tania
04-02-2008, 06:47 AM
After reading so much on gap year-ing and feeling a little jealous that I can’t do it (being tied to a job), I thought I would advise you all that there is an alternative: to bring the culture experience to you! I have had a Catalan girl staying with me for the past two weeks doing a “curso ingles Australia (http://www.united-languages.com/paginas/paisesgenerales/australia/brisbane.htm)” and it really has been an eye-opening experience. I have learnt so much about Spanish culture, cooking, customs – and enjoyed every minute! I have been able to continue with my highly demanding job and only have the responsibility of ensuring my guest is happy and has clean bedding; it could be simpler! What is more, I really feel like I have made a friend for life. And a contact who I can visit next time I am in Europe – it will be great to have a local show me around a city as vast as Barcelona! I would love to learn Spanish but I am thinking one step at a time! I am learning German online and hope to be able to a German course Berlin (http://www.languagecourses.net/languages-studies-abroad-countrys/en/60/germany.html) when my job settles a little – I see from my guest, Nuria, you really do gain a lot from being immersed in the language! And of course, whilst I am that side of the world, I will take the opportunity to travel to Spain, check into one of the Barcelona hostels (http://www.equity-point.com/hostels-barcelona/4_en.html) and meet up with Nuria! It is a great option for professional adults like me!