![\"Picture](\"http:\/\/www.listenandlearn.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/Picture-17.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\nLa gente \u2013 The people<\/h2>\n
Uprooting your life and moving to a foreign country can be immeasurably stressful. \u00a0Even with the comfort of familiar faces travelling with you, it can be difficult to adapt to new customs and learn new languages.<\/p>\n
Luckily, the warmth, kindness, and cheerful generosity exhibited by most Spaniards, helps ease that transition. \u00a0Eager to please, and consistently helpful, Spaniards are known for their easygoing attitudes. \u00a0Having trouble articulating a thought in your newly acquired espa\u00f1ol<\/i>? Keep trying! The Spaniards will be trying to understand, right alongside you.<\/p>\nLa vida \u2013 The lifestyle<\/h2>\n
Perhaps what makes the Spanish people so easygoing, is their vibrant and relaxed lifestyle. \u00a0Take, for instance, the siesta<\/i>. Everyday in Spain, roughly between the hours of 3 and 5 pm (though there are various inconsistencies depending on your location in the country) the working world comes to a standstill. \u00a0Almost every businessman, teacher, student, secretary, etc. leaves their workplace and returns home for a nice meal with their families and a period of relaxation. \u00a0They return to work (sometimes), relaxed and well rested, with full bellies.<\/p>\n
Though conceivably detrimental to the economy, the siesta embodies the spirit of the Spanish lifestyle:<\/p>\n
Enjoy your life, enjoy your family, enjoy your food.<\/h4>\n
And what better way to enjoy a year abroad than in a culture whose central focus is enjoyment?<\/p>\n
![\"siesta\"](\"http:\/\/www.listenandlearn.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/siesta.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/h1>\nLa comida \u2013 The food<\/h2>\n
Speaking of the Spanish lifestyle, let\u2019s talk food. \u00a0Spain is a uniquely diverse nation, with 17 autonomous communities located within its borders. \u00a0Each of these regions boasts incredible distinctions regarding food; however an overarching concept that embodies the spirit of Spain is the idea of tapas<\/i>, small portions of food meant to be shared among friends and families.<\/p>\n
Food is a social event in Spain and an incredible opportunity for anyone interested in learning more about the languages, customs, and culture of the country.<\/p>\n
El arte \u2013 The art<\/h3>\n
Spain has an astonishing cultural history and its inhabitants have made vast contributions to the canon of art. \u00a0Staying in the southern city of M\u00e1laga, Pablo Picasso\u2019s birthplace, or Barcelona, where you can find Gaudi\u2019s bizarre architecture, is enlightening and creatively inspiring. Or if you traipse over to Madrid you can admire a collection of some of the finest European art in El Museo Nacional del Prado<\/i><\/a>, where you can take guided or audio tours.<\/p>\n![\"Photo](\"http:\/\/www.listenandlearn.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/Prado-Dodo-http-commons.wikimedia.orgwikiUser-Dodo.jpeg\")
<\/a>Photo by Dodo<\/a><\/p><\/div>\nIf you prefer an appeal to the auditory senses rather than the visual, you can relish in the rhythmic pulse of Flamenco performances, as cantantes<\/i> (singers) tragically recount stories of gypsies and lamentation. There are several sites<\/a> that detail interesting venues to find genuine performances and absorb some of Spain\u2019s rich and diverse cultural history.<\/p>\nEl idioma \u2013 The language<\/h2>\n
The magical sound of men, women, and children rattling off in one of the most beautiful and romantic languages in the world fills your ears and your soul as you meander along cobbled Spanish streets.<\/p>\n
But aesthetic appeal is not the only value of the Spanish language. Worldwide, over 500 million people speak Spanish as either a native or second language, and according to a language projection study<\/a> conducted by the US Census Bureau, that number is predicted to rise. \u00a0As Spanish use becomes more widespread, bilingualism and even basic knowledge of the language become increasingly valuable and relevant in the job market.<\/p>\nPerhaps most importantly, however, learning Spanish allows you to connect with native speakers on a significantly more intimate level. \u00a0It allows you to foster an appreciation for the varying cultures and people that speak Spanish, and transforms you into a more well-rounded and relatable human being.<\/p>\n
Already know some Spanish? You can always try our Spanish language test<\/a> and see if you need to study up a bit before you jet set off!<\/p>\n***<\/p>\n
Spain is a magnificent place with unlimited benefits and educational resources. \u00a0It provides those who visit it with a unique understanding of the many cultures that make up the tourist hub, and instills in them a lifelong appreciation and adoration for the country, culture, and language. If you\u2019d like to improve your Spanish language skills, or get acquainted with the culture before heading there, contact us<\/a> to find a native Spanish speaking tutor in an area near you!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A hot Spanish sun beats down on crowded cobbled streets where bronzed women saunter casually along in 4-inch heels. \u00a0Small children kick a football around a plaza lined with cafes and bars that teem with customers\u2014despite it being the middle of the day and the middle of the week\u2014sipping caf\u00e9s con leche (coffee with milk),(\u2026)<\/p>\n
<\/a>Photo by Dodo<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n If you prefer an appeal to the auditory senses rather than the visual, you can relish in the rhythmic pulse of Flamenco performances, as cantantes<\/i> (singers) tragically recount stories of gypsies and lamentation. There are several sites<\/a> that detail interesting venues to find genuine performances and absorb some of Spain\u2019s rich and diverse cultural history.<\/p>\n The magical sound of men, women, and children rattling off in one of the most beautiful and romantic languages in the world fills your ears and your soul as you meander along cobbled Spanish streets.<\/p>\n But aesthetic appeal is not the only value of the Spanish language. Worldwide, over 500 million people speak Spanish as either a native or second language, and according to a language projection study<\/a> conducted by the US Census Bureau, that number is predicted to rise. \u00a0As Spanish use becomes more widespread, bilingualism and even basic knowledge of the language become increasingly valuable and relevant in the job market.<\/p>\n Perhaps most importantly, however, learning Spanish allows you to connect with native speakers on a significantly more intimate level. \u00a0It allows you to foster an appreciation for the varying cultures and people that speak Spanish, and transforms you into a more well-rounded and relatable human being.<\/p>\n Already know some Spanish? You can always try our Spanish language test<\/a> and see if you need to study up a bit before you jet set off!<\/p>\n ***<\/p>\n Spain is a magnificent place with unlimited benefits and educational resources. \u00a0It provides those who visit it with a unique understanding of the many cultures that make up the tourist hub, and instills in them a lifelong appreciation and adoration for the country, culture, and language. If you\u2019d like to improve your Spanish language skills, or get acquainted with the culture before heading there, contact us<\/a> to find a native Spanish speaking tutor in an area near you!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A hot Spanish sun beats down on crowded cobbled streets where bronzed women saunter casually along in 4-inch heels. \u00a0Small children kick a football around a plaza lined with cafes and bars that teem with customers\u2014despite it being the middle of the day and the middle of the week\u2014sipping caf\u00e9s con leche (coffee with milk),(\u2026)<\/p>\nEl idioma \u2013 The language<\/h2>\n