Learning Spanish as a Professional Asset
Learning Spanish as a Professional Asset
How do you work in a country whose language you don’t speak? This question was also on P.D.’s mind, a student at Crescendo CVO. He began his Spanish journey as a self-taught learner and later switched to structured lessons. With ups and downs? Here is his story.
P.D.: “I have been taking Spanish lessons at Crescendo CVO for ten years, mainly for professional reasons. At the time, my management wanted to open a branch in Spain, and I was tasked with making it happen. I didn’t speak Spanish, so I had to make do with what I had. With the help of an accounting firm and lawyers, I managed to take the first steps, but hiring staff was a huge challenge. Finding suitable bilingual candidates who spoke French or English was difficult. Communication was often slow and limited.”
A Notebook Full of Vocabulary
“During my business trips, I wrote new words in a notebook. This helped me build a basic vocabulary, but forming sentences was still difficult. Eventually, I decided to take lessons at Crescendo CVO, where I had previously taken English courses.”
“After a placement test, I was placed in the fourth-year class. The teacher said, ‘Your vocabulary is impressive, but you make a lot of mistakes!’ That motivated me to really work on it. The lessons were well-structured, combining theory (grammar and vocabulary) with practical exercises. I especially enjoyed the interactive quizzes. You had to answer questions quickly, and the competitive aspect made learning extra fun. The last hour of class was always dedicated to conversation in small groups. The variety of topics and the practical focus helped me gain confidence in speaking Spanish.”
Direct Contact with Teams in Spain
“Today, our company has eight branches. Speaking Spanish has truly been a game-changer. It has helped not only with hiring staff but also with direct communication with the teams on-site. This allows me to understand what’s happening on the shop floor much better, without relying on reports or intermediaries.”
“Although I am no longer involved in daily management in Spain, I continue to take lessons to maintain my level. The lessons are not only focused on conversation but also on general culture. This makes them both useful and incredibly interesting. The class atmosphere is fantastic, and the motivation of my fellow students is very diverse. Some learn Spanish because they have family in Spain, others for travel, and others—like me—for professional reasons.”
The Perfect Formula
“Learning a new language requires time and perseverance, but it is one of the most valuable investments you can make. I can only recommend Crescendo CVO. It is an affordable school with three hours of lessons per week at a reasonable price, far below that of private online courses. For me, it is the perfect solution in a professional context, but it is equally suitable for people learning for personal or family reasons.”