Immersion has been recognized time and time again as the best way to learn a new language. By taking Spanish immersion courses while traveling through South America, you will quickly see dramatic leaps in your ability to speak Spanish. Why is this method so effective? Here is a look at seven reasons why traveling while taking immersion courses will help you on your way to Spanish fluency.

Reason #1: Surrounded by Spanish

When traveling in a Spanish-speaking country, you are definitely going to hear more Spanish than you would in a typical day at home. In fact, you will be surrounded by Spanish 24 hours a day with social interactions, road signs, television programs, and more.

This constant immersion in the language helps train your brain to process and think in Spanish quicker, without needing to rely on translating to and from English.

While you see and hear Spanish around you every waking moment, your brain is absorbing tons of new vocabulary and information.

The streets of Cusco (Peru), a popular Spanish immersion destination.

Reason #2: Freedom from Distractions

Life has a way of keeping us busy with family life, job responsibilities, college coursework, and more. When you're trying to juggle everything that life has thrown your way, it can be difficult to find time to do some of the things you want or need to do, like studying Spanish.

Even when you find a few precious moments to review your vocabulary words, it can be hard to give it your full attention. Your mind likely wanders to what plans you have for tomorrow and how you're going to solve the problem you're dealing with at work.

When you are traveling and taking Spanish immersion courses, you don't have to worry about anything else. You can dedicate all of your mental energy to a single focus - learning Spanish.

Reason #3: Real Life Reinforcement with Instant Gratification

Learning something new takes more than simply seeing it one time. In order to truly retain new information, you need to be exposed to it repeatedly at regular intervals so that it "sticks".

In your immersion classes, you won't be learning vocabulary and grammar that seems abstract and irrelevant. You'll have plenty of opportunities to use what you're learning immediately - both inside and outside of the classroom. You'll be amazed how quickly you retain new words when you see them in multiple "real life" contexts.

This sense of instant gratification will provide you with additional motivation to continue your studies.

Reason #4: Studying with Like-Minded Peers

Having the right support system is the key to success in almost any endeavor. Although you may come from drastically different walks of life, everyone in your immersion courses will have one thing in common - a dedication to learning to speak Spanish.

This diverse group will come together to form a small community of language learners all moving in the same direction. Together, you will push each other forward in a supportive, non-competitive learning environment.

Spanish students at Ecela sharing coffee and tea between classes.

Reason #5: Enjoy the Easy Going Vacation Lifestyle

When you are worried about something, it's nearly impossible to fully devote yourself to anything else. As Arthur Somers Roche once said, "Worry is a thin stream of fear trickling through the mind.

If encouraged, it cuts a channel into which all other thoughts are drained." Going on a vacation is one of the best ways to rid yourself of the worries that weigh you down. This change of scenery lets you "get away from it all" and release your burdens.

Once your mind is clear, you'll be ready to study, absorb, and retain a new language.

Reason #6: Practice Makes Perfect

In order to master a skill, you have to practice it. When you are surrounded by native Spanish speakers, you will never run out of opportunities to practice speaking the language.

Yes, it will be awkward at first. You'll probably make quite a few mistakes along the way. But the more you speak in Spanish, the more comfortable and natural you will feel doing so. Between practicing in your immersion classes and interacting with the environment that surrounds you, you will be speaking and engaging in Spanish constantly.

These valuable practice hours will add up quickly and will really help you in your journey to Spanish fluency.

Reason #7: Learn the Art of Conversation - Not Just Grammar

One of the biggest flaws of traditional language courses is the heavy emphasis on grammar.

Although grammar is important, it is not enough on its own. You also need to learn conversational skills. During Spanish immersion courses, you will still learn the necessary grammar, but you'll also spend half of the time practicing conversation. This practice is in addition to the conversations you'll be having as you're traveling in Spanish speaking countries.

This type of balanced approach is what will help you achieve fluency in Spanish.