In the globalized world of today, learning a new language drastically improves your career prospects. With the movement of people and businesses around the planet, the demand for knowing a second language is in high demand. Including these skills in your CV definitely gets you closer to the short list.

It also enhances our understanding of different cultures, allowing you to connect more deeply with people globally, creating empathy and cultural awareness. Scientifically, learning a new language also improves your memory and attention span. It stimulates your brain, helping cognitive function while boosting your creativity and self-esteem.

The best way to learn Spanish?

Spanish for English speakers is important to learn due to its practicality and it's widely spoken around the world. It's also one of the easiest languages to learn for people who have English as a first language. Weekly Spanish classes and textbooks are necessary, but they won't keep you up to date with the latest slang or stop you from embarrassing yourself when meeting new people. The biggest challenge for language teachers is lack of classroom resources, while language teaching is complicated and hard. Classroom management, supporting your learners, and receiving enough support and assistance to be an effective teacher, are just as important for assisting students in a comfortable atmosphere that allows them to relax and practice Spanish.

Humans, when learning new skills, tend to forget things we don't need. Our brains turn off to things we find uninteresting. Most students complain of having a bad memory as to why they are not remembering new vocabulary. In reality, our brains are inundated with large amounts of information every day. Our brains naturally filter what we consider most essential and retain it, neglecting what is not required.

Turbocharge language learning

Learning the theory of a language from a textbook is essential, but it is entirely different to be surrounded by it every day. The more consistently you have for your students the quicker they become fluent, and when you are in a country that speaks spanish you are already in a fantastic position to make it happen.

Studying a language while overseas is just like one big vacation. Life experience is by far the best teacher. You're not just mastering Spanish, you are learning how to survive an entirely new culture. Mingling with the locals sharpens your ear and helps grasp the ability to speak with people in their native tongue. Going grocery shopping, taking transport and making new friends are both exciting and challenging and give you an insider's view into the culture.

The Perfect Destination

Picking a study abroad destination that offers a different environment from your hometown, as well as offering every opportunity to try new things doesn't have to be that difficult. If you've always wanted to scuba dive or snorkel, then head to Cozumel, Mexico. Direct flights daily from the USA make this journey as easy as possible. The crime rate is relatively low. Safety issues are few and far between.

This small island is the ideal environment to get familiar with the local culture and traditions. Cozumel is famous for its friendly locals who are enthusiastic about engaging in conversation. Striking up conversations wherever possible is easy here. There is no way of avoiding the language from taxis to ferries, at restaurants and cafés. Even reading the advertising that is all around town stimulates your mind as words keep cropping up.

The island is situated on the second-largest barrier reef in the world. Cozumel offers some of the most incredible life experiences that you can find. Attending local events, interaction in the markets, and going to cultural centers that are popular, will help them to understand more about the host country and increase their motivation to learn as much as possible. Opening them up to new core words that keep cropping up and using them as much as possible to express themselves.

Creating your immersive Spanish language trip

Tailoring your trip to align with curriculum standards and customizing your classroom, so your students can engage in the warmth and vibrance of Latin America, while igniting a passion for the language will be easy. Assistance from professional tour companies like Safe Tours Cozumel, a family-owned business which has been helping people from around the world and excels in large groups of 15 or more, can be the key. They are committed to ensuring each excursion is tailored to meet your unique needs and preferences of every group. Rather than using large corporate companies, booking with them guarantees individual attention and care that can't be replicated.

From exploring ancient ruins to snorkeling from boat in the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, their dedication to ensure your excursions are filled with wonder and inspiration to use Spanish. Every interaction with locals and guides will be building new words to students' vocabulary and deepening their understanding of the language. Keeping the brain interested comes with ease when you include experiences that are exciting, like a snorkeling adventure.

Food an important part of every decision

Every country has its own individual culture and cuisine, Mexico has some of the best and most demanded in the world. Here every state has its own regional signature dishes.

It can be intimidating knowing what food to order your first time in Mexico. Signing your group up for a food tour is an excellent way to help build up their Mexican food vocabulary and knowledge of Mexican food phrases. Just think how many tapas you can devour while your students master the Spanish tongue. If they really love the food, one of the best Mexican food phrases they can say is “me encanta esta!” (I love this!). Guaranteed to put a smile on your waiter’s face.

Depending on the ages and interests of your group there are master classes for everyone's tastes and satisfaction. A Dance and salsa adventure provides a professional chef to guide you in authentic Mexican cuisine, your group can prepare Salsas that trace back to the Aztecs, Incas, and Mayans. Sample your freshly made salsas with quesadillas, corn chips and “taquitos dorados”, paired with salty Margaritas.

Pictures and word cards can help your brain memorize things better, but practical hands-on learning and experiences using Spanish in a stimulating environment, you are sure to remember much better. By overcoming everyday challenges in the safety of this beautiful island, your students will be able to handle anything else life throws at them.

By Santana Warner