Perhaps you’ve noticed in your second language studies that hearing and decoding Spanish is easier than speaking sentences yourself, or that reading text in Spanish is much easier than composing a paragraph on paper.

Speaking and listening, reading and writing are a finely knit bunch with regard to language learning.

You can’t compose a sentence without speaking the words in your head first, and you can’t speak fluently without practicing the correct execution of the words orally or on paper.

Your brain needs practice with all avenues of language learning in order to reach full-on fluency.

Writing regularly to your journal is a key practice to quickly improve conversation abilities.

Keeping a journal while you are studying abroad can benefit your language acquisition in many ways.

Journals are simple because you can write anytime, anywhere and on any subject. You determine the size and scope of your Spanish journal.

Give it a whirl and you’ll likely see and hear the results in no time.

Creates Context and Meaning

Writing about your unique experience gives context to your Spanish words.

Within your brain, anything that has greater meaning and context will likely be recalled easier than random vocab words and grammar rules floating around in your brain.

You can write about new experiences in South America, things you’ve done or seen in your travels, or things you miss about home.

Gives Practice in Language Skills

Writing in a journal lets you practice the vocabulary and sentence structures you learn in class in a non-threatening way. When you write, there’s no pressure to get it right the first time.

Without an immediate audience, you can feel free to write any sentence that comes to mind. Keep yourself accountable by having someone who is fluent in Spanish check your journal occasionally to correct any mistakes.

Helps Determine Strengths/Weaknesses

Reviewing your journal allows you to see your progress in black and white. As you write, you’ll become aware of both your strengths and weaknesses when it comes to Spanish.

Perhaps you’ll realize that your vocabulary is limited or that you begin all of your sentences in the same way. Once you realize this, you can challenge yourself to branch out a bit more within the safety net of your journal.

Get started on your Spanish journal by selecting a special notebook to devote to journal entries. Carve out specific time to write each day, whether it’s 15 minutes or much longer. Commit to regular entries, then watch your language blossom as you experience all that South America has to offer.

Ecela Cinco Estrella Garantía

Our five-star guarantee promises you an exceptional educational experience every week of your program, or you get TWO extra weeks absolutely free.

We guarantee…

1. Your right to change schools If you feel a change of scenery would be beneficial, simply let us know a few days in advance and you can switch - at no extra cost.
2. Significant Spanish improvement  You will make substantial advancements in your Spanish each week, by YOUR standards.
3. Thorough course enjoyment  You will look forward to class each day and to spending more time with your instructors, your classmates, and the Ecela staff.
4. Comfortable environment  Your will find our school facilities comfortable, clean, and inviting – more like a home than a language institute.
5. Friendly treatment by staff  As a welcome guest of ours, we don’t consider you just another language student. You will be treated like part of the Ecela family by all of us.

“Our goal is to help you have one of your best experiences ever, but...

"We are real people and, as a consequence, we DO make mistakes, we DO have bad days, and we DO sometimes fail to give your our best.

"If you feel that we failed at any of the above 5 points, at any time during your program, just let me know and we will give you two extra weeks of classes, to be used at any of our schools, absolutely free – no questions asked.” - Cecilia Quezada

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​Would YOU be Happy at Ecela?  Characteristics of our most satisfied students.

"How do Ecela students get fluent so quickly?"  Our 4 part Spanish Immersion Fluency Pathway.

Nuestros Barrios  Videos from the neighborhoods around our Spanish schools in Argentina, Chile, and Peru.