One of the best ways to experience a Spanish speaking country is to be able to understand what is being said around you. So, why not learn Spanish? It’s not as difficult as it may sound. You can actually learn to speak Spanish from the comfort of you own home with your personal computer as your teacher. Luckily, there are a number of online programs that will teach you what you need to know to communicate once you get to Spain.
In addition to getting a better feel for the Spanish culture by speaking the language, there are other benefits of leaning the language as well. Once you return home from your trip, being able to be bilingual is very coveted by employers and may open up a whole world of new jobs to you.
Learning Spanish Online
The biggest benefit of learning Spanish online is that you can gear the course to your speed. You do not have to worry about keeping up with the class, you can do as much or as little as you want each time you sit down to learn. When you get on the internet and conduct a search you will notice there are a number of websites that offer Spanish courses from home. Some are free; others will charge you for the classes. Generally, those that charge do have more to offer and a more comprehensive learning program.
The largest worldwide Spanish instruction organization is the Instituto Cervantes. The whole goal of the organization is to promote Spanish culture and the teaching of Spanish worldwide. It was founded in 1991 as a public institution in Spain. Now it is spreading out and is in four continents.
These courses are very detailed. They do teach all the areas necessary for speaking Spanish such as the spelling, grammar, vocabulary and phonetics. But, they also teach the importance of Spanish culture, and about socio cultural issues.
Once You’ve Completed Learning Spanish Online
While taking courses is a good way to learn the language, the best way to know you are ready to use it and to become more fluent is to immerse your self in a situation where you must speak Spanish and see how well you do. Traveling to a Spanish speaking country is a good way to be surrounded by the culture and traditions as well as be surrounded by the language.
There are also programs called language immersion programs in Madrid, Seville and Barcelona. These are considered the by-far fastest way to learn the language and become fluent.
The immersion classes are geared towards smaller groups of students with a number of activities where you must use Spanish and only speak Spanish. In addition to classroom time there are many times you will be out in the public and interact with people, honing your skills.
When it comes to accommodations you may be put in an apartment with another student, or be hosted by a local family which will be a great opportunity to learn the culture of the country first-hand.
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