How do you learn Spanish?

I think that’s probably the first question you’ll ask in ERASMUS! So in order to help you out a little I’m going to give you some advice so that you can speak Spanish de puta madre!

1. Don’t be scared to practise any time.

   This seems a little stupid but I assure you it’s essential. Forget about English, try to speak Spanish and above all, don’t give up when you’re missing a word or when the sentence seems a little clumsy, that’s how it’ll come. What’s more, when you go out, make sure that people speak to you in Spanish and not in English, you have to play the game!



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2. Spanish flatmates

   After having tested 2 housemates this year: one Spanish and one other ERASMUS student, I can assure you it’s not the same. To begin your ERASMUS by being thrown straight in at the deep end, I really advise you to get a Spanish flatmate. You’ll progress rapidly and you’ll be able to meet other Spanish people, which is better than just staying with the ERASMUS crowd. The problem with an ERASMUS flat share isn’t difficult to explain: when I arrived in February, nobody in the flat had a great level of Spanish and therefore I became a mobile dictionary. English is often spoken in ERASMUS flat shares and the atmosphere is completely different: we’re all in the same boat in any case.

3. Lessons

   Uni is also a good way of learning Spanish, as I said in another article, the lessons are obviously all in Spanish and there’s a lot of group work. Therefore for lessons, information, understanding and oral and written comprehension, uni is a huge help. I learned a lot, especially about written Spanish through doing dissertations and exercises etc.

4. El centro de lengua moderna (The modern languages centre)

   The language centre is located towards Realejo and allows students of all levels to improve their Spanish. You must take a test at the beginning of the semester to evaluate your level and once that’s done you’re split into different classes. The prices are divided into two categories: prices for those below B2 level and prices for those above B2 level. There are around 10 people in each class. The lessons are very dynamic and the teachers are often kind. It’s not the same atmosphere as a uni; it’s really laid-back. What’s good to know is that the language centre allows you to gain 6 credits for university and an official levelled qualification at the end of the course.



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5. And the rest!

   Nights out, exchanges: ERASMUS organisations often propose exchanges in bars. The idea is simple: you go to a bar and find yourself in front of people who want to learn your language and suddenly you’re having conversations in French, English, Spanish, German… Whatever you want.

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