THE SPANISH ADVENTURE BLOG

Can AI Replace Human Interaction and Cultural Exchange in Language Learning?
Learn Spanish Juan Martinez Learn Spanish Juan Martinez

Can AI Replace Human Interaction and Cultural Exchange in Language Learning?

Nowadays, learning Spanish seems as easy as downloading an app and clicking around until you get the “Congratulations! You’ve completed the level” notification. But let’s be honest, are you really going to become fluent in Spanish with just automated exercises and fictional dialogues with a bot? That’s like thinking you can learn to surf by watching YouTube videos: it sounds nice, but when the wave hits, you’re left floundering and clueless. So, if you’re wondering how to learn Spanish quickly, ditch the illusions and let’s get real.

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San Carlos een onvergetelijk Spaans avontuur
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San Carlos een onvergetelijk Spaans avontuur

Afgelopen zes weken verbleef ik bij Spanish Adventure, de enige taalschool in San Carlos. Ik kijk terug op een geweldige tijd waarin ik veel heb geleerd over de Spaanse taal en de Colombiaanse cultuur, fantastische mensen heb mogen leren kennen, intens heb genoten van de prachtige natuur die San Carlos te bieden heeft en een tijd waarin ik mijn eigen grenzen heb verlegd. Ik hoop dat ik met behulp van mijn foto’s kan laten zien dat een verblijf bij Spanish Adventure in San Carlos de leukste manier is om Spaans te leren in Colombia.

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How I learned Spanish in 6 weeks during my trip (from zero)
Learn Spanish Juan Martinez Learn Spanish Juan Martinez

How I learned Spanish in 6 weeks during my trip (from zero)

A month and a half ago, I landed in the city of Medellin, Colombia, with only my backpack for company. There I was, a little lost, but ready for the greatest adventure of my life: a solo tour of South America. But first, I absolutely had to learn Spanish!

Because clearly, I didn't really have a notion, zero, nada. Oh yes, I had just learned "dónde está el baño?", in case of absolute necessity. And I took a year's Spanish course in Belgium a few years ago, in vain. After explaining my slightly complicated background with this beautiful language, I'm now going to share with you my biggest secrets for learning Spanish fast. Have a seat, grab a coconut lemonade, vamos!

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How to ask questions in Spanish
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How to ask questions in Spanish

If you're planning to travel to Colombia or San Carlos, you'll need to know how to communicate with the locals and also learn Spanish in Colombia can be a fanstastic idea. In touristy areas, people might speak to you in Spanish, but in many areas of the country, people will speak little to no English, so you'll need to use your Spanish skills. One of the most important things while traveling to Colombia will be knowing how to ask questions.

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Learning a Language in the Countryside
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Learning a Language in the Countryside

The countryside gives more opportunities to get into natural environments and explore a variety of landscapes, flora and fauna while you are learning spanish. You'll find yourself getting familiar with the area and with local people much quicker than you would in a city. Add to that a laid back atmosphere, and you'll be feeling comfortable and at home in no time - allowing you to relax and keep a positive mind-set as you take on the task of learning a new language.

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Searching for my (Spanish) sense of humor
Learn Spanish Dan Balcauski Learn Spanish Dan Balcauski

Searching for my (Spanish) sense of humor

I was able to immerse myself in the Spanish language of Colombia and the peculiarities of San Carlos. It was a unique experience! And for the first time I really enjoyed learning a new language. The wonderful view, the dedicated teachers and the many friendly locals, were of course instrumental in this! My motivation to learn more is there; but I really hope that...

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3 Ways to Maintain Fitness in San Carlos, Colombia
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3 Ways to Maintain Fitness in San Carlos, Colombia

As a part of the U.S. Marines, we are expected to maintain high physical fitness standards. Maintaining cardio endurance and muscular strength is essential to our ability to conduct various missions worldwide. While spending 8 weeks in San Carlos, Colombia with Spanish Adventure, I tailored a dynamic exercise routine which allowed me to maintain physical readiness and enjoy the local Colombian community.

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Why learn Spanish?
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Why learn Spanish?

You already know that there are many reasons to learn Spanish here, in San Carlos. But what if what you are struggling with is not where to study Spanish, but if? There are countless reasons to learn Spanish, but the ones listed in this blog are the most important ones to me.

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Life experience over job experience
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Life experience over job experience

Like with most tasks that have been put on hold for a while, I’m having a hard time finding a place to start. So why not start in, uhm, southern Italy, in June 2019. Back then I was on vacation, camping and surfing with some good friends. The weather was incredible, our camping site was located right by the ocean and the wind was strong. Shortly before, I had just started my first job in a rehabilitation hospital after finishing university for a degree in psychology. My original wish was to travel the world before starting my career, but that’s kind of difficult when you don’t have any money saved up for it. So I did what my parents urged me to do: I took the path of flawless CV’s and least resistance, leading straight into the world of full-time-work. I searched for a job to begin my therapy program, found one, and eventually started helping people get their life back together while mine was not really where I wanted it to be.

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Adventures in Antioquia: Hike to Piedra el Tabor
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Adventures in Antioquia: Hike to Piedra el Tabor

Every Saturday, Spanish Adventure organizes a big adventure for the students from the school. This Saturday we hiked to the Piedra el Tabor – also known as “the fucking rock”. Everyone of us was exciting about it. Everytime we passed the square of San Carlos we saw the huge rock and I couldn’t wait to hike up to it and have a 360 degree view of San Carlos and it’s beautiful nature.

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Colombia Immersion - Staying active in San Carlos
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Colombia Immersion - Staying active in San Carlos

You have Spanish lessons in the morning and swim and jump off rocks during the adventures while exploring the beautiful San Carlos landscape. BUT, somehow, you still have energy. In San Carlos you can find a lot of places where you can exercise or play sports. We show you where to go!

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