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-   -   Practicing Spanish while in Spain - any ideas? (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/practicing-spanish-while-in-spain-any-ideas-1035927/)

danon Jan 31st, 2015 07:20 AM

Not having the opportunity to practice the foreign language one knows reasonably well
is a major frustration.
The best experience I had was taking semi- private classes ( two students) with a very good teacher.
Unfortunately, it was costly .

HappyTrvlr Jan 31st, 2015 07:45 AM

And you will find the Spanish spoken in Spain different from that in Mexico, luckily somewhat slower.

annhig Jan 31st, 2015 08:46 AM

I too do evening classes, in my case in italian conversation. Our teacher is the same one who teaches up to A level to the day-time students and is a fully qualified teacher, as well as being italian. We have a class of about 8, all about the same level, so we are able to learn from each other as well as her.

danon Jan 31st, 2015 09:00 AM

all my teacher have been from Mexico, Central or South America...
the difference
has never been a problem
.
Spanish use vosotros ( for " you " plural,) while Mexicans use ..Ustedes
some expressions, slang and pronunciation may vary...but it varies greatly
between Chileans and Cubans as well.

mama_mia Jan 31st, 2015 09:06 AM

Perhaps you can find a Spain-based tutor who offers online courses (Skype or other software based lessons) in one of the towns you are going to and arrange to take several courses on line and then meet your tutor for an in-person lesson?

I know I have found similar resources while pursuing Italian studies. I attended a school in Lucca, Italy; I believe some of their teachers are involved with an online learning program.

HappyTrvlr Jan 31st, 2015 09:28 AM

We were having trouble communicating with a taxi driver in Granada, I couldn't recall the correct vocabulary words so I described the words in simple Spanish and it worked perfectly. Everyone will try to help you if you are attempting to communicate in their language.

Bedar Jan 31st, 2015 11:27 AM

If you had more time before your trip - March ? -I'd say get yourself a Spanish-speaking boyfriend in order to practice your conversation skills. Do it anyway; a month is better than nothing. BTW, I am a language teacher.

IMDonehere Jan 31st, 2015 12:51 PM

The Spanish and Italians are most generous and accommodating when a foreigner attempts to speak their language. Unlike certain certain countries that will remain nameless like France.

txtree Jan 31st, 2015 05:44 PM

It would be easy enough to find a Spanish-speaking boyfriend before March if it weren't for the little problem of being married! ;)

Bedar Jan 31st, 2015 08:01 PM

As I said, find yourself a Spanish-speaking boyfriend !!!


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