How to Take Your Spanish Language Lessons Out of the Classroom and into the Community

I’m entering my last week here in this wonderful country of Spain, and I have been immensely blessed with every opportunity and experience that I’ve had here during my language camp. But how did it go by so fast?!

This week I’ve been looking back and really realizing how much I’ve grown and how much my language skills have grown too! In the beginning, I was so scared I wouldn’t be able to understand anyone! My first day of classes, I tested into level 3 and was given some really great teachers (this week I got bumped up to level 4!). Sometimes it was hard and I had to ask for help, but they always made sure everyone was on the same page.

While the idea of having everyone around you speak a different language may seem daunting, it’s actually not that bad! It’s been really cool to communicate with an entirely new group of people that I wouldn’t have been able to speak to before.  

However, using my Spanish was not only reserved for formal studies. Despite having an international group of students, here are some of the ways I’ve used my Spanish language lessons outside of the classroom.

Speaking Spanish with other Students

At the language school, there are students from all over the world. I’m thrilled to have friends in so many places now! However, if I wouldn’t have used my Spanish to talk to some of them who weren’t as comfortable with English, I wouldn’t have been able to have the pleasure of meeting them.

My advice is to not be scared to talk to people while you’re here (or in general…). Everyone here is looking for friends too; start a conversation, you won’t regret it.

Become a Regular at Salamanca Coffee

My first week I stumbled in here and have been a regular ever since. My usual order is a frozen, freshly squeezed orange smoothie, and a chocolate croissant. The workers are all very nice and are really good at working with whatever Spanish skills you come in with.

Also, when you buy something you get two hours of super fast wifi! Can you guess where I am right now?! 😂

Connecting with the Locals

Salamanca is beautiful in its views and in its people. The people of Salamanca are always willing to help you; whether that being taking a group picture of you and some friends in the plaza, or giving some directions to the best restaurant in town. ( *cough* Rua Mayor)

The other day I was hammocking in a park near where I live, and I had multiple people come up and say “¡Hola! ¡Buenos Dias!”. One person even offered to show me around the park! So the next morning we took a walk together and they showed me the local’s view of the city.

I also had a few conversations with people, mainly asking where I’m from and if I’m enjoying Salamanca. These conversations really gave me some confidence in speaking and allowed to me learn more about my city.

I couldn’t have asked for a better second home than this place, and I know it will be very hard to leave in a few days. I will always look back at my time here with the best of memories and I am certain in the fact that this isn’t goodbye, it’s hasta luego.