My first language is Spanish, so spelling was never a big deal for me. I have problems with particles, memorizing Kanji and vocabulary. But with practice I'm improving a lot. I am using the "Minna No Nihongo" books and I think they are the best. The only problem I had with them is that they begin with polite forms and the listening excersises at first were too difficult.
Luckily, I have an amazing teacher!
She really knows how to explain things.