Next Adventure Languages

Tag: travel

  • The Role of AI as a Positive Way to Improve Writing and Language Learning

    The Role of AI as a Positive Way to Improve Writing and Language Learning

    For part of my weekly language practice, I free-write for about a page, usually discussing videos in German that I’ve watched recently. This helps me produce the vocabulary and information I’ve recently consumed. How well have I processed what I’ve seen and heard in my target language, and how well can I now produce it on paper?

    Or, I might write about things I’ve done in my life recently. Can I express what I will do in the immediate future? How is my grammar and word order? How is my spelling? These are all things I can practice, check, and improve with simple output on pen and paper.

    One of the biggest advantages of writing is that you can reread what you thought. The words on the page show exactly what information you can convey, making writing a great medium for evaluating where you are. You can see what has improved and begin to visualize how it all works. I find this especially helpful with pronunciation when studying a language like German. It’s a language where spelling consistently affects pronunciation, so knowing how something is spelled helps reinforce how to say it. It also naturally reinforces correct word order.

    Example: Modal verbs in German
    Ich muss heute zum Supermarkt gehen.

    I think in the target language, physically write it down, and visually interact with the spelling, grammar, and alphabet. I can even speak it for additional practice. This exercise uses many senses at once, which I feel helps me retain information. Studies also show that handwriting is an effective way to learn and remember material. For example, I recently read an article written last year by Charlotte Wu about how taking written notes is better for retaining information than typing.

    So, now that I have written information I’m trying to convey in the target language, I always wonder: Did I do that correctly? Where can I improve, and what did I do right? This simple exercise in writing is a great way for ChatGPT and AI tools to be realistically used in language learning. As a learner, you essentially have a grader on hand. You simply take a picture of what you wrote, tell the grader what you want, and hit send.

    Example prompt:
    “Please correct the grammar, spelling, and word order in this text. Highlight all mistakes, explain each correction briefly, and also highlight any sentences I wrote especially well so I can reinforce correct patterns. Keep my style and level.”

    Rewrite the corrections for retention, speak the words out loud, and log your progress if you’re tracking it. It’s a great and simple exercise—and a very practical way to use AI. You give yourself access to correct information and feedback that you can take into your human-to-human practice. If I know grammar and vocabulary better than I did the day before, then I have more information to draw upon and can communicate more clearly when practicing with a language tutor.

    My next step is to watch short documentaries in my target language and take notes in that language. Then I use tools like LingQ to discuss the information. According to the aforementioned article, taking physical notes forces you to extract only the most relevant information and write it down. You don’t have time to record every single word, so you focus on the important points. It is a way to pay attention and a way to improve your memory of the information, and then the notes serve as a repository to revisit what you learned and how much of it you retained. An app like LingQ helps you go back through the documentary, learn the vocabulary, and use its AI bot to ask questions about what was in the film.

  • My Phase One German Study Plan (B1 → B2)

    My Phase One German Study Plan (B1 → B2)

    For years I’ve been learning German in an on-again, off-again sort of way—listening to podcasts, dabbling in textbooks, watching YouTube videos, and trying to absorb the language through passive exposure. It helped, but only to a point. Eventually I realized that if I actually wanted to reach a higher level—specifically the Goethe B2 exam, which I’m scheduled to take this coming summer—I needed something more than scattered effort. I needed structure and routine. In a sense, I needed to build myself a roadmap. Where am I currently at? Where do I want to go?

    That’s how my three-phase study plan was born.

    Technically, there were four phases, because Phase 0 was all about scheduling and preparation. But now that the planning is complete, I’m ready to begin the first real leg of the journey in just two days. No more procrastination. Phase One is where everything starts to solidify.

    What Phase One Is

    Phase One answers the question: Where am I at right now?
     I’m currently B1, and I want to raise my knowledge to a solid B2 level. Phase One is a six-week structured reset designed to rebuild my B1 foundation and move deliberately into the early stages of B2 thinking. It isn’t meant to be overwhelming—it’s a steady, consistent plan built around short, focused sessions.

    The core idea is simple:
    recover everything I already know, regain control of grammar, build early B2 skills, and do it all in a predictable weekly rhythm.

    It’s built on:

    • Daily study (30–60 minutes)
    • Five active study days per week
    • Grammar review, structured writing, and speaking practice
    • Weekends reserved for rest, catch-up, or light input such as podcasts or reading

    Core Goals of Phase One

    1. Master B1 Grammar Thoroughly

    Not in the sense of achieving perfection, but through exposure, review, and repetition. I’ll be completing 12 chapters of Vorsprung—two per week—to give myself a sweeping review of foundational topics.

    2. Develop Early B2 Writing Skills

    Twice a week, I’ll respond to structured writing prompts modeled on B2 exam tasks. These short writing sessions force me to use grammar, word order, and vocabulary in a deliberate way.

    3. Build Speaking Confidence

    Once a week, I’ll take a 30-minute iTalki lesson focused on spontaneous speaking—mainly forming thoughts in the language and speaking them out loud to another person. It’s the area I’ve practiced the least, so it needs the most attention.

    4. Rebuild a Consistent Study Habit

    This phase is as much about routine as it is about grammar. The daily rhythm keeps the pressure low but the progress steady.

    (And again—the purpose isn’t to master every grammar topic immediately. Phase One is about exposing myself to the full range of topics, noticing what I don’t know, revisiting weak spots, and preparing to go deeper during Phase Two.)

    Weekly Structure (What Each Day Looks Like)

    (The week will consist of time immersing with movies, music, and books in the German Language that is not scheduled here.)

    Monday — Grammar Chapter A
     • One full Vorsprung chapter
    • Reading, grammar explanations, exercises
    • 30–60 minutes

    Tuesday — Writing Practice #1
     • Free-writings. Use ChatGPT for corrections

    Wednesday — Speaking Lesson
     • 30-minute iTalki session
    • Review grammar + spontaneous speaking practice

    Thursday — Grammar Chapter B
     • The second Vorsprung chapter of the week
    • Another round of review + exercises

    Friday — Writing Practice #2
     • A short paragraph or composition integrating everything from the week

    Saturday — Rest + Light Input
     • Podcasts, Easy German, or reading

    Sunday — Rest or Catch-Up
     • No structured study required

    Weekly Theme Focus for Writing & Speaking

    To give each week a clear direction, I’m using Top-Thema mit Vokabeln from DW as the thematic anchor. This was suggested to me by a tutor on iTalki. It provides fresh vocabulary, current topics, and short, manageable texts to respond to—perfect for both writing and speaking practice.

    Final Thoughts

    Learning German gives me something meaningful outside of my career. It’s something I’ve stuck with through moves, jobs, classes, and different stages of my life. Now I finally want a certification that reflects that effort.

    Having a structured plan keeps me grounded, motivated, and intentional. It removes uncertainty and replaces it with direction. And honestly—this feels exciting. Phase One is the first formal step in a long-term project toward B2 and eventually beyond.

  • Why I Signed Up for the Goethe B2 Exam (And How I’m Preparing)

    Why I Signed Up for the Goethe B2 Exam (And How I’m Preparing)

    I finally did it — I signed up for the Goethe B2 exam and put a real date on the calendar. I’ve been learning German while working full-time, and I wanted something concrete to aim for. Over the past few months, I’ve felt myself hovering around the same level, comfortable but not improving. Setting an exam date gives me a deadline and forces me to confront weak spots I usually avoid.

    This post is about why I registered, what the certification means to me, and how I’m building a realistic plan from now until this summer.

    Why I Wanted a Base Certification

    I’ve been learning German on and off for about five years. At some point, I wanted something that reflects that effort — not to show off, but as a personal benchmark. I also like the idea of having a recognized certification in case I ever want to study or work in Germany. It’s the largest economy in Europe, and the idea of building part of my life there has always been in the back of my mind.

    B2 represents the point where the language stops being fragile. You can function professionally, watch native media without subtitles, and hold your own in fast conversations. Signing up for this exam is my way of saying: I’m committed long-term, and I want to see this through.

    And if I fail? Fine. That’s not the point. I’m not learning German to chase a perfect score. I’m learning it because I genuinely enjoy it — and because I want the momentum that a real deadline brings.

    It also pushes me out of my comfort zone. I tend to avoid speaking in front of others, and the speaking portion of the exam won’t let me hide from that. It’s uncomfortable, but necessary.

    Why Having a Goal Outside of Work Matters

    Working full-time creates a predictable routine. I like my job, and I’m grateful for it, but I also want something outside of work that challenges me — something that’s mine. Language learning fills that role. It demands consistency, effort, and patience.

    Preparing for the exam keeps me structured, motivated, and mentally sharp. It gives me healthy pressure: a real deadline, a reason to stay consistent, and a sense of purpose beyond my career.

    It’s easy to let months pass by without realizing how little progress you’ve made. This exam forces me to stay engaged.

    Having a set exam date gives my weeks more structure. Even when work gets busy, I can’t ignore German the way I sometimes might without a deadline. Studying becomes part of my day — like going to the gym or making coffee.

    It grounds me and keeps me accountable.

    Why I Chose the Goethe B2 Exam Specifically

    The Goethe-Institut is recognized around the world — by universities, employers, and immigration offices. That matters to me. If I ever end up studying or working in Germany, this is the certification they’ll recognize.

    The exam is balanced:

    • reading
    • listening
    • writing
    • and speaking

    I’m strong in reading and listening, but writing and speaking still need steady work. Goethe’s format requires improvement in the areas I tend to avoid. And B2 feels like the right challenge — ambitious but realistic with consistent effort.

    It also feels good to be evaluated academically after years of casual learning. I want to know how well I can actually use this language.

    My Timeline: From Today Until The Exam

    I have a little more than six months to prepare. That’s plenty of time, but only if I’m consistent.

    Phase Zero (Now → Early December):

    Clearing personal tasks I’ve been putting off, organizing my materials, and building a real study plan. Think of it as setting the foundation.

    Phases One, Two, and Three (Dec → Summer):

    Each phase includes weekly goals built around the four core skills: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. I’m not aiming for perfection — I’m aiming for steady exposure.

    My weekly minimum looks like this:

    • 30–45 minutes of active study per weekday
    • Daily reading or listening
    • One speaking session per week
    • One written assignment for correction
    • Monthly checkpoints to stay on track

    I want repeated contact with grammar, vocabulary, and exam-style tasks. Consistency beats intensity.

    My Game Plan: How I’m Studying

    1. Grammar

    Review all B1 foundations to close gaps, then move systematically through the main B2 structures.

    2. Vocabulary

    Use LingQ, reading, and daily immersion. No flashcard burnout — just steady exposure to real language.

    3. Listening

    Podcasts, YouTube, news, and anything I actually enjoy.

    4. Reading

    Novels, articles, blog posts, and short stories — slow but steady.

    5. Speaking

    Weekly iTalki lessons and shadowing in between to build confidence.

    6. Writing

    A weekly journal entry that I get corrected and refine over time.

    The Journey Begins Now

    Signing up for the B2 exam was the first step. Now comes the work — the daily, steady effort that builds real skill. If you’re thinking about learning a language or taking an exam, I hope this gives you a realistic picture of what this stage looks like.

    I’ll share updates as I move through each phase and get closer to the exam!

  • How I Use ChatGPT to Learn Languages: My Favorite Prompts and Strategies

    How I Use ChatGPT to Learn Languages: My Favorite Prompts and Strategies

    Introduction

    As language learners, we’re always talking about immersion — textbooks, regular books, audiobooks, podcasts, YouTube channels, courses, what have you. And now AI is quickly becoming a part of that process and conversation. It’s already showing up in our daily routines, sometimes behind the scenes and sometimes directly when we open ChatGPT to ask a question or get feedback.

    For me, ChatGPT has become part of my daily study routine. It’s like having a patient tutor who never gets tired of my grammar mistakes. I’m currently learning German, Spanish, and Hungarian — all while working full-time — so I’ve had to find ways to make my study time more efficient.

    AI gets talked about in nearly every area of life right now, and while I don’t use it for everything, it does help me streamline a lot of the smaller, repetitive tasks — like lesson planning, outline creation, and quick grammar checks.

    Here are the exact ChatGPT prompts I use every week for vocabulary, grammar, writing, and conversation practice — and how they help me study smarter, not harder.

    Why ChatGPT Works for Language Learning

    Like a lot of AI tools, ChatGPT makes language learning both more accessible and more efficient. It gives instant feedback and corrections, adapts to your level (whether you’re A1 or C2), and can mimic simple real-life conversations.

    For example, if I just finished an iTalki lesson and there was something I didn’t quite understand — maybe my tutor said a phrase I couldn’t keep up with — I’ll go to ChatGPT and recreate that conversation. I might say:

    “Pretend you’re my tutor. I’m a B1 German learner. We just talked about daily routines, but I didn’t understand part of what you said. Can you write out that dialogue again slowly and explain it in English?”

    Within seconds, I have a version I can study, highlight, or reuse.

    It’s also great for decision-making paralysis. Let’s say I want to study reflexive verbs in German but don’t know where to start. I can simply ask:

    “Give me 20 example sentences in German practicing reflexive verbs. I’m at a B1 level.”

    Or even:

    “What are the 20 most common reflexive verbs in German? Give me both the English translation and a short example sentence.”

    Done. No flipping through pages, no Googling for exercises. It’s quick, clear, and customizable.

    My Prompts for Vocabulary Building

    Decision fatigue is a real problem when learning a language. Some days, you just don’t know how to study. ChatGPT takes that off your plate by instantly generating structure.

    Here are a few of my go-to prompts:

    1. “Give me 20 words about daily routines in German with example sentences.”
    2. “Create a mini-quiz to test me on these words: [insert list].”
    3. “Write a short story using these 10 Spanish words about travel.”

    Within seconds, I have an exercise, explanation, or even a mini-lesson plan. It turns passive vocabulary lists into something active and usable.

    I’ll usually transfer new words into LingQ, a spreadsheet, or a notebook. The point isn’t just memorizing — it’s using those words in real context, and ChatGPT helps create that context instantly.

    My Prompts for Grammar Practice

    This is where I focus on precision and structure. Grammar can feel intimidating, but with AI, I can break it down into smaller steps.

    Here are two ways I use it:

    1. Quick explanations:
      “Explain the difference between war and wäre in German with examples.”
    2. Corrections and rewrites:
      “Take a look at this paragraph I wrote in Spanish and tell me what mistakes I made. Then rewrite it correctly and explain why.”

    I’ll often ask ChatGPT to first explain in English, then again in the target language so I can see both sides. That repetition helps me retain the concept better.

    These short grammar sessions make it easier to understand why something is correct, not just memorize the rule.

    My Prompts for Speaking and Writing

    Sometimes you don’t have a conversation partner available — and that’s where AI comes in handy. I use ChatGPT to simulate conversations or writing exchanges that feel surprisingly real.

    Here are a few examples:

    • “Pretend we’re friends who haven’t seen each other in a while — write me a letter and let’s be pen pals.”
    • “Act as my coworker. Let’s practice a workplace email exchange.”
    • “Ask me five follow-up questions like a native speaker would.”

    You can easily turn these into low-stakes speaking or writing exercises. I’ll sometimes read my answers aloud, record them, and then paste them back into ChatGPT for correction. It’s practice on demand — flexible, consistent, and gamified.

    It gives you control over your practice environment, allowing repetition until you feel comfortable using the language in real life.

    How to Create Your Own Prompts

    The key to using ChatGPT effectively is specificity. Be clear about your level, your goal, and what role you want it to play. When you use AI, start by answering three questions: Who am I? Who are you? What are we trying to do?”

    Example:

    “Act as my A2-level Spanish tutor and quiz me on food vocabulary. I am a A2 level learner who is a native English speaker.”

    Or:

    “Pretend you’re a native Hungarian teacher helping me prepare for small talk at a café. Ask me questions and correct my mistakes. I am new to the Hungarian Language.”

    Think about your weak spots: a confusing textbook section, an iTalki conversation that tripped you up, or a phrase you’ve always avoided saying. Then build your prompts around those challenges.

    I also recommend asking ChatGPT to summarize what it thinks you’re asking before you start. I’ll say:

    “Can you explain what you think my goal is and how you’re going to help me achieve it?”

    That ensures you’re on the same page.

    Lastly, keep a running list of your favorite prompts in a Notes app or Google Doc. Over time, you’ll build your own AI-powered toolkit.

    Final Thoughts

    I think AI does a great job of making language learning more accessible, flexible, and efficient. It’s not perfect, and it definitely doesn’t replace human teachers — after all, learning a language is about connecting with other people, not just an algorithm.

    AI helps us practice, prepare, and improve — but human connection is still the heart of it.

    Maybe that’s a topic for another post.

    For now, I encourage you to try one of these prompts today — or tell us what prompts you’ve been using. How do you use AI for language learning? What are its downsides, or how could it be improved?

    Thanks for reading.

  • Title: How I Learn Languages with a 9-to-5 Job: My Daily Routine

    Title: How I Learn Languages with a 9-to-5 Job: My Daily Routine

    Making consistent progress in language learning is all about setting aside time — intentionally. For those of us working a 9-to-5, that requires some planning and commitment.

    Right now, I’m learning German while also working a full-time job. I’ve found that the key isn’t having endless hours — it’s building small habits that fit naturally into your day. Here’s how I fit meaningful language learning and daily input into my current schedule.

    Morning Routine: Coffee and Comprehensible Input

    I like to start my day with coffee — and that’s the perfect time to get some input in my target language. My mind is still waking up, which makes reading feel calm and unhurried.

    Most mornings, I’ll spend about 30 minutes reading in German. Sometimes it’s a book, sometimes an article or lesson on LingQ. I like this time because it eases me into the day while also familiarizing me with new words and phrases.

    Starting the morning in your target language sets the tone for the rest of the day. You’re already thinking in that language — and if something you read sparks your interest, you’ll carry that curiosity with you for hours.

    Commute Routine: Turning My Commute into a Classroom

    I have about a 30-minute commute, and this is when I like to shift into listening mode. Most days, I’ll put on a podcast or audiobook in German.

    Sometimes, the night before, I’ll download a YouTube video from LingQ (around 20–30 minutes long). On the way to work, I’ll listen to the audio and see how much I understand. Later that night, I’ll go back on LingQ to read through the transcript, look up new words, and reinforce what I heard.

    Even if I only catch parts of the conversation, this routine keeps the language fresh in my mind and helps build my listening comprehension naturally.

    Workday Input: Light and Sustainable

    Throughout the workday, when feasible, I like to keep light input going in the background — maybe another podcast or some music.

    During repetitive tasks, it’s easy to throw on something in the target language without losing focus. Hearing the intonation and rhythm of the language helps me when I later read or speak — my mind has already internalized how the sentences should sound.

    It’s not about studying intensely here. It’s about keeping the rhythm alive so that the language feels like part of your normal day.

    Evening Routine: Active Study Time

    After work, I usually spend 20–30 minutes actively studying — most often on LingQ, reviewing vocabulary or reading new material efficiently.

    If I still have energy, I’ll also listen to a short podcast, news clip, or even music in German on the way home. I try to make sure that, whatever I’m doing — podcasts, music, or even the news — I’m getting at least some of it in my target language.

    Not every evening looks the same, but the goal is simple: finish the day with at least one focused session that reinforces what I’ve seen and heard earlier.

    Nighttime Wind-Down: Reading Before Bed

    Before bed, I like to put my phone down and pick up a book. I used to listen to audiobooks in German as I fell asleep, but now that my comprehension is higher, I end up staying awake because I’m too focused on the story!

    So instead, I read a German book for about 10–15 minutes. It’s enough to wind down while still getting exposure to new words and sentence patterns. Most nights, that’s all it takes before I’m ready to sleep — and I like to think my brain keeps processing the language overnight.

    Weekend Routine: Deep Dives and Output

    My weekend routine looks similar, just more flexible. This is when I like to go deeper — watching longer videos, exploring travel vlogs in German, or uploading new content to LingQ for the coming week.

    I also spend time on grammar or output — writing short journal entries, reading out loud, or scheduling iTalki lessons to get real speaking practice.

    Reading aloud helps me get used to how I sound in the language. It makes actual conversations less intimidating because the words already feel natural coming out of my mouth. Grammar might not be the most exciting part, but I’m starting to appreciate how essential it is for real progress.

    Small Steps, Big Progress

    If I had to sum up my approach, it’s this:
    Whenever I’d normally be scrolling my phone or listening to something in English, I try to do it in my target language instead.

    If I’m listening to music, I’ll play Die Toten Hosen instead of my usual playlist. If I want a podcast or audiobook, I’ll find one in German. That way, I’m not creating extra study time — I’m just living my normal life through another language.

    That’s how progress adds up — small, steady habits layered into everyday routines.

    What Is Your Routine?

    How do you balance language learning with your job or studies?
    Drop a comment below and share your routine — I’d love to hear what works for you.

  • How I Enhanced My Spanish Knowledge in Just 4 Weeks

    By the end of Week 3 in my 8-week Spanish plan, I noticed something shift: I found a better rhythm.

    Up to this point, I had been adjusting to the pace and structure of my language learning schedule—figuring out what worked in practice, not just in theory. This week’s focus was on navigating the airport in Spanish. The topic felt immediately practical, which helped me stay motivated, even when the work itself wasn’t always exciting.

    Here’s what my workflow looked like:

    • I gathered 50 target vocabulary words related to the airport theme. For each word, I added a definition and wrote an example sentence.
    • I uploaded the full set to Quizlet, which I’ve found super helpful for spaced repetition.
    • From there, I practiced reading and speaking each sentence out loud, recording myself and listening back.

    This part—especially the vocabulary drilling and sentence construction—was honestly the hardest. It’s slow. It’s methodical. And it lacks the instant gratification of apps like Duolingo or watching a fun Spanish show. But it works. Writing the words out by hand, pairing them with example sentences, and recording myself helped the language settle into my memory in a way that felt solid. Not sexy—but effective.

    What surprised me was how much hearing myself speak, mistakes and all, helped me get more comfortable. I’m trying to normalize the sound of my own voice speaking Spanish, no matter how imperfect. That’s hard at first, but it’s already paying off.

    Turning Vocab into Story: Where studying feels applicable

    Once I had internalized the vocabulary a bit, I moved on to my favorite part: creating and practicing a short story using those 50 words, with English translations under each line for support.

    This is where everything starts to click. I read the story. I rewrote it by hand. I recorded myself reading it out loud. Then I played it back while listening and following along. It was easier than the vocabulary drills, and I think that’s for two reasons:

    1. Familiarity breeds fluency – By the time I hit the story, I had already seen these words multiple times. They weren’t strangers anymore.
    2. Stories bring language to life – Instead of studying isolated words, I was now connecting them to scenes, characters, and situations. That context made everything more memorable and relevant.

    When I compare how I feel doing vocab drills versus storytelling, the difference is night and day. The drills build the foundation—but the story makes it feel worth it.

    Altogether, I spent about 2.5 hours on active Spanish practice using this structure in Week 3. If I include passive learning—like using LingQ (currently on a free trial) or listening to Spanish podcasts while walking or cleaning—it comes closer to 4 hours total. That feels sustainable for me.

    Entering Week 4: Shifting into Higher Gear

    For Week 4, I decided to increase my commitment and aim for 1 hour of focused study per day. The structure remains the same, but I’m building on the habits I’ve already formed.

    One key change for next week: I’m going to start to ease into the past tense in Spanish. I haven’t studied it yet, and I know that jumping into verb conjugations can be intimidating. But I want to approach it without pressure or deadlines. This way, I can explore new grammar naturally, adding it into my stories little by little. Then, after having seen and used the past-tense naturally, I will begin to study it more precisely. I’m hoping this to be an easier and more natural way of learning a tense.

    When you’re not in a classroom setting, there’s more time to make mistakes and linger on things you don’t quite get yet.

    New Technique: Speak, Act, Write

    Here’s a small but effective tweak I’ve made this week that’s helping a lot:
    Before I write a sentence down, I say it out loud. Then I act it out if I can—using gestures, facial expressions, or walking around. Only after that do I write the sentence down.

    This small change makes a big difference. It turns passive repetition into multi-sensory engagement. The vocabulary becomes physical, emotional, and more memorable. Plus, it makes the learning process way less dull. Sure, it takes longer than just writing things out quickly, but I retain the words better—and I actually enjoy the process more.

    What’s Working So Far

    • Structure reduces friction. I never sit down and wonder, “What should I do today?” I know my steps: vocab → example sentences → recording → story → recording → review.
    • Recording myself builds confidence. I’m less afraid of sounding awkward or making mistakes.
    • Tying language to stories makes the vocabulary stick. Stories activate emotional and visual memory in a way flashcards never can.
    • Adding gestures turns learning into something physical and memorable.

    What’s Still Hard

    • Drilling vocab is a slog. I haven’t found a way to make that part fun yet. But I’ve come to accept that not every step needs to be fun. Some of it just needs to work.
    • Tracking time can be tricky. I often forget to log passive listening, and sometimes I don’t realize how much I’ve actually done until I reflect at the end of the week.
    • Staying consistent on busy days is still a challenge. Life happens—but I try to at least get in 20 minutes so I don’t break the chain.

    Looking Ahead

    I’m halfway through my 8-week plan, and I feel good. Not fluent—but grounded. There’s momentum. The system I created is working, but more importantly, I enjoy it. Not every moment, but enough to keep going.

    In Week 5, I’m planning to:

    • Continue easing into past tense
    • Create more emotionally engaging stories (maybe with a mini character arc!)
    • Add short self-talk sessions in Spanish to build fluency in thinking

    If you’re also learning a language and feeling overwhelmed, try building your own weekly system—and be willing to adjust it as you go!

  • Effective Language Learning: My 8-Week Spanish Plan

    Like many of you, I find learning a language to be a hobby, a challenge, a marathon, and a puzzle all wrapped up into one adventure. Between connecting with different culutres and people or learning the history of the speakers, the rewards seem to be endless.

    Map of Spanish Speakers

    I’ve recently set out with a goal of becoming a english tutor. I hope to help those learning english feel welcome and support their journey. I have recently finished an online TEFL course and learned alot. I now feel better equiped to learn a language now that I understood more of the principles and techniques for teaching my native language.

    I had been learning german for quite some time. I took it for three semesters in college and enjoyed passivly learing it in my free time through podcasts like EasyGerman, or t.v. shows like Kleo, and music such as Die Toten Hosen and Santiano. However, I decided I wanted to lean into my Spanish journey. I had taken one semester of it in college as an elective (it didn’t require papers or large projects or midterms). I decided to try and create a weekly routine that wasn’t too demanding, allowed for passive learning, and didn’t keep me stuck in one mode of learning. I figured myself an A1/A2 level and thought that I should make my first goal to reach a B1 level as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

    Below, I’ve attached my plan below for 8 weeks of atleast 1 scheduled hour of learning a day. The main goal for these first 8 weeks is to add a more structed learning schedule that is outside of a college course. Next, I hope to find what works, what doesn’t work, and where are some key areas of my Spanish knoweldge that needs more attention.

    Weekly Plan

    DayTaskSkill Type
    MondayLearn 50 new vocabulary words with article, example sentence, and meaningReceptive (Reading) + Vocabulary
    TuesdayRecord yourself reading all 50 sentences aloudProductive (Speaking)
    WednesdayWrite 50 sentences using vocab + listen to story in Spanish onlyProductive (Writing)
    ThursdayWrite short story (50 sentences) including the week’s vocabularyProductive (Writing)
    FridayRecord yourself narrating the full story out loud (or perform it). Do this 2-3 times.Productive (Speaking)
    SaturdayPassive: listen to podcasts, music, watch content, review flashcardsReceptive (Listening or Reading)
    SundayOptional: same as Saturday OR reflection journal / vocab reviewMixed (Optional)

    Here’s how I found the first 2 weeks

    The first two weeks suprised me in how accessible this weekly plan was. I thought that it would be difficult to complete the activities to work on the skill types each day. And in some cases it was, however, I mostly found it quite doable and it inspired me to do even a little bit more learning outside of this schedule. I believe the key was to ensure that I did some sort of practice, even for just 10-15 minutes, in the morning before I left for work for the day. That made it much easier to come home and do another session or two of spanish in the evening. If I waited until the end of the day to do the full hour, it was quite difficult to find the motivation. Like anything, proper time management and minimizing procrastination is key.

    With that said, I have found personalizing my language learning as much as possible quite helpful in keeping an interest. If you’re constantly trying to understand what other people are saying, or what other people are telling you to understand, it can be difficult to maintain interest. Especially when you don’t undertand all the material. During these first 8 weeks, I am developing topics each week that I want to learn vocabulary and phrases for. I then turn these phrases into short stories to help myself visualize the phrases learned. As I become more proficient, I aim to make the stories more interesting, more in-depth, and more complex.

    Moving forward, I will break down each day throughout this plan and further describe what my weekly TL is, the activities to learn this target language, and what I would change with my plan in the future. Thank you for reading and I wish you the best of luck with your language learining journey!