Language Learning With A Live Teacher

I like learning foreign languages. It’s fun and you really see the value if you’re ‘Digital Nomading’ around in places where English is not native. (Whether I’m any good, I’ll leave that up to you.)

I follow this basic process:

1. Learn TONS of vocabulary. This my constant focus.

2. Get out and speak with people in broken stutters.

3. Last of all, focus on some Grammar. (Future, past tense, conditional, etc.)

This strategy worked well when I was in Mexico, Central and South America. When I was in Asia I practiced vocabulary, when I landed in Mexico I spoke to as many locals as possible, (buying ‘lengua’ tacos for good luck!) and it was only as I entered in Chile and Argentina that I focused on grammar.

I’m learning Chinese, it will take a while, and learning to write will take longer. I’m in Africa (Fēizhōu) and there aren’t many accessible Chinese people to talk to.

So, I posted a tutoring request on Upwork (My go-to freelancer site) and set up bi-weekly half-hour Chinese lessons. I highly recommend you do the same, especially if you aren’t surrounded by local speakers.

Instantly, I feel myself learning faster, gaining confidence, and getting more excited to learn.

1. High-Intensity Learning – I am convinced that, similar to when giving a speech, my brain is working faster when I’m talking to a human. Like a boxer, I’m alert to the punches coming my way, learning to bob and weave rather than just punching a bag. Faster learning and higher retention.

2. Immediate Feedback, Real Confidence – Your teacher knows if you said it right and will give you immediate feedback. If you’re wondering “What’s the difference between Xǐ and xiě?” you’ll get instant validation that yes, you said it perfectly.

3. All-Day Excitement For Learning – Passing exams never excited me to learn Spanish. When I learned that many Latin American women only spoke Spanish, my brain kicked into hyper-drive. Talking to a real person (a teacher, or someone cute) stimulates an interest in learning. It’s not about the language, it’s about connecting with other humans.

Classes do not need to be expensive. $15/hour. Your post-class excitement (I spoke… Spanish!) and your high retention show that it was worth it. How much more would this cost at a university?

You can find a tutor-specific website, or download a conversation app (I hate Duolingo) or hire a tutor on Upwork like I did.

1. Visit Upwork.com

2. Post a job inquiry “Ni Hao! I Am Looking For A Mandarin Chinese Tutor” “Hola! I’m Looking For A Spanish Tutor.”

3. Talk to 2 or 3 tutors who seem like a fit and who fit your price range.

4. Start taking some lessons, scheduling 1 or 2 classes per week to start.