Returning to Granada
Culture, language and romance made one student to return to Spain for a second term
Nic Zweifel, For the Mirror
Issue date: 10/1/08 Section: Perspectives
I wouldn't yet go as far as saying I'm conversationally fluent, but I can comfortably navigate the streets and engage in small talk with just about anyone. I did pass my classes (all of which were taught in Spanish) last semester even though some of my Spanish classmates did not! I love the challenges of learning a new language and I expect my rate of improving to increase this term as I'm living with four other Spaniards.
The professors at the language institute say that the best way to learn Spanish is to find a Spanish boyfriend or girlfriend. No, I do not have a Spanish girlfriend (but I am not saying that I'm opposed to finding one) but you can follow my status via Facebook, I promise to keep it up to date.
Now as exciting and or romantic as it might sound to date a beautiful Spanish woman, I don't think that people realize just how difficult dating someone in another culture or language can be. Try to imagine how hard it is to flirt with girls in Spanish when you've only been speaking the language for five months. There is only one word to describe it: awkward!
So, I could say that I decided to return to Granada because of these three factors: the rich culture and appealing lifestyle, the ability to continue to learn the Spanish language through immersion, the romantic yet slightly awkward opportunity of a foreign romance.
But even with all of these combined I would not go as far as saying that Granada offers a better experience than Drury.
What really convinced me to return is this: I view Granada as an important once in a lifetime opportunity in which I can fully invest myself. In Granada my goals are clear: learn a language, expose myself to a new culture, and build lasting relationships with the people that I meet.
Never before have I felt this focused. I know if I spend my time, energy and resources well while I'm in Granada that the pay-off will be very rewarding. Now all I have to do is execute and be prepared to apply the same strategy when I return home to Drury in January. ¡Hasta pronto amigos!
The professors at the language institute say that the best way to learn Spanish is to find a Spanish boyfriend or girlfriend. No, I do not have a Spanish girlfriend (but I am not saying that I'm opposed to finding one) but you can follow my status via Facebook, I promise to keep it up to date.
Now as exciting and or romantic as it might sound to date a beautiful Spanish woman, I don't think that people realize just how difficult dating someone in another culture or language can be. Try to imagine how hard it is to flirt with girls in Spanish when you've only been speaking the language for five months. There is only one word to describe it: awkward!
So, I could say that I decided to return to Granada because of these three factors: the rich culture and appealing lifestyle, the ability to continue to learn the Spanish language through immersion, the romantic yet slightly awkward opportunity of a foreign romance.
But even with all of these combined I would not go as far as saying that Granada offers a better experience than Drury.
What really convinced me to return is this: I view Granada as an important once in a lifetime opportunity in which I can fully invest myself. In Granada my goals are clear: learn a language, expose myself to a new culture, and build lasting relationships with the people that I meet.
Never before have I felt this focused. I know if I spend my time, energy and resources well while I'm in Granada that the pay-off will be very rewarding. Now all I have to do is execute and be prepared to apply the same strategy when I return home to Drury in January. ¡Hasta pronto amigos!
Article last update: 9/30/08 at 8:04 PM CST
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