GoIllini

So I am going to major in a business science and minor in Spanish. I am half Hispanic and would like to become fluent in Spanish. As of right now I pretty much know nothing after 3 years of Spanish. How much spanish would I need to take in college, and where and for how long should I go to become fluent? Costa Rica sure sounds sweet.

GoIllini

bump bump bump

SamualUK

First of all, you wont become fluent from a stint abroad. You wont improve your language skills at all unless you study in Spanish and live/socialise with Spanish speakers. Avoid anywhere with a large international student population, and living in university accommodation.

In short, you get out what you put in. And dont expect fluency, you will be disappointed if you do.

Eternal Icicle

I think Costa Rica is better for Science/Environment/Biology related majors. I've heard a lot of people love Buenos Aires.

somebodynew

I disagree--I think you can become fluent from a semester abroad if you take your courses in Spanish and actively try to interact in Spanish. I left for Spain having only taken Spanish I and II and by the end of the semester I was pretty darn proficient. My friend came back from Buenos Aires pretty much fluent. You just have to want it and work towards it. It's amazing how much you'll improve in just the first few weeks.

SamualUK

You might say you're fluient, but im sure a native speaker would disagree with you. You cant become fluent in a semester abroad unless you were nearly fluent when you left.

somebodynew

It all depends what you consider fluent. I think it's reasonable to expect to be able to get to a Level 3 or Level 4 proficiency based on the ILR scale in a single semester, especially if you've had some prior coursework in the language (especially a relatively easy language like Spanish). I consider those levels pretty much fluent.

ILR scale - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

GoIllini

guys I'm not talking about taking a little spanish in college and then going and expecting to be fluent. I'm talking about taking up to 200 level courses, prob 3-5 courses in spanish before going

SeptemberGirl

Eh, whatever. Just go and immerse yourself into the country. It's really the best way to learn the native language. I'd seriously try to stay in Spain, Costa Rica, or wherever for more than a semester, though, if possible. I would think it could take many years to become proficient in the language.

Collegehelllp

My mom was fluent in Spanish after a year and a half in Peru with no previous background.

If you don't know a language, and live in a country where your only choice is to speak the language if you wish to communicate, then you'll learn the language.

By "fluent" I don't mean on the same level as a native speaker, but rather, she could go anywhere in South America and not have any problems articulating herself.

Elizabelle

You can definitely become fluent in Spanish throughout your semester abroad - just avoid giving in to everyone's English!

You could always consider a language school as well. They usually have very flexible schedules and are pretty reasonably priced.