Postcards from Andalucía: My New Life in Córdoba
After years of dreaming about it, the moment had finally arrived, I was in Spain. The thrill of stepping off the plane into the warmth of the Spanish sun was both surreal and exhilarating. Everything felt louder, brighter, and more alive. It was the start of a whole new chapter, and my Spanish immersion was about to begin.
Moving to Spain from the UK was something that I looked forward to all throughout my degree. As a language student, I knew that one day I would be swapping out the dreary wind and rain in England for the sun-drenched streets in Andalucía. I spent my year abroad studying in the city of Córdoba, which is nestled in the heart of Andalucía, and it soon became my home away from home. What followed was the most transformative chapter of my Spanish learning journey!
First Stop: Málaga
September heat in Spain is no joke. I arrived in Málaga on a sweltering September afternoon, greeted by cloudless skies and a warmth I hadn’t experienced in years. Whilst everyone else back home was preparing for the autumn chill to kick in, I was stepping off my flight in Málaga and trying not to collapse into my suitcases! However, one sit down and a drink of lemonade later, it finally hit me that I was here and was really doing this! Though exhausted from the journey, I couldn’t help but soak in the vibrant Andalucían atmosphere. Málaga is not only a cultural gem, but it is also the perfect destination to begin or deepen your Spanish learning journey. With Wiseward’s Spanish immersion courses in Málaga, from Intensive Spanish to Spanish and Cookery, you can truly combine travel, culture, and language learning!
The Train to Córdoba and my First Glimpse of Andalucía
The railway system in Spain was already immensely better than the UK, with high speed trains that cut my journey in half, and an abundance of leg room for me to stretch out my tired limbs from my long journey. I stared out my train window as the Andalucían countryside whizzed past. The sun clung to the trees and olive groves, making everything glow. Inside the train carriage, I could hear faint murmurings of a language that I’d studied for years now, filling me with determination. It was the first of many moments where my classroom Spanish would be put to the test.
Finding my Feet in Córdoba
Finding my flat was another adventure in itself, as I kept getting distracted by the beautiful potted plants hanging on the whitewashed streets, and the amazing and unique architecture of Andalucía. After what felt like ages of lugging my suitcase along cobblestone paths, I found my apartment. It was located in Ciudad Jardín, which is the student district of the city. The view from my balcony felt like something out of a painting, and everything felt so new, but also so familiar at the same time.
On my first evening, I ventured into a few little shops, both because I needed to buy some things but also because I wanted to practice my carefully rehearsed Spanish phrases. One of my first goals was simple: speak Spanish every single day. Whether I was buying toothpaste or asking for directions, I was determined to practice. It felt very daunting at first to talk to locals, but the residents in Córdoba were beyond lovely, and were very patient with me. At the end of the day, sometimes the best way to learn a language is to just throw yourself in the deep end and talk to locals! That’s when I realised: immersion is everything.
After giving myself a pat on the back for being brave, I spent the rest of my first evening watching the sunset from my balcony, and as I gazed at the sun dipping behind the rooftops and trees, I knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be.
The Power of Immersive Learning
There is something about living in Spain that textbooks just can’t replicate. When you hear the language around you all the time, on the radio, in cafes, on street signs…it all starts to click. Your vocabulary expands quite naturally, and even grammar rules begin to make more sense in context. It’s a completely different experience from classroom learning.
That’s why I believe so strongly in Spanish immersion courses like those offered by Wiseward in Málaga. Whether you’re looking for a short-term intensive Spanish course, or want to combine language learning with cultural experiences like flamenco or salsa, our programmes are perfect for learners of all levels. There’s even a Spanish for 50+ option for mature learners who want a supportive and tailored experience.