In Banderas Bay, the number of snowbirds and residents living here full time has escalated over the years, and many want to learn a little more Spanish than “hola” and “una cerveza/margarita por favor”. Of course, learning basic Spanish will make your Riviera Nayarit home away from home far more enjoyable than you could ever imagine. While speaking Spanish is not essential, it will sure make your life in paradise all the more fulfilling.

At Villa La Estancia Residences, there will be plenty of opportunities for you to practice your Spanish: speak to the bellboys in Spanish everyday, get to know your maid or make a point each day to join in the activities at the hotel and try to speak to the activities team in Spanish. In the meantime, here are some helpful tips for learning Spanish for Riviera Nayarit residents.

Helpful Tips for Learning Spanish in Riviera Nayarit

There are easy ways to learn how to speak Spanish. It just depends on what level of Spanish you would like to speak.

Get Involved

One of the easiest ways to learn to speak Spanish is to get involved in Riviera Nayarit’s local culture. When you are in Mexico, don’t surround yourself with only those friends who speak English, because this is your comfort zone and the only language spoken is English. Instead, why don’t you volunteer with several organizations and charities such as assisting at the Los Mangos library, going to a nursing home to work with the elderly, going to art galleries and art events, or taking a zumba class with the locals rather than hiding out in your bilingual gym. If you do this, then it will force you to speak in Spanish and your Spanish speaking skills will increase.

Don’t Worry About Speaking It Right

The way to learn a foreign language like Spanish is not to worry about speaking it right, but letting yourself get it wrong. As you are starting to speak a second language like Spanish, then don’t worry about feeling silly or stupid when you mix up the tenses. You can try to imitate Speedy Gonzalez to get the accent down. Just let it go of speaking it right and try to use the Spanish words that you actually know over and over. Communicating in Spanish is not always about the grammar, but the way you express yourself, then listen to the person that you are talking to see what they are saying.

Take a Spanish Class

Taking a Spanish class of some sort in the Riviera Nayarit will boost your confidence. You can get a Spanish tutor, join a Spanish class, or buy Spanish learning CD’s. In the Riviera Nayarit, there are several small groups that offer beginner Spanish learning skills, and a smaller group or class is the best place to start, because you will get more attention from the instructor and you can work with other students. If you prefer a private Spanish tutor, then this is the best option, but you have to remember the cost will be more than taking a small group class.

Spanish Tutors in Riviera Nayarit

In Nuevo Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit, there are numerous private tutors available. You can post on your Facebook that you are looking for a private tutor or even other forums too. This is a great way to find a private tutor. You can also go to a Spanish school too and ask them to recommend a private tutor. You should beware though, just because someone lives in Mexico and is a native doesn’t mean they are the best person to teach you Spanish. You should always ask for recommendations and references. Another great way to learn is by going for a cup of coffee and just holding a conversation with a Mexican friend.

Speaking spanish and fully embracing the local culture in Riviera Nayarit is just one of the joys of moving to Mexico.

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