Questions about Learning Spanish in Spain
Tuesday September 26, 2023 | Spanish Language | Posted by studyspanishinspain
Check out the most frequently asked questions by students when reach out to us before arrival to Spain (through our social media channels, email, or WhatsApp). Would you like to do a Spanish course in Spain too and have questions? Maybe you will find the answers you’re seeking right here!
Why Choose Spain for Language Courses?
While it’s unnecessary to travel to Spain to learn Spanish, it is certainly the best way! Enrolling in Spanish School for foreigners in Spain will significantly enhance your Spanish language learning experience. It offers a chance better to grasp the Spanish language, culture, and pronunciation. Moreover, immersing yourself in a Spanish-speaking country provides a total linguistic dive—a unique opportunity not possible within your home country. You even have the chance to live in a homestay and practice Spanish with the locals.
Of course you can also consider taking Spanish lessons in South-America.
What are the Benefits of Learning and Speaking Spanish?
Spanish is the world’s second most spoken language, boasting over 500 million Spanish speakers. Learning Spanish is crucial for travelers, considering it’s spoken in Latin America and Spain. But Spanish also looks excellent on your resume, which will help you get a job (see below) and make friends worldwide. Learning Spanish in Spanish provides insights into a significant portion of global history and culture.
Does Spanish Fluency Improve Job Prospects?
Certainly, as mentioned earlier, Spanish is widely spoken across the globe. Given the substantial migration of individuals from South America to North America, proficiency in Spanish makes finding work in Europe and the United States easier. The language skill is in demand across various industries. That’s why many people come to Spain and learn Spanish during their gap year.
Learning a Bit of Spanish Before Your Course in Spain
Numerous methods can be employed to begin understanding and speaking Spanish. Taking a Spanish course in your home country with a Spanish-speaking instructor is a great starting point. Instituto Cervantes and universities and many private institutions offer Spanish classes for foreigners worldwide. You can also take online lessons or practice with Duolingo. Before your trip to Spain, watch Spanish films or attempt to read books in Spanish.
Interested in online Spanish lessons? That is an excellent option too? Here you can book online Spanish lessons via zoom with experienced teacher.
The Importance of Learning Languages
Learning other languages holds immense importance in exploring new places and cultures. It also enhances job prospects, as numerous companies seek individuals with linguistic abilities for international roles. It fosters an open mind and improves memory, particularly as you age.
Learning Spanish in Spain: Your Options
| How difficult is it to learn Spanish compared to French or English? When compared to French and English, many learners find Spanish relatively easier to learn for several reasons: Similarities in Vocabulary and Grammar (French and Spanish): Spanish and French belong to the Romance language family, meaning they share a significant amount of vocabulary and grammatical structures due to their common Latin origins. This shared vocabulary can make it easier for speakers of one language to understand and learn the other. Phonetic Pronunciation (Spanish and English): Spanish pronunciation is generally more phonetic than English, meaning words are pronounced as they are spelled. This consistency makes it easier for learners to pronounce words and read texts correctly. In contrast, English has many irregular pronunciations and spelling rules that can be challenging for non-native speakers. Verb Conjugations (Spanish and French): Spanish and French both have complex verb conjugation systems. While this may seem challenging, some learners find it easier to grasp than English verb conjugations due to the regularity and predictable patterns in Spanish and French conjugations. Grammatical Simplicity (Spanish Compared to French): Many learners find Spanish grammar simpler and more straightforward than French grammar. Spanish has fewer verb tenses and a less complex system of noun genders, making it less intimidating for some learners. Verb Tenses (English and Spanish): English and Spanish share some similarities in their use of verb tenses. For example, both languages have a simple present tense for expressing general truths or habitual actions. This can be advantageous for English speakers learning Spanish. Cognates and Loanwords (English and Spanish): English and Spanish have borrowed words, resulting in many cognates (words that look and sound similar in both languages) and loanwords. This shared vocabulary can facilitate language acquisition. Pronunciation and Intonation (English and Spanish): English and Spanish share some similarities in stress patterns and intonation, which can make the transition between the two languages smoother for learners. |
There are many options to choose from. If you’re a university student, the European Union’s Erasmus+ project offers opportunities to study or work in a European country for 6 to 10 months. Alternatively, high school students can participate in the Erasmus+ project, which allows for a 3-week work stint in Spain.
Many private language schools offer Spanish lessons in Spain for those who are not eligible for these programs. The courses last from 1 to 24 weeks (or more). At most schools, you can start any Monday throughout the year (some schools have fixed starting dates for absolute beginners). You do a placement test so that you will study with students at your level.
Popular destinations for Spanish lessons are Barcelona, Madrid, Malaga, and Sevilla.
Is Spanish a Difficult Language to learn?
Of course, Spanish, like any language, varies in difficulty for different learners based on their linguistic background, learning style, and dedication. But generally speaking, it is easy to learn Spanish. Spanish is among the easiest languages to learn and communicate. Especially if your native language is Italian, French, or Portuguese, you’ll notice numerous similarities due to their shared Latin origins. While Dutch, English, or German speakers might face a slightly steeper learning curve, practice and study make it manageable for other nationalities.
It is important to remember that every learner’s experience is unique. Factors such as individual motivation, learning resources, and practice are significant in determining the ease of learning any language. Ultimately, the best approach is to embrace the learning process, practice regularly, and immerse oneself in the language and culture as much as possible.
How long does it take to Learn Spanish?
Studies suggest learning Spanish takes around 24 weeks (or 600 hours). Dedicating 3-4 hours a day to learning Spanish will make you fluent in approximately six months. However, every school has its own curriculum, mostly approved by the Instituto Cervantes, ensuring a robust learning program.
Do we also Learn Spanish Through Culture?
Absolutely! Spanish culture serves as an excellent conduit for language learning. Literature featuring iconic figures like Miguel de Cervantes, Lope de la Vega, Calderón, Quevedo, Pablo Neruda, Gabriel Garcia Marques, Mario Vargas Llosa, and Antonio Machado, as well as artists like Dalí and Picasso and architect Gaudí, provides ample material. Additionally, learning how to prepare Spanish dishes and dancing to the beat of bachata, salsa, and flamenco or tango, along with experiencing traditional music, complements the Spanish lessons in many ways.
Interested in a Spanish course in Spain? |
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