3 Reasons Your Language Base Accelerates Your Spanish Abroad

EdOdyssey’s partner language school, El Sol, located in Miraflores, Peru.

“Wow! Your Spanish is so good! How long have you been studying it?” You may hear this type of compliment during your time studying abroad, but it takes some commitment before and during study abroad for up and coming language learners.  

After you’ve spent some time creating a strong language base at home, you’ll be able to take that foundation of language skills with you abroad. It is very beneficial and necessary to build up your language skills before study abroad so you can maximize your experience while abroad.

Here are 3 ways how learning language at home will help take your language skills to the next level:

Build Deeper Connections

With the knowledge of a language, you can really take a dive into a culture. Furthermore, you have a foundation for basic communication that gives you a base of the language to connect with others on a level that is more than a friendly hello and goodbye relationship. 

You’ll need to make sure that you have a sense of how the language works and feel confident enough so you can work on going faster while still feeling in control. The world continues to move quicker, and it is still truly connected with language, which is one of the most effective tools that brings people together.

Increase Your Confidence Abroad

Before you decide that you want to study abroad, you too can experience the benefits of language firsthand. It will only require some work on your part with regard to studying the language of your choice.

A local art piece featuring the Spanish language.

For EdOdyssey’s study abroad program in Peru, it requires at least three Spanish courses of knowledge, or the equivalent in Spanish knowledge for you to have some context going into the experience. For example, if you plan to study abroad in Peru during the spring semester, it may be a good idea to make sure that you work on the language during the fall semester. If you put in the time and effort leading up to your study abroad experience, you will be setting yourself up to take the most advantage of your time abroad. 

Before even arriving, you will have a general sense of the language going into the experience which will give you more confidence and autonomy when you want to explore on your own. This will not only help you when taking classes in another language, but with your daily life, making friends, and connecting to the culture when abroad. 

When I did the EdOdyssey Peru program, I was with a group of fellow classmates in the program who also had a strong base of Spanish. All of us had signed the language pact to speak in Spanish and I felt like the intensive 80 hours of Spanish classes took my Spanish to the next level to fully enjoy and make the most of my time abroad.

A Second Language s a Gift For Life

Understanding a second language, such as Spanish, is beneficial when exploring the city during your travels!

The advantage of going abroad is that study abroad itself accelerates language learning. When you are abroad in the streets of Peru, you are going to have to be able to speak the language. Therefore, you will attain daily practice of a language, improving your proficiency (and hopefully local tongue) by the day. Language is a powerful tool, but its full power is only activated if you properly prepare yourself for experiences abroad.

As an EdOdyssey Peru alum, I saw first hand how my Spanish went from basic to conversational within my time in Lima and I continue to use it and study it. After you’ve invested the time and effort, you have to make sure that you do your best to keep it alive!

Interested in improving your second language skills? EdOdyssey’s study abroad program in Peru includes an intensive 80 hour Spanish language booster program for all students to advance their Spanish! Visit our study abroad page for more details!

Debunking Common Hesitations About Traveling

As humans, we can plan ideas in our heads and create justifications without exploring the emotion before these reasons. For example,  sometimes we create excuses to avoid facing difficult truths without exploring our options.  

How many times have you thought “I don’t think that I have time to travel”? You might be nervous to get out of your comfort zone, or maybe you’re waiting for someone else to come along to travel with you.

In any case, we have to confront challenges around study abroad: what seems to be holding you back from traveling? Money, your career, school, relationships? 

There’s a whole world out there waiting to be explored! We recommend taking on the experiences instead of passing them up! There has bever been a better time to fulfill your dream of going overseas like the present. It’s understandable to have hesitations, but we want you to challenge your own reasons and justifications regarding why you think that you can’t study abroad to help you realizing that you can do it! 

Today, we’re debunking some of the most common challenges surrounding why students choose not to study abroad: 

“I can’t afford to travel.”

This has got to be the #1 reason why people skip out on international experiences. I’ll be honest, I’ve said this more times than I can count! Instead, I want to bring awareness to affordable travel. There are a few options that can help relieve this financial headache. 

Traveling is far easier than you think for cheap! Hostels, public transportation, cheaper airlines, minimal luggage, and working abroad are all quick ideas that can help alleviate huge expenses when you’re overseas. Seek out free things to do in the destination (museums, free walking tours, etc) while creating your budget. Some study abroad programs include most, or all meals, depending on the program!

But what about before the plane even takes off? 

If you’re studying abroad or doing a service trip overseas, consider fundraising or setting up an online funding page friends and family can contribute to! EdOdyssey’s study abroad program offers scholarships students can apply to, and guaranteed financial aid for households with an annual income of $55,000 or less.

“I don’t have time to travel.”

It’s difficult to get time off from work, family, school, and overall responsibilities. But let’s be frank. If not now, then when? If you’re in your younger years, take this flexible time in your life and maximize your independence! Travel improves wellness, and you deserve time off of work and school! If you’re waiting for the right time to travel, it might be a long wait, because there will always be something going on in life.

Throw your FOMO aside! Think about all the awesome experiences you'll have in exchange for traveling overseas and book that plane ticket. If you're worried about plans changing, buy a refundable ticket that you can cancel or change if necessary. Make that dream a reality, because responsibilities will accumulate as the years go by! 

“I don’t have anyone to travel with.”

There are plenty of options if you want to travel with other people! For instance, if you enjoy yoga, you can find other people who enjoy practicing in your new city. You will also meet people while traveling, so you won’t be ‘alone’ during your entire time abroad. 

EdOdyssey Marketing Intern Amanda Lowrey (top right) solo traveled through New Zealand and made friends for life!

Yes, solo travel can be awkward at times, but you’ll make unexpected friends! When you study abroad, you’ll find plenty of people looking to make new friends, and it allows you to grow as a person and become more independent! Often times, you’ll meet other solo travelers or study abroad students you probably wouldn’t have taken the time to chat with had you been with friends! Sometimes the best surprises come on your own explorations. 

“I don’t speak the local language.” 

Technology has made travel super accessible with language and translator apps! Google Translate and TripLingo have translator features that make international exploration much less overwhelming! If you plan on a longer duration time abroad or have enough months ahead before your departure, try DuoLingo, an app that can help you learn the basics of your language of choice. 

EdOdyssey students in Peru practice Spanish and participate in immersive cultural activities!

If you’re really motivated, you can stay with homestay families, work abroad, and learn the language from locals themselves! EdOdyssey’s study abroad students in Peru spend over 80 hours in a language booster class before their semester in order to get comfortable with their Spanish. There are plenty of options when bridging the barrier of language! 

“I’m scared to travel.”

Travel enables you to overcome your fears, even when change is unsettling. The more you explore, the easier it becomes. It’s normal for certain things to not go as planned, and travel is a great vehicle for adventure, inspiration, and growth! Fears are challenging to overcome. Fear of the unknown, flying, dealing with foreign languages, not being able to relate to locals, getting lost, the list goes on. 

But when will you conquer your fears? 

You’ll end up being surrounded by fascinating people overseas and meet like-minded travelers, as well as meeting locals who can teach you about the country you’re visiting. You’ll overcome a lot of your fears just by interacting with people from cultures separate from your own.

If you really want to travel, do it! Don’t let these challenges  hold you back, we promise you won’t regret your adventures abroad! Decisions made to go abroad can profoundly affect your experiences later on! Read Three Areas in Life Where Travel Benefits Your Future for more insight into how traveling can enhance your life! 

Why All Undergrads Should Consider Studying Abroad

If you have dreamed about stepping outside of your hometown, or college town, then there’s no better time to explore your options. Can you fully appreciate your life at college without having stepped off campus to try a new experience somewhere else? Do you think that you’d regret not going abroad once you find that stable job and career after you graduate?

There are a few important decisions to be made, regarding your commitments (jobs, clubs, extracurriculars, etc) and housing, but the flexibility of living overseas for a short time and returning home to family and friends are key factors that push students to study abroad 

Besides leaving the comfort of a hometown, let’s delve into some other reasons why everyone should consider studying abroad: 

Connect with locals & other internationals 

EdOdyssey Marketing Intern Amanda Lowrey (left) made lifelong connections while abroad, including friends from Malaysia, Thailand, India, Australia, and a fellow American!

Lifelong connections are one of the most rewarding components of studying abroad. How amazing is it that we can have friends from all over the world? You get to experience life together and make incredible memories! Though technology does most of the grunt work for us, developing connections with local and international students makes your time abroad worth it. 

Don’t be afraid to make friends! The majority of student travelers study abroad on their own, or with a friend or two, so chances are they’re looking to make just as many friends as you are! Who knows, you might end up having them as your travel companions for the rest of your life! 

Experiences Beyond Your own backyard

Depending on where you decide to study abroad, there will be a plethora of similarities, but there will always be differences. Countries have different perspectives, therefore, experiences will also be dependent on your host country’s culture. It’s important to understand that you won’t miss out on experiences back home, because you’ll be able to participate in unique ones. 

Learn about yourself & a new culture 

The popular saying, “you learn something new everyday,” is so accurate when it comes to traveling overseas. By improving your knowledge about one’s culture, cuisine, language, history, and attitudes, you’ll build confidence as a traveler.

Immersing yourself in a new environment opens your mind and heart up to learning about yourself, and developing skills that can be utilized in all areas of your life. You’ll come to discover interests and preferences you hadn’t been aware of previously with an all-encompassing global outlook on life. 

earn credit by exploring the world 

This is one of the greatest selling points for studying abroad. You can earn credit for courses that you would’ve taken at your home university, but instead, live your best life in a foreign country! While taking courses at your host university, you’re able to meet interesting students, faculty, and familiarize yourself with their educational system.

For me, I became a more versatile student because of it and improved on my adaptability because I had to quickly adjust to alternate preferences and teaching styles than what I had been used to my entire life. Overall, studying abroad is incredibly attainable! Pick a destination that benefits your education and preferences for travel, and set yourself free.

One of the greatest ways we can experience life is by traveling, so take the chance if you wish to! When I realized that I would have missed the opportunity to explore a handful of countries had I not stepped out of America, I jumped at the chance of going abroad. 

Interested in reading another personal testimony of how studying abroad has changed a student's life? Check out Why I'm Grateful for my Study Abroad Experience. 

Why I'm Grateful For My Study Abroad Experience

Plenty of people have an itch to travel, and studying abroad allows us as students to explore other parts of the world without interfering with our education. As a part of the study abroad community, we continuously gain appreciation and reflect on how living abroad has affected our individual perspectives of the world. If there was one thing that I am more than grateful for within the past years, it would be my experience studying abroad. My time in China and Peru has enriched my life with a love for languages, new foods, and travel. 

Here are the three biggest reasons why I’m grateful for my study abroad experience:

New People, New Experiences

Study abroad enabled me meet a variety of people from different backgrounds.  When I say this, it is not just meeting new people in the sense of knowing a lot more people.  

I feel as if study abroad enabled me to meet new people that I may not have been friends with before and gave me time to create deeper connections.  When abroad, despite different backgrounds and personalities, barriers become broken. 

I felt that there was less separating us when I was abroad.  It has opened me up to people who I consider some of my closest friends today who I continue to stay in touch with.

Studying Languages

A component of studying abroad that I thought would be the most beneficial was studying languages.  In both China and Peru, I wanted to study Mandarin and Spanish, respectively. Studying these languages in their native countries themselves was very helpful in learning them in an authentic way.  

When I first arrived in China, I had to get over my fear of learning Mandarin, since I had not known a word of the language prior to arriving.  After studying Mandarin for my first month in China, I realized how much language really opens you up to a country and its culture.  

Personal Growth

I am also grateful for my study abroad experience for helping me grow as a person.  I found that through my travels, I became a more independent person. Even now in college, I’ve found that I do not need the safety net of a college campus.  I am always looking for travel opportunities, whether it is weekend trips with friends or traveling to Vietnam where I went this summer for a school program.  

In gaining more independence, I have realized that travel becomes a way of life.  Travel doesn’t seem scary or intimidating, which is how I perceived it prior to studying abroad.  It has become a priority in my life and this would be impossible without my study abroad experiences.

If you want to see how my study abroad experiences through EdOdyssey have positively impacted and shaped me in college, check out How Study Abroad With EdOdyssey Prepared Me For Harvard!

How Teachers Can Bring The World Into The Classroom

Pictured was Greg’s itinerary - Starting in Madrid, then heading to Santiago de Compostela, and ending in Barcelona.

Often, we hear of students studying abroad, but how might teachers and faculty go about experiencing new cultures that can add value to their classrooms back home? 

We spoke with Greg Semplice, an avid traveler and high school teacher, and discussed his self-led program EdOdyssey had designed for him while exploring Spain this past July. Greg was able to experience lots of history, cuisine, and culture, and even returned to the U.S. with a few unexpected impressions.

This past July, Greg and his wife spent three weeks traveling to Madrid, Santiago, and Barcelona, Spain. We want to share Greg’s story with you today so you can catch a glimpse into his wonderful experience exploring Spain!  

Greg and his wife enjoying a sunny day at Fisterra, which is an hour and a half away from Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

A Lifetime of Traveling 

Greg has always been interested in traveling, which began when he was invited on a cross-country camping trip as a child and visited over 25 states. He reminisced how, “[the road trip] wet my appetite for traveling and I have always loved it”.

Since he has been teaching, Greg has been on class trips, including Washington DC and Quebec, as well as overseas trips, such as taking 27 students to Spain in 2013, and teaching in Peru with EdOdyssey in 2016. Greg’s passion for travel has been a major component of his life, as well as his career as an educator. 

New & Old Connections Overseas

Greg had spent some time at a local high school in Madrid with their vice principal and teacher, and discussed their curriculum and possible plans to do a Skype classroom setup with both schools. It’s a bilingual high school, and as Greg puts it, “learning English is a very positive thing”.

Another exciting venture for Greg during his time in Madrid was meeting up with an old connection. Greg had dinner with a former exchange student from his high school, whom he had gotten to know very well during her time in the States. He had contacted her old homestay family before departing, and reunited with her after 50 years.

There’s something so fulfilling about having friends in other parts of the world, and having travel be the essential piece that establishes new, and old, connections. 

Adding Value To The Classroom 

Classic view of Toledo - An hour drive from Madrid, Spain.

Picture a gorgeous and comfortable train ride for a handful of hours as you make your way from Madrid into Santiago de Compostela, one of Spain’s most iconic northern cities.

While visiting Santiago de Compostela, one of the sites that was particularly moving to Greg was Santiago’s Cathedral, which welcomes thousands and thousands of people from around the world annually who hike from different parts in Western Europe.

Greg explained that the Cathedral had, “different roads coming from Portugal, France, other parts of Spain, which was very impressive.'' Greg also brought home a few movies on Santiago and its history so that he could include those in his curriculum with his Spanish classes. Having these experiences gives teachers the opportunity to incorporate other cultures into their curriculum, by bringing parts of the world into their classrooms. 

An International Appetite 

Barcelona is known for its great cuisine, and Greg and his wife were able to join a cooking class that made homemade paella, which was “phenomenal and we absolutely loved it”. They also attended a wine and tapas tour, and visited 3 to 4 restaurants, sampling different tapas.

Not only did Greg receive plenty of information on Barcelona’s cuisine, but also came back with an urge to cook after purchasing spanish rice to take home to make the perfect paella!

Taking the time to meet locals and be involved in their cooking or learn about customs allows travelers to bring newfound knowledge home and share it with others. 

Art is History 

While in Barcelona, Greg had a “Gaudi day” where they visited Palau Güell, followed by La Sagrada Familia and Parque Güell. Greg shared that, “La Sagrada Familia blew me away. Wow. That was so incredible. I had done a lot of reading but that doesn’t prepare you for walking into it for the first time...I could’ve spent the whole day there”. Greg got to spend the day observing Gaudi’s works, where poetry has been transformed into breathtaking architecture.

Reflecting on Spain’s Culture

Part of the vibrancy of spain is not only about the architecture, but also the cuisine, and the people themselves. When asked what the most unexpected realization Greg found about Spain’s culture, he replied:

“Their culture is very much more laid back then people are over here [in the United States]. As soon as we’re done here at a restaurant the waiter tells you you’re done, whereas in Spain, you can sit and take your time and the food is made so fresh. They’re much more of a relaxed atmosphere, and we didn’t feel pressured to do too much.” 

Another unexpected interaction Greg encountered was his journey to the Cíes Islands while in Santiago de Compostela. The Islands has a limited number of visitors per day and Greg had gotten a bit lost and had asked for help.

A local ran to help get Greg's tickets for the ferry ride before the boat took off, Greg was shocked and thought, “Where in America would they do that? The hospitality and compassion here is great”. 

Finding the Right Fit With EdOdyssey

Pictured: Aqueduct of Segovia, which was built during the second half of the 1st century A.D., this is an hour’s drive away from the center of Madrid, Spain.

Greg enjoyed spending time in three different location, and felt a week in each was just right.

He spoke of how the pace of the program, “...was nice because it gave us some time to explore things in each place, and we took our time”.

When asked what he would say to someone showing interest in a self-led program, Greg advised prospective faculty to, “Be adventurous and take the time to do a lot of research and everyone is different. Yeah, don’t be afraid to try these things, and we had never been to certain places, but research with books on the locations. And you just have to explore and plan ahead! Don’t be afraid to try new things!”

Interested in customizing your own program? Check out “Four Major Benefits of Customizable Programs” to find out more on what you can gain from EdOdyssey’s programs! 

READY TO START PLANNING?

Three Ways Immersion Develops Language

My classmates and I in Madrid, Spain.

On my first day of Spanish class in Madrid, my fellow students and I came prepared with pens and notebooks. When my professor arrived, the first piece of instruction she gave us was to put our materials away. She said,

“The only thing we will be using today are our eyes, ears, and mouths.”

The feeling of panic was palpable in the room. None of us were accustomed to language classes that placed an emphasis on speaking. Although I learned so much about vocabulary and grammar in my high school and college Spanish courses, they didn’t do much to improve my speaking skills.

Total Immersion Keeps You on Your Toes

She proceeded to address the students randomly, asking them questions about what they like and dislike about Spain. She often used colloquial Spanish terms, which was a refreshing yet difficult departure from my classes in the States. The majority of us struggled with formulating sentences on the spot, but were able to answer her after a moment of reflection. When she addressed my friend and I, we looked at each other and immediately froze. With the combination of her unfamiliar accent and use of vosotros, we were at a loss for words.

The Freedom to Make Mistakes

After some laughs from the class, my natural instinct was to open up my notebook and look for the correct answer. In that moment, I realized that this exact situation is what I hoped to experience when I enrolled in the study abroad program.

I wanted to be linguistically challenged. Although I was grateful for the ability to decently express myself through written Spanish, it is not nearly as useful as speaking the language. I knew I would have to speak Spanish whenever entering a store or restaurant, so what better way to practice than in a classroom setting?

Language exchanges are a great way for students to practice Spanish in a casual, real-life setting.

Consistency Creates Confidence

I embraced the moment and answered my professor’s questions to the best of my ability. Later, I completed a difficult speaking exercise with my classmates. The more we practiced speaking, the easier it became Although the 6-week course was challenging, I gained so much clarity and confidence with the language. During my program, I attended numerous intercambios, or language exchanges with Madrileños seeking to learn English.

Each day in Madrid, I made a conscious effort to use Spanish whenever possible that helped strengthen and reinforce knowledge from my classes. During my fifth week in Spain, I finally felt comfortable using the vosotros tense and began to overcome my fear of making mistakes. After this valuable experience, I have full confidence that total immersion is the best way to fully develop speaking skills in the language.

Have you ever wanted to strengthen your Spanish speaking abilities and connect with another culture?

We offer 80 hours of intensive Spanish classes to any student who participates in our study abroad program in Lima, Peru. Check out our study abroad page to learn more!