Learning Spanish in Spain and Experiencing Personal Growth Abroad

Leaving your home behind to study a new language in a new land is one of the best things you can do to expand your awareness of yourself and your world. The opportunity to learn Spanish in Spain is particularly attractive thanks to the status of Spanish as the world's second international language and the appeal of Spain as a fascinating and deeply enjoyable place to visit.

Why learn Spanish?

Spanish is spoken by nearly half a billion people on the planet[1] and is the official language in over 20 countries[2]. By number of native speakers, it's the world's second-biggest natively spoken language after Mandarin Chinese[3]. It's also the world's second most studied language, with 14 million students worldwide[4].

In the US, Spanish is becoming increasingly important as the Hispanic population forms an ever-larger and more influential part of the community. The percentage of US citizens of Hispanic origin is predicted to triple between now and 2050, meaning that by that time nearly one in three people will be Hispanic[5]. Even today, the significance and cultural impact of this country's Spanish-speaking population has already been proven in many respects, such as through the recently publicized growth of Spanish-language media in the face of the US's economic depression and the ailing fortunes of traditional English-speaking media[6].

Learning Spanish is an excellent way to expand career opportunities and earning potential in today's global world, where interactions between cultures and nations is the norm. Intercultural experience is a highly valued asset not only in sectors directly associated with international business and communication but also among employers looking for experienced, self-motivated and forward-looking people.

The Alhambra palace-fortress in Granada

Why study Spanish in Spain?

Spanish originated in Spain and as such the country offers a window into the original form of a language that has flowered throughout the globe in so many forms and colors. While there is no "official" Spanish (each country having its own brand), Spanish from Spain (or Castilian Spanish) is widely regarded as the standard[7].

To study Spanish in Spain promises much more than access to the most universal form of the language. Spain offers some of the most intriguing and vivid cultures, profound histories and beautiful natural bounties in the western world – it's no surprise the country stands as the world's second most-visited tourist destination (after France).

Spain offers a little bit of everything for everyone: from culture and history to snow-capped mountains, sunny beaches, relaxing leisure, and exciting nightlife. It provides the perfect context for a learning vacation with its relaxed, enjoyable and at once dynamic lifestyle. The culture emphasizes a high level of social contact, and Spaniards are very approachable, open, and friendly. This makes it easy and pleasant for foreigners to bring theoretical learning to life and practice Spanish in everyday situations, whether it be with strangers or newly-made friends.

Lasting benefits of time spent abroad

Aside from the obvious practical benefits of learning a language whose relevance in the international domain is rapidly growing, studying Spanish in Spain represents a powerful learning experience on multiple levels. Contact with a new culture is an eye opening, horizon-expanding experience. For those who have never stepped beyond the confines of their native land, traveling abroad and studying a foreign language is one of the most powerful ways of becoming a more aware, conscious person.

Why? Because while we all know our world is composed of many nations and peoples, we will never fully understand what this actually means until we get our first glimpse of a foreign culture firsthand. Our direct experience with a new way of digesting reality and living life (i.e. the culture and lifestyle of a foreign country) recontextualizes our own understanding of the world and human life.

Until this first glimpse occurs, to one degree or another we unconsciously project our own culture's values onto the entire world. This is an unavoidable byproduct of not personally experiencing the reality of a culture outside our own. Although consciously we may not admit it – perhaps not even to ourselves – we somehow think our corner of the world is the whole world (at least the only part that really matters) until it actually fades into the horizon and we're faced with the undeniable conclusion that our familiar rules, lifestyles, and attitudes no longer hold sway in the wider world we've just entered.

In other words, when we travel abroad and see with our own eyes that every day life is going on in other parts of the world under a completely different set of rules, values and beliefs, the bubble of illusion that kept us encapsulated in the unconscious belief that we lived in the only valid place in the world pops – and we emerge into a space of broader understanding.

The more experience we have with new places and cultures, the more understanding we become towards the fact that human life on this planet is an endlessly varied manifestation of societies, cultures and peoples, all different and yet all related and equally valid. While every culture presents a different face, the same human spirit lies beneath each one. This understanding helps us transcend the illusion that we don't have anything in common with our world neighbors.

Finally, all of these realizations have an impact upon the way we see ourselves. We begin to identify less with our national roles when we see that other nations and cultures are just as valid as our own. This brings us closer to who we truly are beyond the superficial identities we assign ourselves, making us happier and more clear-sighted individuals. In this sense, traveling abroad helps us better our appreciation for the beauty in other cultures, our own culture, and – most importantly – ourselves.
 

Traveling resources

The Internet is a fantastic source for information of any kind and the perfect place to begin your search for an experience abroad, whether it be studying Spanish in Spain, enjoying a vacation, or seeking an internship or employment in a foreign country.

If you're attracted by the idea of getting out and seeing the wider world, the following links will be useful as a starting point in planning the different aspects of your journey. Remember that if you truly want to travel abroad, a chance will present itself as long as you remain patient, persistent, and open to opportunities.

Learn Spanish in Spain

• LivingSpanish: This is a great site with a ton of useful information and resources offered completely free of charge. It even includes a 'Spanish Classroom' where you can enroll in online lessons, study and take quizzes. A great way to get started or brush up on your Spanish before taking the more serious step of studying the language abroad.

• UniSpain: A Spain-based booking agency that offers discounted rates on Spanish courses at universities and private schools throughout Spain.
• Spanish University: This site also offers discounts but specializes on courses at about 10 good Spanish universities.
• Spanish Town Guides: A pretty complete travel and living guide for some of Spain's most-visited cities.
• Spanish Abroad: A U.S. Based booking agency offering many Spanish schools in Spain
  

Study, work or intern abroad

• Glimpse Abroad: An online magazine featuring stories from young people studying abroad. A useful resource to get acquainted with before your actual experience abroad. (Or as they say on their site: "Before you see the world, get it delivered.")

• IIE Passport: A good site for those interested in studying abroad. Includes a search engine for study abroad programs in quite a few countries and a 'Student Center' with articles and other useful features.

• iAgora: A great place to look for jobs, internships, or study abroad programs. Also a good source of information for travelers.

• Transitions Abroad: A portal for finding jobs overseas.

Volunteer abroad

• VolunteerLogue: A volunteer and travel (or "voluntourism" as they call it) guide.
• Global Vision: Offers the chance to volunteer throughout the world in conservation and community projects.

• Global Volunteers: A nonprofit organization offering volunteering opportunities across the world.

• Peace Corps: For US citizens, the Peace Corps offers a chance to live and work in developing countries. A two-year commitment is required, but the benefits (besides the satisfaction of service) are considerable.

Find affordable airfare

• Farecast: An interesting concept but to be honest I'm not sure how well it works. The idea is that it provides airfare predictions, letting you know whether certain fares will get cheaper or more expensive over time and allowing you to buy a ticket when it's at it's lowest price.
• Kayak: This search engine makes it possible to search hundreds of travel sites (including Hotwire, Priceline, and Expedia) with a single query.
• CheapTickets: In my experience, a good search engine for affordable airfare.

• STA Travel: A travel company that offers special deals on flights and other travel arrangements for students.
• StudentUniverse: Another student travel company.