At Lingua Clinic, we work with students across London—busy professionals, university students, and adults from all walks of life. We’ve noticed a pattern. Many of them start learning Spanish with apps like Duolingo, for example. Yet, they then hit a wall.
If you’ve proudly kept a 300-day streak, first of all – congratulations. That’s no small feat. But if you’re still hesitating when someone asks you, “¿Hablas español?”… then something isn’t quite adding up.
What apps do get right
Apps can be a brilliant starting point for learning Spanish. They make learning feel like a game and keep you engaged with small goals. Apps also help build vocabulary and basic grammar awareness. For beginners, it’s a good introduction.
But here’s the catch:
- It’s not interactive.
- It doesn’t correct your accent or explain subtle grammar points.
- It won’t teach you how to express complex thoughts in a conversation.
Think of it like going to the gym and only ever doing bicep curls. You’ll get stronger in one area—but it’s not a full-body workout.
If your goal is to become conversationally fluent in Spanish, you’ll need more than green owls and tap-and-swipe exercises.
Common signs apps aren’t enough
Have you experienced any of these?
- You know what “comer” means, but panic when ordering food in Spanish.
- You can write simple sentences, but freeze when speaking.
- You’ve memorised vocabulary, but don’t understand native speakers.
- You feel stuck and unsure how to move beyond basic phrases.
If this sounds like you, you’re not alone. This is exactly where many of our students were before starting private Spanish lessons.
What does work?
Whether you’re a beginner, an advanced speaker needing conversation practice, or a busy professional wanting to finally master Spanish, here’s what makes the real difference:
1. One-to-One Spanish Lessons in London
Nothing beats the effectiveness of tailored, private lessons. With a qualified Spanish tutor in London, you’re actively speaking. You are listening, interacting, and getting immediate feedback.
At Lingua Clinic, our one-to-one Spanish lessons are customised to your pace, level, and goals—whether academic, travel-related, or professional.
2. Real conversations with native Spanish speakers
Apps won’t ask you how your weekend was in Spanish. But a good tutor will. This natural exchange is how fluency is built. It’s how you learn to respond spontaneously, negotiate meaning, and understand nuance.
Our tutors are native Spanish speakers based in London. You are learning locally. Our Spanish tutor will even come to your office.
3. Support for exams and academic goals
We regularly help students prepare for A-level and university exams. If you are preparing for exams, our Spanish tuition for students focuses on syllabus-focused content. It includes oral exam prep and exam techniques. None of these skills can be taught by an app.
4. Spanish for businesses and professionals
If you’re a company looking to upskill your team or a professional needing Spanish for international work, our corporate Spanish lessons in London are ideal. We offer small-group sessions focused on relevant industry vocabulary, professional etiquette, and real-time conversation practice.
Learning Spanish in London comes with unique advantages—and a few hurdles. You’re not surrounded by the language daily (like you would be in Madrid or Buenos Aires), so structured exposure matters.
With private lessons in the city, you’re tapping into local, in-person practice without relying on digital-only tools. You’re also making the most of your time—whether before work, at your office.
Fluency is about depth
Duolingo teaches you what a sentence means. A tutor teaches you why it means that. The tutor shows you how to use it in different contexts. They also teach you how to sound natural when you say it.
And while 10 minutes a day is better than nothing, it won’t get you fluent on its own.
To truly advance, you need:
- Structured grammar explanations
- Speaking practice with feedback
- Listening comprehension with real speed and tone
- Cultural context
- Personal motivation and guidance
What makes you fluent in Spanish?
Fluency comes from interaction, practice, and personalised learning.
At Lingua Clinic, we offer:
- One-to-one Spanish lessons in London tailored to you
- A-level Spanish tuition
- Spanish for professionals and companies
- Flexible scheduling, in person at your office or home
Let’s turn your streak into fluency.
Ready to speak Spanish with confidence?
If you’re ready to stop swiping through flashcards and start speaking real Spanish, we’re here to help.
Book a private Spanish lesson in London now or contact us to get started.