Learning Spanish: My Experience

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It’s not easy learning a new language. However, speaking another language apart from your own has many benefits. Imagine yourself laying on a beach in Spain asking the waiter for a delicious cocktail in fluent Spanish. Don’t you want to be able to get around without having to grab your dictionary all the time? And wouldn’t it be great to get to know a country’s culture by talking with local people? That is exactly why I started studying Spanish!

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I was born and raised in The Netherlands, a country where people are known to speak many languages. My native language is Dutch but we start learning other languages at a young age. Besides English, which is mandatory in my country, I also decided to study French, German and Spanish. My advice to you: choose one language at a time. Learning too many languages can get confusing and will keep you from becoming a pro! Thus, after some years, I decided to completely focus on Spanish. Why? Besides its beauty, it is one of the most spoken languages in the world!

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Before coming to Argentina, I studied Spanish in Spain and Mexico. Despite the fact that Spanish is one language, you shouldn’t underestimate the power of different accents and words. I always give the perfect example of a swimming pool which can be translated as ‘la piscina’ (Spain), ‘la alberca’ (Mexico) and ‘la pileta’ (Argentina). Confusing isn’t it? Don’t worry though; most native people will understand you anyway!

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Many people wonder how long it will take them to learn a foreign language. This all depends on your own attitude! When I stayed in Mexico for example, I decided to only speak Spanish, also with other foreign students. Conversation goes slowly and most of the time you’ll feel like a complete recluse because you’ll want to say something but you just don’t know how to. I promise you, these things get better, but only if you practice!

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When I moved to Argentina, Elebaires helped me to settle in straight away. Although Buenos Aires is considered the most European city in Latin America, moving to a new place is never an easy task. As I’ve studied Spanish in many different places, I can really see the difference. What I love most about Elebaires is the personal attention they give you. Not only during the Spanish classes, but whenever you need something, they’ll help you. My Spanish is improving day by day, helping me to eventually reach my goal of fluency!

By Anne Smit

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