Stories from Madrid

If you live in North America and are thinking about expanding your horizons then your sight will probably turn quite naturally to Latin America. This giant region so close to you is full of wonder and mysteries, and just waiting to be explored.

The good news is that there is something for everyone in this part of the world. Whether you want to find a new career, explore business opportunities, go backpacking or help save the planet you can find something to suit you.

Now it’s time for the bad news, right? Actually, there is no really bad news this time around. One thing you will already be aware of is the need to learn a new language. However, this can easily be looked on as another positive. Expanding your language skills by learning Spanish or Portuguese needn’t be a chore and it is a benefit you will have for the rest of your life.

But what if your restless heart wants to take you on from Latin America to somewhere else? What comes next in your plans? Well, if you have learned the language the most logical move would seem to be going to where the Iberian tongues came from in the first place.

The thought of going to Spain to Portugal may seem even bolder than hopping down to Central or South America. The distance they are away and the sheer weight of history in their cities can make a visit to these two countries seem like you are starting a grand tour like the rich North Americans used to do.

This part of Europe may be going through a financial crisis right but this region has known wars, repressions, uprisings, great successes and terrible failures. All of this is to be found in the art and the architecture of these amazing countries and it shows us that every crisis comes and goes eventually. All you need to take with you is your enthusiasm and a decent knowledge of the languages.

The Spanish classes Calgary teachers give and the best Portuguese lessons in Houston will prepare you for either Latin America or Europe. There are differences in the way they speak on the different continents, just the same way that English is spoken differently in Europe from in North America. However, a basic grounding in either tongue will be enough for you to get going in either place and discover what life is like far from home.