8 Common Habits to Avoid When Learning Spanish in Spain

Learn how to identify and overcome the common mistakes that can slow down your path to Spanish language fluency.

Are you attending your Spanish class every day and doing all your homework, but still feel like you’re not making real progress? 

You’re not alone. It’s a common feeling for many language learners. Often, the key isn’t studying more; it’s avoiding a few common habits that can silently sabotage your progress.

This guide will help you self-diagnose and correct these issues. It’s a core part of your language journey, designed to help you refine your learning method and get back on the fast track to fluency.

(Last Updated: February 2026)

Main Key Takeaways

• The most common mistake students make is spending all their free time speaking their native language. You must actively seek out opportunities to speak Spanish.
  
• Don’t let the fear of sounding foolish keep you silent. Every mistake is a learning opportunity and a sign that you are trying.
  
• To achieve fluency, you must learn to think directly in Spanish. This only comes with consistent, real-world practice.
  
• The more you speak in class, ask questions, and engage with your teacher, the faster you will learn.
  
• Don’t just go from your flat to your school and back. True immersion happens when you engage with the local culture every day.
  
• Immersion alone is not enough. Staying on top of your studies ensures you reinforce what you learn and get the full benefit of living in Spain.

Habit vs. Fix Summary Table

Habit #1: Staying in Your “English Bubble”

❌ The Problem: It’s comfortable and easy to spend all your free time speaking English (or your native language) with your international classmates. 

However, this is the single biggest habit that will slow down your progress. You are in Spain to immerse yourself, and avoiding Spanish outside of class defeats the purpose.

✅ The Solution (Do This Instead): Make a conscious effort to break out of the bubble. Make a rule with your friends to only speak Spanish for the first hour when you meet up. 

Most importantly, actively seek out opportunities to meet native speakers. The best way to do this is to join a language exchange, or intercambio, which is a fun and social event designed for this exact purpose. These events give you a chance to practice in a relaxed setting and make new friends who can help you improve your conversational skills.

If you want to take this practice even further, think about your living situation. Staying with a family through a homestay can be a game-changer: you’ll practice Spanish daily, experience local routines, and gain cultural insights into the language that you wouldn’t get living with other international students. 

To help you choose the perfect homestay in Spain, explore our detailed 2025 guide.

Habit #2: The Fear of Making Mistakes

❌ The Problem: Many students stay silent in conversations because they are afraid of saying something wrong or sounding foolish. 

This fear is a huge barrier because it prevents you from doing the one thing you need to do to get better: practice speaking.

✅ The Solution (Do This Instead): Reframe how you think about mistakes. Every error is a sign that you are pushing your limits and trying. 

Native Spanish speakers are almost always friendly and patient, and they will appreciate your effort. Focus on getting your ideas across rather than saying every word correctly; your goal is communication, not perfection.

A practical technique to overcome hesitation is the “three tries rule.” Give yourself permission to attempt saying a phrase three times before switching to English or using a translator. By the third try, even if it’s not perfect, you are still learning and reinforcing your skills. 

Over time, each conversation builds confidence, and what once felt intimidating will become a natural part of your daily life.

Habit #3: Constantly Translating in Your Head

❌ The Problem: When you are a beginner, it’s natural to form a sentence in your native language and then translate it word-for-word into Spanish. 

However, if you continue to do this, you will never sound natural, and your speaking will always be slow.

✅ The Solution (Do This Instead): Force your brain to start thinking in Spanish. A great way to do this is to narrate your day in simple Spanish sentences, either out loud or in your head. For example, you could say, “Estoy caminando a la cocina. Estoy abriendo la nevera,” which translates to, “I am walking to the kitchen. I am opening the fridge.”

Another useful approach is to label things around your home or classroom with their Spanish names, and practice thinking or speaking about them in that context. Over time, your brain starts to associate objects and actions directly with Spanish words instead of first translating from your native language.

It may feel silly at first, but this habit builds direct mental connections in Spanish rather than relying on translation. This is a key part of immersion learning.

Habit #4: Being a Passive Student in Class

❌ The Problem: It can be tempting to sit back and just listen in class, especially if you are shy. 

But language learning is a participatory sport. If you are not actively speaking, asking questions, and engaging in drills, you are missing out on your most valuable practice time.

✅ The Solution (Do This Instead): Make a goal to contribute something in every class. Ask your teacher a question, volunteer to answer a question, or participate fully in pair work. Your classroom is a safe space to practice and make mistakes.

Some practical strategies to become a more active student include: 

• Setting a personal participation goal: decide to speak at least three times per class (or more!), whether it’s answering a question or reading aloud
• Preparing in advance: review vocabulary and key phrases before class so you feel ready to participate with confidence 
• Engaging with peers: pair and group activities are good opportunities to practice in a low-pressure setting. Try to only speak Spanish during these exercises. 
• Asking for feedback: teachers appreciate when students seek corrections. It shows you are motivated to improve and gives you important guidance. 

By actively participating in class, you turn every lesson into an opportunity to practice and improve. The more you speak, ask questions, and engage with your peers, the more natural Spanish will feel.

Habit #5: Ignoring the Local Culture

❌ The Problem: Some students get into a routine of just going from their apartment to their school and back. 

They miss out on the rich cultural experiences that make studying in Spain so special and are a key part of the learning process.

✅ The Solution (Do This Instead): Engage with the local culture by visiting museums, markets, or festivals, and watching Spanish movies. Make it part of your daily routine: eat at local cafés, talk to shopkeepers, or read a Spanish newspaper. Even small interactions help you learn the language and understand the culture.

Immersing yourself in cultural experiences not only expands your vocabulary but also helps you understand the nuances of Spanish communication, gestures, and social norms. The more you explore, the more natural your language use will become, and the richer your experience of living in Spain will be.

Make it part of your daily routine. Learn more in our Student’s Guide to Daily Life in Spain.

Habit #6 Comparing Your Progress to Others

The Problem: It’s very easy to get discouraged when it feels like your classmates are learning faster than you. 

Comparing yourself to others can create unnecessary anxiety and kill your motivation. 

The Solution (Do This Instead): Focus on your own journey. Everyone learns at a different pace and has different strengths. You never know how much exposure someone else has already had to the language, or if they speak a similar language that makes learning faster.

The only person you should compare yourself to is the person you were yesterday. Celebrate your own small victories, whether it’s understanding a new grammar point or having a successful conversation at the café

Habit #7: Relying Only on an App

❌ The Problem: Language apps are great tools, but many students make the mistake of thinking that 30 minutes on an app is enough practice for the day. 

Apps are a supplement, not a substitute, for real-world interaction and structured learning.

✅ The Solution (Do This Instead): Use apps as part of a balanced “study diet.” 

Combine your app practice with listening to podcasts, watching Spanish TV, and, most importantly, having real conversations with real people. See apps as your “vocabulary gym,” not the entire workout.

For a detailed guide to the best apps and resources to support your Spanish learning journey, read our article The Essential Toolkit: Best Apps, Media, and Resources to Learn Spanish.

Habit #8: Neglecting Your Studies

❌ The Problem: Spain can be incredibly exciting, and it’s easy to get caught up in exploring, socializing, and enjoying the culture. 

Some students fall into the trap of thinking that simply being in Spain will automatically improve their Spanish. While immersion is powerful, neglecting your studies can slow your progress and make it harder to fully benefit from your time abroad.

✅ The Solution (Do This Instead): Treat your studies as a key part of your immersion experience. 

Set aside regular time to review class materials, practice writing, and reinforce what you learn in the classroom. Use a mix of study methods, such as flashcards, grammar exercises, or journaling in Spanish, to strengthen your understanding.

Every fun cultural experience can also be turned into a study opportunity. For example, after visiting a museum or attending a local festival, take a few minutes to write about what you saw or learned in Spanish. This way, your cultural experiences reinforce your studies, and your studies add context and depth to your immersion.

For the best study techniques, check out our article on the Spanish Language Journey.

FAQ About the Common Habits to Avoid When Learning Spanish

Conclusion: Ready to Break Through Your Plateau?

Becoming aware of these common habits is the first and most important step to breaking them. 

By making small, conscious changes to your daily routine, you can overcome learning plateaus and get back on the fast track to fluency. Small changes can lead to huge breakthroughs. You can do this!

A great school with an engaging social program can help you avoid these bad habits. 

Let Go! Go! España help you find the right one for you!

Or see our Practical Guide on How to Learn Spanish Fluently.