My Journey to Fluency; Learning Spanish

Reflection

Over the course of my self-designed language learning experience, I challenged myself to study Spanish through immersion and daily practice. I committed to over 75 hours of study by dedicating at least 30 minutes each day to the language. I began by researching language learning methods and speaking with bilingual individuals, all of whom emphasized the importance of repetition and integration into daily routines. To immerse myself, I changed my phone’s language to Spanish, listened to Spanish music, watched YouTube videos, and read a Spanish book. My four main goals were: (1) learn 40 new words a week, (2) watch 15 minutes of Dreaming Spanish daily, (3) grow cultural understanding, and (4) build confidence speaking Spanish. Early on, I realized flashcard memorization lacked context, so I shifted to learning vocabulary naturally through media. Watching Spanish videos twice—first without captions, then with them—greatly improved my comprehension. Reading also helped me grasp common filler words and slang. To improve pronunciation and confidence, I studied Spanish music, especially songs by Bad Bunny. This immersive experience not only improved my Spanish skills but deepened my cultural appreciation. 

 

In conclusion, this self-designed Spanish learning experience has been a meaningful step in my development as a Global Citizen Scholar. Through consistent immersion and active engagement with the language, I not only advanced my Spanish skills but also gained a deeper appreciation for the cultures and communities connected to it. This experience has enhanced my ability to communicate across cultural boundaries and has broadened my worldview—both essential qualities of a Global Citizen Scholar. Moving forward, I will continue to integrate these practices into my routine, knowing that language is a powerful tool for connection and global understanding. This journey has strengthened my confidence and reaffirmed my commitment to using language learning as a bridge to deeper intercultural engagement and responsible global citizenship.