Spanish Intermediate Online Course. Learn Spanish with native teacher living in Ireland for over 19 years! Fun, practical intermediate Spanish lessons for all ages. Conversation, grammar ¡y mucho más!

Find out more about Paloma

• Do you speak this language fluently because of your origins or because a teacher inspired you to learn?

  I’m a native Spanish speaker, having been born and raised in Spain, where I attended school and worked as well.
  However, I’ve always enjoyed learning different languages. While great teachers played a big role in helping me along the way, I find that deciding to embrace the challenge also helps.

• Can you name a living, historical or fictional character that you think is the emblematic representative of the language's culture?

  Don Quijote by Cervantes, is a character who captures the heart of Spanish culture. He's like the Spaniard version of the dreamer who’s always chasing something grand, no matter how impossible it might seem, it has a bit of humour, heart, and a touch of madness. The man's a legend, no question about it. What do you think, though, could there be another contender for that?

• Is there a typical word, phrase, tradition or behaviour in the language that you particularly like?

  One thing I really like is the Spanish way of grabbing a coffee; it's really only a starter, and there will also be chatting, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company without rushing off.
  What about you, anything in Spanish that really stands out for you?

• Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  Speaking Spanish matters to me because it’s a way to connect with a whole rich culture and its people, not just the yummy food, great wine, dancing, sunshine, and holidays, hehe, but it also opens doors to understanding different ways of thinking. How about you? What’s your connection to Spanish?

• What is the main difficulty in learning this language, and what can help the process of learning?

  One of the main challenges in learning Spanish is the verb tenses; there are quite a few! Using them in different contexts can be tricky at first. But what really helps is being exposed to the language and the culture, and practice. Finding the ways that are fun for you and anyway making mistakes is also part of the fun! What’s been the hardest part for you?

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your language learning or your days at school.

  Back in school, I had no clue what the word "Tufo" meant (bad smell), so when I asked, the entire class burst into laughter. My teacher gave me a funny response, and I couldn’t help but join in. It’s moments like those that make the learning process more fun. What about you? Any hilarious moments from your own learning journey?

• How has travel or a specific trip helped you to increase your skill and knowledge of the language?

  I’m a native Spanish speaker, but I’ve had a go at a few other languages too, like Portuguese, German and Chinese. Living and working in Portugal, Germany and Taiwan really made a difference. There’s something about being surrounded by the culture that gets you to the heart of how people live and think. It’s the best way to really get it.

• What makes you a Superprof in language?

  I believe in making language learning enjoyable and creative, where students can grow. Whether it's through fun activities, real-world examples, or making mistakes, the learning process is usually very interesting. I try to make it feel less like a challenge and more like a rewarding journey. What about you? What do you think makes a great language teacher?