“I no longer freeze when speaking Spanish” #BaseLangStories

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Meet Kevin, a BaseLang student who had attempted to learn Spanish for several years, but was frustrated at not being able to speak the language. Then he stumbled on BaseLang.

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?

My name is Kevin Bothwell. I’m originally from western Kansas, in the United States, and am now living in Venice, California, a beach town within the city of Los Angeles.

Why did you want to learn Spanish?

I have always had a fascination with Latin culture, and while I had developed a rudimentary knowledge of Spanish vocabulary and grammar, I wished to perfect my speaking and general communication skills in the language both for use in traveling and here at home in southern California, where there is a large Latin community.

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

I studied via organized classes in New York, where I lived previously, via Rosetta Stone, and on two occasions, as part of week-long immersion programs in Costa Rica and Guatemala.

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

I have always struggled most with my confidence level. When trying to respond to a question in Spanish, or simply have a short conversation with a Spanish speaker, I would freeze up. This extreme apprehension toward speaking eventually exhausted me, discouraging me from continuing my studies.

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

I did not know about BaseLang until last summer, when I began to take very seriously an unfulfilled New Years’ resolution that I would return to a fervent study of the language, this time with the ultimate goal of complete fluency in my speaking, reading, and comprehension.

What did you find as a result of signing up?

Two things convinced me very early on after signing up that I had made an excellent decision in choosing BaseLang:

One, that my initial teacher, Orissa Gomez, took the time to carefully place me within the BaseLang program at a level that was not too easy, and yet not so difficult that it would squelch my enthusiasm.
Two, the very luxury that BaseLang provides of taking lessons and conversing one-on-one with a teacher – at a very reasonable price – was something that I had felt previously was unattainable without hiring my own private tutor.

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

I liked most the structure and sequence of the lessons. I tend to prefer an exact curriculum on which to plan my studies and to track my progress. But, within this structure, one is given the option of simply having an hour-long informal discussion with a teacher in Spanish, which I have done probably 20% of the time. This flexibility within a very carefully laid out “core” of lessons and electives, for me, has been key in helping me maintain a joyfulness and enthusiasm about using the BaseLang program.

How has learning Spanish impacted your life?

I have many friends for whom Spanish is either their first language or who are otherwise fluent in the language. To be able to converse in such a beautiful language with these friends – and to anticipate making new friends on future travels to Spanish-speaking countries – has enhanced my life a great deal, especially during this last year of isolation during the pandemic.

Would you recommend this program, if so, why?

I would recommend this course to anyone who is apprehensive about speaking Spanish with confidence. I have developed a great rapport with three teachers in particular who encourage me to speak without apprehension. It is that connection with knowledgeable, enthusiastic, teachers who offer both praise and careful critical corrections when necessary, that has made all the difference for me and allowed me to progress way beyond the learning level I’d achieved – and soon after lost – in multi-person classes, Rosetta Stone, and even immersion programs.

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

After my first month of BaseLang, I realized that… the foundation of my earlier knowledge of basic vocabulary and some grammar was stronger than I’d thought, and that if I could only speak with skilled teachers several times per week, I could build upon that and finally one day reach full fluency.

Finally, any advice for fellow students?

For me, the most critical element in learning is working with someone with whom one “clicks,” someone who shows enthusiasm speaking in Spanish about my life and who enjoys telling me about their life – in Spanish. So, find someone with whom you have an instant rapport and stick with that person or persons.

Want to read more #BaseLangStories?