While flying solo can bring much anxiety to some, this independence can bring a lot of confidence for those that have never traveled without a buddy or family member.
Our programs make this dynamic much more comfortable for venturing out alone, as the other students at the various Spanish schools are also in the same boat.
We receive families, couples, or friends coming as a group, but the majority are teens, college students, or professionals who have the need to learn Spanish and don't have someone else in their lives with an immediate concern with gaining this skill. However, you can gain new friends rather quickly at a Spanish school. Students are in a foreign country and most likely have not visited the major sites to see and want to meet up with other people to do things together.
You may talk about various trips or landmarks you want to go to during breaks or after classes are done. Most schools have a variety of activities scheduled each week so that you can not only learn about the culture, but also get to know other students at the school for this vary purpose. Many times students will gain friends through the outside community as well, whether it be other foreigners travelling, but not taking classes, or locals that you meet at a cafe or other location in passing.
This social dynamic may prove more daunting for women as they may feel guarded from unwanted advances or not being at ease with the social norms of a given location. Machismo or other cultural differences may play a factor in putting women at unease while travelling abroad. Cat calls can be common in many locations where we offer our programs, but for the most part have no ill intention.
We have many women that travel on their own to all of our locations with no safety issues reported. While travel is never 100% safe for any location, some simple street smarts, avoiding certain "areas" of town, and not walking alone at night or in un-populated areas can go a long way to stay safe. Due to the common bond of independent travel, these rules to go by are reinforced by meeting other people at your chosen Spanish school.
If you want to read more on this topic, check out Trust and the solo female traveller This blogger touches on her experience of travelling in India alone as a woman. She gives her tips on how to hold yourself when walking around on your own and other good advice to consider. While she is not learning Spanish nor had a built in support system with a Spanish program, her commentary gives food for thought on the subject.
If you want to read more on this topic, check out Trust and the solo female traveller This blogger touches on her experience of travelling in India alone as a woman. She gives her tips on how to hold yourself when walking around on your own and other good advice to consider. While she is not learning Spanish nor had a built in support system with a Spanish program, her commentary gives food for thought on the subject.
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