Learning Spanish for the Camino: Recommendations for a Spanish Teacher

[bakedbeans]

I've done a couple of Caminos but I speak only enough Spanish to ask for sandwiches and coffee. I'm planning another Camino and would like to learn some. I'm an English monoglot.


What I'd like to learn:

Numbers
Basic greetings
Calling an albergue and making a reservation (most important)
Shop conversation: How much is that? Can I look at that?
Bar / restaurant type conversations. Vocabulary for food. Asking for water.

How I'd like to learn:

Probably some Zoom calls.
Some homework to do.


I'm pretty bad at languages and not a great self-learner either. I would like someone who not only can speak Spanish and English but knows how to teach to some degree. Probably has a little course worked out in advance, some homework materials, a plan, etc.

I don't really know how much this sort of thing costs but anything reasonable is fine.

 

[trecile]

You might try Spanish for the Camino.

Spanish for the Camino

I help pilgrims learn the Spanish they need for their walk across Spain on the Camino de Santiago.

spanishforcamino.com

 

[wisepilgrim]

Shop around on italky.com for a teacher in the country (or from the country) you are interested in, presumably Spain. There are many many to choose from, and the system works well.

 

[bakedbeans]

Awesome, thanks.

 

[jungleboy]

Shop around on italky.com for a teacher in the country (or from the country) you are interested in, presumably Spain. There are many many to choose from, and the system works well.

italki ->> link here

 

[J Willhaus]

We have been taking Spanish lessons online for several years now with CR Languages in Boise, ID. The owner is originally from Argentina. They offer several languages online and in person. I know this won't work for you, but I am using it as an example. We started in person, but after the pandemic went online via distance. We meet with our instructor weekly and we have regular lesson books and also some conversation time. In addition, we sometimes attend a Spanish table here at the unversity where I work (Phil more than me since he is often free at that time.) We've also done some online practice in the past with partners in Spain where we talk 30 minutes in English and the 30 minutes in Spanish.

A few years we have gone to school in Spain for a few weeks. I have done that once and Phil has done it three different times. Our Spanish is still not great, but we enjoy learning. I can actually have a relatively good conversation now. You just need to keep after it to get better. Many of the schools in Spain also offer some online classes. I read a Spanish newspaper daily and keep up on the news in Galicia as a result.

 

[Former member 92300]

There are lots of options. I use Rosetta Stone myself. I paid one fee for lifetime use and unlimited languages. Used the Spanish quite a bit over the last couple of years. Will use the French in the coming months for the Via Francigena this summer.

 

[Mahonsk]

I've done a couple of Caminos but I speak only enough Spanish to ask for sandwiches and coffee. I'm planning another Camino and would like to learn some. I'm an English monoglot.


What I'd like to learn:

Numbers
Basic greetings
Calling an albergue and making a reservation (most important)
Shop conversation: How much is that? Can I look at that?
Bar / restaurant type conversations. Vocabulary for food. Asking for water.

How I'd like to learn:

Probably some Zoom calls.
Some homework to do.


I'm pretty bad at languages and not a great self-learner either. I would like someone who not only can speak Spanish and English but knows how to teach to some degree. Probably has a little course worked out in advance, some homework materials, a plan, etc.

I don't really know how much this sort of thing costs but anything reasonable is fine.

Not quite an answer to your specific question but I found the App, Duolingo very very good. It’s free as well and you can do it wherever and whenever it suits you. No Teacher to try and fit your day around. However, to unlock better features, which I did after several months, you can subscribe. It cost me £60 for a year which one can’t really overly complain about. I’m still using and paying for it, three years after starting it and completing the Camino Frances with my Wife last year. I was so impressed with how I conducted everything in Spanish. Buen Camino.

 

[ortemio]

I speak a couple of tongues and have tried lots of apps for other's .
The one I found to work for ME is called drops. Easy and fun ....

Drops: Learn European Spanish - Apps on Google Play

Study vocabulary, and learn to speak European Spanish with this app

play.google.com

( I also like italki ... its my place to go when I really need to practice, can't beat the price )

 

[JCB]

We have been taking Spanish lessons online for several years now with CR Languages in Boise, ID. The owner is originally from Argentina. They offer several languages online and in person. I know this won't work for you, but I am using it as an example. We started in person, but after the pandemic went online via distance. We meet with our instructor weekly and we have regular lesson books and also some conversation time. In addition, we sometimes attend a Spanish table here at the unversity where I work (Phil more than me since he is often free at that time.) We've also done some online practice in the past with partners in Spain where we talk 30 minutes in English and the 30 minutes in Spanish.

A few years we have gone to school in Spain for a few weeks. I have done that once and Phil has done it three different times. Our Spanish is still not great, but we enjoy learning. I can actually have a relatively good conversation now. You just need to keep after it to get better. Many of the schools in Spain also offer some online classes. I read a Spanish newspaper daily and keep up on the news in Galicia as a result.

I'm a retired Spanish teacher. I highly recommend Duolingo.

 

[CMMCKEON]

I had the very same idea at the beginning of the pandemic and use this time to learn Spanish. I used Magdalena Salazar from Guatemala (magdalenasalazar1717@gmail.com). Lessons were via zoom, with homework each week. I found her really good for a basic understanding of the language, correct pronunciation and grammer. She was encouraging and a brilliant teacher. I learned a lot and increased my vocabulary on two caminos since then.

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[Fr Scott]

I've done a couple of Caminos but I speak only enough Spanish to ask for sandwiches and coffee. I'm planning another Camino and would like to learn some. I'm an English monoglot.


What I'd like to learn:

Numbers
Basic greetings
Calling an albergue and making a reservation (most important)
Shop conversation: How much is that? Can I look at that?
Bar / restaurant type conversations. Vocabulary for food. Asking for water.

How I'd like to learn:

Probably some Zoom calls.
Some homework to do.


I'm pretty bad at languages and not a great self-learner either. I would like someone who not only can speak Spanish and English but knows how to teach to some degree. Probably has a little course worked out in advance, some homework materials, a plan, etc.

I don't really know how much this sort of thing costs but anything reasonable is fine.

I would highly recommend Pedro in Guatemala. He uses Skype. He’s been teaching for over 20 years. I am currently Skyping with him to brush up on Spanish for my Camino this coming April. Here is his email. casamaya1965@gmail.com.

 

[MariaSP]

You might try Spanish for the Camino.

Spanish for the Camino

I help pilgrims learn the Spanish they need for their walk across Spain on the Camino de Santiago.

spanishforcamino.com

Thank you for the mention!

 

[Anniesantiago]

I use Rosetta Stone and love it.

 

[Pilgrim Patricia]

I've done a couple of Caminos but I speak only enough Spanish to ask for sandwiches and coffee. I'm planning another Camino and would like to learn some. I'm an English monoglot.


What I'd like to learn:

Numbers
Basic greetings
Calling an albergue and making a reservation (most important)
Shop conversation: How much is that? Can I look at that?
Bar / restaurant type conversations. Vocabulary for food. Asking for water.

How I'd like to learn:

Probably some Zoom calls.
Some homework to do.


I'm pretty bad at languages and not a great self-learner either. I would like someone who not only can speak Spanish and English but knows how to teach to some degree. Probably has a little course worked out in advance, some homework materials, a plan, etc.

I don't really know how much this sort of thing costs but anything reasonable is fine.

I have found that it's one thing to be able to say words and phrases in another language, and quite another to be able to understand what the native speaker says, especially with so many regional variances! A very useful phrase for me in any foreign language is: "please speak slowly". It's worthwhile to try to have some conversational practice to improve comprehension before you head off, too, if you can find a willing and able partner.

 

[DyanTX]

Great idea to learn more! Many people walk with no Spanish and no desire to learn. I used Duolingo prior to my walk which mainly gave me a few words but no real conversation ability but a desire to learn more. I started with my local community college with a "Spanish for Travelers" course. Along came Covid which meant transfer to on-line self-guided Speed Spanish courses that gave me the grammar needed to put sentences together. Eventually went into zoom classes. I like doing exercises that help solidify the grammar concepts. This book is great - examples and exercises with answers in the back of the book. Practice with others is really necessary to become fluent. Note: I am NOT fluent but it has helped me a lot with trips to Costa Rica and Peru where none of my fellow-travelers had any skill at all. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1260463133/?tag=casaivar02-20

 

[Simon B]

I've done a couple of Caminos but I speak only enough Spanish to ask for sandwiches and coffee. I'm planning another Camino and would like to learn some. I'm an English monoglot.


What I'd like to learn:

Numbers
Basic greetings
Calling an albergue and making a reservation (most important)
Shop conversation: How much is that? Can I look at that?
Bar / restaurant type conversations. Vocabulary for food. Asking for water.

How I'd like to learn:

Probably some Zoom calls.
Some homework to do.


I'm pretty bad at languages and not a great self-learner either. I would like someone who not only can speak Spanish and English but knows how to teach to some degree. Probably has a little course worked out in advance, some homework materials, a plan, etc.

I don't really know how much this sort of thing costs but anything reasonable is fine.

I have been using DUOLINGO. It is excellent and you can go as far with it as you wish - https://www.duolingo.com/

 

[Dennis Pack]

I like the philosophy behind the "Dreaming Spanish" YouTube channel. It uses speakers from both Spain and Latin America.

 

[Marbe2]

Duolingo.com revised its program a few months ago. It is a good basic do-it-yourself free course now for foreign language learning. There are some lack of grammar explanations, occasionally, as to WHY something occurs, but you can look for explanations within the program or use an online Spanish grammar book on those occasions. It can now take you to, I’d estimate, two to three years of high school FL proficiency for free!

 

[Chingona]

I've done a couple of Caminos but I speak only enough Spanish to ask for sandwiches and coffee. I'm planning another Camino and would like to learn some. I'm an English monoglot.


What I'd like to learn:

Numbers
Basic greetings
Calling an albergue and making a reservation (most important)
Shop conversation: How much is that? Can I look at that?
Bar / restaurant type conversations. Vocabulary for food. Asking for water.

How I'd like to learn:

Probably some Zoom calls.
Some homework to do.


I'm pretty bad at languages and not a great self-learner either. I would like someone who not only can speak Spanish and English but knows how to teach to some degree. Probably has a little course worked out in advance, some homework materials, a plan, etc.

I don't really know how much this sort of thing costs but anything reasonable is fine.

I could probably help you out - I’m actually a Spanish teacher from Australia. Am used to remote learning! (Hail from Melbourne, most locked down city in the world). I can put together a program for you and let you know if the cost if you are interested.

 

[Chingona]

I like the philosophy behind the "Dreaming Spanish" YouTube channel. It uses speakers from both Spain and Latin America.

Highly recommend this one!!!! Based on Comprehensible Input. Which is how we naturally learn - no explicit grammar teaching!!

 

[nandogdc]

I've done a couple of Caminos but I speak only enough Spanish to ask for sandwiches and coffee. I'm planning another Camino and would like to learn some. I'm an English monoglot.


What I'd like to learn:

Numbers
Basic greetings
Calling an albergue and making a reservation (most important)
Shop conversation: How much is that? Can I look at that?
Bar / restaurant type conversations. Vocabulary for food. Asking for water.

How I'd like to learn:

Probably some Zoom calls.
Some homework to do.


I'm pretty bad at languages and not a great self-learner either. I would like someone who not only can speak Spanish and English but knows how to teach to some degree. Probably has a little course worked out in advance, some homework materials, a plan, etc.

I don't really know how much this sort of thing costs but anything reasonable is fine.

Hi Bakebeans,

My wife can teach Spanish, we are both Spanish speakers, but she has taught other people that wanted to learn Conversational Spanish. Let me know if you are keen. We are also planning a trip to Spain to do the Camino Frances in September

Saludos
Fernando y Liza

 

[Jakke]

I've done a couple of Caminos but I speak only enough Spanish to ask for sandwiches and coffee. I'm planning another Camino and would like to learn some. I'm an English monoglot.


What I'd like to learn:

Numbers
Basic greetings
Calling an albergue and making a reservation (most important)
Shop conversation: How much is that? Can I look at that?
Bar / restaurant type conversations. Vocabulary for food. Asking for water.

How I'd like to learn:

Probably some Zoom calls.
Some homework to do.


I'm pretty bad at languages and not a great self-learner either. I would like someone who not only can speak Spanish and English but knows how to teach to some degree. Probably has a little course worked out in advance, some homework materials, a plan, etc.

I don't really know how much this sort of thing costs but anything reasonable is fine.

Hi. Some replies suggest Duolingo. Even though I like their approach in many ways, it is fair to point out some issues you may find less helpful as a pilgrim. 1) Duolingo teaches S. American Spanish. That differs from "Spanish Spanish".
2) Duolingo has a clear mission to promote a liberal worldview. You'll e.g., read about two girls going on a "honeymoon", but after a couple of years studying with them, I have hardly seen anything about religions. Ignoring the role of the church in Spain is not helpful.

 

[David Tallan]

I like the philosophy behind the "Dreaming Spanish" YouTube channel. It uses speakers from both Spain and Latin America.

I signed up for them, but I've been focused on the Castellano speakers.

 

[RRat]

I've done a couple of Caminos but I speak only enough Spanish to ask for sandwiches and coffee. I'm planning another Camino and would like to learn some. I'm an English monoglot.


What I'd like to learn:

Numbers
Basic greetings
Calling an albergue and making a reservation (most important)
Shop conversation: How much is that? Can I look at that?
Bar / restaurant type conversations. Vocabulary for food. Asking for water.

How I'd like to learn:

Probably some Zoom calls.
Some homework to do.


I'm pretty bad at languages and not a great self-learner either. I would like someone who not only can speak Spanish and English but knows how to teach to some degree. Probably has a little course worked out in advance, some homework materials, a plan, etc.

I don't really know how much this sort of thing costs but anything reasonable is fine.

Find the Spanish TV speaking networks. Spend an hour or so everyday watching the news and a soap opera. You will pick up a little and more important it will train your ear to listen to the rhythm. When in the car by yourself listen to an English speaking talk show. Try to emotionally respond in Spanish. Have fun with it. Your vocabulary limits will become apparent. Warning, the Tele Novellas are addictive.

 

[Chingona]

I’d highly recommend the following:

Online Classes Archives

Streaming videos are live classes that were recorded. From your perch in the back of the room, you can have a bird’s eye view of the same class, Beginning-Advanced Zoom Classes are live classes in real time with a teacher and other students. Hybrid classes are a combination of both. We have...

fluencyfast.com

 

[Judy's Way]

I have been using DUOLINGO. It is excellent and you can go as far with it as you wish - https://www.duolingo.com/

I love Duolingo! I learned enough to have slow chats with farmers and Spanish pilgrims which were highlights for me last fall. Now that we are planning to walk the Podiensis from Le Puy in France in May, I switched to learning French on Duolingo. Excellent!

 

[stuwmson]

I've done a couple of Caminos but I speak only enough Spanish to ask for sandwiches and coffee. I'm planning another Camino and would like to learn some. I'm an English monoglot.


What I'd like to learn:

Numbers
Basic greetings
Calling an albergue and making a reservation (most important)
Shop conversation: How much is that? Can I look at that?
Bar / restaurant type conversations. Vocabulary for food. Asking for water.

How I'd like to learn:

Probably some Zoom calls.
Some homework to do.


I'm pretty bad at languages and not a great self-learner either. I would like someone who not only can speak Spanish and English but knows how to teach to some degree. Probably has a little course worked out in advance, some homework materials, a plan, etc.

I don't really know how much this sort of thing costs but anything reasonable is fine.

go to babble.com and sign up. you can study while walking!

 

[stuwmson]

go to babble.com and sign up. you can study while walking!

Learn Spanish — The Fast, Easy & Fun Way | Babbel

Want to know what it's like to learn Spanish? Babbel's award-winning interactive courses make learning Spanish fun. Try your first lesson for free!

www.babbel.com

 

[Keith H]

I signed up for them, but I've been focused on the Castellano speakers.

Thanks for pointing out the teacher’s native language. Having grown up being exposed to Mexican Spanish I found the transition a bit challenging here in Spain. Also there are native ways to say things that justa aren’t used elsewhere.

 

[Keith H]

I have found that it's one thing to be able to say words and phrases in another language, and quite another to be able to understand what the native speaker says, especially with so many regional variances! A very useful phrase for me in any foreign language is: "please speak slowly". It's worthwhile to try to have some conversational practice to improve comprehension before you head off, too, if you can find a willing and able partner.

I learned ‘Hablas mas despacio por favor’ when I was a young lad and it’s really been useful throughout the years.

 

[sebastian606]

Hi. Some replies suggest Duolingo. Even though I like their approach in many ways, it is fair to point out some issues you may find less helpful as a pilgrim. 1) Duolingo teaches S. American Spanish. That differs from "Spanish Spanish".
2) Duolingo has a clear mission to promote a liberal worldview. You'll e.g., read about two girls going on a "honeymoon", but after a couple of years studying with them, I have hardly seen anything about religions. Ignoring the role of the church in Spain is not he

I am using Duolingo now. I am on day 207. I have learned a lot with Duolingo and it helped me on my Camino September 2022. I agree that Duolingo has an extremely liberal world view and it focuses on Mexican/S. American Spanish dialects. But for the price and ease of use, it has been a good tool for me as a novice Spanish learner. It was very helpful for reading Spanish. I am too green for good conversation. But I could order food and get assistance when needed.

 

[ScorpioGirl22]

I'm a retired Spanish teacher. I highly recommend Duolingo.

Yes, I found Duolingo io be really quite good.
I am going to start a refresher session soon is preperation for my upcoming Camino.

 

[Gringazolana]

Highly recommend this one!!!! Based on Comprehensible Input. Which is how we naturally learn - no explicit grammar teaching!!

This old Spanish teacher just wanted to jump in and say yasssss to CI and also to your name! If I weren’t the GRINGAZOLANA already, I would be CHINGONA!

 

[ayidinmokum]

Not quite an answer to your specific question but I found the App, Duolingo very very good. It’s free as well and you can do it wherever and whenever it suits you. No Teacher to try and fit your day around. However, to unlock better features, which I did after several months, you can subscribe. It cost me £60 for a year which one can’t really overly complain about. I’m still using and paying for it, three years after starting it and completing the Camino Frances with my Wife last year. I was so impressed with how I conducted everything in Spanish. Buen Camino.

Might suggest trying Busuu. It also has a free version and is similiarly priced for premium. I find the lessons better, less gamification and its spanish with a accent of spain not latin american accent like duolingo*.

* only applies if you are learning spanish from english on duolingo, the other european languages get spain accented spanish and word choice.

My experience with both apps come from using a mix of duolingo, busuu, and native content to reach b1-b2 in two languages and a2 in a couple more.

 

[Chingona]

This old Spanish teacher just wanted to jump in and say yasssss to CI and also to your name! If I weren’t the GRINGAZOLANA already, I would be CHINGONA!

I’m chingona! Hi!!