Suffolk University, Madrid Campus

Before Spain, I did not know a work of spanish. Of couse I have heard it before, but could not understand or speak a word of it. It was struggle the first couple of months getting adjusted to the language and going out in the city or asking people for directions. But the more I went to spanish class, and listened to the language everyday, I picked up some key phrases. Now back in the States, when I hear people speaking spanish, I can almost fully understand them. Also, I watch a lot of Spanish TV at home and it helps a lot as well.

I only took one semester of Spanish before going to the Madrid campus. The first few weeks were very difficult, but as I got out and about I had no choice but to learn the language. Also as I took classes I became more comfortable and learned a great deal about the language. If I had taken more classes prior to my stay in Madrid, I probably would have excellent reviews about my comminication experience.

Coming to Spain i could say the basic words, and the fact that i speak French fluently made it a lot easier for me to understand Spainish. But i really thought that after a semester here i would be much fluent. I really believe the reason that did not happen, is the reason that i live with other people that are speaking english and at school everyone speaks english also.

Well, one thing I want to clarify is that the classes at my host university were mixed. Some were in Spanish and some in English, but it was good because the teachers emphasized the importance of speaking Spanish and encouraged it. It was really great the way they handled the language barriers.

Before coming to Madrid I already attended an intense spanish study in Costa Rica the summer before. Everyone at the university spoke english.. there were people there that spoke other languages, but I was rather disappointed that more spanish wasn't spoken around me. Likewise, there were mostly American students at the university that tended to stick together b/c of the unfamiliar surroundings. Likewise my roommates were American as well and we spoke mostly English in our apt. However, i feel that my roommates and I were challenged everyday- ordering pizza on the phone, grocery shopping (the products are different and in (spanish:) talking with our maid, going out for Tapas. I think living in the apt got us out in the community more -speaking spn- and the students who lived with families got most of their practice at home

If you want to learn spanish.. meet spanish people and talk in spanish constantly. Take as many spanish courses while you are here and immerse yourself in the culture.