5 Common Mistakes When Learning Spanish Abroad (And How to Avoid Them)

Studying Spanish abroad is exciting, but it can be easy to fall into some traps—especially if English is your first language. Knowing the common pitfalls and how to avoid them can make your experience more productive, enjoyable, and immersive. In this article, we break down the 5 most frequent mistakes Spanish learners make and share tips to ensure your time abroad leads to real progress.

Why Understanding Mistakes Matters for Learning Spanish Abroad

Every year, thousands of English-speaking students travel to Spain through Spanish abroad programs with high hopes. While courses provide structure and practice, students often encounter challenges outside the classroom. By recognizing these early, you can avoid frustration and maximize your learning experience.

Explore tips for immersing yourself in Spanish culture in this guide on enhancing your Spanish learning experience

1. Not Speaking Enough

The Mistake

Read more5 Ways Meditation Can Help You to Learn a New Language

Many students rely too heavily on English-speaking peers or shy away from talking to locals.

Why It Happens

It’s natural to feel self-conscious or afraid of making mistakes, but limiting yourself to English slows progress.

How to Fix It

• Make an effort to speak Spanish daily—even simple greetings at cafés or shops.
• Join local meetups, language exchanges, or cultural events.
• Remember: mistakes are part of learning.

According to ELEInternacional, practicing speaking regularly is key to avoiding common mistakes among Spanish learners.

2. Focusing Only on Grammar

The Mistake

Read moreAll about Countries and Nationalities

Spending all your time memorizing conjugations and sentence structures without using them in real situations.

Why It Happens

English speakers often feel more comfortable studying rules than speaking spontaneously.

How to Fix It

• Balance study with practical application: talk to locals, order food, or ask for directions in Spanish.
• Keep a small journal or notes about phrases you use each day.
• Consider immersive courses, like those described in what it’s like to study Spanish in Spain, which combine classes with real-life practice.

3. Translating Directly From English

The Mistake

Trying to translate idioms, grammar structures, or vocabulary word-for-word.

Why It Happens

English speakers naturally compare Spanish with English, but this can lead to awkward or incorrect phrases.

How to Fix It

• Learn common Spanish expressions as phrases rather than word-for-word translations.
• Listen actively to native speakers in daily life, on podcasts, or through Spanish media.

4. Not Immersing in Local Culture

The Mistake

Focusing only on classes while ignoring the cultural richness around you.

Why It Happens

Some students underestimate how much culture affects language acquisition.

How to Fix It

• Attend local festivals, markets, and cultural events.
• Try cooking classes or guided tours to practice Spanish naturally.
• Valencia, for example, offers a variety of immersive opportunities for learners. For more, see Learning Spanish in Valencia: A Practical Guide.

5. Underestimating the Importance of Daily Practice

The Mistake

Believing that attending classes a few times per week is enough to become fluent.

Why It Happens

Students may overestimate the power of structured lessons alone.

How to Fix It

• Practice a little every day, even outside formal lessons.
• Use apps, conversation groups, or online exercises to supplement in-class learning.
• Combine study with cultural immersion for maximum benefit.

Final Tips for a Successful Spanish Abroad Experience

• Speak as much as possible and embrace mistakes.
• Balance grammar study with real-world conversations.
• Immerse yourself in the culture—food, music, art, and local life all count.
• Take advantage of your city: Valencia, Madrid, and other destinations have student-friendly environments with endless learning opportunities.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll get much more out of your learning Spanish abroad experience. The right mindset, combined with cultural and practical immersion, can turn your time in Spain into a truly transformative experience.