So basically im 16 and i have the opportunity to study abroad in Costa Rica with my school. Im in spanish 3 so i know quit a bit of spanish but im not at all fluent. I would want to go this summer to live with the homestay and be exposed to learn the language completly. But the drawback is it costs A LOT of money and Its only for one month. And that includes the school or whatever to study language more. Or i have another option, i could go to italy not with any sort of program and live my aunt that recently moved there. She doesnt speak italian and either do i. I mainly want to go to learn a language but that wouldnt be including any sort of classes like the costa rica trip. Im thinking that it might be possible to find a small job like a corner deli market of some sort just for the summer and possible communicate with the people. I would be able to stay longer because its not with any program and so i could stay for up three monthes. Which is better? How is it possible to get a job?
2006-11-10 06:41:55 · 5 answers · asked by Ben10 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
Is it possible to become fluent within just a month? Or will it take alot longer than that. Im hoping to have a non english speaking family to stay with that way i can have non-stop spanish.
2006-11-10 11:08:27 · update #1
Good for you, having such great opportunities! And I think 16 is a good age to become fluent in a language.
Personally, I would opt for the school program to Costa Rica - despite its expenses and duration, actual immersion in a language is more likely to teach you fluency than casual, simple greetings that would be used at a deli job.
I think you'll be surprised how fluent you will be after the month-long immersion program! If you can afford it, go for it - and have fun!
Good luck.
2006-11-10 06:47:02 · answer #1 · answered by heathersak 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'd go for Costa Rica for sure.
I think it's unlikely you'd pick up much Italian - you'd be speaking English with your aunt, and it would be difficult to find a job without any knowledge of the language.
In Costa Rica, you already have enough Spanish to really help you along, plus it's an opportunity for a great cultural experience in a safe and organised situation. Also, you can always go to Italy next year - by which time your Spanish will be so good that you'll be able to pick up Italian easily, be more independent, get a job....
Whatever you do, I'm sure it'll work out, don't worry too much, just go for it!
Good luck!
2006-11-10 07:37:30 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Spanish or a variety of Chinese (mandarin or cantonese I do not know) might in most cases be essentially the most priceless. I desire to get again right into a French elegance within the fall on account that I preferred it however I do not know if it might be too priceless except I was once going to France, Canada or Brazil (french-portuguese don'tcha recognise). I already talk Mexicanese (mexican spanish) so I bet I'm ok there. Polish possibly amusing, or an jap European language. idk. ADD: I forgot Arabic! It'll in most cases be splendid priceless, even though I've continuously desired to study Gaelic. Tough to discover a trainer regardless that. ADD: HR669, holy crap! (I bought curious shrugs)
2016-09-01 10:26:45 · answer #3 · answered by degregorio 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with the first poster. If you go to Italy with your non-Italian speaking aunt what you will find is that you will end up spending more time with her. Just jumping into another country without a real plan to learn the language formally may end up disappointing you. Take the immersion course and just find a way pay for it. Take up a part time job, ask for gifts from family and friends. Good luck!
2006-11-10 07:14:29 · answer #4 · answered by Making Them Listen 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like a toss-up to me.
Costa Rica would probably be a better learning experience for the language, The structure of the classroom plus your previous experience and the immersion would help you learn more about the language and learn it more quickly.
But Italy would be a better experience culturally, because without the time spent in classrooms, you would be out among the people, soaking up the culture. But living with another English speaker who doesn't know the language would tempt you to become lazy, and communicate in English most of the time. Also, trying to learn a language without any previous experience with the language, and no teacher is a very difficult way to do it.
If you truly want to learn the language, Costa Rica sounds like just a little bit better experience.
Either way you decide, I'm very jealous.
2006-11-10 07:20:43 · answer #5 · answered by rbwtexan 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋