I think it is important to learn a language if you want to live to abroad. Unless of course, the place you want to live also speaks that language. Like if you are an American and want to move to Australia. I really hope I don’t need to explain the benefits of learning a new language. From personal experience, I know I have had so many wonderful experiences because I could speak a foreign language.

I know an American who learned Georgian and he is having way better and more interesting experiences than the normal expat. But it is ok if you don’t want to put the time in or are not interested. This may sound judgemental but there plenty of people who just want the better lifestyle they can have in a foreign country and have no desire to interact with locals. They just want to use the country. It is what it is.

But it isn’t an easy journey to become proficient in a language and I think that the effort required deters many from trying. While being a foreigner speaking fluent Spanish does not guarantee acceptance by the locals, you will still have a much more positive experience than someone who wants to live in Spain but can only say, “gracias.”

If I could give any advice it would be to focus on vocabulary and conversation. What is the goal of a language? To allow you to communicate. So when you meet someone are you going to write them a message or are you going to talk to them? I know people who understand grammar better than I do, but don’t speak as well or as comfortably as I do. Also, how can you communicate if you don’t know any words? So focus on learning more words. The other issue is many languages have conjugations or cases or other grammar rules that may be difficult. But even if you botch the grammar but use the right words, most people will understand.

Find a learning style that works for you. Not everyone is the same so make sure your process matches who you are.

If you do plan to use a tutor, I would actually wait until you have some foundation. Or else you are blowing lots of money on the simple stuff. For those who want a structured program there are plenty of free online courses. I googled this in 5 seconds “learn spanish free online course.” and found this https://www.spanish.academy/blog/take-a-class-top-10-free-spanish-language-courses/

And most importantly, know that learning a new language is something you can never fail at. As long as you continue to make progress you are winning. 

Lastly, don’t get caught up in rating your language skills. Unless you need to for educational or work purposes,, etc. Who really ******* cares? Lots of people seem to be caught up in it. It is fine if you are, I just think it is an ego thing and a waste of energy. I have seen some people claim to be fluent who are not anywhere close to that. I just don’t see the point unless they are selling some BS course or have some ulterior motives. Just focus on improving, there is no finish line to learning a new language.