Thursday, July 28, 2011
Im going to spain next year as a foreign exchange student. what do they wear and what is it like there?
Im going to spain next year as a foreign exchange student. what do they wear and what is it like there?
Whats the country like ive had two years of spanish but im not even close to being fluent is it hard to pick up? what r the teens like ? do they do fun things like partys and stuff? whats the drinking age?
Other - Europe - 5 Answers
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1 :
Try http://www.cheapflighttracker.com
2 :
Speaking will be hard for you but you will get it. They eat dinner VERY late so eat big Breakfast and lunch. Dinner can be as late as midnight.
3 :
Just came back from a Study aborad in Madrid,Spain and Strolling the tranquil and secluded Plaza Mayor on a Saturday evening, investigating its arched passageways and narrow, cobblestone lined streets...spending a Sunday at Retiro Park, wandering through the rose garden, boating on El Lago, and watching the churchgoers return, then making my way through the neighborhoods of Salamanca to Arguelles - with their beautiful and diverse architecture - past all the closed shops and the individually painted street signs posted on the buildings... eating a leisurely dinner at 10:30 p.m., joining the early birds at the clubs around midnight, and finishing off the "evening" with some churros con chocolate around 7 a.m....learning the beauty (and necessity!) of the afternoon siesta, when all shops close and everyone goes out to lunch o home to their families to eat and then nap...learning to appreciate the simple pleasures of madrileno life. The official drinking age in Spain is 18 years old, but it does not matter. Like other European countries, this law is not very well enforced. In addition, the region of Castile supposedly lowered its drinking age to 16.In response, the Spanish government has threatened to make a national drinking age of 18, but they have not followed through. Most Americans find that Spain's nightlife is fairly easy to navigate. Unlike Paris, Los Angeles or New York, where the best clubs are hidden from newcomers, Spain has an open and accepting club culture. Especially in vacation towns such as Málaga, dance clubs and bars are all easy to find by casually chatting with the locals. The scene itself varies from area to area, but tends to be inviting and fun. The party environment in Spain is less goal-oriented and more energetic than America, with a lot of folks coming to hang out with their friends rather than hook up with a stranger. Because Spain is all about fun, the music tends to be great and alcohol flows freely. Finally, say goodbye to America's drinking age of 21 -- you'll find that Spaniards start owning the night at a very young age. But with this increased freedom comes increased control. You're more likely to find your housemate from your study-abroad program drinking too much and getting sick than a seasoned Spaniard. Spanish partiers know how to pace themselves so that they can stay awake until the Madrid metro system starts running at 6:00 am. The nightlife timetable in Spain will throw even the most nocturnal Americans for a loop. Nobody seems to go out or come home at any sort of reasonable hour by American standards. Leaving for a club at 1:30 a.m. and coming home at 5:00 is simply the norm, and visitors are expected to adjust or miss all the fun. Everything is shifted so late because of Spain's meal schedule, with lunch in the late afternoon and dinner delayed until 10 or 11. Naturally, after eating such a late dinner and enjoying some fine Spanish sherry, people don't make it out on the town until well after midnight. The quickest way to adapt to Spain time will be to adopt the Spanish tradition of a midday siesta. A little nap will extend your bedtime well into the morning. Young people in Spain tend to travel in groups of four or more. While this trend exists the world over, it seems a bit more pronounced in Spain. A typical bar or club in Spain just won't have many people who come alone. For a foreigner in Spain, this dynamic can make partying a bit awkward, especially just after arriving. Following the custom of arriving in a large group is easy when you have a large clan of fellow students to hit the clubs with. For this reason, traveling to Spain as a student can be much more fun and comfortable than as a tourist. Making new acquaintances in a Spanish bar or club is also a bit mellower than in the U.S. Meeting new people in Spain has to be casual. Because many Spaniards are a bit more reserved than club-goers in New York, for instance, the whole scene is less culturally receptive to strong advances and pick-up lines. Spanish guys joke endlessly about picking up girls, but when it comes to game time, they are gentlemen. The king of Spanish nightlife is the capital, Madrid. Because Madrid is over twice the size of any other city in Spain, it houses the greatest variety of bars and clubs. Anything you want can be found there, and whatever it is you're looking for will be open very late. If you don't need the variety of Madrid, and simply want a hot, energetic dance scene with hordes of beautiful people, your best bet is to head to the southern coast. The Costa del Sol, centered around the city of Málaga, attracts hip Spaniards and club-goers from all over Europe. For another fashionable and eclectic scene, Barcelona maintains a vibrant nightlife that will keep you entertained any day of the week that you want to party. If you're lucky enough to travel to Spain in April, May, or early June, you can catch a variety of city-wide parties across Spain. In addition to Madrid and Barcelona, Valencia and Seville both have spectacular spring celebrations that keep the music and drinks circulating long into the night. Finally, if you're looking for clubbing at its largest and purest form, Spain's island of Ibiza is incomparable. We can't recommend trying to learn Spanish there, but it is a great place to visit. Have Awesome time!
4 :
Eliana has the nightlife thing down. I don't really do much nightlife when travelling, so, go with his/her advice. That out until morning thing...that's what I've heard. DEFINITELY try to get to some of those festivals. I lived in Seville, so, I'm a bit partial to the Feria there...but there are others...Crisitanos y Moros (or is that in the summertime) in Valencia. Every town has some sort of festival, so if you can get to one or two, or more, it will really help your stay be the best. MB has the food schedule, except that you might not have much breakfast, Lunch is usually a big meal, and you will surely be doing tapas to tide you over until their very late dinner. You may want to buy shoes, since you will be there all year. Spaniards (and other Europeans) can spot an American a mile off by the shoes. Even the nicest shoes you have will be a different style, but your best bet for blending in will be some ballet flats. In the summer time, they tend to get much more colorful than most American shoes. Here's a page from the catalog from the largest department store in Spain, you will get an idea of what the kids are wearing...the whole catalog is attached, so browse around: http://www.elcorteingles.es/tiendas/portal/site/ECI/menuitem.9e6c1e5bbc7eb2ad14f027c0d2432ea0/?_atreb_=_otsenre_&ecichannel=ElCorteIngles.ECI-MODA.Marcas&ecic=1&ecis=225&ecip=602&ecitt=MTDV As for the language thing: No. you don't have the skills yet, but you will pick things up VERY quickly. Within a month or so, you should be able to carry on a pretty decent conversation, and by about four months you will feel like you are fitting in nicely, and fluently. ANY language is easier to pick up while you are surrounded by it, and need to use it all the time to get by. I hope you have the time of your life!!! You should. It is a GREAT country...people are warm and open there, and they will surely welcome you and help you along. The only thing is...the dollar is low, so you will probably want to be sure you have enough...have a blast!
5 :
Spanish is apparently the easiest language to learn in the world, and once you're immersed in it you will pick it up in no time. My boyfriend and I went there for a fortnight and we picked up loads really quickly, really easily, so you'll be fine! Especially with a background knowledge of it. It's very laid back over there and everything closes for a few hours in the afternoon. You should definitely try paella, tapas and sangria! They dress the same as anywhere else, they're actually very fashionable, they have even have Topshop over there which is good! I think the drinking age is 16 too. You'll have a great time I'm sure! I absolutely love Spain. Gosh, I'm so jealous! lol
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Thursday, July 14, 2011
Should i go to Spain or Argentina for student exchange?
Should i go to Spain or Argentina for student exchange?
What would be the best place to go? If you have personal experiences, please share :) But yeah, basically any knowledge on those 2 countries, i love to know. Ummm yeh. if you have gone to a different Spanish-speaking country, please tell me about it. so share your knowledge with me, tell me about some customs of the country and basically anything :)
Studying Abroad - 2 Answers
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1 :
I studied abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina in January and February. The best two months of my life. The night life is CRAZY lol and so much fun. I lived in a residence with people from all over the world all between the ages of 18 and 29. BsAs or "the Paris of the South" is something I cannot put to words...when I got home people would ask me how it was and all I could say was amazing. I can't put to words the feeling of it...its just a vibe, if you will, its the atmosphere...When I look at pictures I get an ache in my stomach I want to go back so bad. The Iguazu Falls are the most amazing thing I have ever seen. South America is cheaper than Europa. Traveling is very cheap through S. America.
2 :
haha can you do both?! i studied abroad and felt the same way as Lola...except about Granada, Spain! I have never been to Argentina, but that or Peru are definitely my top two choices for my next study abroad...but its soo hard because I just want to go relive my time in Spain. Of course I went in 2009, no eurocup excitement of 2008 and no world cup excitement of 2010 haha but spain is always exciting! I am only going to be a senior in high school but i did a summer study abroad at the university there, it was fantastic! La Alhambra is amazing and the influence of arab culture was so interesting and evident. The city wasnt too large, but everyone still lived in apartments and you could walk nearly anywhere in 30min or less. And there was still wonderful nightlifee! And they dont give a flying eff if your'e 18, just as long as you appear mature and dressed appropriately (but i am guessing you are over 18 haha). And within Europe its soo easy to travel and cheap! Take an hour flight for 50euro and youre in a whole other country and lifestyle! Its awesome! However, i believe any study abroad experience is great for broadening your horizons and just a whole new learning experience! Have fun and good luck! answer mine please? http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AglwMjZoPe3XrH3Ddt25NUPsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20100730050107AA79EUg
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Thursday, July 7, 2011
I am a culinary student that is looking to go to spain to learn to cook. where is a good place to go and why?
I am a culinary student that is looking to go to spain to learn to cook. where is a good place to go and why?
I am looking to do an externship in Spain. Any suggestions?
Other - Spain - 2 Answers
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1 :
The Basque Country is the best place. Check the Red Guide.
2 :
The food in Spain varies greatly from Region to Region : Valencia does great Rice dishes, the North coast has excellent seafood, and the Asturias is well known for it's hearty bean-based stews, so you could learn a few different things from each area. It really depends what your specific interests are here.
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I am looking to do an externship in Spain. Any suggestions?
Other - Spain - 2 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
The Basque Country is the best place. Check the Red Guide.
2 :
The food in Spain varies greatly from Region to Region : Valencia does great Rice dishes, the North coast has excellent seafood, and the Asturias is well known for it's hearty bean-based stews, so you could learn a few different things from each area. It really depends what your specific interests are here.
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Friday, July 1, 2011
im worried about being a foreign exchange student in spain?
im worried about being a foreign exchange student in spain?
im so excited about the cultural experience and meeting new people but im scared to death that they wont know much english at all and that ill be stuck talking spanish the whole time which scare the freaking crap out of me! do they typicaly know at least basic english and enough t hold a decent conversation with me
Other - Europe - 4 Answers
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1 :
just watch your backside and you should be fine. they are really rough there.
2 :
Don't worry about it... nowadays, with the internet and all, everyone speaks English, everywhere. In fact, the last time I was in Europe I was amazed how just about everyone spoke English, and very well, too. You'd have to go WAY out into the "boondocks" to find folks who speak no english at all, so don't worry about it, really, you'll do fine!! Good luck!... ☺
3 :
Being in that situation is the best thing could happen for you ! - Let me tell you why .... for one, it will make you come out of your comfort zone straight away and put you in a situation where you make friends quicker - great for your personal confidence aswell. Secondly, and more importantly the less English that you speak at this time the better ! - I have lived in Spain for 6 years and honestly, my level of Spanish stinks. This is because I work for an English Company, with English clients and suppliers and in an area where the locals speak a high standard of English. Despite that fact that I really want to improve my Spanish, the opportunities to practice are pretty slim. - Look upon your situation as an opportunity and not a problem !
4 :
The point is to be exposed to a different culture AND language. THAT is the cultural experience. If you don't want to speak Spanish, why going to Spain at all? No, sweetie, most Spaniards don't speak English even if most of them have studied a bit at school, don't expect to be able to have long interesting conversations in English with too many. Again, that's the point. To be just like home, stay home. It's you who have to adapt to the country, instead of expecting a whole country to adapt to your requirements and to be like yours so that you feel comfortable. Show some respect for the country's culture by at least trying to understand that the world is bigger than your corner of the world and there's a lot more to discover than what you can ever imagine. And youd could focus on trying to improve your Spanish before you go there, instead of hoping "they'll be just like us". That's not how the world is. The fact that you placed this question in the Other-Europe section instead of Spain's says a lot about how much interest and effort your putting into your Spanish "little adventure".
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im so excited about the cultural experience and meeting new people but im scared to death that they wont know much english at all and that ill be stuck talking spanish the whole time which scare the freaking crap out of me! do they typicaly know at least basic english and enough t hold a decent conversation with me
Other - Europe - 4 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
just watch your backside and you should be fine. they are really rough there.
2 :
Don't worry about it... nowadays, with the internet and all, everyone speaks English, everywhere. In fact, the last time I was in Europe I was amazed how just about everyone spoke English, and very well, too. You'd have to go WAY out into the "boondocks" to find folks who speak no english at all, so don't worry about it, really, you'll do fine!! Good luck!... ☺
3 :
Being in that situation is the best thing could happen for you ! - Let me tell you why .... for one, it will make you come out of your comfort zone straight away and put you in a situation where you make friends quicker - great for your personal confidence aswell. Secondly, and more importantly the less English that you speak at this time the better ! - I have lived in Spain for 6 years and honestly, my level of Spanish stinks. This is because I work for an English Company, with English clients and suppliers and in an area where the locals speak a high standard of English. Despite that fact that I really want to improve my Spanish, the opportunities to practice are pretty slim. - Look upon your situation as an opportunity and not a problem !
4 :
The point is to be exposed to a different culture AND language. THAT is the cultural experience. If you don't want to speak Spanish, why going to Spain at all? No, sweetie, most Spaniards don't speak English even if most of them have studied a bit at school, don't expect to be able to have long interesting conversations in English with too many. Again, that's the point. To be just like home, stay home. It's you who have to adapt to the country, instead of expecting a whole country to adapt to your requirements and to be like yours so that you feel comfortable. Show some respect for the country's culture by at least trying to understand that the world is bigger than your corner of the world and there's a lot more to discover than what you can ever imagine. And youd could focus on trying to improve your Spanish before you go there, instead of hoping "they'll be just like us". That's not how the world is. The fact that you placed this question in the Other-Europe section instead of Spain's says a lot about how much interest and effort your putting into your Spanish "little adventure".
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