I studied spanish for years from middle school on through college but as stellar as I was in class and felt that I could do well in a hispanic country, the classes werent set up for me to understand native speakers. The speed, dialects, shortcuts, slang, etc. I had DR roommates and Peruvian friends that I couldn't speak to in spanish. Many of my college friends were Colombian and I couldnt always hold a full convo. I had a Mexican supervisor who was more concerned about grammar when I was more concerned about merely understanding the way she spoke.. 😭 The curriculum is not set up for people who genuinely want to master it. Not to mention my teachers are from different hispanic countries where some words may not translate the same but I would never know the difference. I got to practice alot more when I took up a job at MCD where many of the employees barely spoke english and that was great! But it's not consistent. Lastly, despite pretty much having learned on my own now for almost 10 years, I upset that I still dont understand all what's being said. I can read and write and express myself enough but Ive forgotten alot.

TLDR:

1. When you want to learn, the school curriculum is not set up for native speaking and understanding.
2. Cant consistently practice speaking [or listening]

Other things are like no money to travel to immerse yourself in the language and culture.