If you go to a Central American country like Costa Rica or Nicaragua, even better. Here the people are curious and open to meet other people, they have time and patience to listen to you calmly. They even help you and give you a complete Spanish class right on the street.
The important thing is your attitude and to put into practice the following tips:
Speak what you know, even if it’s just a few words
Immersing yourself in an environment where only that language is spoken is the best way to learn Spanish, however, this will only be possible if you break down your barriers and start speaking. Whether what you know is a little or a lot, the important thing is to put what you know into practice.
Refuse to just speak English. Many people want to practice their English and you feel comfortable, so get out of your comfort zone and try speaking Spanish. You can make it fun and a win win by giving your new friend the opportunity to try their english, while you respond in spanish!
Listen, and train your ear for Spanish
Listening carefully to conversations, listening to Spanish music, podcasts or watching TV are excellent ways to train your ear and adapt to hearing the language. In truth, it doesn’t matter so much whether you understand all the words or not. It’s about exposing yourself to the language and adapting to the sounds, the tones, and the rhythms.
Have someone who corrects you and helps you to resolve doubts
Most people will not correct your mistakes. If you want to speak Spanish well, it is important to have a professional or someone who knows enough to correct and explain it to you. If you don’t become aware of your mistakes you will continue to make them and they will solidify over time.
Bonding with someone who speaks Spanish with you
Developing trust with someone allows you to feel comfortable speaking the language and to give yourself permission to make mistakes.
Doing language exchanges with a native speaker is a good way to practice give and take where both parties gain, learning a language and developing a friendship.
Think in Spanish. Repeat alone in Spanish
Try to think for a few minutes every day in Spanish. As well as thinking, also articulate, speak to yourself in complete sentences and repeat the sentences on your own. This will help you to memorize, become familiar with sentence construction and develop self-confidence to speak to others later on.