If you’re thinking about learning a new language, there are two very important factors to consider: your everyday practice, and your studies. Continuously practicing and using the language in everyday situations is key to develop naturally flowing speech. The best way to achieve this is of course to move to a country (albeit temporarily) where they speak the language! But just being there is not going to be enough, we don’t just automatically “get it” as very young children do. You might be able to pick up certain things quite easily but many things will seem confusing, or you might actually be speaking incorrectly without even noticing it yourself. A well-planned course with a professional teacher who knows what you need to improve your language skills will really speed up your development. In a Spanish course in Spain, for example, you will be able to have various concepts – that might not exist in your language – explained to you. After class, you will have to manage using your Spanish skills to order food, ask your neighbor about parking, talk to some locals at a bar – everything! The symbiosis of taking a Spanish course in Spain while also living there is unbeatable. It would be really hard inefficient to try and figure it out by yourself. It’s truly fascinating how fast some students can go from knowing nothing to speaking fluently. Of course, it takes a lot of effort to learn the rules, and also to not switch over to English in your free time (at least not too much). Still, many people in Europe take languages courses for many years, only to barely be able to have a basic conversation after graduating. One summer of true language immersion can set you up with a really strong base from which you can continue on learning. This of course, doesn’t only relate to beginners, maybe you already have a decent level in your target language but you want to get that fluency and pronunciation just right. There are many different Spanish language courses in Spain to pick from, there’s something for everyone’s needs, really. Perhaps you want to become a Spanish teacher? Maybe you’re working in the medical field and need to learn about specific vocabulary and procedures? Senior courses are also quite popular, they focus a bit more on the adapted cultural and leisure program than regular courses do. Whatever your motives and goals are, taking a language course will streamline your learning process and set you up for future success. Spanish is spoken by almost half a billion people in the world and it’s a valuable asset to have, both in your private and professional life.
