From Failure To Fluency...
What Every "Intermediate" Student Ought To Know About Becoming Fluent In Spanish
"Traditional language learning methods and textbook factories are keeping Spanish learners trapped under a "glass ceiling", with potentially serious (even deadly) consequences."
If you're stuck at intermediate Spanish, I can show you the immediate changes that will have you speaking more fluently in weeks, so you can become truly independent in Spanish.
Jeremy is from Toronto, Canada.
He started learning Spanish when he went to live in Cancún, Mexico, 15 years ago.
Cancún has the reputation for being a tourist magnet, which might explain why Jeremy struggled to progress in Spanish from the beginning.
I met Jeremy last year, at The Pitted Date café, 68km South of Cancún, in a small, sun-drenched town called Playa del Carmen...
Or "Playa" (as the locals call it).
Are You Ashamed Of Your Spanish?
With his wife to help him with daily needs, and a network of friends and family who spoke good English, he had always managed to avoid getting to grips with Spanish.
People around him would always come to the rescue.
Listen to Jeremy explain how he felt:
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Truth is, speaking fluent Spanish had never mattered all that much...
But sitting in the hospital, struggling to deal with the situation he was unexpectedly plunged into, Jeremy suddenly realised that learning Spanish could - one day - quite literally be matter of life or death.
Something had to change.
He made a commitment to himself, and to his family:
That he would learn to speak Spanish fluently, so he could be closer to his family and friends, see the world through their eyes, and even take responsibility for them too.
"I really don't want to go through life without learning a second language,” he said.
(He didn't even consider all the professional opportunities that might come his way once he could speak Spanish fluently. But that’s a story for later.)
"I've Tried So Many Ways To Learn Spanish!"
10 Long Years… And Few Signs Of Progress!
It wasn't until we met in Playa last year that things began to change...
And change fast! (You'll see how in just a moment.)
You see, I'd seen it all before.
My name is Olly Richards and I'm a language teacher and teacher trainer.
I also speak eight languages.
I'm known around the world for my work teaching people how to acquire foreign languages quickly.
Are You Stranded In “Intermediate” No Man’s Land?
I went on...
"To become fluent in Spanish, you have to start behaving like a fluent Spanish speaker!
You need to put the textbooks away, and stop learning the way you did at school."
According to a Guardian survey of young people and language learning, more than four in ten students of Spanish...say they would even “have difficulty understanding, speaking or writing anything”.
The Guardian - "Most language students unable to do more than understand basic phrases". (21 Nov 2014)
We do not master languages by hard study and memorization, or by producing it. Rather, we acquire language when we understand what people tell us and what we read.
- Dr. Stephen Krashen
Excited, Jeremy went off to start studying with the approach I recommended.
But he soon ran into trouble.
Why Even Expats Struggle To Learn Spanish
How To Study In Your "Zone Of Genius"
When you’re in your Zone of Genius, you immerse yourself in Spanish material that is very slightly above your current level in Spanish:
Speaking More Confidently In Weeks
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"Last few days professionally have been pretty tough. I felt pretty down. But it was nice to know that I was working on something that's more than just work - my Spanish. I just finished a conversation in Spanish and I feel great!"
Soon came the big "Eureka" moment...
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"Olly, you're not going to believe this, I just delivered my entire Veganfest presentation in Spanish. I never would have been able to do this a month ago. Ever. Thank you!"
It was moment Jeremy realised visibly how his Spanish had transformed:
His vocabulary had grown to a point where he was able to express almost everything he wanted - above or beyond the 3,000 words necessary to understand 94.0% of spoken Spanish. ¹
Sure, he didn’t know every word in Spanish, but the time spent listening to material in his Zone of Genius had helped him advance to the point where he could follow the flow of conversations without difficulty.
His reading had given him an "innate" understanding of Spanish grammar that allowed him to express himself with ease, and even grace!
1. Davies, M. 2005, Vocabulary Range and Text Coverage: Insights from the Forthcoming Routledge Frequency Dictionary of Spanish
Setbacks Make You Stronger
Image Source: This Is A Book, Demetri Martin
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"Now I can go out with my wife, take a class, or socialise in a group... and actually be able to participate, understand jokes... it's a life-changer... and we only started this six weeks ago!"
(He said six weeks, but in reality it was more like ten.)
Jeremy now has the skills and the confidence to live a fuller, more independent life, with closer ties to the people around him, and the comfort that he will always be able to look after the people he cares about most.
"It's A Life-Changer!"
I’ll admit that Jeremy's Spanish was not yet perfect.
He still made the odd grammar mistake, and forgot the occasional word.
But...
In The Space Of A Few Short Weeks, Jeremy Was Able To Reach A Level Of Fluency In Spanish That He Yearned For...For 15 Years!
In his own words:
"It's a life-changer!"
And it all came from a simple commitment to start learning in his Zone of Genius.
Now, Jeremy's results aren't necessarily typical..
(He determined, and he works hard!)
I can't guarantee that everyone can, or will, achieve the degree of success that Jeremy did, in the same time frame.
But, if you're interested, I'd like to tell you about an opportunity to get access to the exact same training I offered my friend.
So you can follow a proven path to fluency, and learn to be truly independent in Spanish.
So you’re able to live a full life, enjoy every moment, and see life "through Spanish eyes".
You see, I wanted to take the knowledge I used to help Jeremy reach his Spanish goals, and make it available to people I'm not fortunate enough to meet, wherever they live in the world.
How You Can Transform Your Spanish Using This System
Listening Comprehension Training
A comprehensive audio library of natural conversations between native Spanish speakers from different countries, so you can learn to understand fast conversational Spanish, whatever the accent, and without leaving your living room.
Each charla comes with word-for-word transcripts, so you can match the spoken words to the written word, and “fill in the gaps” in your listening skills. At 3-5 minutes each, you’ll be able to learn efficiently without getting overwhelmed by long, rambling conversations!
Weekly Idioms
Idioms are the "spice" of the Spanish language. Knowing which idioms to use, and when, can elevate your Spanish conversations from monochrome to technicolour!
That's why we carefully curate and teach the most punchy Spanish idioms to our students every week, so you can learn to sound as witty and cultured in Spanish as you do in your mother tongue. (Or possibly more!)
"Fluent Spanish Academy is incredible!"
Here's what students say about the Academy...
"I learned more in 9 months than 6 years at school!"
I have been able to become fluent in Spanish, something that I have wanted to do my entire life, but have never been able to manage. THANK YOU for setting out the road map for how to do this!
Your techniques have made a world of difference, and it's a shame that schools and universities still use the traditional pedagogical methods. I find it amazing that I was able to learn more Spanish in 9 months with your techniques than I did in the 6+ years I studied Spanish in school.
- Courtney Baird
There's much more besides...
Intermediate Orientation Course - When I first met Jeremy in Mexico, I carefully explained the challenges of the "intermediate plateau" in Spanish, and what he had to do to beat it. Only once he understood the "Why" behind the Zone of Genius could he get on with the job of becoming fluent in Spanish. In this mini-course, you'll get that same coaching from me.
The course lays the foundation for what's to come, by teaching you exactly how to study with the material from the Academy to reach your fluency goals. In one fell swoop, you'll benefit from my experience learning eight languages, have a roadmap of your study going forward, and begin the final phase of your Spanish journey with confidence and clarity.
Uniquely Valuable...
Whether you're living in a Spanish-speaking country, struggling to get quality Spanish conversation with busy local people...
Or whether you're simply dreaming of traveling to a Spanish speaking country some day...
The Academy gives you something uniquely valuable:
The Ability To Work In Your Own Zone Of Genius, By Creating An Environment Of Perfect Spanish Immersion At Your Level, So You Can Reliably Improve Your Spanish, In Your Own Time And On Your Own Terms, Without Relying On "Charity" From Other People.
However, to be frank, the Academy probably isn't right for you.
(But more on that later.)
What Do Our Members Have To Say?
Russ Warren
- Fluent Spanish Academy Member
Carolyn Koslow
- Fluent Spanish Academy Member
Michael De Miranda
- Fluent Spanish Academy Member
How The Academy Was Developed
Olly teams up with Angela Moreno to create the Fluent Spanish Academy. Angela is an experienced teacher, expert in Spanish phonology, accent reduction specialist, and DELE examiner.
Olly and Angela begin to create video training, audio lessons, and short stories for the Academy...
We expand our library with recordings of conversations between Angela and Spanish speakers from across the Spanish-speaking world.
In June 2016, the Academy launches to a BETA group of 100 people from 20+ countries around the world.
Our library grows into a unique collection of dedicated intermediate Spanish resources
We teach a new series of classes on Spanish idioms
Olly records special training videos to reveal his language learning techniques to Academy members across the world
A Typical Month In The Academy
Where the Fluent Spanish Academy really comes into its own is where all our different material works together.
Here's how a typical student might spend a month in the Academy.
1) Firstly, let's say you watch my training on the subjunctive in Spanish. (A notoriously sticky grammar point.)
2) You leave the class with a surprising, fresh new understanding of the subjunctive. You realise you don't have to memorise any of the rules you thought you did. You want to keep up the momentum from the class, and build on what you've learned after years of confusion.
Can you learn in this way in your traditional classes?
Can you see the immense value of such a rich learning environment?
To replicate this kind of learning, you'd need many, many class hours with a teacher, costing $100s a month, and $100s more spent on reading/listening material.
And that's if you could even find suitable material, and the right teacher.
But in truth, even that probably wouldn't work.
(Think about it, you'd know by now if it were easy.)
The Fluent Spanish Academy provides a complete ecosystem that gives you everything you need to develop a truly natural ability in the Spanish language, and see results immediately in your daily life.
Of course, the example above is just for a specific learning point - the subjunctive. Imagine every else you'll learn during the course of just one month in the Academy.
Fluent Spanish Academy Membership
Join Today!
Membership to the Fluent Spanish Academy normally costs $315/year. (The price of one regular Spanish lesson per month.)
Take advantage of this special opportunity now and get lifetime access for one single payment of just $297.
That's less than $1 per day.
No catch. No hidden fees.
100% SECURE CHECKOUT
Results From Academy Members
"I learned more in 9 months than 6 years at school!"
I have been able to become fluent in Spanish, something that I have wanted to do my entire life, but have never been able to manage. THANK YOU for setting out the road map for how to do this!
Your techniques have made a world of difference, and it's a shame that schools and universities still use the traditional pedagogical methods. I find it amazing that I was able to learn more Spanish in 9 months with your techniques than I did in the 6+ years I studied Spanish in school.
- Courtney Baird
"To Robert, Thank you for supporting [us] using your Spanish to communicate well...and helping the family with daily routine tasks. We really appreciate your input!"
- Certificate of Appreciation, New Zealand Red Cross
But, there's a word of warning...
My Prediction For Your Spanish
In all likelihood, the Academy won't be for you.
First, if you're a complete beginner, you're not ready for the Academy. Sorry. Our materials assume some knowledge of Spanish, and are targeting at intermediate level learners.
Second - and most important - most people aren't willing to change their "beginner habits".
They jump from one Spanish resource to the next, like a butterfly, relying on short, bite-sized lessons, looking for instant gratification.
The Academy isn't like that.
Nope!
And I can't help you if you're not willing to think differently.
After all, achieving a big goal like becoming fluent in a foreign language is not for everyone.
In fact, it takes a special kind of person to join the Academy.
Here's what I require of you:
• You're prepared to study independently
• You understand that learning doesn't happen in a straight line
• You don't need a teacher standing over your shoulder checking up on you every minute
• You don't rely on shiny apps with flashing lights and loud noises for motivation
• You're willing to work hard, and possibly even put up with a bit of discomfort in order to achieve your goals (Even if you'd rather be at the beach!)
So, if you find yourself saying "I'm working on a another programme right now" or "I'm not sure I can devote enough time to justify the cost"...
Chances are you're not right for the Academy.
(And, after reading all this, if you're still wondering "What makes your system unique?" - please do NOT enrol.)
However...
If you recognise some of yourself in Jeremy's story...
If the learning challenges I described set bells ringing in your head...
If you're willing to do things a little differently...
And if you still think you'd be a good fit for the Fluent Spanish Academy, here's where you can enrol today without delay...
Join Today!
Membership to the Fluent Spanish Academy normally costs $315/year. (The price of one regular Spanish lesson per month.)
Take advantage of this special opportunity now and get lifetime access for one single payment of just $297.
That's less than $1 per day.
No catch. No hidden fees.
100% SECURE CHECKOUT
For a few people, their life will change dramatically.
Just like Jeremy's did.
Because they chose a new course for their language learning:
"Now I can go out with my wife, take a class, or socialise in a group... and actually be able to participate, understand jokes... it's a life-changer... and we only started this six weeks ago!"
Not everyone will commit to a new way of doing things.
But if you do, your life will start to take on new meaning, as the endless opportunities that come with speaking fluent Spanish emerge from the woodwork.
As Jeremy discovered in Mexico:
• New friends appear from nowhere
• Social invitations start to land on your doorstep
• People treat you like a local
• You're trusted with "local gossip"
...and your friends and family feel a new kind of respect for you that was never there before.
I'm excited to welcome you into our community!
"When we wanted to create an online course on how to learn a language we asked Olly to write it with us. His experience as a language learner has been invaluable."
Dr. Tita Beaven, The Open University
"Olly’s top-notch language-learning insights are right in line with the best of what we know from neuroscience and cognitive psychology about how to learn effectively. I love his work—and you will too!"
Dr. Barbara Oakley, Author Of NYT Best-seller: A Mind For Numbers & Instructor Of Learning How To Learn - The World’s Largest Massive Open Online Course
"Olly’s advice on language learning is the real deal, and I recommend you pay attention to what he has to say!"
Benny Lewis, Fluent in 3 Months
"Learning a language is challenging, but it’s one of the best things you can do for your brain and your learning skill set… Olly Richards is doing some seriously incredible work to empower more and more people to rise to the challenge."
Jonathan Levi, Entrepreneur & Eclectic
Join Today!
Membership to the Fluent Spanish Academy normally costs $315/year. (The price of one regular Spanish lesson per month.)
Take advantage of this special opportunity now and get lifetime access for one single payment of just $297.
That's less than $1 per day.
No catch. No hidden fees.
100% SECURE CHECKOUT
Is the Fluent Spanish Academy a traditional Spanish course?
No, this is not a traditional Spanish course...for a very good reason! There are many traditional self-study Spanish courses on the market, which can be useful for beginners. But learning to speak fluent Spanish requires a different skill set. The focus of the Academy is on learning techniques, planning your study, keeping you accountable, and having a community of likeminded people so you don't have to do it alone.
Do you teach Latin American or Castilian Spanish?
Both! The Academy is for you no matter what variety of Spanish you are learning, and our members learn all major varieties of the language - from Spain and throughout Latin and Central America. Our materials are mostly "neutral" Spanish, meaning we teach things that are appropriate for any Spanish-speaking country. However, our listening training includes conversations in many different varieties of Spanish, which is great for ear training and makes you a more confident speaker of Spanish.
It is often a concern of students not to learn the "wrong" kind of Spanish. However, 99% of the Spanish language is identical, whichever country you are in. Almost everything you learn in Spain can be used in Mexico, and vice versa. Differences in vocabulary between countries are mostly limited to certain familiar daily words and phrases (food, greetings etc), and the particular way of saying "you" (singular/plural). These are usually learned as a beginner. Beyond this, most of what you learn can be considered "standard Spanish" and you can use it anywhere.
I'm a beginner in Spanish. Is this for me?
No. The Fluent Spanish Academy is for people who have already learned some Spanish, and now want to become fluent. If you're a beginner, or you want to revisit the basics, please see my beginner programme. (Click here)
What's your refund policy?
Your lifetime membership is billed as a single one-time payment of $297. I'm confident you're going to love the Academy, and once you get stareted you'll never want to leave. So if it’s not for you, you can simply email me any time within 30 days, and I’ll refund your money… every penny. But trust me, join the community, take action and you’ll never want to leave, let alone a refund!
What makes the Fluent Spanish Academy different?
In the Fluent Spanish Academy you get to learn the secrets to becoming fluent in Spanish from someone who's been there and done it...in eight different languages. No other programme can offer you the same kind of insights.
You'll learn what you're doing wrong, and how to fix it. You'll also be part of a thriving community of people dedicated to learning fluent Spanish. You'll no longer have any feelings of uncertainty over how to study Spanish every day, because we'll be with you every step of the way.
Will I still need a Spanish teacher?
To become fluent in Spanish, you need to practise speaking often. The only place you can get this practice is...real life! Some people find that hiring a tutor to help get enough speaking practice is the most convenient route. Others have friends or family they can speak to. Fluent Spanish Academy gives you all the tools, structure, materials and motivation you need, but you'll still need to create opportunities to practise speaking Spanish yourself.