Navigating Language Barriers While Studying Abroad in a New Country

这是我选择的主要原因之一 西班牙留学 是为了提高我的西班牙语口语能力吗. I took Spanish courses throughout high school and my first year of college. 然而, 因为疫情和在线课程, this fall was my first time back in a classroom environment studying Spanish; this time, 有一个(相当大的)变化:我在西班牙! I felt there was little in my favor from a year without listening to and practicing Spanish. 然而, I remained hopeful because my whole life I have been told that immersion is the best way to improve language skills. Below, we’ll journey through my mistakes and what 我明白了 from the language barrier!

当我乘坐的飞机降落时是早上8点.m. in 西班牙, which meant everyone back in the States was asleep. Thus, I was on my own with no opportunity to resort to the comfort of talking to friends and family. After collecting my luggage, my next task was to find my way to my hotel. Nervous and hoping not to look completely lost (even though I was), I followed the crowd. Outside the airport doors was a long line of taxis, 在短短的几分钟内, 我当时坐在一辆车的后座上，正在去的路上. I soon discovered my taxi driver did not speak English. Words were trouble to find despite the amount of classes, podcasts and Duolingo practice I had before coming. 下车后, I was reminded of two things: my Spanish could use some improvement and that is what I am here to do. 

不适与优雅 I love to remind myself that finding comfort in discomfort is the key to accomplishing my goals and dreams. But also, that discomfort is in fact not always the easiest and greatest feeling on earth. 在西班牙，我很沮丧, I’ve said words that are completely insignificant to conversations, 我希望学习一门语言更容易. 然而，我们都是人. 我明白了, 生活中有很多事情, that you will mess up and being okay with mistakes will result in growth! 我明白了 to be okay with discomfort and have grace when things don’t go as expected.

说并练习 在过去的一个月里，我就是这么做的. 我所有的课程都用西班牙语, 我的寄宿妈妈只会说西班牙语, and in restaurants and grocery stores they speak Spanish, 当然. These are all wonderful opportunities I’ve taken advantage of to help improve my Spanish-speaking skills. I’ve also adopted a new habit of looking up words or phrases from conversations that didn’t exactly go as smoothly as planned. I’m 仍然 learning, but practice makes perfect, right?

没有人是孤独的 In a brand new country with different social norms, 不同的传统, 一种不同的语言, 仍然, 我从未感到孤独! CEA现场工作人员, 我的寄宿家庭, and the professors at my university here in 马德里 have all been amazing supporters in a new transition. Despite making embarrassing mistakes in conversation, even the locals are patient and are more than willing to help. Although I do my best to communicate effectively in Spanish, 我明白了寻求帮助是可以的, 方向, 或澄清, even if it takes a few extra minutes to understand! 

I look back at my first day in that taxi ride feeling anxious and having no idea where I was or where the next four months would take me. 我正式进入我的 留学项目. While my Spanish classes have helped me improve my language skills, 我明白了 so much just by living like a Spaniard, battling the barriers I’ve encountered and putting myself in uncomfortable situations. As a result, I end each day more confident than when I first woke up. I am eager for the obstacles, the memories, and the joy that these next few months will provide. 

下次再见♡