How to make the most of your Spanish course
BEFORE YOU GO
1. Choose your Spanish language school carefully. Learning Spanish is probably one of the best investments you’ll make in your life so it is worthwhile doing some research about Spanish language schools. Keep the following in mind:
- How large or small is the school? [a small school is likely to give you a more personal service]
- How large or small is the class size? [the smaller the class size, the more attention you get, the faster you learn Spanish]
- Are the teachers university trained [filología hispánica] and are they native Spanish speakers?
- Is the price all-inclusive or are there separate charges? [If the price sounds too good to be true…it probably is]
- And last but not least: are there student reference available that appear to be genuine? Can you contact these students?
2. Buy a travel guide [with a good map] and soak up a little bit of history and atmosphere before you arrive. You will enjoy your Spanish course even more if you have done a little bit of homework about the destination where you are going.
3. Take out decent travel insurance. It is not expensive and should cover you in case of accidents or theft [take out a medical insurance as well if so required].
WHEN YOU ARE THERE
4. Read the local Spanish newspaper, listen to the radio or try to watch the Spanish news. Even if you do not speak Spanish yet, you’ll be surprised how quickly you can “decipher” a newspaper article or a news item and it will greatly help build your Spanish vocabulary and comprehension skills.
5. Try to speak Spanish with your student group outside of class or with the people with whom you are living. You’ll enjoy learning Spanish so much more if you actually practice it!
6. Ask your teacher for a book or film recommendation . There is always a book or film to be found which corresponds with your level. What can be more gratifying than using your newly acquired Spanish knowledge to discover new adventures?
7. Take photos! Don’t wait until the last day of class…you (and your family and friends back home) will be very happy you did.
8. A great way to practice speaking Spanish is to find a local native speaker to set up an “intercambio” or language exchange. You alternate the language you speak each time you meet which will give you plenty of opportunity to speak Spanish and your new friend the opportunity to practice your language. [Babylon Idiomas offers an Intercambio notice board on its website]
WHEN YOU LEAVE
9. It is easy to forget...so keep your Spanish alive:
- Ask the teacher what books he or she recommends for your level and discover new authors in their native Spanish tongue.
- Look for a Spanish student in your home town with whom you can set up a Spanish language exchange.
- Buy some CDs of latin music artists and give a new flavour to your music collection.
10. Stay in touch with your new found friends. Have you got their contact details? [Babylon Idiomas runs a student directory for its alumni]
