Taking Classes in a Different Language? No Problemo

Words and photos by Kyleigh Buelow, who studied abroad with ASA in Costa Rica during the summer of 2026.

There comes a point when you stop translating every sentence in your head. It's one of the coolest feelings in the world, and getting there isn't as impossible as you think. But how do you get there? Let me tell you! It's all about use and practice. One of the best ways to do that is studying abroad and taking classes in a non native language. It's scary, I won't lie, and your brain may hurt after class sometimes, but I promise it is so worth it. I have taken six classes abroad now, and five of them have been completely in Spanish.

Learn from my mistakes (I will reference Spanish as the second language here, but just replace it with whatever language YOU are learning):

1. Be loud and proud. If you don't say or write anything, the teachers can't teach you.

2. Don't use translate first. Write what you want (in the other language), check it, find the errors, try again, and if you are still struggling, type it in English and translate. Be sure to note what your error was.

The first class I took, I was so overwhelmed and ended up translating everything and never talked in class. When the end of the semester came along, sure, I had an A, but I felt like I hadn't learned anything. In my next class, I spoke every day and didn't touch a translation app. I definitely made mistakes, but I also got feedback on how to fix them. This is when my Spanish started becoming fluent.

2. USE YOUR NEW LANGUAGE OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM. 

1. Listen to music in Spanish. 

2. Watch shows or movies in Spanish. Here's my progression: 
   1. English with Spanish subtitles
   2. Spanish with English subtitles
   3. Spanish with Spanish subtitles
   4. * Start with shows you know, then repeat with new shows*
3. Change your phone to your second language. 
   1. You know how to do everything on your phone, and you can change specific apps (such as banking) back to English if you are worried.
   2. SOCIAL MEDIA in Spanish!! We all know you use it every day, so start searching and liking reels/tiktoks in Spanish and let that into your algorithm.
4. Make friends who speak Spanish.
   1. Native speakers will teach you slang, accent and fluency
   2. Learners will help you improve and correct you

Some of my favorite shows are in Spanish now! Completing “normal” tasks in Spanish will allow you to start thinking, and even dreaming in Spanish. I woke up from my first Spanish dream in Spain just over two years ago. I remember it feeling so normal, as if I'd been speaking Spanish forever.

3. IN THE CLASSROOM

1. Take notes in Spanish. You can go back and clarify in English later.

2. Record lectures if you think you might miss things.
3. Ask for clarification (in Spanish first).
4. Embrace the struggle.

I think my biggest struggle to this day is taking notes in Spanish. I ALWAYS record my lectures. It ensures I know exactly what I need. One of my most valuable classes was the independent study I took this summer. I met 1-1 with a teacher for six hours a week, learning about Costa Rican female artists. I used English maybe four times in that class, and it was always when talking about American culture. Usually, I would describe the word I wanted or ask questions until I got to the definition I wanted. Comparison is your best friend when learning a language.

I'd be lying if I told you it was easy and it wasn't scary. It takes dedication, and you have to put yourself out there, but the reward? I can travel in the Americas and know that I can not only ask for directions, but I can read menus, order in Spanish, and learn about people's lives. The connections I am able to make are priceless.

Learning another language isn't just about passing a class or ordering food on vacation, though. It's about gaining access to another culture, another way of thinking, and conversations you never would have had otherwise. Every awkward conversation, every embarrassing mistake, and every headache after class was worth it.

If you're considering taking a class abroad or challenging yourself in another language, do it. One day, you'll realize you stopped translating in your head, and that's a feeling you'll never forget.

Enjoy this poem that Kyleigh wrote for one of her classes: 

Océano lleno de memorias

Oscuro como una manta

Que puede darme la seguridad

Durante el noche

Oscuro que puede esconder mis deseos

Y proveería libre de acciones

Estrella como ojos

Que puede recordar

Creando memorias de una vida

Preciosa y corta

Olas quienes son parte de mi

Que añudan sal a mi soledad

La madre tierra que trae

Memorias a mis estrellas oscuras

Las olas que recuerdan todo

Aconséjame que no dirán

Con seguridad, y oscuro

Deteo las estrellas a preservar mi noche

deseos que dejan mariposas

Entre mi cuerpo

Cambia a un realidad

Donde estás conmigo

Piel separada de minúsculas

Partículas del agua

El viento en mis orejas

Que dice “queda preciosa”

Mis pensamientos son disparates de nubes

Solo puedo quedar en ese momento

el oscuro, las estrellas y mis deseos

En el océano lleno de memorias

And a few assignment examples from Kyleigh's classes in Costa Rica: 

Thanks, Kyleigh!