I was flat broke when I first started teaching English in Mexico. So broke I had to work long and hard for just a few dollars.
One day I was without a car. I got up at 5 a.m. to catch two communal taxis. They squeeze 4 people in the back seat in a communal taxi in Mexico, not the most comfortable way to get to my 7 a.m. class.
Then, after giving 2 classes until 11 a.m., I squeezed in the back seat of 2 more communal taxis. Ninety minutes and 30 miles later, I got ready to teach from 1 – 3 p.m.
Not done yet…
I hopped in the back of another taxi, squashed between the door and a burly Mexican. A quick lunch before round 3 of classes between 6 – 9 p.m.
Home at last at 9:30 p.m.
That’s a tough day, especially to earn around $60.
Those early experiences helped me become who I am. I’m grateful and look back on those hard times with fondness.
Yet, as romantic as the memories of the past sometimes seem, I don’t want to go back there. Things are much easier now and I like it that way.
Recently, I got an email from Clickbank letting me know I had become one of their top 100 vendors in the world.
They are the biggest processor of payments for digital products in the world; being in their top 100 is a big deal.
When I told my wife, Elena, about the top 100 news, she gave me a big hug. We both remember well the hard times.
Then she looked me in the eye and said, “it’s because of all your focus and dedication.” She rubbed my heart and said, “and your heart; you put all your heart into creating this.”
I love that comment. It’s what I am all about. I put everything of myself into teaching languages. It’s what I was born to do.
I have a gift for getting people to speak a second language. Even if you have tried for years and got nowhere, I can teach you Spanish.
I know what it’s like to battle in life and I know what it’s like to struggle with a foreign language. I tried 3 languages before I finally figured out an easy to follow system…
If you’re struggling to learn Spanish I can cut your learning curve to the bone.
Learn just 138 words and a few power patterns. Spanish conversation is yours for the taking. For everything you need to unlock your Spanish speaking, go to
I am loving the Synergy Spanish course and will finish it soon then sign up for one of the other courses.
you really are dedicated and i wish you all the luck, i started your course and am very impressed. once again good luck for the future. kind regards Barry Mcintosh.
Hey Marcus. Thanks for sharing your story. Even though I only know you via your facebook marketing you come over as very genuine and passionate. I’m learning Spanish and had only tried duolingo until I saw your ads. I’ve bought the package you were offering for under $100 and I’m already seeing the benefits of looking at the language a new way. Thanks for all the hard work and follow up. Much appreciated. Mike O
Hi, Marcus!
Thank you for giving a piece of your heart! I really like your way of teaching!
I am a foreign language teacher myself and I have learned quite many languages.
So I wanted to do it a bit different with Spanish. I kept myself away from courses and course books, I didn´t want to look at the grammar tables etc. Well, I did a bit of Duolingo, but the sentences like “los elefanten beben agua” do not really cover the topics I would like to speak about, so I gave up.
I wanted to let Spanish happen to me. And something also happened as my partner is Spanish speaking… Still not enough.
But lately I spent three months in Costa Rica and after the first month I realized that it is not really happening without doing anything. Being there is not enough.
Then I found your course and started to do it. I like your method, it really attracted me.
And voilà I could really speak more and not only about the elephants´ drinking habits.
Thank you a lot, Marcus, for what you do and who you are!
Thanks for sharing some of your story. Your method is quite effective and has made a real difference in my quest to learn Spanish. I bought your Synergy Spanish course and, when I finish that, plan to move on to the level 2 course. Thank you for putting together such a simple, straight forward, and even fun course for learning Spanish. You’ve made it seem so easy and that takes a lot of thought and hard work. You deserve every success.
Well done Mrcus.
You are a courageous person and I love the way you teach, it makes it easier for a person to learn a new language
Carla
Well done Marcus, you are a very good teacher. You put your points across in your lessons and you make your lessons interesting and so people come back for more.
Hi Marcus, I used your course about 8 years ago when I went to Chile for work, and it was fabulous. It gave me the confidence to at least try to speak Spanish and I forged some strong relationships because of it.
I’m going to walk the Camino de Santiago next year and decided to do the course again. It’s so much easier/quicker this time. I’m a community nurse and play the lessons while I drive to see my clients. Now I don’t mind it if I’m stuck in traffic as I’m learning while I sit there.
Thanks for a fantastic course – it’s well worth the money!
Hi Deborah,
Thanks for the great feedback. I’m delighted to ride along with you in the traffic. Let me know if you need anything.
Hi Marcus
Just thought I’d let you know, I was just telling my partner how much I was enjoying the course after spending the last 2 hours absorbed in it when your email came thru. Thanks for your efforts.
Dear Marcus,
I totally believe in your methodology of teaching Spanish. As an older learner (74 yrs old) I do not have the mental capacity of my younger self. But, I am making progress week by week.
My only concern is that I will never be totally bilingual in any situation. There are so many words that I do not know and probably never will; after all, I won’t live forever. And so, I have reconciled myself to the fact that I may never fully learn all of the conjugations of all of the tenses of all of the verbs and there will always be some words I do not know. I have decided to try and concentrate on every day conversations and words that I am likely to use every day.
Thanks for your hard work.
Nobody achieves perfection but you can get better every day and that will open up a whole new world for you.
Great way to learn in my case Spanish. It can be done at whatever pace that suits an individual’s schedule.
The best way to learn Spanish. I have tried many methods but got no where. Finally I am getting some place.
After 7 seasons (winters) in Mexico I decided it was time to get serious about learing Espanol. I have tried ashort course at the local college that got me started and some online stabs at duo lingo. I know the very basics. This year I vowed to do better and knowing that if I pay for something I usually use it, I ordered Synergy Spanish. Wow!!! I am taking it slow and reviewing each lesson a few times but what a difference. Thank you Marcus. dinero bien gastado
Hi Russell.
Great that you’ve taken the plunge, it’ll make life even better in Mexico.
Hola Marcus
Como esta ?
I have been in Hospital for over 4 months, and have not been able to study your Spanish lessons. I am home now and wish to continue ,( and to revive) the Spanish I already know. Please advise me , where I should begin, again.
Muchas gracias , Senior Marcus !
Regards Murray
Hola Murray,
Here’s the link to your member’s area:
http://www.synergyspanishsystems.com/amember/member/index
you are most welcome marcus and really you are the one I should be thanking! I am having a lot of fun and learning a lot of new words related to art with an artist amigo of mine on facebook. His name is eduardo and he is a spanish artisto and we compare and remark on each others dibujos in spanish a lot! Thanks marcus. It’s fun!
!Hola Sr Marcus !
Como esta?
Thank you for the years of dedication you have given those of us who want to learn Spanish .
I am 84 yrs., and have even taken lessons from a qualified Spanish teacher, since 2013. I have learned many Spanish words, buy can hardly put a sentence together. She has spent hours teaching me grammar, but I keep trying to translate English to Spanish words, to put them in a sentence, and get hung up because of the different way Spanish is put together. Your ‘Speak to learn’, is a better way of learning how to communicate.
in the language , and I feel that I would be farther along by now If I had been exposed to that method , years ago ! Muchas Gracias ,
Marcus, I’ve been getting your emails for several years and thought I could never afford taking the lessons. Then you offered the 30-day Shortcut To Spanish and I purchased that a little over a month ago. I am amazed how much I have learned and been able to use in such a short amount of time. The lessons are really simple and have allowed me to practice translating from Spanish into English and English into Spanish. I’m still making simple mistakes but that’s mostly because of not paying attention to gender. All in all, the lessons are well worth the investment and I’m looking to find the money to invest further. Quiero hablar español con más fluencia antes del Nueva Año 2019! Gracias Profesor Marcus!
Hola Gilbert,
That’s wonderful. I’m here to help you achieve you goal in the New Year.
dear mr. marcus, many congratulations on your achievements. I can see why you are one of the top 10 vendors and I am so glad! You are the best language teacher i have ever had. You make the learning experience fun for me and i hope to continue with your courses to make you one of the top five. -deborah galvin
Hola
For ten years we have been going to Spain and in truth I have only managed to learn a few words. I always found it difficult to learn by chance I found your course and bit the bullet.
After three months I have even surprised myself. I cannot wait to return to Spain and then Mexico to see how I go .
I am now retired and have time to get really stuck in and continue my progress.
Gracias
John
Hi Marcus,
I am still interested to study Spanish but for now,we are still in the Philippines while we tried with my husband to pay you by online but it did not work for us? So our plan is to do it in August and we will pay you according to my desire of studying it but for now I am closed to my Spain Visa then from my husband’s hometown I will connect with
you. Lilian Millan
I am 80 years old and trying to learn Spanish. I subscribed to one of your offers and paid $33. I was not able to get into your web site and start…..please either help me or I have to cancel………thank you ………….Stephen Easton
Yea, you can do the tree in Duo Lingo, you can Pimsleur, Rosetta and do the rest–and you will understand and gain confidence–but to actually speak the language –Synergy is the best method.
Yea, you’ll bitch about the simple and slow repetitious chunking over and over, but at the end of the lesson YOU ARE SPEAKING SPANISH! And with each lesson, you speak more, faster, and at times spontaneously.
This unassuming, slow, progressive, repetitious method works far better than anything else I’ve ever tried.
So this is my quiet and unsolicited way of saying thank you.
I agree with Martin. I tried duo lingo, rosetta stone and adult education classes. Nothing stuck. I finally feel like it’s settling into me with Synergy Spanish, I look forward to it and enjoy it. 10 mins is the right amount of time. And Marcus is Australian, like me, so his voice is familiar. Highly recommended, thanks for developing a great language learning method.
Marcus:
You do indeed have a gift for teaching Spanish. Six years ago my wife and I returned from Ecuador after living there for 18 months. I tried a few methods of learning and the only thing I learned is that I loved Ecuador and Ecuadorians, but came home with little Spanish. My wife and I decided to again volunteer for our church, and wanted to serve in America Latina. In preparation, for the last 2 years we have been using Synergy Spanish , and Conversation Accelerator. They have been most helpful. We are now living in Peru, where we have been for two weeks, and will be for the next 18 months. I am not linguistically inclined, but at age 75 I am not doing too badly. Puedo defenderme en Espanol. Right now it is Spanish immersion for us. My wife is doing better than I am, but she studies more. I am very happy with what I have learned from you, Marcus, it has given me a base to build on. I can express myself well. The problem is that I don’t have enough vocabulary to handle replys very well until people figure where I am with Spanish and slow down and simplify. That, perseverance, and a bit of Spanglish, and Bob’s your uncle.
Your method is not only highly effective, but it is fun. Whereas I used to hate learning Spanish, from other methods, I now enjoy it. Win win. I have sent a lot of your freebees off to others who have expressed interest in learning Spanish. Keep up the good work.
The accolades you have received, as well as the financial rewards are well deserved. Thanks for doing what you do very well.
Holla Marcus,
You are great and fantastic teacher. The way you find to teach Spanish is so effective that even I could finally learn something.
I found your way to learn the new language funny, pleasant, interesting, easy and effective!!!
Thank you very much.
Ewa
Marcus, your story is powerful! I’m all in, moving to Tijuana, Playas, or Rosarito, soon. Speaking to learn is the way to go for me! I want to learn the culture, live among the people, eat the food, and speak correct Spanish daily. My quest is being made possible because of your dedication to teaching and your passion for sharing your gift. I know I will someday speak and understand Spanish well enough to move freely among its people, and have a story to share of my experiences along the way. Thank you!
Thank you for sticking with it, Marcus. I do not take as much time to study as I would like, but I do look forward to learning my Spanish. Fortunately, I have a chance to practice bits & pieces with my fellow community members. They are always “tickled” when I try phrases/ sentences/ conversations out on them. I will never stop trying to process everything you send me and I could communicate some of this message in Espanol, BUT I’m limited on time, as usual. Keep up the great work. A lot of people are counting on you for help. Sincerely, S.Michael Brandt
Hi Marcus
Just a huge thankyou for helping me communicate . I’m in Cuba at the moment on vacation and joined your course two weeks before leaving.
I have been able to speak to the Cubans in complete sentences instead of just saying the odd word or two. Ok not exactly Hemmingway but im enjoying the experience. I can even understand a few words and verbs when they speak to each other.
Never thought it was possible to learn so much in such a short time..
😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀
I enjoy & learn & believe your methods are the very best.Whether I will ever succeed in speaking the language remains questionable. If I succeed I will let you know. One disadvantage is my age,87which I am told is a detriment.
Dear Marcus! I am writing a little note especially to thank you for all you done for me with Spanish. First i am a french man from Québec Canada. Not the greatest city to learn Español by myself. No tengo muchos amigos españoles aquí pero con su clases puedo practicar y estudiar todos los días por una hora.
I bought all your programs incluí gracias Synergy Spanish and still it was less then all the courses here on the marketing. Il am half way in the second part of shortcut to spanish2 and i am so happy to be able to read, understand spanish news and most of aller m’y prononciation it muy bien ahora!
Final y soon i will be able to say to all mis amigos that i speak, read and understand 3 langages Français English y Español !! Thank you, Merci y Muchas Gracias for everything you done for me.
Frank More
I am excited about your teaching method. I have not been able to study lately, but I am looking forward to be able to speak Spanish with my friends.in the near future. I appreciate you dedication.
I really enjoy your courses. They are helpful, informative and very useful. I plan on taking more of your courses in the near future.
Mike
For the past five years, you have consistently been in touch with me. I really appreciate your communication and Spanish lessons. Even though, I have taken another course previously, I can truly say that your class was far superior and pertinent.
With your courses, it’s been fun and exciting.
I can truly say that you are a God send.
I thank God for you, for sharing your family and life experiences. Moreover, you have made learning Spanish more than just another course. You’ve made it a intricate part of my life both mentally and spiritually.
May the Lord Bless you and your family real good,
Winston C. Hall Sr.
Thanks Winston! I feel honoured to be a part of your life.
When I started to learn I knew the word for “yes” and how to order two glasses of white wine!!
After two to three months of using your system I am confident enough to have minor conversations and requests etc in Spain. I have not been very good at “studying” regularly – I am only half way through your first course but the results are impressive.
A superb method of teaching and well thought out.
Many thanks and I promise to be more diligent. As long as el vino continues to flow! (LOL)
Jim
Hola Marcos,
Me encanta el curso de SynergySpanish. Voy a terminar el curso pronto.
Gracias. por los vídeos que recibó de vez en cuando ie. Su Cumpleaños, El Fútbol y
La Musica. Estoy deseando recibir más vídeos.
Muchas gracias
Mary
At 81 years old, my daily swim, the Olympic Games and your Spanish lessons have been the highlights of my summer. I spent about 3/4 to an hour a day on Spanish, speaking out loud, enjoying it enormously, I know it will help me when we get to Spain in November. This is the first time since I was 10 and started learning languages, that I really enjoy my Home work. It is such a clever system. Somebody at the pool heard me talking about it, I gave her your website. She said she does not know how to pronounce the words. Instead of learning rows of exceptions, you now learn to use English words and can spanishfy them! I love it.
Thank you.
Bieneke McLachlan
Hola Marcus!
Congratulations! Keep it up! Keep on teaching us! I myself appreciate all the follow up emails that are being sent. I am praying for the same determination & discipline to really digest the lessons in order to really understand the Spanish language.
Godbless!
Jonas
Gracias Marcus! Acabo de cumplir setenta y dos anos, y me encanta aprender Español con usted. Me gustaría ir a españa para mis vacaciones, y me gustaría hablar Espanol.
Pero no tengo un keyboard en Espanol!
Gracias! No se poder hablarlo.
And I may have written all this wrong!
I am just as determined to be able to write,read and hold conversation in Spanish. Please keep them coming.
Dear Marcus You are a tryer and so am I. Trying now for a few years to speak enough Spanish to be able to engage with my in laws in southern Spain. I find your approach so smart I’m enjoying the course. At 71 years old I can’t imagine I will ever have a long and meaningful conversation with a Spanish native but I’m trying and everyday I learn something new. Adios Mary
Felicidades. Marcus!!!!!
You tried 3 languages.
I tried 3 Spanish teachers.
I am so pleased I found you.
I look forward to your lessons. I have a daily routine of at least one of your lessons each day.
I am happy for you and your success. Your hard work is inspiring. Your teaching is top notch.
Marcus! So yo, Sandra Campbell. I count you as a very special person & blessing in my life for what you have shared in this blog today as well as all the free videos you put out for us to work with. This is the first time I have found lessons in Spanish so easy to learn. You are dedicated and it is plain to see that you love what you are doing! I am a musician that plays in a Spanish Mass every Sunday on Guitarron, violin, viola and guitar (after three in the morning in English!) We have a large Latino community. I am a registered (with a role #) Native American. I am sure there is Spanish blood there too. 🙂 I have always wanted to learn Spanish and you have made this possible for me. Muchas gracias to you Marcus! Saludo, Sandra
I live in rural British Columbia and i am lucky to have a friend from Puerto Rico who owns a small coffee nearby. I practice synergyspanish at home, jump in my car with the lessons, practice some more and go for coffee. I get to practice talking to him and his wife. I know i sound like a Neanderthal speaking Spanish to them but they totally help me out and some days, more and more, i sound like i know what i’m doing. They are astounded how quickly i am learning and i owe it all to this Synergyspanish system. I highly recommend it.
Marcus, I have tried several organizations and must admit that I am enjoying the learning through your eyes much better. Your process of learning is easier and makes me want to learn more. I love travelling to Mexico, the people and the culture.
Will continue with the lessons and planning to communicate with the people in their language.
Thanks.
James Hadler
6 months ago
Marcus:
In your post of Nov. 24,2014, you stated that you were about 6 months out for lessons for your senior students. Just wondering on how your progress is coming along on that new course?
I’m still finalizing the concept. I probably should have given myself more time. Some ideas and lessons that I am working on are on this post:
http://www.synergyspanishsystems.com/blog/useful-friendly-engaging-spanish-phrases/
Hi marcus i’m from italian desant when i first joint your spanish lessens i could not speak one word thow i could understend a few words.i have a colombian girlfriend and was hard for me to comunecate but with your help and the way you teach i’m comunecating with my girl very well know thank u your way of techingis magic your friend.francesco alessi
Thank you Marcus for being there for us who would give up if it weren’t for your strong dedication.
and great teaching methods that you designed.
Congratulations on being the top 100! I can tell you put your heart into whatever you do. I am so grateful for the Synergy Spanish program. After years of purchasing books and taking classes, your program has given me immediate results! I am so pleased. What has eluded me after years of trying, has given me so much hope and pleasure. I try to read all your e-mails and extra videos that you send. That is such a nice gesture.
I really took to hear the comment you made in one of the first few lessons about being “bold”. That is just what I needed to hear because I do not always feel comfortable speaking with my beginner’s knowledge of Spanish although I know I have to do it. You understand just what your students need to succeed and that is a great teacher!
With gratitude, Susan
Marcus, I set out to learn another language as I’m always impressed with others who seem to pick up my language effortlessly. I met a Spanish speaking girl from Gran Canaria but was too embarrassed to try my basic Spanish because I couldn’t think of a basic sentence to use.
It’s easy to practice when you have your work in front of you but as soon as the written words are put away I can’t say anything even to impress myself.
Marcus i have had a year of highschool spanish. Ihave also had the following: US Border Patrol 2 years of Spanish in 17 weeks. 30 years working with the Immigration Service, 2 yearsof College Spanish. In all that exposure all icould do was, to ask questions and NEVER have a conversation. I would wake up during the night congagating spanish verbs. Since i have been following your teachings i have learned more than all the years and years of what they called formal training. I sure wish i knew about this in 1967. I would have had a much easierlife and not being scared that they would say something I didn’t understand. That happened all the time for over 40 years. You have truly been a blessing. I have conversations all the time now as a Tourist advisor for the state of Louisiana at ine of their Welcome Centers. Marcus usted es el hombre.
Richard but to them it is Ricardo.
Have enjoyed Shortcut to Spanish never thought it would sink in.
But all at once it kind of clicked I am pleased as punch never thought
it could happen at 71 years of age.
Thankyou very much you are good at your job.
Tony Cullen U.K