I landed in Panama City, Panama, a few months ago and joined a long line snaking toward immigration. The man ahead of me was an American like me, equally giddy to arrive in a city known for its impressive skyline and stunning views of the Pacific. Passport in hand, I ran through every Spanish phrase I could remember from high school, hoping to use one or two when I reached the counter.
The officer’s English was stilted but clear enough. However, when I asked about submitting the customs declaration form online—someone on the flight said it was required—he looked at me blankly. Maybe he didn’t understand. Maybe I was asking the wrong thing. Either way, I realized how much smoother that moment would have been if my Spanish were stronger. It was right then I decided to return to learning Spanish, not just for travel, but for the everyday connections I didn’t want to miss again.
Every year, from September 15 to October 15, the U.S. observes Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to honor the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. For me, this month is also a reminder of my own Spanish-learning journey and why it matters for Americans today. Organizations like World ReDefiners Languages make that journey possible, offering classes that help children and adults connect with Spanish and other world languages right here in the U.S.
On that same trip to Panama, I rediscovered how much language shapes our experiences. My limited Spanish let me manage—ordering food, asking for directions—but it kept me out of deeper conversations. I sensed the warmth of the Panamanians I met, but without words, I couldn’t learn the stories behind their smiles.
I’ve had this experience before. Years ago, before moving to Austria, I studied German at the Foreign Service Institute, the same place that trains U.S. diplomats. After five months of intensive classes, I reached an intermediate level and was able to handle everyday conversations. Speaking German transformed daily life. I could chat with shopkeepers, read the news, and feel at home.
Spanish, too, has that power. It can turn a vacation to Mexico, Argentina, or Panama into so much more than visiting the must-see tourist spots. That’s one of the many compelling reasons to learn Spanish. Your next vacation could be more than about where you go, but who you meet.
Spanish isn’t just for travel. It’s the second-most spoken language in the United States, used by more than 40 million people, and the official language of more than 20 countries. Yet too often, we treat it like a high school elective instead of a life skill.
But it is a life skill. Spanish opens doors in education, healthcare, hospitality, and business. It eases travel and retirement abroad. And with many Americans choosing to live overseas, it can help you build a community not just of expats, but locals too. It also enriches daily life here in the U.S., where bilingual communication is part of everyday reality. For professionals, bilingual skills are increasingly in demand in healthcare, education, and customer service. Spanish for Professionals is designed specifically for adults who want to apply Spanish directly in their careers.
That trip to Panama was the turning point for me. While I managed with basic phrases, I quickly realized how much richer the experience could have been with stronger skills. Many travelers find themselves in the same situation. You can get by, but without the language, you miss the deeper connections and cultural insights that make travel truly memorable. That was the spark I needed to restart my Spanish studies and it’s the same spark I hope others find, whether abroad or in their own neighborhoods.
That’s why I admire programs like ReDefiners World Languages, which don’t wait until high school to introduce language learning. They start early, offering Spanish, Arabic, and Mandarin—sometimes pairing lessons with cultural exchanges, such as a virtual trip to Panama this past summer. Families who want to start early can join Let’s Learn Spanish, designed for children and their parents to begin learning together from day one. For older kids, ages 9–14, the Spanish Youth Club helps young learners gain the confidence to navigate Spanish-speaking environments.
Research on the cognitive benefits of early bilingualism is mixed. Some studies show some advantages in attention and problem-solving, while other experts believe the benefits are a product of the setting and exposure. However, researchers agree on the cultural and social advantages Children who grow up learning more than one language often become more curious, empathetic, and confident. They’re also more comfortable moving between cultures and picking up on social cues. Studies even show that bilinguals may be more creative and achieve greater professional success later in life.
For children, starting young also means less of a learning curve later on. Those who begin Spanish early often feel more at ease speaking, listening, reading, and writing by the time they reach high school. And with dual-language and immersion programs expanding across the U.S., early learners can continue building fluency, sometimes earning recognition like the Seal of Biliteracy, an award for students who achieve proficiency in two or more languages.
I can already hear the objections: Learning a new language is hard. For adults, progress can feel slow. I know, I’m right there myself. At a hotel in Texas, I once asked a housekeeper a question in Spanish. She looked baffled. I repeated it—still nothing. Later, I realized I hadn’t spoken Spanish at all, I’d been speaking German.
Children learn with ease because they’re less self-conscious. Adults, meanwhile, bring discipline, problem-solving skills, and life experience. Both groups learn differently, but both can succeed. Starting young gives children more years of practice, while adults can use structure and focus to their advantage.
Even so, I keep pressing on. The bits and pieces of high school Spanish I still remembered helped me in Panama, but I’m essentially a beginner again. That’s okay. Beginning (or restarting) anything feels awkward at first, but it’s part of the process. My goal is to move beyond Buenos días and ¿Dónde está el baño? to everyday conversation. For adults like me who want a supportive, engaging way to practice, Spanish for Adults offers conversational learning that makes room for mistakes, humor, and growth.
The truth is, both adults and children can learn new languages. Fluency doesn’t have to be the finish line. Even a handful of phrases can transform a trip abroad, a classroom experience, or a conversation in your community.
There’s no better time, whether during Hispanic Heritage Month or any season of the year, to take a step toward learning Spanish or encouraging your children to do the same.
Explore Spanish classes in Florida through ReDefiners' community programs, join a family workshop, or simply start practicing a few phrases with friends and neighbors. Some classes even allow parents to learn alongside their children, turning language into a family journey.
Language is more than words. It’s an invitation to belong, to engage, and to celebrate the diversity that makes our communities stronger.
If you live in Hillsborough County, Florida, ReDefiners World Languages offers free Spanish classes:
Classes are available both in person and online, designed to help you build real-world skills for travel, work, education, or simply connecting with your community.