Learning Spanish is on many people’s to-do lists, but not many take the step to start learning the language properly, and for many others, learning from a book doesn’t work as well as experiencing it in a country where the language is spoken. This is just another proof of how language immersion is, without a doubt, one of the most effective and exciting ways to master a new language. In this article, I’ll tell you why immersing yourself in Spanish while exploring a city like Valencia may be the best decision you ever make.
What is Language Immersion?
While you will be learning and studying like usual, memorizing vocabulary lists, you will also be exposed to real-life situations like ordering food, asking for directions, and even making local friends. All of this in Spanish!
Immersion means to deep dive into something; it’s a method of teaching and learning another language, one of its biggest draws is the inclusion of native speakers in a native setting, as well as letting you immerse yourself in their culture. It’s usually done abroad in a special school like espanoleschool.com where Valencia is the main attraction!
At a school like Españolé, you’ll meet other students from all over the world. You’ll practice Spanish while making lifelong friends!
Advantages of Learning Spanish with Language Immersion
Language Immersion offers a lot of advantages, mainly the exposure and experience to the language, which helps the student overcome the barrier more easily.
Here are some advantages:
1. Accelerated learning
One of the main things about learning a new language is adaptation, and in regular learning, that happens slowly, but with language immersion, your brain adapts faster.
That’s because when you’re immersed in a language and only exposed to it, your brain is fighting and working at full speed to help you overcome the situation. You listen, speak, and think in Spanish all day long, and that accelerates your learning.
So, instead of mentally translating every word, you start thinking directly in Spanish.
2. Better pronunciation and accent
Since you will be exposed to the language 24/7 and you will be hearing the real Spanish, your pronunciation and even your accent will be a lot better.
You’re not only learning grammar, but also how it sounds in real life by real people. You’re hearing the colloquial expressions, accents, and even the slang.
On top of that, you’ll be practicing at all times with local Spanish speakers, which will help you correct any mistakes and sound more natural.
3. You experience the culture firsthand
While learning the language is the main goal, you’ll also be able to enjoy a lot more than that, think of all the amazing traditions and customs it has to offer.
It’s more than just learning the words, pronunciation, or the accent; it’s about understanding why people from Spain eat late, take the siesta, or how and why Las Fallas is celebrated in Valencia.
Not only that, but you’ll also be able to enjoy authentic local food, a Valencian paella in Valencia? That’s total immersion!
4. Greater confidence when speaking
By being in a real-life environment, you lose your fear of making mistakes and realize that making them is normal, this is one of the best confidence boosters that exists.
From ordering a coffee to chatting in a bar, every interaction is an opportunity to improve. The important thing is to communicate, and the locals appreciate that!
5. Unique and Fun Experience
One of the most rewarding things in the world is traveling, getting to know new places, and if, on top of that, you learn the language, then that makes it a unique but valuable experience.
And why stay in a classroom near your home when you can be exploring a city like Valencia, with its beaches, history, and nightlife?
