Spanish for Travelers

**Cynthia Rizer** is a linguist, travel writer, and language educator with over fifteen years of experience teaching Spanish to adult learners. She holds a Master’s degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Texas at Austin, where her research focused on second-language acquisition in immersive travel contexts. Cynthia has lived and worked in Spain, Mexico, and Colombia, and has traveled extensively throughout Latin America, from the highlands of Peru to the coastal villages of Costa Rica.

Her approach to language instruction is rooted in practicality and cultural empathy. She believes that the most effective learning happens when students are equipped with the tools they need for real-world interactions, not just textbook grammar. This philosophy has guided her work in designing travel-focused language programs for major international tour operators and her popular online course, “Spanish for the Road,” which has helped over 15,000 travelers gain confidence before their trips.

Cynthia’s writing has appeared in *Travel + Leisure*, *AFAR*, and *Condé Nast Traveler*, where she covers language learning, cultural immersion, and sustainable travel. She is also the author of *“Beyond the Phrasebook: Unlocking Authentic Travel in Spain and Latin America.”* When she is not on the road, Cynthia lives in Portland, Oregon, where she leads local Spanish conversation groups and volunteers with refugee resettlement organizations, helping newcomers navigate their new communities through language.

She believes that travel is the most powerful classroom, and she is dedicated to helping others bridge cultures through words, warmth, and genuine curiosity.