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Phrases in Spanish to survive a conversation You may be familiar with the common Spanish phrases “Hola,” “¿Cómo estás?” and “¿Cómo te llamas?” but here are a few more common phrases that you may not have been taught in your Spanish 101 class in high school. These are phrases you’ll actually hear in conversation in most Spanish-speaking countries. 1. “¿Qué tal?” – Translation: “How’s it going?” or “How are things?” In Spanish, you will hear “¡Hola! ¿Qué tal?” “Muy bien. ¿Y tú?” or “Hey, how’s it going?” “Really good, you?” This phrase is easier to say than “¿Cómo estás?” so you’ll probably hear it more often. It just rolls off the tongue.  2. “¿Cómo?” – Translation: “What?” You may already know that this word means “how?” like in “¿Cómo estás?” or “how are you?” What you may not know is that this phrase, when used on its own as a question, is a request for the partner in conversation to repeat what they just said. It might be that you didn’t hear what they said or it might be that you need them to repeat it because you didn’t believe what they said. Either way, use this phrase to get someone to

The Spanish language is spoken by an estimated 437 million native speakers worldwide. And like any language, Spanish varies depending upon the geographic location and socio-cultural influences. So how many types of Spanish are there? Read on to find out ways to identify language variations in Costa Rica. Continental variations: Spain and Latin America

If you’re planning to take a trip in a Spanish-speaking country and don’t know Spanish yet, it’s time to equip yourself with the basics — including courteous amenities. In Costa Rica, for example, the people are very open and patient with tourists, yet they still place value on being respectful and pleasant to everyone. Whether you’re traveling across the country or just passing through town, here are some common phrases in Spanish to survive a conversation.

If you’re a senior or any other adult above traditional college age, you may have entertained thoughts of regret about not learning a popular language like Spanish. Well, although the need for Spanish in the US has been on the rise for decades, nothing compares to today’s demand, use, and opportunities for Spanish speakers of any age or background. So if you’re asking yourself, “Am I too old to take a Spanish immersion program,” the answer is a spontaneous and triumphant “No!” Here’s why:

Studying Spanish in Costa Rica is a great idea. You get the chance to learn a new language and see a new country. Costa Rica is full of natural beauty and host to some of the greatest biodiversity in the world. Check out these five things to do while you study Spanish in Costa Rica.

Participating in a study abroad program can offer you the experience of a lifetime. You’ll learn a new language while you immerse yourself in an exciting new culture — and you’ll have countless opportunities to make new friends inside and outside the classroom. However, there are always risks involved whenever you spend time in another country. To help you prepare for your total immersion Spanish language experience, we’ve compiled a list that will help you know the risks of studying abroad — and how to deal with them.

Why students prefer us What better way to learn Spanish than to completely immerse yourself in the language, culture, and beauty of Costa Rica! According to the World Economic Forum, more than 437 million people globally speak Spanish. Students learn more quickly and retain the language better when they are able to use it in natural situations, and the program we offer at Costa Rica Language Academy CRLA provides the best environment possible to join a volunteer project, experience a way of life, make new friends, and much more.

Do you hear silver bells ringing? Angels singing? Cash registers cha-ching-ing? Do you have someone in your life with a passion for other languages, a bad case of wanderlust, an interest in Spanish, or all three? How about you? Do you dream of getting away from the gloom of soggy boots and snowstorms? We know a place with tropical air and sunny beaches year round.

You've been dedicating yourself to your students all year. And as a Spanish teacher, you know that keeping up with your expertise in Spanish and Spanish-speaking cultures is a lifelong project -- and a lifelong joy.

The relationship between studying abroad and language proficiency is well documented in the foreign language literature (Brecht, Davidson, & Ginsberg, 1995; Collentine, 2004; Freed, 1995; Jochum, 2014; Schmidt-Rinehart & Knight, 2004; Segalowitz & Freed, 2004; Swender, 2003).