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Studying Spanish in Spain is a great opportunity to expand your language skills and gain valuable international experience. Here are ten helpful tips to keep in mind if you really want to get the most out of your study abroad experience:
Before you arrive...
1. Before arriving at your destination, gather information about interesting places to visit both in your city and nearby locations. Find out about local customs, gastronomy, etc. This way you'll be able to get involved more easily with local residents once you arrive.
2. Try to make contacts with Spanish people that live in the city you've chosen to study in. This will make your first days much easier and more enjoyable. You can meet people through online chats and forums or by getting a pen pal in Spain.
Once you're here...
3. Interacting with Spaniards is critical. Make a real effort to meet people and go out with them, forcing yourself to speak Spanish. It's the best way to learn a language. Most cities host Intercambio (language interchange) meetings, which offer a great opportunity to both meet people and practice Spanish.
4. Go to every class – don't waste even a single day. And do your homework; otherwise you're not getting the most out of your lessons.
5. Watch movies in Spanish, taking advantage of the fact that Spanish films are gaining international recognition. It can also help to watch Spanish TV; especially the news, which will keep you informed about what's going on in the country you're studying in.
6. Listen to the radio. It's cheaper than going to see a film and listening to music is always nice. Make sure it's in Spanish and try to understand the lyrics.
7. Read the newspaper in Spanish. In Spain free newspapers are handed out in the streets every day, so you won't have to spend any money on this.
8. Ask for help and information every time you go to buy something. Make an effort to communicate in Spanish so that, little by little, you get accustomed to speaking Spanish in the streets.
9. Inform yourself about local events, traditional celebrations, concerts or free entrances to museums and other cultural/historical attractions.
10. Take advantage of your status as a student! Find out whether there are any organizations in your city that offer discounts for activities and other student benefits.