Studying in Spain has ended. How to maintain knowledge of Spanish after returning to your home country?
One of the advantages of studying in Spain is the opportunity to master one of the most popular languages in the world. Knowledge of Spanish can be an important factor when looking for a prestigious job. But it is necessary not only to master the language during your studies, but also to maintain it after returning to your home country. The Gooverseas website shared tips on how not to lose your language skills.
One of the keys to success in learning a language in Spain is language immersion. When you return home, it is worth creating similar conditions and continuing to practice the language. There are several ways to do this:
- Find Spanish-speaking people in your city. In big cities it is much easier, but even in small towns you can use the Internet.
- Meet native speakers using the MeetUp service, which is popular in many countries.
For those who do not want to lose their Spanish skills, it is important to be active and not be shy! After all, those who have returned from Spain already have experience of leaving their comfort zone. Maintaining the language in your home country will require some effort, but it is worth it. If in Spain you had to make an effort to understand TV news or talk to waiters, then after returning home you should pay attention to the following sources of Spanish speech:
- News channels that broadcast over the Internet. Many of them have subtitles, which makes it easier to understand.
- Spanish movies on YouTube or on the Netflix channel, which offer a variety of films for all tastes, including with subtitles.
- Books, newspapers, magazines and blogs in Spanish, both from Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries. It is recommended to set aside time each day to read in Spanish.
- Spanish songs that will help you lift your spirits and hone your language skills.
Upon returning from Spain, it is important for students to make a decision to maintain the skills they have acquired and not put it off “for later.” To help, you can use special applications on your computer or phone. It is also worth creating opportunities for “mini-immersion,” communicating with Spanish-speaking friends or acquaintances online at least once a week. Maintaining language skills will not take much time – just an hour or two a week. The main thing is to be decisive and not put off completing the task: to maintain the language for which you have put so much effort. Knowledge of a language in the modern world is no longer a luxury, but a necessity.
