Minna prepared for her trip to Málaga on a Spanish beginners course

Minna, Training Coordinator at Helsingin aikuisopisto, started learning Spanish on our own beginners course. In this story, Minna talks about her study experiences and her trip to get to know Spanish culture.

“I have travelled to Spain several times, mainly in Andalusia, because I am interested in the country’s culture and language. A few words and phrases have already stuck in my mind on my trips. This time, however, I wanted to study the language a little more deeply, because I had a two-month stay in the Málaga area ahead of me.”

Minna registered for a Spanish beginners course at Helsingin aikuisopisto, which ran from September to late November.

“I hoped I would still learn something, and that is exactly what happened! I am now writing this story from Spain. I am happy to say that I have gained the confidence to use the phrases I learnt on the course when shopping and in restaurants. I understood when people on the street asked me in Spanish for my dog’s name, age and sex, and I was also able to answer them. Sometimes words still slip out in English, so using the language more fluently will take a lot more practice. Of course, I also have Google Translate with me, which helps in many situations.”

“Since taking the course, I am more willing to switch from English to Spanish. I want to try to speak the local language, and it does not matter if I make mistakes. I plan to continue to the next course level so that my language skills keep developing. Before that, I am practising the language here in an authentic environment.”

¡Adiós, hasta luego!

“The course was a great experience in every way. The teacher was extremely friendly. I was surprised how well the language stuck and how easy the words were to pronounce. Of course, learning a new language required some extra practice and homework between the sessions. On the course, we went through the basics, such as numbers, ordering in a restaurant and typical phrases and the most common verbs related to them. We usually did the exercises in pairs, which made us speak the language out loud. That is when you really learn!”

Minna

Text: Minna, Helsingin aikuisopisto