5 Ways That Learning Spanish Has Changed My Life

In this video I discuss 5 ways that learning Spanish has changed my life over the past 2 years. Some of these points are changes in my perspective on life and other points are practical changes/influences that Spanish has had on my daily life. I hope that you all can relate and please share any other ways that learning Spanish has impacted your lives in the comments below.
Check out my book on how to learn Spanish here!: www.amazon.com/dp/B0C8RBK7W8
#LearnSpanish
En este video discuto 5 formas en que aprender español ha cambiado mi vida en los últimos 2 años. Algunos de estos puntos son cambios en mi perspectiva de la vida y otros puntos son cambios/influencias prácticas que el español ha tenido en mi vida diaria. Espero que todos puedan relacionarse y por favor compartan cualquier otra forma en que aprender español haya impactado sus vidas en los comentarios a continuación.

[@marywright8221]

You have been/are an inspiration to me on my almost one year mark of studying Spanish. At 69 it's a challenging task but poco a poco I am making progress and many of your tips have been a tremendous help. Thanks so much! I have three regular language partners who I consider friends even though we've never met in person, it's definitely a benefit of the journey.

[@MikeBen]

Wow I’m glad that you’re taking on this challenge and those online connections have become real world connections for me in many instances!

[@TimXMan1000]

They say it’s harder to learn a language at an older age but you’re proof that isn’t true. It’s all about consistency and dedication. I’m 2 years into my Spanish journey and have a B2 level arguably. Some of my italki teacher’s even say C1

[@hiltonreynolds2507]

Mike man you inspire me im a 3rd yr Spanish student ' I went back to college @ 47yrs old I am now trying to pursue a law school. Thank you for ur inspiration!

[@MikeBen]

I’m glad these help Hilton and I wish you all the best in your studies!

[@gringotolatino]

I relate to every one of these reasons! The most profound for me has been the look on my Spanish speaking patients’ face when they are expecting me to call a translator, but I just start speaking directly with them. They immediately open up, relax, and their treatment is 10x more effective because they know that I understand them. Great video Mike!

[@MikeBen]

I know that has to be rewarding seeing their reactions! I’ve experienced the same and it makes investing the time into learning Spanish so worth it!

[@quicktempa]

Yes to 4 & 5 🙏🏾 at one point in the past I actually almost told myself “I just don’t have that kind of brain to learn another language” because I was going about it the wrong way. So to now be at a level where I can talk to anyone & have other people tell me they want to get to where I’m at is crazy. And you already know how close me & Wilmer are because of this whole process. Vámonos pa’ Colombia en diciembre 🤝

[@MikeBen]

Agreed 100%, that compliment is still crazy to hear for me as well. Vámanos pues 🇨🇴!

[@SurelyTobiyah]

Let’s Go Mike! Your going to make a huge difference as a ESL teacher!

[@MikeBen]

Wow thank you so much, I'm looking forward to it!

[@thetubguy2293]

Braces! yes! my family are originally from DR. Our Dominican community here in the States have always taken any of their kids to DR for braces if needed. Especially in the 80's and 90's.

[@MikeBen]

I never even considered how great of a decision that is until I learned Spanish. I plan on following your families way of doing things when I have my own.

[@keithnisbet]

Discovered your channel a couple of days ago when you were discussing how you learned Spanish in a year. This video solidifies my respect for you and I am now subscribed. Thanks for your very meaningful content. Once again, all the best for your future. Take care. P.S. re your paying off your student loan debt and learning guitar. Kudos to you. You are a perfect role model for every young person out there regardless of background. 🙏

[@MikeBen]

Thank you Keith! I really appreciate that!

[@lilb7603]

I just graduated about a year ago from college and I was saving up to go traveling. I originally planned to travel to multiple countries in Latin America, but start in Guatemala. They have many affordable language schools if you do the research, but I ended up making great connections out there and stayed there my whole time during my 4 months of traveling and reached a very high level, since almost all of my friends were locals. If you are thinking Guatemala there’s also lots of cool trips to take that are affordable. Best of luck man.👍

[@MikeBen]

Wow sounds like an amazing experience. I definitely need to check out Guatemala!

[@ShanSchultze]

I studied at Maximo Nivel in Guatemala! I loved it. Would highlight recommend to anyone looking to learn abroad. It was also very affordable for room, classes and food

[@lilb7603]

@@ShanSchultze i also was at maximo nivel my first time. If you have private classes they have a nice terrace. I think antigueña is better because of their nice garden in antigua. No hate to maximo nivel. I started with their campus in Manuel Antonio and then tried the one in antigua but antigueña is a better price and more beautiful for me at least. I tried going back to visit my teacher from 4 years ago in Maximo nivel and they stopped me at the door and said no, do not enter whereas antigueña allowed me to say goodbye to my teacher without problems.

[@englishwithashley]

Love this! So inspiring! I am trying to stay motivated and not give up learning because I too believe that knowing another language, especially Spanish, has soo many benefits and can open soo many doors! Keep doing what you’re doing! Thanks for sharing:-)

[@MikeBen]

Thanks Ashley and please don’t give up. I promise it’s worth it in the end!

[@bbyball16]

You are truly my motivation to stay disciplined and to keep going. I’ve been learning Spanish for about three years now off and on. And I get so discouraged when I allow big lapses in time pass me by. But I’m committed to staying the course and finally getting to where I want to be. And seeing how learning Spanish has enriched your life, I want that for myself as well. Also, have you thought about starting your own podcast? I’m sure it’ll be very beneficial for you.

[@MikeBen]

Wow I’m glad these help and I would love to do a podcast, I need to upload what I have already to Spotify.

[@TheMichaelkim3]

I’m gonna learn Spanish again

[@MikeBen]

Lo puedes hacer amigo

[@EMR80]

Way to go Mike, you became the plug by turning your self into a bigger asset by learning Spanish.

[@MikeBen]

I appreciate that and I agree, we all do by adding on additional languages to our skills list 💯

[@reef6826]

I don't live in the states but I can relate to complaining about your own country. I am from New Zealand, and like all countries there are many positives and negatives, the day to day politics and news headlines can really make you mad sometimes, but even in my short time learning Spanish the amount of privileges you realize you have just from being born in an English speaking country is unreal. Just from engaging with native content on KZbin and podcasts, learning about the day to day lives and culture of many people in south America and even Spain, has made me realize I have it far easier than most.

[@MikeBen]

Yea traveling really opened my eyes to the privileges that those of us in the U.S., Canada, UK, Australia, & New Zealand have! There are pros and cons on both sides.

[@leonpayne9910]

As a black man your videos have been inspiring me to learn Spanish as well. Your a good dude with good intentions. When my Spanish get up to par I would love to have a conversation with you in Spanish. Congrats on your new position at work! Like you said ITS ALL ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS! So profound bro!

[@MikeBen]

I really appreciate that Leon and I'm glad these videos are showing what we can do. Que sigas con tus estudios and let me know when you're ready for that conversation!

[@leonpayne9910]

@@MikeBen Will do my brother!

[@TimXMan1000]

Awesome video bro and I feel the same way and agree with your points

[@MikeBen]

Thanks Tim!

[@CynsCorner]

lol @ "Why is he talking to a stick?" And congratulations on the ESL thing! How cool.

[@MikeBen]

Lol & mil gracias!

[@JoakobeTrent]

If you would’ve told me a year and a half ago that I’d be speaking a whole different language I would have probably looked at you funny😆 I can definitely say that learning Spanish has helped me learn more about myself and also just as you said in your video It makes me think that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. 🙌🏾

[@MikeBen]

Agreed!

[@ChrisBournea]

Mike, you’re an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your journey and continuing to motivate those of us who are learning Spanish.

[@MikeBen]

Thank you so much Chris!

[@ChrisBournea]

@@MikeBen De nada! Gracias por todo que haces.

[@oneshotspot7419]

I can certainly relate to the last 2-3 ways. Learning Spanish has open doors for me at work in terms of being able to find dedicated native speaking partners who are passionate about learning English so it works out for both parties. Congrats on the ESL position.

[@MikeBen]

Agreed 100% & gracias hermano!

[@lb8313]

Gracias señor, disfruto mucho de sus videos. Tengo 6 meses en mi viaje de aprendizaje de español. Mi exposición cultural en iTalki y Preply me ha abierto los ojos de formas que nunca hubiera creído posibles. ¡Seguid así!

[@MikeBen]

Gracias y igualmente!

[@thekschannel8563]

@@MikeBen Buenas Tardes ..!!! Aquí la abuela corrigiéndole con mucho cariño y porque ud lo vale. Recuerde Sr Mike : Cuando la Y enlaza dos palabras y la segunda empieza con la vocal i ponemos E en vez de Y: Gracias e igualmente. Alfredo e Ileana. Metales e imanes . Solo por ponerle algunos ejemplos. No suena bien al oído. Se , ya no lo va a olvidar más ♥️

[@MikeBen]

@@thekschannel8563 Mil Gracias como siempre por la ayuda!

[@shayladanielle8319]

I love this! So true and it’s good that you made this video to show others who don’t understand

[@MikeBen]

Thanks Shayla, learning Spanish definitely impacts us in more ways than we think.

[@FelipeKaxis]

Dope video bro! I definitely agree with the overall message.

[@MikeBen]

Gracias Felipe!

[@atharris8]

Thank you so much!

[@MikeBen]

¡Gracias a ti también!

[@lifewithkidneydisease]

Wow, congrats on the job change. That is huge. I bet it would be a challenge. Thanks for the great video!

[@MikeBen]

Mil gracias!

[@1michpark]

Congratulations! thanks for this inspirational video. It really helps to keep me motivated.

[@MikeBen]

Thanks and I’m glad this helps!

[@militantjah4060]

Powerful by bro 👍🏾💯

[@MikeBen]

Gracias Hermano!

[@nikkicruz4609]

¡Felicitaciones por el nuevo trabajo! Va a ayudar muchos estudiantes porque entiende lo que difícil es que aprender uña idioma nueva. Gracias por la nueva video

[@MikeBen]

Mil gracias Nikki!

[@yssabell4936]

Gracias por este magnífico video. Muchos éxitos y mil bendiciones 💖🤗🇻🇪

[@MikeBen]

Mil gracias Yssa!

[@jobrajobra8608]

Muy bien Niki.

[@MikeBen]

Gracias

[@franceshall7127]

niceee congrats

[@MikeBen]

Gracias Frances!

[@MUZIKSPOT]

Hey Mike I’m glad you are out of your funk. You attitude has changed towards speaking Spanish. You will get there. I do suggest you find a Spanish speaking country that you like the best and mimic the way they speak so that you can sound more native like.

[@MikeBen]

Gracias and Im highly considering focusing on Colombia 🇨🇴

[@19grand]

Good work brah. :)

[@MikeBen]

Gracias hermano!

[@19grand]

@@MikeBen de nada. :)

[@cocomango3163]

Great 👍 video! Congratulations on #6, teaching students English to improve their learning experience. You made me laugh at the end, " people are staring at me!" 😆 LOL. By now, in this day and age, they should be used to people filming themselves for youtu.be. I've studied Spanish a little, can you suggest the best way for me to learn ...TIA⚘

[@MikeBen]

Thank you and I’m glad these help! Check out my video titled, “How I learned Spanish in Less than a Year”. It explains a lot

[@cocomango3163]

@@MikeBen Thank you , will do.👍

[@protegea5930]

What to do you use to record your videos? Iphone, Android, GoPro?…The videos look clear.

[@MikeBen]

Go pro hero 8 and an iPhone 11

[@RoxanneJ]

Oh the retirement reason is soooo true!!

[@MikeBen]

I didn’t realize it was a benefit until I started exploring! All as a result of learning Spanish!

[@RoxanneJ]

@@MikeBen I didn’t really think of that and also the safety factor about being able to live in a different country if necessary. I have a friend from Columbia and also friends who are buying property in Ecuador. So that’s what I will probably do is learn more Colombian Spanish. I listen to a lot of Spain Spanish and the Vosotros doesn’t seem to be a problem for me. What’s more of a problem is trying to remember everything else! Lol I just prefer the South American Spanish the best. I don’t mind Mexican Spanish but it is so fast!!

[@MikeBen]

@@RoxanneJ I agree and I'm just now getting the hang of Spanish from Spain as well haha

[@rickchamberlain637]

I enjoyed the video, people are gonna stare but who cares. I have found also that when you learn other languages, it gives you a feeling that you have become a part of that group of people. I reccomend you check out Didac Ribot on KZbin. He is from Spain and plays funny pranks on people. I find him very entertaining

[@MikeBen]

I will definitely check him out!

[@rickchamberlain637]

@@MikeBen Here is one that I really liked kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4OcmYywbt-leNk