Just got back from Peru - Language learning
Well, I just got back from an amazing trip to Peru. Our friend Walter was with us the whole time and he spoke only Spanish and Quechua so I was forced to speak Spanish the entire trip. I have been studing Spanish for about a year but have never really used it because there is almost nobody that speaks Spanish near me. This was my first experience using it. At first I could hardly speak or understand but after being forced to use Spanish and the dictionary for 10-12 hours a day, my Spanish actually improved. By the end of the trip I could communicate roughly and understand for the most part. I was sad to come home and wished I could stay immersed in this great culture and language. You can read about our trip here. There are pictures of the trip on the blog also but they were too big to post here. I think it would be hard to ever become fluent in a language without being fully immersed.
5 Answers
I think it would be hard to ever become fluent in a language without being fully immersed.
This is a valid observation.
Scott, I am so happy that you have finally achieved the goal of visiting Peru. It seems like just yesterday that this was just a distant hope for the future.
It is true that you learn so much more on the ground than you do with any other method of study (at least in my experience). I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers that you will be able to continue on the path of becoming a missionary. 
Thanks for sharing, Scott, I'm glad that you trip was so wonderful!
Wonderful story! Absolutely disagree with the last line, I have students who speak almost perfect (C1) English and who've never even been abroad. What's more is they did it in just a few years of intensive study. No one should feel discouraged if they can't get the opportunity to travel
Wow! What an awesome trip! I am hoping to go on a mission trip in August and this just helps to keep my goal in mind. Thanks, Scott.
