Study Romance (and Spanish)
Abroad
by John DeNero
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Author, John
DeNero created www.SpainAdventure.com
to provide a student-oriented resource for study-abroad students in Spain,
the first of its kind, he says, to focus on what students should
really get out of their study-abroad experience: an adventure that includes
language learning, cultural exploration, European nightlife, international
friends, and romance. He says, “ Students should learn how to choose the
right program before trying to sift through all the information available
online from different schools. Our mission is to provide the internet community
with much needed expertise on particular consumer purchasing decisions.
After talking to friends about similar surprises they had when studying
in Spain, I realized that there is a lot of simple but vital information
about the layout of Spain, the nature of study abroad programs, and the
potential for amazing experiences that everyone should know before planning
a trip a language study trip. My most recent trip to Spain involved weeks
of research on different cities, different types of programs, and other
potential countries to visit. I wish now that I had found a resource like
this one to walk me through the process.” The following article is an excerpt
from DeNero’s contemporary guide to studying Spanish in Spain.
Studying language
in Spain is great for learning Spanish, but even better for dabbling in
romance. If you're going to cross the Atlantic, make your trip as memorable
as possible. Here’s my take on how to find someone special while cruising
through España.
Great Options
Lead to Great Choices
Any time of
year, Spain is teeming with beautiful people. Spanish men have that charming
Mediterranean aura shared by the Greeks and Italians. Spanish women are
truly in a league of their own -- breaking hearts the world over. The tourists
that come from Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands
are often as attractive as the Spaniards. Even the Americans who end up
in Spain are good-looking relative to the homeland.
The result
of this glut of raw beauty is simple: whatever your type is, you'll find
some very impressive specimens in Spain. If you're accustomed to having
to look far and wide for someone who interests you, your problem will be
solved.
High-Speed
Interpersonal Access
Romance springs
forth automatically within any group of study-abroad students in Spain.
The trick to partaking of this phenomenon while in Spain is to accept the
short time frame of study-abroad programs. You can count on meeting someone
interesting just days after arriving, but you'll have to act fast to take
advantage of (the time you have with) him or her.
If you had
all the time in the world, you could surely find love, romance, a fling,
a cuddle-buddy or as much hanky-panky you want without any of our advice.
But, the fact is that you will have very little time to act. Relax, but
be prepared. Read our short, easy-to-remember tips to finding what you
want and all will work out for the best.
A Guys'
Guide to the Ladies of Spain
If you set
yourself up with the right program, you can find a girl in Spain in relatively
short order. Given the nature of study abroad programs in Spain, people
get together naturally and everyone has a great time.
Your Classmates
are Your Best Bets
While Spanish
women are the most beautiful in Europe, they can be difficult to approach,
especially in a short time. On the other hand, European vacationers who
have enrolled in your school are operating on your terms. They're on their
own Spanish adventure, perhaps looking for the same thing that you are.
Also, you'll naturally be spending a lot of time with them, even living
with them if you set up your program correctly, so they will certainly
notice you and your charming American style.
To help the
students in your program gel with each other (and you), make sure that
everyone gets together at night after school. Nothing makes Spain drag
like a lack of social outings at night. So, if you're staying in an apartment
or dorm, invite people over as soon as you can. If not, invite yourself
over to someone else's place. It's okay to be rude because people expect
that of Americans. Once you have your first get-together after school,
everyone will be pals by morning.
Spanish
Hotties
If, instead,
your heart is set on Spanish women, try to get to know the friends of the
people who help run the school. Teachers and administrators are often young
and well connected in the community, so they'll introduce you to lots of
attractive Spanish ladies.
Just like in
America, single women head to bars and clubs in groups looking for a little
male attention. In Spain's party scene, it's best to find your own crew
of guys to arrive with, but after that you can work your magic as you please.
Use the
Spanish Setting to Ignite a Spark
Spain is a
very intimate and sensual environment, full of beautiful vistas, elegant
old buildings, warm seas and charming public parks. Around every corner
you will find spots that are better shared with a beautiful girl than photographed
alone.
Once you meet
someone in your school that you take a liking to, invite her to go exploring
the town with you. There's nothing wrong with targeting a main attraction
like a museum, but you might find more intimacy just walking through a
cute Spanish neighborhood with her. Ask around for a nice park or bench
overlooking the ocean and you'll be setting yourself up for success.
No Time
to Hesitate
You may not
be used to asking people out to go wandering about the city with you, but
know that Spain is different. In Spain, people do things together. Just
tell yourself, "Spain is an exceedingly social place." Also, when people
sign up for study-abroad programs, they want to get to know other students.
All signs point
to the fact that you should start after a girl as soon as you feel some
positive chemistry. If you're not careful, some slick Italian guy will
snatch up the girl of your dreams while you're still trying to figure out
if she speaks any English. Things happen fast in study-abroad programs,
so don't miss the boat.
Guide to
Men and Romance in Spain
If you set
yourself up with the right program, you can find a guy to share Spain with
in relatively short order. Given the nature of these programs, people get
together naturally and everyone has a great time. This article merely offers
a few tips to get you off to a head start.
On the Topic
of Spanish Men
Spanish men
are no doubt attractive, often funny and charming, certainly forward, and
often gentlemen. Flirting and courting are very much a part of everyday
life, so expect to get hit on if you put yourself out there. If the Spanish
guys you see aren't approaching you directly, you can bet that they're
chatting about you under their breath. The one thing to know about Spanish
men is that they're accustomed to dealing with Spanish women, who are not
as casual about romance as Americans. Spanish guys are accustomed to having
to work for the ladies, and tend to be attentive, forward, and suave as
a result.
Meeting Spanish
guys shouldn't be too hard once you're there. First, you can get to know
your teachers and administrators at the program you attend, who often have
cute friends who will be happy to show you around town. If you're staying
with a host family, have them introduce you to people in town. Finally,
you can simply wander the beach in the Costa del Sol or Costa Blanca, or
find a club with your friends.
The Spanish
guys we know would welcome the idea of a short but sweet encounter with
an American study-abroad student. Beware, though, that Spaniards may have
preconceived notions about Americans being promiscuous and therefore might
treat you differently than they would a Spanish girl.
Landing
a Fellow Classmate
If you don't
have your heart set on Spanish guys, your fellow classmates are a perfect
group to scout for prospects. They will be a group of attractive European
vacationers who have enrolled in school alongside you, conducting their
own Spanish adventure. You'll naturally be spending a lot of time with
them, even living with them if you set up your program correctly, so they
will certainly notice you and your charming American style. It's true that
the whole world seems to have a thing for American girls.
Within a community
of study-abroad students, romance develops very quickly. Don't hesitate
or some sultry Dutch girl will snatch up that gorgeous Italian guy you've
been eyeing while you're still trying to figure out if he speaks English.
Ask the guy of your choice to go exploring the city with you and you'll
undoubtedly find some romantic nook to pass away a warm evening together.
Warm Spanish nights put everybody in the mood.
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