Learning English Is Not Just About Getting Certificates

Are you tired of endless English exams? Learning a language should be something you enjoy, an opportunity to access more information and open yourself up to the world, not just an academic goal. It’s time to rediscover why learning English can change your life.

In Spain, from a young age, students associate learning English with getting good grades and endless exams. It’s no wonder that many are tired of learning the language, and as adults, they still face the need to obtain Cambridge certificates. It’s a shame because learning a language should be something you enjoy, an opportunity to access much more information worldwide, and a way to open your mind by getting to know another culture.

When we set out to learn a language, we don’t think first about the certificate we are going to get. We dream of being able to read a book in its original language, watch films without dubbing, order breakfast in the local language on our next trip, or give a presentation in English at work. These are the reasons that motivate us to learn a language: the emotional connection with the new world that opens up before us.

You don’t have to learn about the royal family or traditions if you don’t want to. For many people, English is simply a tool, and that’s okay. It’s the same for me—I'm not particularly interested in cultural aspects, though of course, I enjoy watching films and listening to music. In fact, music was one of the main reasons I learned English and German, for instance. Everyone has their own reasons, and that’s valid.

Even if we know that we need English to move forward in life and we don’t like it much or feel tired of studying, we can imagine a reality where we speak English fluently: we've landed our dream job, we can watch films in their original versions, we travel without language barriers, or we manage daily tasks with ease. Going to the doctor, talking about any topic, or simply living our lives without limitations. We might have an accent, we might not know every word, or even forget a few, but it doesn’t matter because we communicate with confidence and ease.

Language learning must have an emotional connection. Think about how you’d like your life to be if you spoke English well. Imagine a future where English isn’t a barrier but a tool for achieving your dreams and opening yourself to new experiences. When you emotionally connect with the language, the process becomes much more bearable, and even exciting.

I came to Spain ten years ago without speaking Spanish. At first, I didn’t want to learn Spanish—I didn’t like it. But within two years, I spoke relatively well and understood quite a lot (and I live in Andalusia). Over the years, I have grown to love the language, and I feel very comfortable speaking it. Looking back, it doesn’t seem like that much time. I see the result, and I can say it was all worth it: I can speak freely in Spanish, and I even did a course at university in this language. At first, the journey may seem long, but the result exceeds all expectations.

So, the next time you think about learning English, don’t think about exams or certificates. Think about the opportunities and the world of possibilities that will open up before you. Remember, English is not an end in itself but a key that opens doors to a world full of opportunities. Dare to open them!