For most students learning Spanish, the traditional home course experience can provide the grammar and vocabulary basics, but it tends to lack the necessary setting for effective speaking practice. Going abroad to study Spanish is the necessary first step to achieve complete immersion. When abroad, students have no lack of opportunity to practice their conversational Spanish.
Put Down the Books, Let’s Talk in Spanish
Traditional Spanish classes have focused on learning directly from a book, putting emphasis on memorization above all else, and although students are able to practice with their fellow classmates, there are few opportunities outside of the classroom to use the language. The memorization techniques used in the classroom don’t allow room for organic conversation or self expression. It’s because of this that language schools, like Expanish, stress the importance of communicative teaching.
Communicative teaching means that students are speaking the language from the very first day and, usually, the very first lesson. Here at Expanish, we stress the importance of engaging with the language in a meaningful, yet entertaining, manner. All excellent language teachers know that using the language with students helps them become accustomed to the sounds and structure that make up the language.
Make the Most of Your Time Abroad
Learning conversational Spanish isn’t as complex as many people might think. In fact, it’s as easy as going out and talking to someone. A Spanish language immersion program is ideal for developing language skills that go beyond the books. Studying abroad allows students the opportunity to learn conversational Spanish skills in an organic setting that they wouldn’t be able to find back home. Students will have the ability to participate in conversations with locals about topics that aren’t necessarily taught in the traditional classroom setting, such as social issues, politics, pop culture, etc. Practicing conversational Spanish abroad permits learning beyond the textbook, it takes learning to the streets.
Learning conversational Spanish is an extremely important aspect of language learning. It is the doorway to deeper, more complex conversations with friends or locals, and helps to bridge the communication gap when traveling or living abroad. Having the right tools to practice and learn, you can leave that to Expanish!