One of the things that amaze me the most is whilst having Spanish Conversational Lessons in London or via Skype with some of my students and when I listen what they have to say, is to presence how they are able to express in Spanish, and I can learn from all of them, it is rewarding and enriching at the same time, it is like if I have an open book speaking loud out to me a whole wide range of knowledge ready to be share, from their own points of view, understanding other's realities, discovering worlds as whom discovers a new book but in this case the book is actually speaking to me.
In a globalized world in constant change one can not stay behind, everything we learned, might be outdated after a couple of years, we have to spin as fast as it goes. We can not stay with what we learned at school, we might consider re thinking even the way we learned and what we learned. It is essential to be informed of what happens in other parts of the world, to be lifelong learners. New skills like languages are always useful to discover those new worlds, essential for communication and sharing information. It is important for human beings to share this knowledge, experiences, ideas and ideologies.
Latin America has so much to offer, with it's almost 20 Spanish speaking countries, a shared culture and History, with a vast rich World Heritage territory is a place that we all want to learn from, and take care of.
But how long will it take to learn a new language? How long does it take to learn Spanish? As a language student I can say that four hours per week would be ideal, practice is the main key on a daily basis but knowing that sometimes this might be a question for some of you, I can tell you that during my experience as a Spanish teacher I have observed how students can improve enormously what they have learned when they go to Spanish speaking countries and to put themselves into immersion courses.
One of the best ways to pursuit this is to travel around to get a deeper understanding of other's culture and that is why it is important to be able to understand what others have to say, and if you can do it in their own language, even better! As cultural references within the language might even change the meaning of what is said.
That's why I recommend when possible to assist Spanish Immersion Courses, to get totally involved with the new culture. And of course keep Learning Spanish back at home with your teacher and other supportive activities, like in this case Spanish conversational lessons, interactive material, keep reading in the Spanish Literature, listening a lot of music and the news, all of them are very important.
You will always have the last word, but here are some of my recommendations as the variation in each of these countries are very peculiar.
Mexico
Mexico has a tremendous ancient History and culture. With still existing vast groups of Amerindigenous, going to the southern part of the country will be very enriching for you to understand cultures that have managed to stay alive even within the modern world that has left them behind. A very unique mixture of the Past and the Present and it's new ways to find a sustainable development where their people merge with nature.
It has a wide range of programs in San Cristobal de las Casas in Chiapas, Mexico. Some of the programs include accomodation, tours, and many cultural activities.
ABC Spanish has an agreement with the San Cristobal Language School Please contact me for more information about the special discounts available!
Argentina
We have a partner school in Buenos Aires, as it is the Capital of the country but this enormous nation has so much to offer in all its vast territory, you will need a couple of months to get to know it well whilst you travel
around.
The name of the school is: Con Ñ de Español
Con Ñ de Español has a really unique way to work with students, teachers at this school have very personalized programs, placing students in different real scenarios of the daily life, a perfect situation to learn not only about the grammar, and variation of the language but to be aware of current matters in the country.
Spain
And last but not least I have decided to recommend the beautiful city of Salamanca, with a wide variety of Spanish Language Schools. They have mini stay programs starting with weekends for groups and a two weeks minimum stay program for individuals, including meals and accommodation with Spanish families, some excursions and cultural activities a very well organised schedule for you to make the most out of this wonderful experience and not to mention that the city itself has an incredible richness in History.
ABC Spanish's recommendation is Colegio Delibes Contact me if you are interested in getting a special deal with a group immersion program with this school.
Ready to dive into the new experience? with any of the mentioned Spanish Immersion Programs, please get in contact with ABC Spanish and remember this is a good way to improve rapidly, but what makes the master is the practice!!! So keep practicing on a daily basis your Spanish at home, with your teacher and friends!
Karla Juced
Spanish Lessons in London
