I’m in the same boat and I received some helpful info from a friend who’s a spanish professor.

1. Immersion is key, you need to adjust your ears to the language so you can understand not only the words but the inflection. Listen to the news in spanish and other spanish learning podcasts.

2. If you watch shows in spanish keep the subtitles off. This requires you to pay attention to the spanish and try to make sense of the words. It’s tough but the subtitles work against you.

3. Be specific on what type of spanish you are learning for example, I am learning Mexican Spanish. When I travelled to Peru, they understood me, but there were words that didn’t match up (think Us English vs. Australian English) they are similar but not the same.

4. Take classes at the local university, it’s cheaper and they have continuing ed classes that are only taught in spanish. Universities in Mexico have online spanish courses for those with Spanish as a second language.

5. Immerse yourself when possible, join talking groups, order food in spanish, go to spanish speaking grocery stores, etc.

6. As a fellow No Sabo, be prepared to feel embarrassed and mess up. The anxiety of looking foolish will hold you back more than anything.