Author: Sarah Di Mario, Client Assistance
So, you will soon be leaving to study Spanish abroad. Here are some tips to best prepare you for your language course.
I followed these guidelines before arriving in Santiago and they helped me a lot!
Preparation is an important part of any successful language program. On your first day you will be required to take a language proficiency test. To make sure you are placed in the correct class for your level of Spanish, you should spend some time revising beforehand. You should also take the time to learn about the culture of your host country.
Aural Training
One of the best ways to prepare yourself for language immersion and begin distinguishing between the accents and idioms of each country is by watching movies. Sounds tough, doesn’t it? Not only are movies fun, but they also help you to develop your listening skills. Like most people about to participate in a language program abroad, you might not understand everything that is said, in which case I recommend you watch with Spanish subtitles. That way you will be able to listen and read at the same time without missing any of the storyline.
News
Before travelling to Latin America, you might be interested in knowing what is happening in your host country and in the Spanish-speaking world in general. Each country has its own newspapers and national radio stations, most of which can be accessed online. By consulting these resources, you can stay informed of what is going on while gaining a better understanding of the people.
Prepare yourself for Latin American with some telenovelas.
Hispanic Culture
Movies, music, television: Spanish-speakers have many sources of entertainment and you too can use them to keep up to date with the most popular and current cultural topics in each country.
As one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, the Spanish language boasts a rich and diverse literature. Take advantage of the best that the language has to offer and use famous novels, plays, stories and poems to assist your learning.
Online tools
There are many online tools that you can use to learn or improve your Spanish. From more traditional methods to the most innovative of technologies, you’ll find every possible solution suited to your level of Spanish and pace of learning. On YouTube for example, you’ll find various videos posted by both professional and amateur teachers. Among these you’ll find very useful Spanish lessons that will complement your language course. There are also videos on specific topics such as language pronunciation or specific grammar rules such as the use of ser/estar or para/por.
You will also find numerous online magazines that help you learn about the language and culture of Spanish speaking countries. Some of these include articles accompanied by various linguistic tools (vocabulary, grammar, listening, exercises and much more).
If you have a smartphone, you should download podcasts and other apps to memorize typical phrases and vocabulary.
Travel Dictionary
To make yourself understood in the various situations that will arise, make sure to bring a pocket dictionary that lists all the useful phrases and expressions used to travel to the airport, catch a bus, order in a restaurant etc.
Finally, don’t forget that each Spanish-speaking country has its own unique words and accents. Before leaving, make sure to find out which words have different meanings in your host country. This will help you avoid any embarrassing situations!