Tips Archives - Expedition Erika

Netflix and Quarantine: A Virtual Adventure

March 25, 2020 No Comments

The past seven months have been hard for me. I’ve essentially been “social distancing” before it was cool. I haven’t really wanted to form relationships with people since being back stateside. Honestly, it’s been very hard coming home. I planned to continue writing about traveling, but it just hurt too much to think about not having that life anymore.

Since we are all confined to our houses and other dwellings now, I had an idea the reignited my desire to write. In my opinion, watching foreign TV is such a good way to learn and practice a new language. Spanish is my go-to and I am comfortable watching without subtitles now, but I love watching shows from other countries, too. I surprise myself with understanding some words or realizing the English translation is not an exact translation.

Watching foreign TV is also a great way to experience other culture and other countries from our own beds or couches. Even though we’re not allowed to travel to new places right now, we can still experience these different cultures from our homes. I’ve compiled a list of shows that I have watched and can recommend to both practice language skills, as well as being transported to a new world.

Fun, Tips

So You Want to take the DELE?

June 11, 2019 1 Comment

For a few years now, I’ve been saying I’m going to take the DELE. I finally decided that after four years in Spain, it was my best chance to take it. Also, since I’m going back to the United States in August, I felt that it was my easiest opportunity to take it as well. I wouldn’t be as motivated when I’m back in the US, and only the major cities have centers to take it. So, in January, I signed myself up, and took the exam!

Catalunya, Spain, Tips

What do I do?: My Life as an Auxiliar de Conversa

March 6, 2015 No Comments

I’ve now been in Spain for five months, but I still have people that don’t know exactly what I do. Even some of my students don’t know exactly what I do and I see them every day. Officially, my title is “auxiliar de conversa“, but what does that exactly mean?

Tips

So You’re Applying for a Student Visa?

July 16, 2014 No Comments

Applying for a visa can be a stressful task and there is little help out there for you. So many websites claim you’ll need different things, leaving you confused. That led me to directly call the Spanish Consulate in Washington, D.C., to which the person who answered my call to tell me “you only need what it says on the website” (multiple times …). Make sure to check with your local consulate to find out the exact details for what your consulate wants. This was my experience with the Spanish Consulate in Washington, D.C.