Language courses in Spain - anyone have any experience?

[Locutus]

NB: This is probably something that belongs in the OT-forum, so if Jay Bee or some other mod wants to move it there then that's fine. But I wanted to at least attract the attention of the Spanish(-speaking) folk, and this forum seems to be the best place for it

Hola!

I'm considering following a Spanish language course in Spain during the summer holiday -- I've tried learning Spanish with various do-it-yourself Internet courses but they're no substitute for using it in every day life.

Has anyone done this sort of thing him/herself? If so, how much Spanish can one pick up in 2-3 weeks (that's as long as I can afford to go)? Any recommendations regarding specific organisations/institutions? I'm tempted to go with "don Quijote" myself, has anyone heard of or had experience with them?

And what's the best place to stay in Spain if you're gonna be there for 2-3 weeks? I'm thinking of Barcelona myself (beach, art, architecture, plenty of interesting sites for daytrips in the vicinity), but I hear Madrid and Valencia (among others) must be really nice as well. Any strong reasons against going to Barcelona and/or in favour of going elsewhere?

Any (other) advice/comments/etc would be most appreciated...

Wouter

PS I barely speak any Spanish yet so if you could try to answer in English as much as possible, that would be helpful

[Dr. Nick]

I think you will find, Locutus, that very few (if not nobody) will be able to provide any useful answers to your first question... considering that everyone here's learnt Spanish in the crib.

The second, I don't think you'll have any problem extracting information. Good luck man.

[Locutus]

Well, I thought Wernazuma and some other people who don't speak Spanish as a first language posted here as well, but I might be wrong/behind on events.

Thanks

[Dr. Nick]

Ah, of course. He is a rather remarkable person in terms of his Spanish. I think he picked it up in Chile though.

But it would be better if he answered you himself.

[Alfonso]

You to Valencia! I invite a day to eat Paella!

[yaroslav]

Locutus, they experiences of that courses can be very good.. or very bad. It depends on your fellow (if you study in group) and what is hidden before the commercials (some companies are true liers). Barcelona and Valencia are very beatiful cities

Madrid in summer has a lot of heat, but there are many interesting things to see (I know because I just move here). If you ever come to Madrid, tell me

About the compaines themselves, I'm afraid I can't provide you references. Have you though to seek a job here in order to pay your stance? People with good english level (and german if you can speak that) is very demmanded in the turistic zones of Valencia, Andalucia, Baleares and the Canary Islands.

As an advice to learn a little of Spanish, I'll suggest you to visit the Spanglish chat where there a lot of Spanish and English-speaken people. Regrettabily, I don't have the link right now... I'll seek for it latter.

If I can help you in any way, please don't hesiate to contact me

[Magno]

Re: Language courses in Spain - anyone have any experience?

Originally posted by Locutus
...belongs in the OT-forum, so if Jay Bee...

Play civilization in the spanish version! u will learn a lot will u enjoy it... So, now, this is an on topic thread....

[Wernazuma III]

Originally posted by El Awrence
Ah, of course. He is a rather remarkable person in terms of his Spanish. I think he picked it up in Chile though.

But it would be better if he answered you himself.

Yes, I learnt Spanish in Chile. I went there with AFS as an exchange student for half a year when I was 16. I took a basic Spanish course before going there, however, so I didn't waste the first two weeks just trying to understand the most basic words...
In a 100% Spanish speaking environment with a certain, although poor previous knowledge, the first 2 weeks were not very productive in terms of language learning, there was too much new things and experiences raining on me.
I've no experience with professional language courses in Spain though. Actually, I've never been to Spain so far. That'll change, hopefully!
I've found that my Spanish improved simply by being on this forum. Or, better said, conversation here helped my Spanish not to become rusty.

[tammander]

intentalo !

[The Slayer]

translation (if you haven't yet learned that word) : try it!.

Now for my own part : try it, you can do it!

If you want to speak spanish, this forum is also a good place to start. We love to teach to more people our wonderful language .

As for the spanish classes in spain, well looks like yaros can help you.

And, join us in a PBEM or other one of our methods to play civ (if you stay here you'll know what I'm talking about )

[DrGerry]

Well, Locutus, if you could learn Borg in the past, you can learn Spanish now

[Niessuh]

There are two beautiful cities that are specially good for learning spanish: Salamanca & Alcala de Henares (Cervantes' birthplace) They are medieval cities close to Madrid, both have old and prestigious universities with a lot of foreign students, specially in summer

Some links:

Links to Universities offering Spanish courses for foreign students

http://www.sgci.mec.es/au/unicourses.htm

University of Salamanca:

http://www.usal.es/webusal/PrincipalIng.htm

University of Alcalá

http://www.alcalinguaweb.com/content/presentation.htm

Tips and useful information for foreign students coming to Spain:

http://www.universia.es/contenidos/internacionales/Internacionales_estext_tips.htm#academic

[tammander]

Some interesting places in Málaga (Costa del Sol):

http://www.instituto-picasso.com/

http://www.acacias.org/school.html

[Locutus]

Alfonso,
I'll gladly accept your invitation if I decide to go to Valencia

Yaroslav,
Yup, much will depend on the fellow students and companies behind it. That's one of the reasons for posting here: I won't know my classmates until I get to Spain but I'm hoping to learn a thing or two about the company before I sign up (here or elsewhere).

I know Madrid will be good for sightseeing, but do you know happen to know about other leisure activities? This might be hard for you to answer if you've only moved there recently, but how's the nightlife? And are there many opportunites for sports, hiking and other things to do (for tourists)?

I have considered finding a job, but I want this to be a vacation as well. I've hiked through Egypt a few weeks ago (which was very fatiguing, though great to do) and I plan on backpacking through North America next year, so I want this vacation to be a quiet and relaxing one
Though if I can get an easy job as English tutor (which the brochure for "don Quijote" mentioned as a possibility) or guide or similar I certainly won't turn it down.

If the languague course works out, I think you'll definitely be seeing more of me in this forum and any other interesting Spanish/Spanglish hangouts around here

Magno_uy,
Thanks for that I think that would indeed be something to consider

Wernazuma,
Thanks for sharing. I imagine being in a Spanish-speaking country as an exchange student or as basically a tourist are two different things. But in those first few weeks, were you able to have at least simple conversations with people, things like asking for directions or ordering something in a shop (beyond just pointing at what you want )? Or did you mostly find yourself relying on English or whatever?

[Locutus]

tammander,
Gracias, I will

The Slayer,
I hadn't, but fortunately I did already buy a Spanish dictionary, so I found out soon enough. It bothers me slightly though that the imperative form seems awfully similar to the first person singular

I've tried lurking this forum, but I'm finding it a little bit too tough to follow. I was hoping that if that course in Spain can teach me some elementary Spanish, I can improve upon that here

GeraDream,
I'm not sure Borg is actually a language But I do know some Klingon, if that counts! At least Spanish pronounciation can't be harder

Niessuh & tammander,
Thanks for the links, I'll look into those... I hadn't heard of Alcala de Henares before, I'll definitely have to look into that. The organisations I've seen so far don't seem to offer courses there though, unless I missed it.