SPAIN - VALENCIA

Now it’s been about 2 and a half months since I arrived in Valencia, and in that time, I’ve experienced both the challenges and rewards of trying to communicate in a foreign language. One thing I’ve noticed is that the further you travel from major cities, the harder it is to communicate if you don’t have at least some knowledge of the local language. At first, it was pretty tough for me to have even basic conversations with people in shops or on public transportation, but signing up for a Spanish course has definitely helped. Small talk is a lot easier now, and I can understand quite a bit when people are speaking. The hardest part for me is still getting used to the speed of the language. People here tend to speak really fast, and it’s hard to catch everything they’re saying on the first try. With time, I’ve started to adjust, and I’ve noticed that the more I hear the language around me, the more natural it feels.

Technology can help with communication, but it definitely has its limits. Translators are great in a pinch, especially in emergencies, but they can slow things down if you’re in a rush or if the other person doesn’t want to wait while you type. Translators also don’t really work well for social interactions. Things like jokes or humor don’t translate the same way, so it’s better to try and communicate directly if possible. For example, during casual conversations, it’s often easier to pick up on someone’s tone or gestures to understand their meaning, which is something you miss entirely if you’re just relying on a translator app. It’s a good backup tool, but it doesn’t replace actual language skills.

To talk to locals, I’ve come up with a few strategies that work well for me. My go-to method is using hand gestures combined with basic words that most people understand. For example, if I wanted a beer, I’d just say “beer” while making a gesture to show the size of the glass I wanted. This works surprisingly well, especially in casual settings like a pub. Another thing I do is try to describe what I need and let the other person figure it out. I’ll use synonyms or related words until they understand what I mean, which can be a fun little game sometimes. These strategies aren’t perfect, but they’ve helped me get through situations where I didn’t know the exact word for something.

Things got a lot more difficult during emergencies, though. When the flood hit Valencia and caused major damage to villages outside the city, communication became a big problem. Many international students, including me, wanted to help with the cleanup efforts, but most of the information was only in Spanish. I received alerts from the government about the situation, but since they were all in Spanish, I couldn’t translate them using an app. That made it hard to figure out what was going on. Luckily, I had a Spanish roommate who speaks both Spanish and English, so he helped me understand the messages and what I could do to help. This experience showed me how crucial it is to be able to understand the language in moments that really matter, like emergencies.

Reflecting on these experiences, I’ve realized how important it is to improve language skills in every country you visit. Even if you only plan to stay for a short time, having at least a basic understanding of the local language can make a huge difference. It’s not just about being able to order food or ask for directions, it’s about being able to connect with people and feel more integrated into the community. Language is a key part of culture, and learning it allows you to experience a place on a deeper level.

I’ve also learned how being adaptable and open to making mistakes is just as important as studying grammar and vocabulary. It can be intimidating to try speaking a new language, especially when you know you’ll make errors, but that’s part of the learning process. Each time I’ve taken a chance and spoken Spanish, even when I wasn’t sure if I was saying something correctly, it’s helped me improve and gain confidence. Overcoming the initial fear of sounding silly has made me more comfortable in my interactions.

Moving forward, I plan to carry this mindset with me wherever I go. Whether I’m visiting a neighboring country or traveling somewhere completely new, I know that making an effort to learn the local language will not only help me communicate better but also show respect for the people and their culture. The skills, adaptability, patience, and the willingness to learn will definitely be useful throughout my life, both personally and professionally.