Learn Spanish and Go Cómo Aprovechar al Máximo un Viaje de Inmersión - How to Get the Most out of an Immersion Trip
Sep 30, 2025
Rory Foster, cofounder of Common Ground International, shares insights from running Spanish immersion programs in Costa Rica and Ecuador since 2003. He emphasizes the importance of setting clear goals before travel and building a strong Spanish foundation to enhance immersion effectiveness. Rory suggests practical strategies like keeping a vocabulary notebook, starting conversations in Spanish, and combining cultural experiences with formal classes. He encourages taking risks to foster real-world communication and offers tips to maximize your immersion experience.
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Family Became Bilingual Through Immersion
- Rory recounts that all three of his children became bilingual after growing up with immersion travel and family involvement.
- Their extended foreign experiences shaped language skills and an international perspective.
Set Clear Language Goals Before Traveling
- Set specific language goals before your immersion trip to focus learning on exact gaps like past tenses or conversational contexts.
- Preparing a stronger Spanish base before travel amplifies progress during the immersion.
Build A Spanish Base First
- Build a Spanish foundation before the trip with podcasts, online courses, or community classes to jumpstart learning on day one.
- Starting with some knowledge prevents a multi-day adjustment period and accelerates progress.