Tips for Travelers: 5 Ways to Prepare for your �� Experience

mmgrant — Wed, 09 Sep 2020 20:20:24 +0000

So, you’ve decided you are going to study abroad and are counting down the days until your adventure. No matter what part of the world you are traveling to, you will experience new cultures and interact with new people, but what if you are unsure about your foreign language skills?

This was me about a year ago. I was preparing for a semester abroad in Spain, and hadn’t taken a Spanish class in about 6 months. I was nervous that my classmates would be better speakers than me and that I wouldn’t be able to communicate with my host family, but as soon as I arrived in Spain all those fears vanished. I realized that everyone there wanted me to learn Spanish and I had all the tools I needed to be successful.

Before I left the US, I tried to practice my Spanish in several different ways to make the transition to Spain easier. I made this list of ideas to help others be prepared to speak a foreign language abroad. Interacting with a host family, peers, and/or locals while abroad will greatly improve your language skills and make you a more confident, skilled speaker. So let’s get ready to talk!!

Take a Class or Two Before You Leave

If you have never studied a language before or it has been a few years since you last studied it, it might be a good idea to take a class or two to learn the basics and pick up some vocabulary. You will always want to know how to ask to find a bathroom, how to order food, and how to read numbers. Knowing some of these basic phrases will make you more confident in your navigation skills when you first arrive.

Before coming to college, I didn’t think I would end up majoring in Spanish. But after taking several classes at Iowa State University, I decided to study abroad for a semester and it just made sense to do a major. If you are unsure about completing a minor or a major, I recommend taking a few classes first to see if you are really interested, and then studying abroad to help you develop your language skills.
Download a Language Learning App

There are several free apps available to teach foreign languages, and each of them use different methods to teach vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. Using a mobile app allows you to study anywhere and anytime, ultimately improving your language skills. I personally use Duolingo to practice my Spanish. I used this app a lot before traveling to Spain and I use it now to continue practicing at home.
Find a Language Partner

Find a native speaker or someone at a higher proficiency level than you and meet up for a conversation once a week. Although it can be intimidating to talk with a native speaker, it is a great way to practice. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, because it is easy for someone to correct you in a conversation and you are more likely to learn from the mistake.

I joined a program through my university’s language department that pairs native speakers with language learners for bi-weekly conversations to practice language skills. My partner and I would meet for coffee or lunch and try to complete our whole conversation in Spanish. I learned a lot and at the same time made a new friend.
Research the Culture

Researching the culture and society of the country you are traveling to can give you a better understanding of what life will be like when you are there and give you opportunities to interact with the language. Whether that be visiting an authentic restaurant, local market, or museum, any opportunity to learn more about the culture will benefit you in the long run.

Before hopping on my plane to Spain, I did a lot of research about the city and region I would be traveling to. I didn’t know who my host family would be, but I was able to learn about the foods and history of the place where I would live. When I arrived, it was nice to recognize some of the buildings and locations so that I didn’t feel completely lost in a new place.
Immerse Yourself in the Language

Before you travel to a different country, it can be hard to escape the English language, but by using the resources you already have you can practice anywhere. Watch your favorite movie or tv show in the language you are trying to learn, or read a magazine or newspaper article from the country you are traveling to. Try to find a children’s book translated into the language you are studying, or change your phone’s language from English to the other languages. By practicing this language in parts of your life that you know really well, you will be able to learn new words and become more comfortable with the language before you are completely immersed in it.

One of the easiest ways to practice Spanish is to change the language of your phone or other electronic devices you use daily. I keep my phone in Spanish to help me learn new words and to practice the language daily. Although it is challenging, I can usually decipher all of the messages and have greatly improved my vocabulary.

This list is just a few ideas to get you started on your language learning journey. Learning a language takes time and practice, but studying abroad is the best way to learn about a different culture and practice your skills. Keep an eye out for our next blog post about getting the most out of your study abroad experience!

Adiós for now! -Marta

_{Marta participated in the Semester in Caceres program through the Iowa State University �� Center.}

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