Spanish via immersion - What degree of fluency can I expect?

Question

How fluent can a person expect to be if they devote the summer to learning Spanish in the countries that speak it? I've applied for an internship in Spain and am looking for a total immersion language school in another spanish speaking country. My summer break extends from the end of May to the end of September and I have had 2 years previous language training in Spanish, but it's weak at best as I don't know how many people are going to quiz me on the numbers up to 100 or the random parts of the body.

Answer 1

This depends entirely on the type of learner you are. I struggled with Spanish in the classroom, but learned quickly when immersed in the language while in South America for a semester. I found that many of the basics we learned were helpful, but I could figure things out through conversation, and I remembered them much better in context because I HAD to in order to function. Being immersed in the language made me fluent in it--but beware, to stay fluent, you have to find lots of opportunities to speak it when you return.

I think that if you are fairly level-headed and not prone to panicking, immersion is a great way to learn. Being open-minded and interested in culture helps too. People are honestly pleased that you are interested and attempting their language. Most people will be helpful as a result.

You can expect to be able to participate actively in a conversation and understand what you hear far better than you speak if you work to develop your language skills through immersion.

That said, take your dictionary, and keep it with you. It helps in a pinch. People don't "quiz" you, but you learn and remember the words when you look them up for a purpose.

Answer 2

Good for you. Complete immersion is the best way to learn a language.

I recommend at least a year to be able to speak fluently (off the top of your head). So a summer should be a good start.

The degree of immersion depends a lot on where you will be and how much contact you will have with english while being there. Getting away from english is hard to do. There is english: tv, music, tourists everywhere. Even locals may want to speak to you in English.

Stay away from this. Be stubborn and refuse to speak or listen to anything in english. Try to chose an isolated (off-the-beate-track place to go. Take a dictionary and try using hand-gestures to help communicate what your trying to say. Prepare what you are going to say in advance helps too.

Good luck!

Answer 3

My sister and I participated in a fabulous program in SPAIN. The best lifestyle immersion experience available for those willing to learn about Spanish Culture and Lifestyle. This amazingly beautiful town is known for its cultural refinement, and an atmosphere typical of old Spain. It is so much fun!!! And you learn so much!!!! It is so enriching. I LOVED IT!!! Both my sister and I participated different summers and we had a blast! We made so many good friends we still keep in touch with! The program is really well planned out and people are lovely! Many host families have teens. They even allow you to come with a friend to stay in same host family home or in a different home. Check their website www.beautifulspain.com

It is the most preferred Exchange Student Program In Spain!!!!
This program is considered the most complete exposure to a foreign country as it combines CLASSES (art, debate, street talk, folklore, among others) with FUN and EXCITING ACTIVITIES such as Latin Dance Classes, Bullfight, Boat Excursion, etc…, FULL DAY OUTINGS to places of historical and cultural interest such as prehistoric Altamira Caves, Guggenheim Museum, Roman Ruins, "Capricho de Gaudi", Roman Route Hiking adventure, etc... are also ALL INCLUDED IN THE PRICE while living with a local, loving and carefully selected HOST FAMILY
Santander, the capital city of Cantabria located on a beautiful bay and flanked by numerous beaches, is home to this exciting program.

Answer 4

Once immersed for about a month you should be able to communicate fairly well in Spanish..But if you are immersed in it for a whole summer than you should be nearly fluent by the time you get home.