Going to Mexico in December

Question

I'm going to Mexico in December and trying to get my Spanish the best it can get by then.

How many of you have gone to a Spanish country after one year of Spanish lessons? What has been your experience?

Also, anyone try to make friends remotely before going?

Which state are you visiting? - AntMexico, Jun 24, 2010

Guerrero, specifically Acapulco. And maybe Ciudad de Mexico and/or Oaxaca. - salsero69, Jun 24, 2010

Answer 1

I have been to Spanish speaking countries like Mexico while knowing only a few words. After awhile, that became so frustrating and gave me the final push to start seriously learning the language.

After a year's worth of studying, I went to the Dominican Republic last summer and the experience was completely different. Although I was by no means fluent, I was able to communicate my thoughts and needs fairly well. Most people seemed genuinely excited that I was attempting to speak Spanish and seemed to really enjoy helping me to improve. They were interested in learning English as much as I was interested in learning Spanish, so we were all very helpful to each other. We laughed at each other's mistakes and encouraged all attempts.

I would say that the year I spent learning as much Spanish as possible was one of the best decisions I have made. I continue to learn and plan to return with my "much improved" Spanish.

Keep in mind that anything you learn will make your trip more enjoyable. However, to be able to communicate effectively and more importantly, to be able to understand what is being spoken to you, you will need to devote some serious time daily to this endeavor. Just try to immerse yourself in Spanish throughout the day as much as possible.

Another thing I noticed was that I learned more on the ground in the Dominican Republic than I learned in months of studying. So if you get a head start now, you will be able to absorb tons on your trip to Mexico.

Have a great time and let us know how you are doing!!!

To answer your question about friends...I have several Spanish speaking friends in the States that I communicate with regularly. They also helped me in my preparations. - Nicole-B, Jun 24, 2010

I know that once I'm there I shouldn't have any problems getting my head into gear. It's that first plunge that's hard. - salsero69, Jun 24, 2010

Answer 2

The audio lessons at school just won't match the direct speech of native speakers at all... it will take some time until you can understand what other people are saying.

Answer 3

You'll probably be able to ask some questions, but then you won't understand the answers. That's what happens to me. But you have to start somewhere.

lol! - salsero69, Jun 24, 2010

Answer 4

I agree with Nichole, immerse yourself with as much Spanish as you can... And I will add to that with as much native speaking Spanish as you can. I have been watching TV from Mexico. Now I don't always understand or get the full meaning of what they are saying, I am starting to get the flow of how Mexicans speak. I recently went to Mexico and found it much easier to understand what people were saying, in general, than the first time I went. So if you have a Spanish radio or TV station in your area take some time and turn that on...

Answer 5

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