar apps, which were not very helpful. I also took one month of language study at my university, but it wasn’t very impactful because the lessons were only twice a week. For me, when learning a new language, you have to do a lot of practice.

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

Speaking, definitely, because in terms of practicing my languages, I have to try to speak more Spanish, but I’m struggling because I never practiced my speaking skills.

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

I tried to compare many language schools/courses in Spain or Indonesia (my original country) to find the cheapest one, but suddenly one of my friends from Indonesia suggested I try BaseLang, because the business model is unique, you can learn Spanish as much as you want, literally 24/7. So for me, as an introvert student who likes being at home, it’s so worth it; I can learn Spanish 3–4 hours/day.

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

After I signed up, I was shocked because they don’t lie about the 24/7 classes. I can book whenever I want, even 5 minutes before. It’s amazing. I tried my class, and I love it because they force me to speak Spanish and try to correct me if I’m wrong. They even asked me beforehand if I want the teacher to speak only Spanish or mix with English.

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

As I said before, I like that Real World really allows me to learn Spanish as much as I want, and I can also choose the teacher and book my favourite teacher 5 days in advance!

8. How has learning Spanish Impacted your life?

It helps me a lot, especially now, since I live in Spain, in a small city where nobody speaks English well. I can survive here, hahaha, and also I can have some conversations with my Spanish friend.

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

Of course, I’ve already recommended BaseLang to my classmates; one of them already signed up with my link, and surprisingly, not only did my friend get the referral promotion, I also got $50 in rewards, and I can’t wait to recommend it to my other friends.

10. Complete the following sentence

“After my first month of BaseLang, I realized that…”

Spanish is not that hard if you know how to use the phrases, and the important part is to try to speak! It’s okay to be wrong, you’re still learning.

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

Try to find your motivation first before learning Spanish, because for me, my motivation is surviving here in Spain and networking in Spain.