15 Ways to Speak Spanish with Someone Online
So, you want to speak Spanish with someone online but don’t know where to start? Or, perhaps you’re a beginner and worried that you might not be able to hold a conversation in Spanish?
I’m here to assure you and give you some insightful tips. In other words, “Keep calm and speak Spanish.”
Today, we will:
- Discover why the best way to learn a language is by speaking it
- Address some concerns about speaking Spanish as a beginner, and
- Learn about the concept of a language partner.
Finally, you’ll find out about 15 great venues where you can speak Spanish with someone online.
The Most Effective Way to Learn to Speak Spanish
It’s no secret—the best way to learn a language is by speaking it.
Sure, you still need to get the grammar right and learn some vocabulary, but there’s no reason to wait before actually speaking.
Here at Homeschool Spanish Academy (HSA), students start speaking Spanish in their first class. Why is that?
In order to enhance the way you learn a language, your brain must develop four skills:
- Listening
- Speaking
- Reading
- Writing
The first two—listening and speaking—form the active part of the language, while the second two—reading and writing—are passive. A balanced approach takes all four of them into consideration, but if you focus on the active elements by speaking and listening, you first learn to use new words and phrases. Later, as you engage more with reading and writing you’ll discover their grammatical rules and irregularities.
In my opinion, it just makes more sense:
When traditional methods focus on passive learning, you learn lots of grammar that—truth be told—you won’t know how or when to use. The benefit of speaking Spanish from the start is that it gives you control over what you learn and makes the experience more meaningful.
“Can I Practice Speaking Even If I’m a Beginner?”
Yes! That’s the whole point. Speaking Spanish with someone is the best way to learn Spanish, no matter if you are a beginner, an intermediate learner, or an advanced student. Spanish learners of every level should be speaking Spanish as much as possible.
“But, what if I don’t have the words to express myself or I don’t understand anything they say?”
It doesn’t matter. You’ll get there. And these first conversations when you feel that way are the most valuable, as your ear is getting tuned to the new sounds of Spanish. And you’re absorbing new words and phrases just by listening and trying to anwer.
Besides, when you look for someone to speak Spanish with, you let them know that you’re a beginner and you’re looking for a conversation that reflects your level of Spanish. When you look for a language partner, you’ll see that they also come in all different levels, so it’s not hard to find the right one for you.
How to Find Someone to Speak Spanish With
First, I recommend learning the secret to finding your ideal language partner. Language partners work like this: someone agrees to speak Spanish with you in exchange for you speaking with them in their target language (English).
However, language partners are not the only way to speak Spanish online. You can also take online classes with a private tutor, which has its own set of unique benefits.
15 Ways to Speak Spanish with Someone Online
This list includes some of the most popular apps and websites to find language partners online, plus some other creative ways you can use to start speaking Spanish today!
1. The Mixxer
This straightforward site is supported by Dickinson College. You register, find a language partner, and start talking to them via Skype. The Mixxer is free, and it functions solely as a meeting point for people searching for a language partner.
2. Conversation Exchange
Don’t let the outdated look of this website trick you. Conversation Exchange is one of the most experienced sites in the language partner business, and it’s effective. If you’re shy or not yet ready to start speaking Spanish, here you can also find a penpal or chat partner.
3. HelloTalk
With over 150 languages supported and 20 million members around the world, HelloTalk is one of the most popular apps for finding someone to speak Spanish with. It’s also a terrific way to meet Spanish speakers when you’re traveling.
4. Interpals
Speaking of meeting native speakers and other travelers, Interpals was designed with that in mind. Here you can find language partners, penpals, or just new friends, and it’s completely free.
5. Italki
Italki offers you the possibility to connect with a teacher for one-on-one lessons. The site features lots of teachers of different languages from all over the world, and you pay per lesson.
6. Tandem
The Tandem app is available for iPhone and Android devices and works similarly to Hello Talk. Join the community and look for the right person for you. It’s easy to use but it’s not free.
7. Verbling
Tandem is to HelloTalk what Verbling is to Italki. Namely, a competitor that offers basically the same service. Find the Spanish tutor that suits you from a database of rated teachers and start taking your paid lessons.
8. Craigslist
Good old Craigslist is still up and running. Place an ad in the community section (or in the jobs section if you’re looking for a teacher or tutor), explain what you’re looking for, and wait for the emails to arrive. This gives you control over your search, and the communication is direct and personal between you and your potential language partner or tutor.
9. Meetup
Meetup was designed as a platform that creates groups for everything. Therefore, it works like a charm to find other people like you who are interested in learning languages. Find a meetup for Spanish-speaking people, make a connection, and start speaking online (or in person).
10. Ask in the Comments Section of Online Spanish Schools
I got this clever idea by accident while doing my research for this post. Spanish learners with the same doubts that you have are constantly asking questions all over the internet, including the comment sections of Spanish schools’ blog posts. Scroll through for some original ideas and proposals from teachers and language partners.
11. Place an Ad in Your Local Hispanic Church or Community Center
If you’re old school like me, you can simply walk to your local Hispanic church or community center and place a printed ad on the message board. It works like Craigslist in the way that communication is direct and personal, but this way you’re targeting the people you want to work with.
12. Check with Language Programs in Your Community
Universities and language schools often organize conversation clubs or language-related events. Use these stellar opportunities to find people who are willing to speak Spanish with you online.
13. Look for a Native Spanish Speaker in Your Contacts
This may be the most obvious way to speak Spanish with someone, but it also tends to be overlooked. We all have at least one friend on Facebook who speaks Spanish. It could be your old Spanish teacher or a friend you made when you studied abroad in Latin America or Spain. If you’re willing to speak Spanish with a complete stranger, why not do it with someone you actually know?
14. Facebook Groups
Just like Meetup, Facebook has groups for everything. Look for Spanish-speaking groups, or language partner groups, start a conversation, and find the right person for you. Sometimes the easiest way is the most obvious, too.
15. Take Online Classes With a Native Teacher at HSA
The thing about language partners is that they’re not teachers, and they don’t have the expertise to help you with your specific needs while learning a language. All our teachers at HSA are native and certified, and they tailor the classes to your level.
At HSA, you can choose your own teacher, schedule your classes according to your needs, and focus on conversational Spanish without dismissing the grammar aspect. Our teachers offer a balanced approach that gets you speaking Spanish from the very first class.
Speak Spanish Today!
Yes, today! We’ve just seen that speaking Spanish is the most effective way to learn a language and that you should start speaking from Day 1. I’ve also introduced you to the concept of a language partner and the best ways to find one. Finally, I explained why even though language partners are great, they’re not exactly teachers and sometimes can’t provide the guidance needed at the early stages of your learning process.
For all these reasons, I recommend booking a free class today with one of our native and certified teachers from Guatemala. You can experience our method and way of teaching, and start speaking Spanish now!
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