A Passion for Languages and Cultures

I firmly believe that learning a new language is more than just memorizing words and grammar rules—it is a gateway to experiencing a new culture, forming meaningful connections, and embracing personal growth. I am not being biased here, though, because that is what I have experienced while learning Korean and Spanish, and it really fascinates me. 

I have mentioned this already in my previous article, but I am proud to say that my journey in learning Korean began in the Philippines. I was taking my Korean language and culture classes at the Korean Cultural Center of the Philippines. However, life took an unexpected turn when I moved to Spain as an English Language Assistant. 

Despite the sudden shift in my circumstances, my passion for languages remained strong. First, as someone who is also studying Spanish, I am so grateful for the opportunity to be immersed in Spanish culture and be able to communicate with the locals. 

However, of course, I do not want to let my efforts in learning the Korean language through the years go to waste. So, this is the story of how I reignited my Korean learning journey at the Centro Cultural Coreano en España in Madrid and discovered a deeper love for multilingualism along the way.

Let me guide you through my journey as we dig deeper:

Discovering My Passion for Korean in the Philippines: A Second Home at KCC Philippines

Like anybody else, my interest in the Korean language started with a simple curiosity—wanting to understand K-dramas and K-pop lyrics without subtitles. I even wanted to pursue my studies in Korea, but the COVID-19 pandemic happened.

What began as a casual hobby soon turned into a full-fledged passion, leading me to enroll in Korean classes at the Korean Cultural Center of the Philippines. Classes were free, so I never took it for granted. I must say I was a diligent student because, just like my classmates, I also managed to attend classes while juggling work and church services. 

I quickly fell in love with the process of learning, and my teachers made every lesson engaging and insightful. I could not believe that I was now able to understand and converse compared to before. I owe it all to the best teachers I had because I learned and improved a lot. They were passionate and nurturing, which motivated me to do better.

To be honest, there are days that I miss the KCC community because it became my second home. I met amazing people who turned into lifelong friends and teachers whose patience and expertise made learning enjoyable. I successfully advanced through multiple levels, even reaching 3A, which is an Intermediate level. However, just as I was making steady progress, life and the universe had other plans for me.

A New Chapter in Spain Means Pausing My Studies: Moving to Spain as an English Language Assistant

In the last quarter of 2024, I embarked on a new adventure as an English Language Assistant in Spain. The opportunity to teach English while experiencing a new culture was thrilling, but it also meant putting some things on hold—including my Korean studies. Leaving my 3A class in the middle of the term was heartbreaking and a hard decision to make.

I know I had invested so much effort, and I feared that stepping away would make me forget everything I had learned. But then, life must go on, right? I am sure it all has a purpose, and I held onto that saying.

The Challenge of Learning Spanish

I was excited to move to a new country because it meant that I would be living independently. Although it was a freeing feeling, I was also scared because I have no one to run to when things go spiral.

Adapting to life in Spain came with its own set of challenges, the biggest being the language barrier. Although my primary role was to teach English, I had to navigate daily life in Spanish, a language I was not fluent in yet. Why? Compared to my Korean language skills, I am still a beginner in Spanish language. Luckily, there are many vocabulary words similar to my mother tongue. So, I just really have to focus on grammar and verbs. Being immersed in the community somewhat improved my skills. But I still have a long way to go.

While this was difficult, it also made me realize something—I genuinely enjoy learning languages. Language learning is not just about communication; it is about immersing yourself in different cultures. This realization motivated me to continue learning Korean, no matter what it takes.

Taking a Leap of Faith—Applying to Centro Cultural Coreano en España in Madrid: A Second Chance at Learning Korean

I am determined not to let my efforts in learning Korean go to waste, so I decided to apply for classes at the Centro Cultural Coreano in Madrid. I was just scrolling on my instagram feed and saw their announcement. I was not sure if I would get accepted, but I have always believed that there is no harm in trying. 

To my delight, I received an email requiring me to submit a level test result and undergo a speaking assessment. I was scared and nervous because it had been months since I took Korean classes. Although I got to practice with my friends through Kakao calls, it was not as frequent as how it was back then. Regardless, I saw this as an opportunity to challenge myself and prove that I had not lost my Korean skills. 

I showed up and even if I was scared, I did it anyway. And can you guess where it led me?

The Level Test Experience

Taking the level test after months of not studying was nerve-wracking. I worried that my time away from learning Korean had made me rusty. However, I was determined to push through. To my relief, I passed and secured a spot in the 3B class. The moment the teacher mentioned during our video call that I was accepted, I was filled with both excitement and apprehension. I had achieved my goal of continuing my Korean studies, but a new challenge awaited me.

You might wonder what could be the challenge this time. I live quite far so bringing myself to go to class can already be a challenge. However, my desire to learn and improve my skills is far greater than my lethargy.

Learning Korean in a Multilingual Environment: Studying Korean Through Spanish

One of the biggest surprises upon starting my classes in Madrid was the language of instruction. Unlike in the Philippines, where explanations were given in English, here, all vocabulary and grammar explanations were in Spanish. Since I was not yet fluent in Spanish, this added another layer of difficulty.

Instead of seeing this as an obstacle or a hindrance, I saw it as an opportunity. I was now learning two languages at the same time—Korean and Spanish. Amazing, right? Just the thought of it already makes me feel productive. 

However, it meant I had to work twice as hard compared to my classmates, but it also felt incredibly rewarding. Simultaneously learning both languages challenged my brain in ways I had not experienced before, making my learning journey even more challenging yet dynamic and fulfilling.

The Joy of Multilingualism

They say we cannot be everything all at once. While I agree, I also believe that we can become the person we want to be if we pursue our goals and work hard.

I realized how much I enjoy learning languages. Beyond just gaining new vocabulary, learning a language allows you to experience its culture firsthand, even if you have not been to their country.

I see it as a win-win situation—by becoming multilingual, I open doors to new academic, professional, and personal opportunities. Just like my current work as an English-Language Assistant, right?

I am grateful to my younger self for studying diligently and learning the English language because it brought me to Spain, which I never thought was possible. 

Although learning multiple languages at once can be overwhelming, the benefits far outweigh the struggles. I know that the effort I put in now will be useful in the future, whether for work, further studies, or simply connecting with more people around the world.

Effective Language Learning Strategies: Self-Study Methods That Worked for Me

You might be wondering how I can survive, juggling life between work and language learning. To be honest? I am not sure either but all I know is that I show up. And, I do it because I find it fulfilling. 

But to give you a few pieces of advice, adapting to a multilingual learning environment required me to refine my study techniques. Since I was learning Korean through Spanish, I had to find ways to reinforce my understanding outside the classroom. Here are some methods that worked for me:

• Active Note-Taking – Writing down new vocabulary and grammar explanations in both Korean and Spanish helped reinforce connections between the two languages. Then, later on, I translate it into English. Basically, you will see my notes in 3 languages.
• Daily Practice with Apps – Apps like Airlearn and Duolingo were valuable in improving my vocabulary and pronunciation. I also use the WordReference and Naver English Dictionary applications.
• Immersion Through Media – Watching K-dramas with Korean subtitles and listening to Spanish podcasts trained my brain to process both languages more efficiently.
• Speaking Out Loud – Practicing and reading aloud helped with pronunciation and confidence.
   

Finding Motivation to Keep Going

Staying motivated was one of the biggest challenges, especially on days when learning felt overwhelming. I mean? We all have our down days especially when we are tired, right? 

To keep myself engaged, I set small, achievable goals—whether it was memorizing 10 new words a day or completing one grammar exercise. I try not to be harsh on myself because I know that small progress is still progress. Pushing myself hard will only lead me to a burnt-out feeling.

Most importantly, I reminded myself why I started this journey in the first place. Every step forward, no matter how small, brought me closer to fluency.

Lessons Learned and Gratitude

The People Who Inspired Me

Looking back on my journey, I feel immense gratitude for the people who have supported me along the way. My teachers in the Philippines built my foundation, and my classmates made learning fun. And now, my current Korean teacher in Spain, who interviewed me during the level test, also believes in my potential and capability. Up to this day, I am still surprised how I was able to pass.

I also would like to thank my friends back in the Philippines who shared the same passion and inspired me to keep going even when I felt like giving up. Even now at Centro Cultural Coreano en España in Madrid, I am surrounded by individuals who push me to improve.

Valuable Life Lessons

Through this journey, I have learned valuable lessons that extend beyond language learning:

I believe that persistence pays off. If you truly want something, don’t give up. Even if you have to pause, you can always resume. Sometimes, we have to park our dreams, but that doesn’t mean we have to give up on them—they’ll always be there, waiting for the right time and version of ourselves to chase them again.

Embrace Challenges. Learning in a multilingual environment was tough, but it made me stronger and more adaptable. Challenges allow us to grow and become better.

The Power of Language. Speaking multiple languages connects you with different cultures and opens countless doors for the future. Imagine? I was just studying the Spanish language before, and even though I ain’t fluent yet, I am still able to use what I have learned. So, I couldn’t wait to visit Korea and be able to communicate with the locals. 

The Journey Continues

From the halls of the Korean Cultural Center of the Philippines to the classrooms of Centro Cultural Coreano in Madrid, my love for learning Korean has remained strong. My story is a testimony that no matter where life takes you, your passion will always find a way to thrive. 

If you’re hesitant to start or continue learning a language, remember that every effort counts. It doesn’t matter if you make countless grammar or spelling mistakes. What’s important is that you are trying. Remember how we learned a language, our mother tongue, when we were kids? We were not fluent as well. 

So, let us not be harsh on ourselves. Let us just take it step by step.

Language learning is not just about fluency—it’s about growth, cultural appreciation, and perseverance. Keep going because the journey is just as rewarding as the destination.