4 Myths That Stop Adults in Spain from Learning English, And Why They're Wrong

Think you’re too old to learn English? Think again. Bust 4 common myths and discover how adults in Spain are learning English with confidence.

Think learning English is just for kids? Think again. In our fast-paced, globalized world, being bilingual (especially in English) is no longer a bonus skill. It’s a serious advantage and whether you’re traveling to the UK, working in Spain’s growing tourism sector, or just trying to understand Netflix without subtitles, speaking English opens doors.

However, too many adults still believe outdated myths about learning a language. I’m going to try to break down these 4 myths about learning English and bring reality to light.

Myth #1: “I’m Too Old to Learn a Language”

Reality: You’re never too old, and it might actually help your brain.

It’s true that language learning is harder as we age. Remembering vocabulary or thinking in new sentence structures takes work. But adults bring something powerful to the table: motivation, discipline, and life experience. In fact, learning a language later in life may improve your memory, focus, and even slow cognitive decline. A study from Concordia University used brain imaging to compare bilingual and monolingual patients with Alzheimer’s. The result? Bilinguals had significantly larger hippocampi - the part of the brain responsible for memory (ScienceDaily).

Myth #2: “Technology Makes It Too Complicated”

Reality: Technology makes it easier than ever.

Digital life can definitely feel overwhelming. But for language learning I’d say it’s a gift. Tools like Duolingo or Lingopie let you practice at your own pace, whether you're riding the metro in Madrid or relaxing at home. Watch your favorite English-language series with Spanish subtitles, or vice versa, to build listening skills naturally.

Beyond the screen it’s easier than ever to connect with real people. Just search “language exchange Madrid/Barcelona/Valencia/etc.” or visit the Medicidiom website to see our flexible options for real-life learning.

Myth #3: “I’ll Never Sound Fluent, So Why Bother?”

Reality: You don’t need perfect fluency - you need functional confidence.

Fluency is a journey, and it’s okay if you don’t sound like a polished presenter with native-English. What matters is being able to express yourself clearly, navigate real-life situations, and connect with others. Think about how many tourists visit Spain every year or how many English-speaking customers you meet in retail or hospitality. Being able to give directions, explain a service, or even just chat makes a huge difference while simultaneously building your self-confidence.

Myth #4: “I Don’t Have Time”

Reality: Daily micro-practice makes a big impact.

You don’t need to sit down with a textbook for an hour a day. Just 5–10 minutes daily from a podcast, a flashcard review, or a chat in English can move the needle. Over time, this builds real progress and can have real results. A study done by Alexandra Marinskaya out of St. Petersburg State University for Telecommunication found that “[micro-learning] can be effective for training aspect skills (vocabulary and grammar), improving content acquisition and retention” (ResearchGate).

Ready to Start?

Learning a language as an adult may be challenging, but it’s incredibly rewarding. It opens up opportunities for work, travel, and connection while strengthening your long-term brain health.

Don’t let myths hold you back. Reach out to info@medicidiom.com to explore English courses built for real-life goals.