Hated the idea of language classes until I found a free app that actually helped me order coffee in Madrid

I moved to Spain from Venezuela about a year ago and everyone told me I had to take formal classes to learn Spanish properly. But with three kids at home and a tight budget, I just couldn't do the 200 euro per month thing. I tried Duolingo for a few weeks and honestly it felt like a game more than learning. But then I stumbled on this free app called HelloTalk where you chat with native speakers. I spent maybe 15 minutes a day on it for two months. Last week I walked into a cafe in Madrid and ordered a cortado and a pastry without stumbling. The barista even smiled and said my accent was good. Has anyone else had luck with free apps over formal classes?

2 comments

2 Comments

elliot_miller224d ago

Ordered a cortado and a pastry without stumbling" is exactly what I need, I used to think apps were just time wasters but that sounds legit.

patricia_wells2d ago

Oh honey, you got the name wrong. It's a cortado not a cortado. Sorry to be that person but it matters when you're ordering! The app teaches you the right terminology so you don't look lost. I've been using it for about three weeks now and I can finally say "machiato" without sounding like I'm guessing.