Rosetta Stone
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Puerta
del Sol If you've already learned the basics, are fascinated by Hispanic
culture, and want to take your language skills to the next level,
Puerta del Sol is just the thing for you!
Spanish Language Schools
Babylon Idiomas Seville
New courses start every Monday for every level. Highly qualified teachers and small groups.
Lingua, Spanish schools in Spain Learn Spanish all year round at linguaschools in Spain. Courses in small groups starting every Monday.
Cervantes,
Learn Spanish in Spain Spanish immersion language courses in Malaga, All levels. Accommodations
in apartments, host families, school residence and hotels
By Dee McMath
Thousands of British and other English speaking
people live or spend a lot of time in Andalucia. When first setting
up home in this paradise under the sun, the temptation is to make
friends with fellow English speakers, rather than make an effort
with the Spanish language. This is understandable at first, but
taking the proverbial bull by the horns and studying Spanish is
ultimately the best way forward.
To begin with, if you have moved to Spain and need
to communicate urgently, there are specific services that you will
help you out of a sticky situation, without having to employ expensive
translators and interpreters. For example, if you need to speak
to a Spaniard who speaks no English (say an architect, builder,
plumber, Utilities Company, etc.) and you really don't have time
to do the Spanish course first, then help is at hand. There are
telephone based companies who can set up a three way phone conference,
translating back and forwards between you and the third party, to
quickly solve a problem. It's also possible that when you first
move to Spain, you may need to make an appointment with the doctor
or perhaps contact the police in an emergency. Before you have mastered
the language yourself, you may need assistance to get you through
these difficult times. The cost of this kind of service is not usually
much more than 1 Euro per minute, which comes in the form of an
added cost to your phone bill. Finding a reputable company to provide
this service could be a life saver and you should look for one which
operates over the 24 hour period. Before you need them, find out
the number, which is likely to begin with '807', note down the number
next to your phone. Check out the company beforehand to make sure
the system works OK and you are happy with the charging system.
Then if something untoward happens or if you need a speedy and efficient
translator - it's all to hand.
Once you are on your feet and have learned some
Spanish yourself and a neighbour or friend needs some help, if you
are too busy, you can always pass on the number to them!
It is important that you make an effort to speak
Spanish, especially if your aim is to live and work here. Even if
you spend vacation time in Andalucia, the experience will be greatly
enriched by friendly communication with the locals. There are many
good language schools that run many different types of courses,
such as evening classes, weekend and summer courses. There are special
courses for foreigners learning Spanish run by the Spanish Universities (e.g. Malaga, Granada, Seville, etc.).
In the last few years, the local town halls, especially
along the Costa del Sol and also in some inland towns in Andalucia,
have created Spanish classes for foreigners. This is usually run
by the department called the 'Casa de Cultura' and the prices are
usually very low, as they are subsidised by the Town Hall.
There are some excellent books, videos, CD's and
tapes which give you a good grounding in the language. Repetition
being the mother of skill, the best idea is to learn some phrases
and vocabulary and then brave the storm outside and practice chatting
to people in your everyday life.
The great thing about living in Andalucia is that
the people are generally very friendly and willing to help - especially
if they can see that you are making an effort.
Other ways of getting to grips with the language
is to avoid as much contact with other English speakers as possible
- especially when you first arrive. Instead of always shopping at
the hypermarket, where you just pick products off the shelves, try
buying from a local store to practice your Spanish. Join a tennis
club where most of the members are Spanish and listen to the score
when following a game. Watch Spanish TV and go to Spanish theatre,
even if it's a musical. Avoid the English or Scottish pub and find
a friendly local bar full of, well… locals! The possibilities
are limitless and most of are great fun.
If you do make the effort, you'll find out much
more about the real Andalucia and how they tick. You will be able
to tap into the cultural heritage without always relying on and
the English translation. The reward is worth the effort, especially
when you consider that
Spanish is the fourth most spoken language in the world, with 380
million Spanish speakers. Make Andalucia your training ground and
make the world your oyster.
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