Studying abroad alone for 3months is it a good idea when you've never lived alone & not fluent in the language

Question

I am considering going to spain for 3months to study fashion startin in october. I did spanish gcse bout 4years ago bt intend to take a language course once a place has been confirmed which will hopefully be april/may latest. what you lot think a big step isn't it?!

Answer 1

You should absolutely go to Spain for study abroad!  It will be a life-changing experience guaranteed :)   You should be able to find English/Spanish exchange partners to help you out but overall it shouldn't hinder you much.  Or, just have a Spanish boyfriend...all joking aside, that is the best way to learn a language!  Good luck!  Take lots of pictures, travel like crazy, and meet as many people as you can.....

Answer 2

Spain is amazing. If you have the opportunity do it! You will regret it if you don't! It will be something you will remember for the rest of your life!

Answer 3

not really - it will be the same as living in any european country and most of them speak english anyway :)

Answer 4

It is a big step but you will have the time of your life!! And get a good tan!

I would imagine that there will be some spanish students that speak good english, but you will be surprised about how quickly you learn the language when it is all around you!

Go for it! Start the language course now, it wont do any harm and if your place doesnt get confirmed you could use what you learned on holiday!

Answer 5

It's a great step into adulthood. You will pick up the language very quickly when you are totally immersed in it!

Answer 6

If your goal is to learn Spanish, you'll want to go for a lot longer than 3 months.  I went for 10, and did great, but then, I had 10 years of study beforehand. (and no.  I wasn't fluent before I left the US, but you've got a bit of ground to make up - IF that's part of your goal).

Are the classes being taught in English or Spanish?  If they're being taught in Spanish, you probably want to go for the summer and take language courses, before you register in the fashion school.

Where are you going to be living?  Don't go listening to people who tell you that everyone speaks English.  IT AIN'T SO!  I was just there last summer, and they don't.  You can make your way through life, but you will feel terribly isolated in some parts, if you don't have a good base of the language.  Places like the largest cities, Madrid and Barcelona, you can get along much more easily, and along the Costa del Sol, there are large pockets of expatriated Brits and Germans.  If you can find a neighborhood that's mostly British, you might feel a bit more at home.

As has been said already, Spain is one of the most beautiful countries in the world.  You will LOVE it, if you don't find yourself in over your head.  It is SO pretty, and SO nice, and you should also probably look into some history education, so you can appreciate the place even better.  Architecture and art, the coolest!  and the food!  So many great foods!

Last, but not least, if you are friendly, the people there are the warmest, kindest and most wonderful ANYWHERE.  

¡Buen viaje!