Can Learning Spanish as an Adult Expand Your World?

Olé! Kicking Goals and Breaking Barriers: Matt Anderson’s Spanish Success

Matt Anderson, a soccer coach, avid traveler, and dedicated father, never imagined how learning Spanish online would transform his life. From coaching young players in Pennsylvania to running with the bulls in Spain, Spanish has helped him connect across cultures, strengthen family bonds, and see the world through a new lens. In this article, discover how working with his online Spanish teacher, Coach Libny, helped Matt overcome common challenges and turn learning Spanish as an adult into a lasting, life-changing journey.

Matt Anderson is a man who wears many hats: soccer coach, avid traveler, and now, a dedicated student of Spanish. Hailing from Pennsylvania, Matt has long been passionate about soccer, a sport that fuels his professional life and his desire to connect with the rich cultures where the game thrives. "I help run a soccer club here, working with kids from 5 to 19 years old," he shares. But his interests stretch far beyond the pitch. Matt's love for travel and his hunger to understand different cultures have taken him to various corners of the globe, most recently to Pamplona, Spain, where he checked off a major bucket list by participating in the iconic Running of the Bulls.

For Matt, the thrill of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with others, dressed in the traditional white outfit with a red pañuelo, was something he'd dreamed of since childhood. "It was exhilarating, you know, just as they ran down the street right next to me," he recalls. Yet, beyond the adrenaline rush, his experience was deeply enriched by his ability to speak the local language, a skill he's honed through his lessons with Spanish55.

"Learning Spanish has made my travel experiences a lot richer. It creates a more intimate connection with people when you can converse in their native language," he explains.

Matt's ability to connect with others through language is not just a travel perk; it's a vital part of his work. As more Spanish-speaking families join his soccer club, Matt's language skills have allowed him to welcome young players in their own language, making them feel more at home in a new country. 'When people see me, they don't expect me to speak Spanish. But when I start speaking, the kids love it. They get pretty excited, and I think they feel more welcome,' he says with a smile. This ability to bridge cultural gaps has strengthened his coaching and deepened his respect for the challenges those learning a new language face.

Before joining Spanish55, Matt's attempts to learn Spanish were typical of many: a mix of school lessons, apps, and flashcards. "I wasn't getting too far," he admits. It wasn't until he started working with his tutor, Spanish55's very own Coach Libny, during the COVID-19 pandemic, that things really began to click. "It was like a COVID hobby at first, but then it became part of my life," he says. Libny's structured, professional approach was a game-changer. "She always has a plan, it's always organized, and she's methodical in her teaching. It's different from other tutors I've tried."

Matt's improvement in Spanish has extended beyond enhancing his travels and work; it has also influenced his home life. Inspired by his own journey, Matt's son has also begun taking lessons with Spanish55. "I think he was inspired by seeing me learn the language," Matt says, proud of the ripple effect his learning has had on his family. His daughter, too, is in her third or fourth year of studying Spanish, and Matt frequently practices at home, helping to create a bilingual environment for his children.

Despite the challenges of learning a new language as an adult, Matt quickly dismisses the common myth that it's impossible. "I started when I was in my late thirties. Sure, it's harder than if I was a kid, but it's still possible," he insists. His experiences in Latin America and Spain have broadened his linguistic skills and his perspective on the cultures he once viewed from afar.

"Where I'm from, there's a concept that all those countries are hazardous. But traveling there, you realize how rich the cultures are and how educated the people are. It's completely changed my perspective."

Matt's advice for anyone starting to learn Spanish? "Envision yourself a year or two from now, being able to speak the language. Trust the process and know that if you're consistent, you'll get there!" For Matt Anderson, the rewards of learning Spanish have been manifold, deepening his connections with others, enriching his travel experiences, and, most importantly, allowing him to share his passion for language and culture with his family. Isn't that the point of life?