Learning a language overseas is the finest method to satisfy your curiosity and wanderlust. No wonder it’s a favorite “bucket list” item and “career break.” Going deep into another culture, mastering the grammar, and learning about a different way of life will stick with you. No matter where you rest, you’ll feel like a local. It’s not like anything else.
Since there are more Spanish speakers than English speakers worldwide, it makes sense to study Spanish. You could take a quick flight to Spain, but why not go to South America? You will not only see more but also learn more. The whole world is your school. You’ll come home rested, tanned, and, if lucky, able to speak like a local. And you’ll be employed.
The Spanish teaching community is extensive. Check out online Spanish tutors courses from AmazingTalker to learn Spanish fluently.
1. Observe a Spanish Video or Film with English Subtitles
Maybe this isn’t the ideal approach to learning Spanish, but it can help you learn some words and phrases. They can also teach you about Latin American society, which you’ll witness soon. YouTube videos on how to speak Spanish can help you learn the language.
Observing an actor or presenter’s emotions and facial expressions might help you choose the right phrases and words. Hearing them speak will help you grasp slang and proper word usage.
2. Speaking with the Locals
Volunteering with locals and bilingual vendors helps increase your vocabulary. This activity is meant to teach you something new, so make some mistakes. Remember these tips next time you use the same words or phrases.
Use phrases and words you’ve learned from movies or locals when applicable. You can learn Spanish from a host family while they learn English or another language. It can lead to lifelong memories and friendships.
3. Use a Smartphone App
Duolingo and Babbel are great language-learning apps. Every morning of your stay, utilise the app to learn new terminology and practice using it. Write down new words and try dictation. Writing down the new words’ meanings is also fun.
A dictionary can help you learn Spanish. Quizzes and word games might help you improve your Spanish skills. You and your fellow travelers can rely on each other for help while communicating with a local shopkeeper or native person.
4. Try a Course on Audio
Internet audio classes may teach you everything from basic grammar and vocabulary to advanced topics. You may learn Spanish using audio classes. Rosetta Stone and Michel Thomas are examples.
When communicating with natives, use the class vocabulary whenever possible. Latin American backpackers use audio courses to learn native languages. These courses are a fun way to spend time with friends.
5. Sign Up for Spanish Lessons
Look online for classes that teach Spanish while you are living with a family in a Latin American country. Taking in-person or online classes is the best way to get better at a language quickly because teachers can help you and tell you where you need to improve and where you’re doing well. In Guatemala, you can take Spanish classes for a low price. The teachers can teach you as they walk around with you or come to your homestay or hostel so you can relax and think about what you’ve learned in a familiar setting.
Try speaking Spanish to see how much you’ve learned after taking a course and using an app to learn the language.
6. Get an Excellent Phrasebook
The immediate advantage of a phrasebook is that it gives you the words you need in any situation, making your trip much easier.
But the most important thing it does is get you out of the house and talk to real people; that’s where you learn. This theme runs through this whole post: making real chances to talk to locals. Even though their guidebooks are bad, the Lonely Planet books are good.
7. Download Spanish Podcasts
When you’re backpacking, you usually have a lot of time to kill. Taking a coach from one place to another in South America takes a lot of time. Use your travel time to learn a language by having podcasts ready to play when you need them. You can use any good series. If you search iTunes for “learn Spanish/Portuguese,” you’ll have a lot of options.
8. Find Someone to Practice with
That is, they speak Spanish. Many South Americans want to practice English with native speakers and will teach you Spanish in exchange. Free (or a cup of coffee), and you have time. Want more? If you Google “language exchange Buenos Aires,” you’ll find many results. You can also visit this site.
Find a decent individual (meet in public) and hang out. Talk for one hour in each language. So be strict. The other individual may use too much English if you’re not fluent in their language.
9. Don’t Fly
Get around by bus. The farther away you are, the better. Not only is it much cheaper than flying in South America, but it also gives you a couple of great chances.
First, if you sit next to a cool person, you’ll have their full attention the whole time. Second, if you don’t, you’ll have hours to study (hopefully, they won’t keep playing American movies from the 1990s on the TV). Third, the luxury coaches, which are still cheap, can be very comfortable, and taking the overnight bus will save you a night in a hotel.
10. Ask for Directions
Yes, even if you know exactly where you’re headed! Though it may seem dishonest, the truth is that asking for directions is the most socially acceptable excuse to approach a stranger in any country. No matter how brief, every interaction is a step toward more self-assurance. When you try to speak another language, many people will be impressed.
Conclusion
If you adhere to these ten requirements, you will be light years ahead of everyone else in the competition if you carry out your plan successfully. You will not believe how quickly you pick up Spanish and will not believe how enjoyable studying is. You won’t believe it either.
Because of this, the time you spend traveling across South and Central America will be filled with a great deal of enjoyment for you!
