My first "immersion" questions.
Actually, I don't know what qualifies as immersion. I am leaving on Tuesday for a month in San Lucas, Guatemala on the shores of beautiful Lake Atitlan. I hope to learn some more Spanish and about the wonderful culture of the people there.
My questions are about general immersion strategies. I don't really know what to ask, so feel free to share your advice. But some thoughts are: Do Spanish/English dictionaries help or hurt? Is it ever rude/annoying to try to converse with others in Spanish, even though I am only intermediate (I have been learning since my first visit to Guatemala)? What are some good overall strategies and goals for this experience?
Thanks in advance for your help.
2 Answers
These are all great questions. First of all:
Is it ever rude/annoying to try to converse with others in Spanish, even though I am only intermediate (I have been learning since my first visit to Guatemala)?
The only way you will ever learn is if you begin speaking with the locals. It is probably the most important thing you will ever do when learning a new language. It is not rude at all. Also, I have never come across one person who was annoyed by the fact that I am not yet fluent. In fact, the opposite is true. The encouragement of natives is what keeps me going.
Dictionaries do help and do serve there place if you are really stuck. However, I would concentrate on just listening to conversations around you. Don't be ashamed to ask someone to repeat something or to speak more slowly. I would carry a small notebook with you to write down any words or phrases you have learned or have questions about. That was invaluable for me.
I have found from past trips to Latin America and also on a trip less than a week ago to Mexico, that many times Spanish speaking natives are trying to learn English. If you can find a person(s) willing to share the language learning experience, that is your best bet, especially if their English is on par with your Spanish.
The most important thing to do is to relax and enjoy yourself. Don't be afraid to make a mistake. Either learn from it, laugh about it or both. You will find many in this forum have stories to tell about their most embarrassing and most rewarding moments in practicing Spanish.
¡Buena suerte! 
Welcome to SpanishDict! I hope that you have a nice trip!
