Learning the Language Abroad: One Key to Cultural Understanding

Everyone says the first weeks of study abroad are the hardest, but I disagree. When I arrived in Mérida, Mexico, I was greeted by a loving host family and found friends I liked early on. Of course, there were struggles. But overall, those first weeks were some of the most exciting of my life as I explored, discovering everything I could about the city and what my future here might look like. 

Listen and practice 

For me, the hardest part came after those first two weeks. I had explored most of the city, and I had to settle into the reality of my struggles to learn Spanish. I arrived in Mexico with an intermediate level of the language and only a vague idea of what fluency meant. As I began learning its complexities, I fell in love with the Spanish language and found a new passion along the way. 

Most of the time, when speaking with my host family or Spanish-speaking friends, I couldn’t find the words I wanted. As an extrovert who loves to talk, this was incredibly frustrating. I often stayed quiet to avoid the embarrassment of constantly asking, “¿Cómo se dice____?” But I listened intently and picked up phrases and new words that I slowly pieced together.  

It took a long time, but eventually I broke through the barrier of staying quiet and accepted that trying to speak was the best way forward. I talked with my host mom during all our meals. She was incredibly patient and always explained words I didn’t know. 

Communicating more than words 

While listening, I noticed the tone of kindness people use in Spanish here in Mérida. Strangers greet you on the street constantly, and every conversation includes a baseline of warmth and understanding that I had never experienced in the U.S. At first, I thought the IFSA staff were just unusually nice, but soon I learned this was a cultural norm. 

Through speaking Spanish here, I learned how much tone can shape your daily life—how it feels to speak, listen, and connect. My Spanish ability has now improved to a level close to fluency, and I find no greater joy than speaking it whenever I can—because of the person it allows me to become. I hope to bring that same kindness and warmth back with me to the U.S. when I return to speaking English. 

Nola B. | Wesleyan University | IFSA Mérida Universities Program, Mexico | Fall 2025