I learned Spanish, and got a promotion! – #BaseLangStories

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Meet Jessi, a BaseLang student from New York who works as an immigration lawyer. She wanted an affordable way to learn Spanish so that she could speak with her Spanish-speaking clients, without requiring an interpreter.

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.

So, tell us a bit about yourself?

Hola! My name is Jessi and I live in NYC.

Why did you want to learn Spanish?

When I started law school I was interested in international human rights law, and as I continued my studies I became increasingly interested in immigration and refugee law. I quickly realized that being an immigration lawyer in New York City makes it essential to be able to speak with Spanish-speaking people without an interpreter, so I decided to learn.

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

I took one semester of Spanish in law school, but that was my only formal education. I took a few tutoring sessions over the next two years while working in New York City. Other than that, it has been BaseLang all the way!

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

Definitely conversation.

BaseLang transformed me from a shy, hesitant speaker, to a pretty fluent conversationalist on all kinds of topics.

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

In NYC private lessons are expensive and group classes fill up super quickly.

Plus, I generally would have to commute 30-60 minutes to class, and I just didn’t have the time or money while working full-time as a public defender. With BaseLang I was able to take classes almost every single day – no commute and a flat monthly fee – and within six months I became able to carry on a conversation with native Spanish speakers.

What did you find as a result of signing up?

I got a promotion!

I was able to improve my Spanish enough that I was able to converse with clients without an interpreter, which put me at the top of the list for a promotion to the immigration practice.

What did you like the most about the Real World program?

First, the teachers. I was able to connect with these amazing people from all over Latin America (during quarantine, nonetheless!) who really ended up feeling like friends. And I love the flexibility – I didn’t have to stick to a specific time each week and feel bad if I had to cancel and reschedule.

How has learning Spanish impacted your life?

Again: PROMOTION, BABY!

Would you recommend this course, if so, why?

I would, I have, and I do, wholeheartedly. It’s affordable, flexible, and you can mold it to shape your needs.

Complete the following – “After my first month of BaseLang classes, I realized that…..”

¡Puedo hablar sin Google Translate!

Finally, any advice for fellow students?

Find a few awesome people and take classes with them regularly. You will get exposed to different teaching styles (some are more grammar based, others more conversational), different accents, and make friends!

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