Spanish learning is very difficult for many older students. Living or visiting the Costa's is not much of a help as nearly everyone speaks or replies in English.
I have studied to level 3 both in the UK and in Spain and found that classroom learning for me does not cut it. The exams and certificates are of no use on the streets. Learning grammer and forgetting it does nothing towards speaking the language. Nor did many of the self help routes (Michael Thomas, many courses from the public library or the BBC) do much good.
Once you have a smattering, conversation groups can be a help, but beware if you find yourself in a group speaking English using Spanish words.
I have long said that a course that taught you the most common words and phrases and expanded from there would have been the most helpful. The way your learnt your mother tounge! But they do not do it this way.
But help is at hand. There are now many free and subscription courses online once you have made a start in the traditional way. Search the internet particularly u-tube, I have found the following most useful:
'Memrise' This site does many subjects as well as languages. It thows words and phrases at you and you have to respond and the voices you hear are genuine Spanish ones in most cases. I can't recommend it enough and there are courses at all levels. Select the ones that suit you, but if you can hack the Spanish 1 - 7 you will be on your way.
'Easy Spanish xx' (Put a number in the xx when you use the search engine as there are lots of 'Easy Spanish' out there) It's mostly latin american but very useful. A group of young interviewers roam the streets in Spanish speaking countries interviewing about everyday subjects. Much easier than trying to understand Spanish television.
'Senor Jordan' When you do need to check your grammer this is easily the best course online. It is done in a light hearted way & Senor Jorden has songs and stories to help you on your way.
'Notes in Spanish' Conversations between a married couple in Madrid. She is Spanish and he English. The conversations are free to listen to but you need to make a small subscription for the written sheets and information.
It's been a long slog! My advice is do not give up. Suddenly you will find yourself having conversations in the ferreteria or supermarket and realise you are making it.
This message was last edited by tteedd on 10/11/2017.
This message was last edited by tteedd on 10/11/2017.
This message was last edited by tteedd on 10/11/2017.