Even if you’ve traveled halfway around the world to learn Spanish or another language, you will still find yourself faced with many temptations to continue speaking in your native tongue. Maybe you will meet other people from your home country in your language classes, or maybe your home stay mom happens to know a few words of your native language and is just dying to practice with you.
In order to make the most of your study abroad and build up confidence in your new language, it is absolutely essential to avoid these traps and speak your new language as much as possible. No matter how scared, awkward, or uncomfortable you feel at first, if you persevere you will discover that impromptu conversations with locals are an extremely effective way practicing your new language skills.
Check out this article by Benny the Irish polyglot for tips on practicing with locals: How to convince natives to speak to you in their language