I’m thrilled to have you join me inside the Intercambio Spanish Challenge Week!
Real quick- check your email inbox and make sure you have the official welcome email from me (Lfoster@commongroundinternational.com). If you do not, please check your SPAM or promotions folder. ¡Gracias!
¡¡¡IMPORTANTE!!!
Do these 3 things ASAP!
Mark Your Calendar
April 10-14, 2023
Check Your Email
Make sure emails from Common Ground International are in your inbox. If you have not received a confirmation email, check your spam. Email LFoster@commongroundinternational.com
Join the Pop-Up Facebook Group
Go through the challenge in community! Meet others who share your same Spanish learning Goals. Opens In September
Challenge Schedule
Get more challenge Information here and be sure to check your email!
https://commongroundinternational.com/learn-spanish/free-3-step-challenge/
Drop me a comment below, I want to know…”How are you currently practicing your Spanish?”
I look forward to seeing you soon! ¡Nos vemos pronto!
Oh, 1 more thing…Invite a friend to go through this challenge with you!
Send them this link: https://commongroundinternational.com/learn-spanish/free-3-step-challenge/
Hola Leslie: I have been studying español for 2 1/2 years through Duolingo y clases en linea y immersion in Nicaragaua, pero yo no creo que estoy growing en mi idioma acquisition. Yo tengo muchas palabras y puedo leer unos paragraphs/short stories pero no puedo poder oraciones juntos. Yo aun uso muchas Spanglish hablar. Estoy muy frustrado sobre being “stuck”. Sin alguien hablar con, estoy losing what little yo sé. Y, yo sé yo no put together oraciones correcto for sure!
Hola Leslie! Llevo tres años aprendiendo español y me encanta. Tomo clases en línea, escucho podcasts y leo libros (con la ayuda del diccionario!). Aunque tiene vocabulario en mi mente, puede ser difícil recordar las palabras y formas gramaticales mientras hablar–y no tengo muchas oportunidades de conversar. ¡Tengo muchas ganas de aprender más sobre este desafío! (No uso Facebook, por eso no me ha unido con el grupo allá.). Muchas gracias por organizar este evento.
I took Spanish in high school- 3 1/2 years- but that was 40 years ago. Since then, I took a ‘refresher’ semester at the local community college but as with anything if you don’t use it, you lose it. I have been a classroom teacher for 26 years and have students who were non-English speaking. I was able to communicate with them with what little Spanish I could remember. Last year, I applied for and got a position as an ELD/Literacy Specialist at my school. I work with second langugae learners-both Spanish speakers and Middle Eastern languages. I want to improve my Spanish to better undertand what my students are saying when they get excited and start talking really fast! 🙂 I listen to an intermediate level Spanish podcast regularly & can understand most of what is being said but want to be more fluent.
Hi! I am limited in my Spanish speaking. Took a few years in high school and a medical in Spanish class in college. I speak just enough to communicate during medical procedures I perform. I would love to become fluent!
¡Hola! Soy Teresa, profesora de español en un instituto , y me encantaría que mis estudiantes pudieran conectar uy conversar con estudiantes nativos!
¡Hola! Yo soy Teresa y hablo español pero también lo enseño a alumnos angloparlantes de 15-18 años, y me encantaría que tuvieran la oportunidad de conversar con otros hispanohablantes y conocerlos!
Hola, mi nombre es Guerlandie Chevalier . Yo hablo un poco de espanol. Quiero hablar espanol bien y poder hablar con otras personas en espanol.
¡Muy buenas metas Guerlandie!
Hi Leslie! I have been teaching Spanish since last one year. But I keep looking for ways and means to improve my Spanish conversational skill. I am sure, you are giving me one such opportunity and I am eagerly looking forward to it. I enjoyed and enriched myself through your free Masterclass medical Spanish 10 day free course too. Thank you so much.
Hola, soy una pediatra y la mayoridad de mis pacientes son hispanohablantes. Estudie Espanol en mi escuela secondaria hace muchos anos pero estoy trantando de mejorar. Por ahora estoy tomando lecciones una vez al semana con una programa en linea, y trato de practicar con mis enfermeras que hablan espanol. Siempre quiero practicar mas. Gracias!
Hola Aviva y bienvenida al desafío!!! Sigue practicando el español y vas a tener muchas oportunidades durante esta semana de desafíos!
Soy maestra de español en la secudaria. Este año escolar, enseño inglés para hispanohablantes. Quiero participar en los dos desafíos con mis estudiantes.
Buenas tardes Betsy y bienvenida al desafío. Que bueno – los estudiantes pueden participar también! Nos vemos pronto en el desafío!
¡Hola Leslie! Soy profe de español (por muchos años jaja), doy clases en la secundaria, y siempre busco oportunidades para practicar y mejorar. Me encanta viajar a Centro- y Suramérica, escucho podcasts en español, pero no tengo mucha oportunidad para platicar mucho a menudo. ¡Espero mucho viajar con Common Ground a Costa Rica con mis alumnos en abril! Estaría bien si invito a mis alumnos a unirse a este desafío? Esperándolo. -Paula
Hola, Leslie, Soy Rick; vivo en Fox Island, WA. Llevo 4 años estudiando español con Spanishland (2 años), y con una escuela local – La Unica – 6 meses, Pertenezco a un grupo local de conversación semanal en zoom y también me reúno con otra estudiante en zoom bisemanal. Y por un año tengo una tutora / profesora semanal de España. Intento eschuchar a podcasts, videos, películas y novelas a veces. Intento leer las noticias y más. Soy un estudiante intermedio / intermedio alto. Por supuesto mis debilidades son la escucha y la habla espóntanea.
¡Hola Leslie! Tengo muchas ganas de verte Otra vez y aprender como funciona El intercambio. El año escolar comencó y necesito esforzarme de seguir estudiando ¡para mi! ¡Hasta pronto y abrazos fuertes!
Acabo de registrarme para el reto que empieza el nueve de octubre. Llevo 3 años estudiando español. He tomado clases, usado aplicaciones, y estudié en México por un mes durante este tiempo. En este momento, estoy usando una aplicación para construir el vocabulario y me encuentro cada semana con 3 vecinos que también están aprendiendo español para que podamos practicar hablando en español y tengo otro grupo por Zoom cada semana. Somos hablantes de nivel intermedio bajo.
Hi Leslie, mi name is Ramon, I am 48 years old, I was studying english for 3 years. Sometimes I feel frstrated because of I do not understand English totally yet, My main problem is Speaking and pronuntiation, On the other hand, I do not have some partner, friend, classmate, to practise my english skills. In this course, I hope you or your pupils can help me to be better in my english skills.
Thanks a lot, and I see you next Monday. You have a nice Sunday.
Hi Leslie, mi name is Ramon, I am 48 years old, I was studying english for 3 years. Sometimes I feel frstrated because of I do not understand English totally yet, My main problem is Speaking and pronuntiation, On the other hand, I do not have some partner, friend, classmate, to practise my english skills. In this course, I hope you or your pupils can help me to be better in my english skills.
Thanks a lot, and I see you next Monday. You have a nice Sunday.
Hi Leslie, mi name is Ramon, I am 48 years old, I was studying english for 3 years. Sometimes I feel frstrated because of I do not understand English totally yet, My main problem is Speaking and pronuntiation, On the other hand, I do not have some partner, friend, classmate, to practise my english skills. In this course, I hope you or your pupils can help me to be better in my english skills.
Thanks a lot, and I see you next Monday. You have a nice Sunday.
I am okay with basic medical Spanish for history and exam and get to do it about once or twice a week but freeze when it gets conversational – that can affect the visit as well, and I am determined to start practicing with a work colleague who speaks Spanish.
Hola! Soy Amanda y he estudiado español por más de 20 años pero siento que no he progresado mucho. Me siento atrapado en el purgatorio intermedio. Creo que una de las razones por las que no he progresado debido a mi miedo a cometer errores cuando hablo. Puedo leer, escribir y escuchar muy bien en español, pero sé que también debo mejorar mi habilidad para hablar en español.
Hola Amanda y bienvenida al desafío! “Purgatorio intermedio” lol muy buena descripción!!! – Vas a recibir muchas práctica esta semana para escapar del purgatorio intermedio:)
Hola a todos. Estudié español en la universidad y ahorita estoy una maestra de español en la primaria. Quiero practicar espanol mas porque no lo uso mucho. Mi escuela no es 100% de inmersion y no tengo muchas amigas que pueden hablar tambien. Entonces, espeo que este experiencia me de mas confianza para hablar y eventualmente viajar con seguridad en mis habilidades a comunicarse.
Hola Khaira y bienvenida al desafío!!! Ya tienes una fundación muy fuerte- te felicito! Hasta pronto en el desafío!
Buenas! I grew up speaking Spanish and lost so much of it because it wasn’t allowed at school, so I’ve been listening to a lot of music in Spanish (Gloria Estefan especially, she does beautiful English versions of her Spanish songs and comparing has been very helpful) and watching Spanish movies/TV with English subtitles, or Spanish subtitles on English shows (I loved Rebelde growing up but had to sneak to watch it, so I’m rewatching now to try and get some vocabulary back). I also work in a law office and have started doing simple calls with Spanish speaking clients to get rid of some of my fear about speaking. So excited to join the challenge week!
Bienvenida Savina al desafío! Wow- tienes mucha experiencia y muchas ganas – excelente 🙌!!! Gracias por compartir!
¡Muchas Gracias! I just returned from travel in Guatemala and Mexico and am motivated to practice so I can speak in more than just the present tense, haha. My goal is to build up to being conversational so I can more easily organize a medical volunteer project. Work has been busy so I haven’t been doing anything organized–I’m hoping to jumpstart the process with this challenge!
Great Marin! Gracias por compartir tu meta.
I have been listening to music in Spanish and attempt to listen to native speakers. I have 3 books in Spanish that I’m attempting to read. I also have 2 workbook to help with comprehension. I have used Mango Language and Spanishdict. All these resources are helpful to learning Spanish.
Buenos días Shanquel- WOW- sounds like you are a motivated learner. ¡Qué fantastico! What 3 books are you trying to read?
Hola
Yo Necesito a practicar mi español !!!
yo soy aquí ya por un otra oportunidad con common ground international
Muchas gracias
Hola amiga y bienvenida al desafío!
Me llamo es Ryan, soy asociado medico, trabajar en una clinica con mucho pacientes que habla espanol. Necesito mucho ayuda con grammar. Es muy importante practicar cada dia. Feliz dia. Oh y muchas gracias por video viernes Rory.
Hola Ryan y bienvenido al desafío! Any effort you make in Spanish to your patients will be appreciated!
As a current Spanish learner with Common Ground International – Intercambio, I can attest that leaving your fears behind leads to great speaking progress. Now that I (mostly) am not worrying about making mistakes, I am ready to focus on using my Spanish to talk with hispanohablantes in everyday situations.
Hola
Estoy en Australia. Que pensa de esta manera desarollar Español para mi. Estamos viente horas de tras USA.
Susan
Hola Sue y bienvenida al desafío! Sí, las zonas horarias nos cuestan, ¿verdad? Yes, you can definitely still participate in the challenge, you might not be able to make our two lives sessions, but you can work through the recorded lessons on your own time. Just do what you can 😃!
Hola Leslie y a todos.
Tengo amigos latinos con quienes practico el castellano. También, trato de viajar cuando pueda.
Cuando tengo más tiempo libre leo novelas si no leo artículos del sitio web BBC mundo y escucho los videos en el mismo en castellano. De vez en cuando veo programas en Netflix o las noticias pero sólo cuando mi horario no está tan ajetreado.
Bienvenida al desafío Angela! Gracias por compartir lo que haces para continuar el aprendizaje de español!
I have not been practicing recently, but I want to start again, as I work at a COVID testing clinic right now, and once in awhile, we get a patient that only speaks Spanish.
I’ve been studying Spanish for awhile but find speaking the language is still difficult for me. I avoid the opportunities I have to speak Spanish at work unless necessary. I am hoping this class will help me with my awkward and hesitant speech.
Hola Dennis and bienvenido al desafío! I’m going to give you some strategies about overcoming the hesitation to speak. Stay tuned!
I’m currently not practicing my Spanish become I don’t have anyone to interact with to get more exposure.
Hola Gina- and welcome to the challenge. You will get lot’s of speaking practice in this challenge:)
I’m just wanting to improve speaking / understanding Spanish for personal reasons. My grandparents immigrated from Mexico and I heard a lot of Spanish growing up.
I always liked the language and have wanted to learn it.
I also think having another language provides a perspective on another culture.
Hola Desiree y bienvenida al desafío! Gracias por compartir tu por qué! Love your comment about perspectives- super importante!
Mainly practicing at work. (Medical interpreter). Not a great deal of opportunities for me outside of work. I do things such as practice interpreting movie or tv dialogue from English-Spanish. My DH also loves to watch movies with me bc if the dialogue shifts to Spanish I will interpret for him. 🤓
Hola Jane y bienvenida al desafío! It sounds like you have some great opportunities to practice in a professional environment!
I desire to improve my conversational skills. Currently I practice with friends here in Tampa and with colleagues in my volunteer activities. I need to greatly improve my ability to retain new information. That old high school material is all that seems to stick lately!
Hola amiga y bienvenida al desafío!
Improving my Spanish (currently at a pre-basic level) will help my see and understand the world differently – I find this happens when speaking in a language other than my native English language. I love this. It will also improve my work opportunities as an ESL teacher. Thanks for asking Leslie!
Gracias Sheena for sharing! More understanding is soooo needed right now!
I want to be better at conversing in Spanish so I can help my church when we go on mission trips to Spanish-speaking countries to help build schools, churches, and medical facilities
Welcome Andrea to the challenge! Thanks for sharing your WHY- it’s fantastic!
Hi there,
I currently do once weekly sessions with a Spanish teacher in Mexico which are brilliant. But I’m just looking for as much structured practice as possible to build on past learning , practice what I know and improve my vocab… I also don’t think I can do the live sessions as I’m in the UK and they are at 1am! Which is a shame!
Hola James and bienvenido al desafío! That’s great you already have some built in study time on a weekly basis. No worried about not attending the live sessions- just do what you can 😃!
I have had an immersion experience for 8 weeks in Ecuador MANY years ago. I am a teacher that has a Spanish-speaking only student in her class and want to improve my Spanish language skills. I can participate in the Monday Zoom session, but am unable to do the Thursday session due to conferences. Can I still participate or do you have another session like this I can join at a later date! I really want to improve my skills now! Thanks!
Hola Katie y bienvenida al desafío! Yes, please do come when you can. We look forward to seeing you in the challenge. AND I ❤️ Ecuador!
Desgraciadamente estoy en el noreste de inglaterra, los encuentros en zoom son a la una por la noche, y etsoy profundamente durmiendo a esas horas…pero felicitaciones a todos y que pasen un buen curso
Hola Mega! Sí, dormir es súper importante 😃! Hay algunas lecciones que no son en vivos entonces podrás tener la oportunidad de participar en las lecciones asíncronos.
I practice speacking Spanish (a little) once a week in my Spanish class. Not enough to give me comfort in a practical level of conversation!
Hola Walter! Welcome to the challenge! Va a recibir muchas ideas y práctica durante este desafío! The important thing is that you are practicing poco a poco!
Hola, Sí, estoy lista para la “Semana de Desafio”).
Estoy practicando el español en cualquiera manera que es disponible.
Por ejemplo, esta mañana yo recibí un corto de pelo. Yo hablaba con la stylista totalmente en español. Le dije a ella que yo estaba intentando a practicar y mejor en el idioma. La experienca era un poco dificil pero recordé una frase de Leslie, era “Arriésgate, abre la boca y comete errores” – Y lo hice ¡estoy seguro en esto! :))
No obstante – me encantó la oportunidad de hablar.
Ahora en inglés:
Yes, I’m ready for Challenge week. I’m practicing Spanish in whatever manner is available.
For example, this morning I received a haircut. I spoke with the stylist totally in Spanish. I told her I was trying to practice and improve. The experience was a little difficult, but I remembered Leslie’s phrase, it was “Take a risk, open your mouth, and commit errors – And I did, I’m sure of this. Nonetheless, I loved the opportunity to speak
Hola Desiree! Bienvenida al desafio! Buen trabajo sneaking in Spanish practice in everyday life! This is a great estrategía!
Buenas, buenas Leslie,
I just sent an email asking if this is appropriate for my high school students. I currently teach level 1 and Heritage 2 and 4, although if it merits, I will send your link on to my colleagues so that we can send this on to the students. Your thoughts?
I hope to hear from you soon!
Anne
Hi Anne- I replying to your email now. The short answer- we are expecting hundred to join from all over the world it is designed for professional adults, not for high school learners.But you are welcome to learn how the challenge will work and might get some good ideas to run one yourself for your students?
Hello. I am just trying to up my Spanish speaking skills
Awesome! Bienvenido Scott! You’ll have some great speaking opportunities this week!
Tengo un nivel intermedio. Llevo cuatro años aprendiendo el idioma. Tomo clases, practico con socios de intercambio, escucho podcasts y leer libros en español. Este reto parece interesante.
Bienvenida Kelly! Wow- ya estás practicando mucho!
I am looking to improve my Spanish. I would say I am novice mid to high level. I understand a lot but do nit always know how to respond I would really like to improve with that.
Bienvenida Lari!
I am a high school Spanish teacher and getting my kids to talk is such a challenge! I am hoping to pick up some ways to boost their confidence and incorporate this challenge into parts of future lessons!
Bienvenida Kimberly! YES- collaboration and idea generation is awesome!!!
I’ve studied Spanish for several years using a hodgepodge of books, online, and tapes. Have had progress with listening and reading comprehension but partial success with things like formal grammar and a total failure with conversation. Also am a doctor (retired but volunteer) interested in both medical and general Spanish communication. Looking forward to working with you!
Bienvenida Virginia! You’re conversational skills are going to take off here soon:) Hasta lunes@
Bienvenida Kalli!
Sorry. Zoom times won’t work for me.
Disculpe. No puedo participar en las reuniones de Zoom.
Bienvenido Art! Gracias por avisarme! Haz lo que puedes:)
¡Hola Leslie! I would say I’m at an intermediate level. Over the years, I’ve taken Spanish classes, traveled to several Spanish-speaking countries, watched TV in Spanish, especially children’s shows, used various apps and YouTube channels, speak with various Latina friends, and attended a Spanish-speaking church. The church experience was awesome! The people were so friendly and encouraging. It was close to an immersion experience for a few hours. I was sad when that church moved to a location that was no longer convenient for me. But I still see several friends I made there on Facebook! I want to get back in the workforce as a therapist, and there is a huge demand for bilingual people here in Texas.
Bienvenida Alice! Wow- you’ve had some great opportunities!
Hola Leslie, estudio en momento casi sola. Quiero aprender más Y especialmente necesito hablar , pero casi tengo ninguna oportunidad . En el futuro quiero ayudar a trasladar como voluntaria con una clínica para trabajadores agricultores tal vez. Muchas gracias a Ustedes . Petra
Bienvenida Petra! Va a tener muchas oportunidades la próxima semana para hablar:)
iHola Leslie! I am not currently practicing Spanish at all, unfortunately. I studied Spanish on and off for years both through my university and privately, but right now I’ve prioritized other studies in my life. I have a major exam coming up, so I still can’t make studying Spanish a top priority, but I would love to be more fluent, and this sounded like fun! Thank you. Ivonna
Bienvenida Ivonna! You walk away with a great study plan after this challenge, on top of lot’s of practice:)
hola, been listening to Anna on Butterfly spanish on youtube to try and get my pronunciation better. other than that I use commonground and another written PDF that I downloaded and practice at works.
Bienvenida Kay!
Estoy emocionando! Quiero mejorar mi espanol.
Hola Lori y bienvenida!
I down loaded but have not statrted to listen to Pimsleur Spanish Castilian.
Bienvenida Rachel! That’s a start, you’ll learn more about how to incorporate resources like this in the challenge:)
I have been learning a little Spanish at a time over the past six years but I still don’t speak much. Hoping to change that.
Bienvenida Joanne! You’ll definitely walk away with a learning plan after this challenge:)
Yo hago Duolingo todos los días y miro la televisión en español y hablo con mis vecinos en español. Mi Facebook es en español y la radio en mi carro.
Hola Mary Beth y bienvenida! WOW- ya has creado muchas oportunidades para practicarlo, ¡felicidades!
I am understanding but not being able to respond adequately to parents and would like to. So, I hoping this helps!
Bienvenida! Yes, you’ll get some good tip, pointers, lessons and practice starting Feb. 8th!
I am coming late to the party. Do I need to do the first two steps to catch up? How do I access them?
Hola Kellee- Welcome! I sent you an email with your next steps. There’s still to catch up! Let me know if you did not receive the email. Gracias!
I joined late. How do I access previous lessons / challenges?
Welcome Shannon! Sending you access now via email
This is great! Thanks!
I got it. Thank you.
Got it!!!
Hola Leslie I’m ready for the challenge!
Hola todo! I registered with the wrong course at first, but hoping this one is the right one! Estoy emocionada por nuestra reunión de zoom esta noche.
Hola Laura- you’re in the right place:) Gracias!
I am excited and nervous!! But I feel like I registered twice!! Sorry if I did!!
I know enough Spanish to get my message across (if sometimes in a roundabout way) and can have a conversation si hay muchos ‘por favor – mas despacio!’
Looking forward to it.
Welcome Lauri! Nos vemos pronto!
Hola mis amigos. Yo soy laura Quiero aprender más español para mi trabajo. Trabajo con mucha gente que habla español.
Hola Laura- bienvenida al desafío! Excited to meet you on Monday!
Good morning, and happy Friday. I just joined this challenge, but have a question. I am immunosuppressed, and limit my person to person contact. Do any of these challenges include speaking to people face to face?
Buenos días Catherina- this challenge is all virtual! Excited to meet you in the challenge soon!
Hola a todo! Estoy muy emocionada empezar!!!
Yeah! Bienvenida! I’m super excited you’re joining. Nos vemos lunes!
Hola Leslie, blessings from Texas.
I am joining, hoping it works with my new work scheduled mandatory training. My question is as follows. If i miss a day, or couple of hours, etc… will your lessons be available to download or viewable later? Including any material?
Mil Gracias,
Rosario
Hola Rosario! Thanks for joining the challenge. I understand a busy schedule:) The lessons will be available for the week to watch on your own time. There are two live conversational practice sessions that are at a specific time- there will not be recorded. The Thursday live session is the most important as that is what the challenge works up to. Hope this help?!
I’d love to join, look forward to it, and hope the hours work with my work schedule!
Great Autumn! We look forward to having you participate in what you can:)
I am soo nervous… but I know I need to up my oral skills
Go glad you’re joining us! You will do great!
I’m interested, but before I suggest that someone else join, I’d like to know a little more about what the “challenge” entails.
Hola Cora! Yes, great question. Each day of the challenge you will receive an email with your next step. The steps are either a learning strategy piece, an actual lesson or conversational practice. By the end you will have built your Spanish blueprint to move forward and keep learning. This week you will get more detailed info. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Leslie, mi name is Ramon, I am 48 years old, I was studying english for 3 years. Sometimes I feel frstrated because of I do not understand English totally yet, My main problem is Speaking and pronuntiation, On the other hand, I do not have some partner, friend, classmate, to practise my english skills. In this course, I hope you or your pupils can help me to be better in my english skills.
Thanks a lot, and I see you next Monday. You have a nice Sunday.