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Frequently Asked Questions Q: Do I need to speak Spanish to travel in South America? A: I came to South America without having taken a class in more than 5 years. Conjugation and vocabulary came to me quickly. The speed of conversations took some time to catch up to. Developing my ear to catch full sentences took several months. I was generally able to understand ideas that were being communicated and could get by well. I traveled with several people who were just beginning to learn the language and served as a translator for several people. I had fun bartering for friends and communicating a lack of satisfaction with a restaurant's food or service. In short, I felt useful. Advanced, Non-native Speakers - I wouldn't worry too much about brushing up. Accents could be your main barrier to blending in immediately. Intermediate Speakers - Brush up on conjugations and vocabulary before you go. I hadn't spoken Spanish since high school (more than 5 years) and adjusted rapidly. The most challenging aspect to communicating was that accents were difficult to understand in Chile and Argentina. No matter how well you speak, you'll need some time to adjust to the accents. Beginning Speakers/Totally Inexperienced - Take a class. I would strongly recommend some vocabulary building. Spanish is similar to English in that many words are easy to make out. In a short time, you will be able to figure out patterns and 'get by'. Overall While it is not essential that you know some Spanish, it did make my trip a much more enjoyable experience. Not only was I able to handle logistics such as find out when buses left, order food, find directions to the nearest, cheapest accommodations/restaurants, I was also able to connect with people who were completely different than me. During my trip to South America, I absorbed the culture by communicating with people, discussing politics and futbol over shared liters of beer. I was something of a respectable figure to many South Americans because I could speak their language. I didn't demand that they speak in to me in my tongue on their soil. I easily fit in. I had something in common with them. Locals were excited to speak with me about whatever I wished to discuss. It often brought a smile to my face. I'll never forget my first experience in Argentina: A little girl, maybe eight years old, became my first local friend and first local tutor when we exchanged language lessons. As our bus rambled along an uncomfortably bumpy, never-ending road, I touched a child's life, made her parents happy, and showed that Americans could be pretty good people. I recommend that you spend at least a week, preferably at the beginning of your trip, with a family who speaks no English. Toward the end of my trip, I spent two weeks with a Peruvian family. The Excel School of Spanish arranged the stay in Cusco. During the first week, I had a private tutor for 4 hours/day (for less than $10/hour) and stayed with the Silvas. The private classes helped a little but it was living with the Silvas that made the most difference. Meals, television, dancing lessons, family outings, holidays, trips to work and school all gave me a good idea of what it was like to live and work in Cusco. I made several friends during this time, tried new cuisines (lechon, or pig, was included in several meals), and even went to church for the first time. I had never had older siblings before; I now have three. next: What should I bring with me? Return to FAQS Have a question that isn't answered here, submit a question and we'll post a response on the site. Make sure to check back soon to see your answer. Add FAQ

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