Finding the Perfect Language Teacher: Your Key to Unlocking Fluency

"The Blue Chicken Went to the Corner"

If you've spent a couple of weeks watching YouTube videos and using language learning apps like Duolingo but are limited to phrases like "The blue chicken went to the corner," it's time to take your language learning journey to the next level. While it may require time and money, hiring a language teacher is the most effective way to quickly master a language and move beyond basic phrases. In this article, we'll guide you through finding the right language teacher to help you reach your conversational goals.

1. Seek Out Language Teachers in Your Local Area:

Start by exploring the busy streets of your destination. There are entrepreneurs everywhere trying to make some extra money. I would first check the tourist areas.. For example, Condesa is known for having tourists. Parque Mexico, one of the biggest parks in the city, has sections for people to hand their business fliers. You can also walk through the main streets around the city. Make a note of 2-3 teachers and schedule a call with them to discuss your language learning goals. This initial conversation will help you assess their teaching approach and determine if they fit your needs well.

2. Join Local Language Meetup Groups and Online Communities:

Tap into local resources by joining expat groups, language meetups, and online communities. These platforms often have posts from individuals offering language teaching services. Engaging with these groups allows you to connect with teachers experienced in teaching your target language and familiar with the local culture. I would recommend a website called MexNomads. It’s not just for Mexico; there are multiple countries where you can find WhatsApp pages. You can also look these groups up on Facebook. But WhatsApp is typically the best.

3. Try Out Multiple Teachers to Find the Right Match:

To find the perfect language teacher, it's advisable to try out multiple teachers before deciding. Take 1-2 lessons with 4-5 different teachers to understand their teaching styles, personalities, and how well they align with your learning objectives. If your aim is to learn the language for business purposes, you may prefer a teacher with professional experience rather than a college student.
* If you find a good match, quick… you don’t need to go through so many teachers. I personally went through 2 teachers before finding a good private teacher.
I eventually took a university course and was also recommended once to be moved to a different teacher that helped me learn better.

4. Value Over Price:

When selecting a language teacher, prioritize quality over price. While it may be tempting to choose a teacher with low rates, be cautious about their experience level. Similarly, avoid choosing an expensive teacher who exceeds your needs. I paid a bit more for a private teacher with extensive language knowledge, fluency in multiple languages, and cross-cultural experience. The dude is also chill and lived a player’s life around the world before moving back to Mexico.
*If you want his contact info, leave a comment.

5. Consider Local Language Schools:

Consider enrolling in a local language school for a more structured and immersive language learning experience. Research reputable language schools in your area and inquire about their curriculum, course offerings, and enrollment process. I took private lessons before joining a language school. Entered in a B2 Level after less than a year and a half, and I can tell you…My private lesson experience put me lightyears ahead of the other people in the class that are considered to be on the same level.
Below is the article I wrote on UNAM. They also allow classes through Zoom.

6. Find a Teacher Who Speaks Your Native Language:

While immersion is often touted as the best language learning method, an adult learner needs a teacher who can explain grammar and concepts in your native language. Learning vocabulary is essential, but understanding grammar is crucial for coherent communication. Having a teacher who can bridge the gap and explain in a language you are comfortable with will help you progress faster and avoid frustration.
*My university course is pure immersion, fortunately, I know a lot of stuff already, but the current class is grammar-based and purely in Spanish. I don’t grasp 100 percent of it or the additional words the teacher tries to use to explain some concepts.
My opinion is that, yes, immersion works, but it can be much slower if you do it as an adult. When you watch children learn, it takes them years to grasp the concepts by immersion. Children spend years in that Toddler stage. As an adult, I don’t think spending years in the toddler stages is good. Especially considering your brain’s language learning ability is not as elastic, you likely will not truly be immersed. You’ll still think and consume the majority of your media in your native language and then immerse yourself for a couple of hours.
**If you want true language immersion, commit a crime and spend 6 months in jail

7. Seek Recommendations and Vouch for Teachers:

Don't hesitate to seek recommendations and references from other language learners who have worked with specific teachers. Their experiences and insights can help you assess a teacher's effectiveness and teaching approach. It's important not to give up too early on your language learning journey and try to practice with friends or language exchange partners to test your skills. Remember that a gringo hunter Tinder date may not provide the best language correction, but chance encounters can sometimes lead to valuable teacher recommendations.

7. BowTied Odin
I can’t leave off BowTied Odin’s Twitter and Substack. He runs his own language learning program. I have one of his books and thoroughly enjoy using it. He takes a completely different approach to language learning that makes it much more fun while keeping you accountable for your progress.

Conclusion:

When it comes to language learning, hiring a language teacher is a wise investment. By exploring local resources, trying out multiple teachers, and considering language schools, you can vouch for it as a great language learning tool.


**Online Teacher Recommendation* I have worked with Marcelo for almost 2 years and went from 0 Spanish ability to B2 in a year. The link below goes to his Twitter page. I highly recommend messaging him
Marcelo Garcia
My Tweet Recommending him