I studied abroad and went to Argentina with the intent to better my Spanish-speaking skills. Jumping into a brand new culture, not understanding the language is scary, and definitely challenging.
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| I always find the cutest homes on my walks around the surrounding neighborhoods. |
After spending almost five months in Buenos Aires, Argentina, I can honestly say that my Spanish has improved so much over those months. I am not fluent or anything, but when it comes to understanding and communicating, it has gotten a lot easier! When you live with a host family, take Spanish classes, and have simple conversations with locals daily, your Spanish skills will get better! It takes time, but it does get better!
When you put yourself in this situation, you are forced to really try and improve.
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| The rose garden! |
I have found that by living with a host family helped so much. The only way to communicate with them was by speaking Spanish! Although sometimes many things get lost in translation and it can be frustrating when you cannot totally express yourself, you will catch yourself understanding more and more as time goes on. When I spoke with my host mom or brother they would help correct me when I said something wrong or they would tell me which word worked better for what I was trying to say.
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| It's April and the leaves are changing! |
You are able to take everything you learned in the classroom and actually apply it to your life around you! Some days seemed a lot harder, while other days seemed like I was doing great with understanding and speaking. It can be exhausting when learning a different language, but the small victories of having a great conservation feels really good. Take advantage of the activities happening around the city. There, you can meet locals and other students from around learning Spanish too.
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| Took our host mom and brother out for dinner one night! |
Being abroad in a culture much different than your own grows you in more ways than one. Your Spanish-speaking skills are challenged and you are pushed outside of your comfort zone. But compared to at home, for me is the Midwest of the U.S., life abroad was the best way for me to practice and learn.
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| Entrance to the largest cemetery in Buenos Aires! It took up most of one barrio (neighborhood)! |
Have patience and keep trying. It is so fun being able to communicate with others from different places from all over the world when you share a common language other than English!
Summer S. is the Spring 2017 MOJO Blogger in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She is currently a Junior studying Education & Spanish at University of Wisconsin – La Crosse.
