“Learning a new language is still accessible as an adult.” #BaseLangStories

After studying Spanish in school years ago, Michelle realized she had never truly practiced speaking—and over time, she lost her confidence. Wanting an immersive experience without the cost of living abroad, she committed to practicing real conversations with native speakers through BaseLang’s Real World program. Now, she’s rebuilding her confidence, improving her mental health, and proving to herself that learning a new language is still accessible as an adult.

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?

My name is Michelle and I’m from Las Vegas, NV.

2. Why did you want to learn Spanish?

I studied Spanish for a few years in high school and college, but never practiced speaking it.  I was not confident at all and, with time, I lost what I learned.  In the decades since, I have found myself returning to Spanish during periods when I feel a bit bored and stagnant in my life.  This time, I really wanted to practice speaking and made a commitment to find a program that would allow me to have an immersive experience without the expense of travel and/or living in another country.  I believed that learning Spanish and developing confidence in having conversations would be a fun and productive way to fill my time.

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

While in school, I relied on coursework, textbooks, writing, and reading to learn the language.  When I’ve tried to revisit learning Spanish outside of school, I would read Spanish children’s books from the library, watch videos in Spanish, and use free popular language learning apps to absorb as much grammar and vocabulary as I could.

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

Since most of my learning was through writing, reading, and listening, I struggled with the confidence to actually speak and hold a conversation in Spanish.

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

The cost of the program would have prevented me from signing up before I was ready to make a true commitment to learning and practicing the language.  However, during my trial period, I felt motivated and energized throughout my lessons and knew that I was ready to take this next step.  I could tell immediately that I would receive a return on investment from simply interacting with native speakers on a daily basis.

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

I was shocked by how much I remembered from my formal Spanish lessons almost 20 years ago and by how quickly the BaseLang teachers put me at ease to actually practice speaking and making mistakes with the language.

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

I love that I can fit classes into my ever-changing schedule and choose to take classes with teachers from many different countries. I also appreciate having access to the teacher bios so I can choose teachers with whom I share interests to practice conversation.

8. How has learning Spanish impacted your life?

Learning Spanish has positively affected my mental health.  I am learning something new, increasing my confidence, and interacting with people from across the world on a daily basis.  I’m also able to communicate more effectively with Spanish speakers in my life and believe that I’m developing the ability to communicate my needs and converse with locals in Spanish-speaking countries, which opens the door to many more opportunities for travel in the future.

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

Yes, I would recommend this course because it gives you real world experience conversing in Spanish, which I’ve found to be lacking in other modes of learning.  The remote learning and monthly price point is also far more accessible than traveling or living abroad for immersive learning programs.

10. Complete the following sentence

“After my first month of BaseLang, I realized that…..” learning a new language is still accessible as an adult.  With the right support and teachers in place, I can absolutely develop a new skill and the confidence to speak effectively with others in Spanish.