1.   Be patient. Take your time and don’t be afraid of making mistakes. This is the best way to improve. Learning a language is most effective when you take small steps. Congratulate yourself on what you have learnt rather than worrying about what you don’t know.

2.    Surround yourself with Spanish. Try to expose yourself to the language as much as possible. Listen to CDs and Spanish radio via the Internet, listen to Spanish songs; artists like Enrique Iglesias, Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera and Gloria Estefan have all released songs in Spanish. Read Spanish magazines, newspapers and books. Watch Spanish films, many have English subtitles which will help you learn new everyday language. By doing this regularly you will pick up common words and phrases.

3.   Short regular learning sessions. Sessions of 15-20 minutes have proven to be the most effective when learning a new language. Learn at a time of day when your concentration is at its best. Try to learn something new each day. Even common phrases like ¡Por supuesto! (Of course!) or ¡Que te vaya bien! (All the best!) are useful to know.

4.   Learn with someone. It is much more enjoyable to learn a language with someone else; a partner, a friend, work colleague, children or with neighbours. You can test each other and challenge each other. Learning with other people most definitely increases motivation.

5.   Think of the benefits. You will gain more confidence and independence abroad. You will be able to communicate with more people and make new friends. You will have a greater choice of restaurants, bars and activities abroad.