Eduardo Lecea

What I enjoy most about teaching Spanish is seeing students gain the confidence to truly communicate. I love watching that moment when a concept “clicks” and they realize they can express their own ideas in a new language. Helping students connect with Spanish-speaking cultures, travel more comfortably, and reach personal or professional goals is incredibly rewarding. Every class feels like a shared journey of discovery.

I started teaching Spanish in 2008, when I was the director of the translation agency and language school CIMEXBRA in Mexico City. That experience allowed me to work with learners from diverse backgrounds and helped shape the professional, student-centered approach I use today.

In my experience, students decide to learn Spanish for a few main reasons. Many want to travel more confidently across Spain and Latin America, while others need Spanish for work—especially in international business, customer service, or healthcare. Some learn it to connect with family or their cultural roots. And increasingly, students choose Spanish simply because they enjoy the language and know it opens doors to millions of speakers worldwide.

Spanish is generally considered one of the more accessible languages for English and Portuguese speakers. Its pronunciation is consistent, the alphabet is familiar, and many words share Latin roots with English and Portuguese. The main challenges tend to be verb conjugations and mastering the different past tenses, but with steady practice students make progress quickly. Overall, compared to many other languages, Spanish offers a smoother and more intuitive learning path.

Mexican Spanish is fully understandable across the Spanish-speaking world, but it has its own flavor. The pronunciation is generally clear and paced a bit more slowly, which many learners find easier to follow. Mexico also has a rich vocabulary of idiomatic expressions and indigenous loanwords—particularly from Nahuatl—that give the language a unique character. In addition, some verb forms and everyday phrases differ from those used in Spain or South America. These variations don’t make communication difficult; they simply reflect the cultural diversity of the Spanish-speaking world.

Students are usually fascinated by the diversity of Mexican culture. Many are drawn to its food traditions—everything from regional dishes to the stories behind ingredients like corn and chili. Others are curious about Mexican history, Indigenous cultures, and classic celebrations such as Día de Muertos. Pop culture also plays a big role: music, cinema, literature, and even telenovelas often spark great conversations in class. Overall, students enjoy discovering how vibrant, creative, and varied Mexico really is.

The hardest part of teaching Spanish is helping students stay consistent when life gets busy. Spanish is very accessible, but real progress requires regular practice, and many learners struggle to maintain a routine. Another challenge is guiding students through the subtle differences in verb tenses and regional variations without overwhelming them. Still, these challenges are also what make teaching rewarding—finding the right strategies to help each student succeed is part of what I enjoy most.

A good Spanish student isn’t necessarily someone with a natural talent for languages—it’s someone who shows consistency and curiosity. The best learners ask questions, practice a little every day, and aren’t afraid to make mistakes. They stay open to new accents, new cultural perspectives, and new ways of expressing themselves. Most importantly, they understand that progress comes from steady effort, not perfection. With that mindset, any student can become a confident Spanish speaker.

The hardest part of learning Spanish is mastering the verb system—especially the past tenses and the use of the subjunctive. These structures don’t always have direct equivalents in other languages, so they take time and practice to internalize. Another challenge is understanding the different accents and regional vocabulary across the Spanish-speaking world. But with regular exposure and a patient approach, students gradually develop a strong ear and gain confidence using these more complex aspects of the language.

My advice for students who are struggling is to simplify their routine and focus on small, consistent steps. Instead of trying to study for long periods, aim for 10–15 minutes a day—listening to a short dialogue, reviewing key vocabulary, or practicing a verb tense. Also, don’t study alone: ask questions, practice speaking, and use the language in real situations, even if it’s just a simple message or voice note. And remember that progress isn’t linear—everyone has ups and downs. What matters is staying patient and trusting the process.