Spanish conversation and travel Spanish, one-to-one online
Know the grammar but afraid to speak? Can't follow native speakers? Planning a trip to Spain or Latin America? In a one-to-one conversation class it is just you and the teacher, so you can speak freely, and the teacher picks topics for your level and destination.
- check_circleOne-to-one, no pressure
- check_circleMust-know travel phrases
- check_circleYou choose the topics
Why can't I speak after all that studying?
It is the most common complaint on learner forums. Here are the three main reasons and how to practise.
Afraid of mistakes
You expect too much of yourself, stay quiet until the sentence is perfect, and end up practising less and less.
lightbulb Native speakers are usually patient with learners. Get it out first, then get it right.
They talk too fast
Native speakers are fast and run words together, so real conversation sounds nothing like the textbook audio.
lightbulb Replay and repeat one short recording; it helps you understand faster than hours of listening.
Translating in your head
You think in Chinese first and translate, so every sentence stalls and the conversation moves on without you.
lightbulb Master a set of everyday sentences and use them again and again until you no longer translate.
6 situations every traveller needs
Each comes with the one phrase you will use most. Practise them before you go.
Airport and arrival
¿Dónde está la salida?
Where is the exit? Useful for exits, luggage and transport at the airport.
Hotel
Tengo una reserva a nombre de…
I have a booking under the name… Just add your name at check-in.
Restaurant
La cuenta, por favor.
The bill, please. In Spanish-speaking countries you usually ask the waiter for it.
Directions and transport
¿Cómo llego a…?
How do I get to…? Add the place name and you can ask the way.
Shopping
¿Cuánto cuesta?
How much is it? The phrase you will use most when shopping.
Asking for help
¿Me puede ayudar, por favor?
Could you help me, please? A polite way to ask when something goes wrong.
Spain or Latin American Spanish?
They understand each other and the grammar is basically the same; the main differences are pronunciation, the plural "you" and some everyday words.
| Spain | Latin America | |
|---|---|---|
| c and z sound | cena → /θena/ | cena → /sena/ |
| "you" (plural) | vosotros habláis | ustedes hablan |
| mobile phone | el móvil | el celular |
| car | el coche | el carro / el auto |
| juice | el zumo | el jugo |
Learn one and you can still communicate in the other. Tell us your destination or goal in the trial lesson and the teacher can include more of the local expressions.
How conversation classes work
Choose your topics
Travel, culture, work, the news, or the city you are visiting next month: you decide.
The teacher finds your weak spots
While you talk, the teacher notes the mistakes you repeat and the words you are missing, and corrects you on the spot.
Feedback after class
After every lesson the teacher writes feedback on what you covered and what to work on next.
4 ways to practise speaking outside class
Shadowing
Repeat after audio or video sentence by sentence, copying the speed and intonation.
Talk to yourself
Describe what you are doing in Spanish, with nobody to hear your mistakes.
Language exchange
Apps like Tandem and HelloTalk connect you with native speakers who want to learn Chinese.
Watch Spanish series
Start with subtitles in your language, then switch to Spanish ones to get used to real speed.
Questions about conversation and travel Spanish
Can I take conversation classes as a complete beginner?
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Conversation classes suit students with some Spanish. Beginners should start with grammar classes at A1, which also practise simple conversation.
How long should I study before a trip?
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Everyday travel conversation is about A1 level, around 38 hours in our syllabus. At 2 to 3 lessons a week that is roughly 3 to 4 months.
What do we talk about in conversation classes?
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Whatever suits your interests and needs: travel, culture, work, the news, or situations you want to practise.
Can I learn Spain or Latin American expressions?
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Yes. Tell us your destination or goal in the trial lesson and the teacher can include more of the local expressions.
Can I try a lesson first?
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Yes. The first 50-minute trial lesson is free, and the teacher finds out your level and the topics you want to practise.
Start with a free trial lesson and speak Spanish freely, one-to-one.
calendar_today Book a free 50-min trial