Why is having a native Spanish speaking tutor important for my learning?

Question

Why is having a native Spanish speaker important, what advantages are there, and is there really a major difference?

Answer 1

Having a native Spanish speaker as a teacher has advantages. However, having a non-native Spanish speaker as a teacher also has advantages.

Non-native Spanish speaking teachers had to learn the grammar, mechanics, vocabulary, pronunciation, etc. from zero which means that they are usually able to anticipate which areas of the language are most difficult for students to grasp and why. They are also able to relate concepts back to English which can make it easier for students to see similarities-- and differences-- between the languages. Lastly, it is more likely that a non-native teacher will have a standard, somewhat neutral pronunciation (as opposed to a strong regional variation like Chile, Spain or Puerto Rico, for example) which can be easier for beginners as they begin to develop skills and confidence with listening.

Note that this is my perspective as a native English speaker who has taught Spanish to other native English speakers. My perspective is the same for non-native English speakers teaching ESL/EFL.

Answer 2

Being tutored by a native Spanish speaker will give you several advantages such as: 1) correct pronunciation, 2) reduced errors, 3) improved vocabulary list and native words, and 4) higher level of confidence due to improved dialogues. Talking to a native speaker is like actually being in a Spanish speaking country!