Miscellaneous Archives » Adelante Abroad

Best Spanish Learning Apps and Websites

June 10, 2017/in Career, Internships, Miscellaneous, Travel Tips /by adelanteabroad

Living in a foreign country means being immersed into a different culture and a new language. Many of our candidates who travel to Spain, Mexico, Ecuador, Uruguay, or Chile are nervous about relying on an unfamiliar language with their limited speaking or reading skills. Trying to learn Spanish can be a difficult feat for anyone. However, we have Spanish language tools and apps to help you brush up on your skills or even take your learning to the next level!

Free Spanish Learning Apps

(picture via venturebeat.com)

Duolingo

This app is completely free, for apple and android, and is a great tool for learning Spanish. It breaks down all information into sections, helping you understand everyday phrases and key terms. Our favorite aspect of Duolingo is the microphone use. This is unique because you cannot move onto the next section unless you can pronounce words and phrases correctly. When you download this application be sure to approve microphone use in order to take advantage of this one of a kind feature.

Memrise

Memrise is another free option for apple and android users. It remains free for the most part, besides offering some in-app purchases. The best part about this Spanish language tool is that it repeats the words multiple times and gives answers in multiple choice format. Seeing the words mixed into different phrases is more challenging but also extra beneficial. Get this app, turn up your sound, and start learning!

Paid Spanish Learning Apps

FluentU

Available to Apple users, and soon available to Android users, FluentU is a Spanish learning tool that is accessible for $15 a month (Be sure to take advantage of the free trial before committing to this tool). This application is unique because it offers a special type of training. FluentU focuses on an online language immersion technique, turning music videos, TV shows, and commercials into a learning experience. This is exactly why FluentU is on our top list of Spanish language tools. This app helps users to understand everyday words and phrases by using a type of language immersion. Download FluentU and start studying Spanish today!

Best Websites To Learn Spanish Online

TakeLessons

If you want the option of learning the Spanish language face-to-face with a teacher, TakeLessons is the best option for you! TakeLessons.com offers paid lessons online or in person with local language teachers. These language experts will help you learn either online or at a local destination. Prices generally range from $15 to $50 per 30 to 45 minute session (Keep in mind prices will range by length of session and the skill of your teacher). What we love about TakeLessons is the flexibility of location (online or in person), schedule, and price. This is one of the only websites that offer face to face lessons online or in person, so take advantage of this amazing tool and schedule your lesson asap!

BaseLang

At BaseLang.com, you get unlimited one-on-one Spanish tutoring with professional teachers, over Skype, for just $129 a month. This program focuses on helping beginners to learn and practice to become conversationally fluent. Classes are online and unlimited, meaning that you can take 30 minutes a day if needed or even 4-5 hours per day to become fluent in as little as 1-2 months.
We have listed some amazing applications above. Be sure to take advantage of these Spanish language tools and begin learning today. If you are interested in putting your Spanish to use, or learning in a country where you will be fully immersed, check out our internships abroad in Spain, Mexico, Ecuador, Chile, and Uruguay.

Feria de Abril in Seville: A Guide to One of Seville’s Most Popular Festivals

May 2, 2017/in Intern Life, Miscellaneous, Travel Tips /by adelanteabroad

Here at Adelante, we highly encourage our candidates to engulf themselves into new cultures. Whether they participate an internship or study abroad program, there’s always something to explore and experience for the first time.

Spring is one of our favorite times of the year due to the festivities held around Spain and South America. One of the most popular spring festivals is the Seville Fair, or Feria de abril de Sevilla.

Adaeze - Feria de Abril - Adelante Abroad

Adaeze C. preparing for Feria de Abril

What is Feria de Abril?

Feria de abril de Sevilla is held in Seville, Spain about two weeks after Easter Holy Week. The events run from Monday all the way to the following Sunday, but it’s very common to see festivities begin as early as that Saturday.

The first official night, Monday night, is known as “La Noche del Pescaito” or “Fish Night.” During the evening, fish is traditionally served for dinner while the Mayor of Seville switches on thousands of lights at midnight to emphasize the beginning of the festival.

By Tuesday, the festival brings in horseback parades filled with carriages, riders, bullfighters and breeders. Women wear their favorite flamenco dresses and dance with men dressed in traditional suits.

The rest of the week proceeds with more festivities as well as bull fights. Shows are held at the Plaza de Toros, and the top bullfighters appear during this week. You can easily participate in local activities and enjoy street food, circuses / carnivals, and dancing.

Flamenco Dress - Internships in Seville - Adelante Abroad

Adaeze C. and Adelante’s Seville Program Director, Catherine

What is the origin of Feria de Abril?

The traditions from the Seville Fair can be traced all the way back to the early 1800’s, where a cattle fair was held and continued every year afterward. Each year, more and more people joined in to celebrate and socialize together in Seville, which brought in ‘casetas’ for food, bars and music. By the 1920’s, Feria de abril became one of Seville’s biggest fiestas.

Looking to celebrate in Seville? If you missed this year’s Seville Fair, there’s still plenty of festivities and celebrations going on in the next few months!

There are also other celebrations happening in other parts of Spain, Ecuador, Chile, Mexico, and Uruguay! Apply now to take advantage of Summer start dates!

4 Tips to Become Fluent in Your Spanish Internship Abroad

April 18, 2017/in Internships, Miscellaneous /by adelanteabroad

When preparing candidates for upcoming internships abroad, Adelante generally recommends tips such as taking a Spanish class in college, practicing on language apps such as Duolingo, and even hiring a tutor to talk 1-on-1 with students. If you’re still unsure how learning Spanish can benefit your life, check out this article from our friends at TakeLessons.
However, nothing will prepare you for learning a new language than immersing yourself in a Spanish speaking culture. Not only will you master your fluency faster, but you will also learn the culture. What better way to become fluent in Spanish than to spend a few months in Spain or South America?
Here are 4 tips to help you become fluent in Spanish during your abroad program:

1. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes

The biggest thing that is in the way of you becoming fluent in Spanish is the fear that you will make a mistake. Maybe you’re worried that you’ll be laughed at, or perhaps you’re worried that you’ll be misunderstood and upset someone.
Strike up a conversation with a stranger – you’ll get a sense of “street smarts” needed to maneuver around the city, and you may even make some friends along the way.
The truth is that you will never become fluent without being willing to make grammar and vocabulary mistakes, and that’s ok! Don’t worry about upsetting a local because your Spanish is still improving. In fact, locals will be impressed by the fact that you are making an effort to learn Spanish.
Learn to laugh at your mistakes too. Something you say may sound funny to a local, but often times it’s not meant to be mean. Instead, laugh with them! It may help break the ice in a conversation!

2. Make Friends (And Familia)

What better way to practice Spanish than to speak it with your new friends abroad? There are plenty of opportunities to speak Spanish, but the trick is to find a group of people who are there to help you along the way.
At Adelante Abroad’s programs, many candidates live with a homestay family or a shared apartment with other international students. This has been proven as a successful way to practice Spanish on a daily basis as well as a great way to make lifelong friends (and family) while abroad.
If you’re new to the city and want to kick it up a notch, make a goal to speak Spanish wherever you are. (Repeat Tip #1 with talking to strangers and making friends)

3. Take Plenty of Notes

While many Spanish language books have the literal translation for words you need in the city, there are many slang terms and phrases only local to your international city or neighborhood. Bring a small notebook with you while out of your house and don’t be afraid to take notes about words or phrases that are still new to you.
By the end of your program, you’ll have your own personal dictionary and more insight on how multicultural your Spanish-speaking city truly is!

4. Explore

Who else agrees that the best way to learn another language is by eating local grub? Look for excursions that include cooking classes and opportunities to cook with local foods. Get to know local shops and markets to learn how to get good deals on produce and treats!
Aside from eating local food and learning where it comes from, do some extra exploring and get lost (literally). Explore a totally different town, take the wrong train, or even just make a plan to try something new that day. You’ll learn how to adapt to brand new environments and survive on your own. Plus, you might have an exciting story to tell friends and family back home!

Learning Spanish doesn’t have to be daunting or difficult. Throw yourself out there and face yours fears! Don’t worry too much though, Adelante Abroad programs include two to three weeks of intensive Spanish language classes to help you adjust during the beginning of your journey.

Ready to take one of our Spanish-language programs? We have plenty of internship opportunities in Spain (Madrid, Barcelona and Seville), Chile, Mexico, Ecuador, and Uruguay. Apply now and take advantage of some of THE most affordable programs out there!

3 Benefits of Traveling Solo

March 29, 2016/in Miscellaneous /by adelanteabroad

Starting your international internship means traveling by yourself to a destination where you have most likely never been before. This may be a daunting thought if you have little to no previous travel experience. Don’t stress because traveling alone is very rewarding! Together we will go over the top 3 benefits associated with solo travel.

1.You will broaden your life perspective – As you journey to your new destination, be excited about the unfamiliar city you will soon call home. Living in a foreign place allows you to integrate yourself within their environment and culture. You will challenge yourself to learn the language and adopt the culture & traditions. As you do these things you will begin to see life in a new way. Adapting to your new way of living will help you to become more empathetic towards other cultures as well as understand personal differences in a way you hadn’t before. This will not only help you in your personal life but in your career as well. Soon you will become more patient when dealing with strangers, friends, and co workers.

2.You will try things you never thought you would before! – A foreign culture means unfamiliar foods, activities, and experiences. Be prepared to try every new thing the country has to offer. These experiences can range from tasting authentic cuisine to conquering your fear of heights on a zip line. Do not think of separating from your family, friends, or partner as a negative. Although being without these people might seem like a disadvantage, it isn’t! Traveling alone means you can do what interests you, not your best friend or partner. Take advantage of your time alone and encounter something new!

3.It will help you to think on your feet – Things are destined to happen unexpectedly when traveling. Whether it is lost luggage, bad weather, or wrong directions, it is beneficial to know how to handle these situations. As you travel you will experience this first hand and end up with a new understanding of yourself. You will feel empowered as you learn the ropes of being abroad. Becoming more independent is inevitable as you learn to handle all the twists and turns that come your way. These occurrences will become vital to you when returning home and starting your career. Adding this critical skill to your resume will put you on the top of any prospective employers list. luggage-933487_1280

Many people who embark on our programs alone, return with a wealth of knowledge. See all of our internship abroad options to help gain these valuable perspectives.

Valentine’s Day Abroad

February 11, 2015/in Miscellaneous /by adelanteabroad

We recently asked some of our candidates, who are currently overseas, to write us about what their experience is like abroad on February 14th. Often times, when we think of romance, the first places that come to mind are faraway destinations complete with scenic views.

Have you ever spent Valentine’s Day overseas? Was it everything you expected or did it fall short of lofty expectations? Either way, we want to hear your stories! Write to us at the e-mail address above to be featured in our blog!!

-Adelante Abroad