My name is Shannon Alsobrooks, I am from Southern Maryland, very close to Washington DC. In the United States I worked as a Medical Scribe and Emergency Medical Technician. I have a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Master’s in Biomedical Science. Just a few weeks before traveling to Guatemala, I was accepted to medical school and will be attending the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Phoenix Arizona! Fun facts, I am a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force, I am an Advanced Certified SCUBA Diver and I have a YouTube channel, The Also Archives.
Why is it important for you to learn Spanish?
It is important for me to learn Spanish because as a medical student and future physician, I know how important it is to be able to communicate with my patients. There is nothing more powerful than watching a Hispanic or Latin-American patient smile in relief when they realize their physician speaks their native language. One day I hope to volunteer with Doctors Without Borders or a similar medical outreach organization. Being fluent in Spanish will help me become a better doctor, Air Force Officer, and medical volunteer.
Why did you choose Guatemala?
I chose to travel to Guatemala because I had never been to the country before. I have always heard that Spanish is spoken very slowly and clearly in Guatemala. (This was true!) I have never been to Peru, but it was a little too far of a trip for my time frame! And I had previously travelled to Costa Rica, although beautiful I wanted to go somewhere new. Guatemala was affordable and exactly the place I wanted to go to learn Spanish.
What did you find most challenging about the Spanish Immersion Course?
The most challenging aspect of the Spanish Immersion Program was trying to find a way to memorize all the verbs and verb tenses. But I know that language learning is a process, and it takes practice to learn it all.
Was there anything that surprised you about the way Spanish is taught at Maximo Nivel?
I really enjoyed how Maximo Nivel taught its private lessons. My teachers Alma and Sandra were excellent and used a collaborative approach with my lessons. Although I had two different instructors, I could tell that they worked together to make sure I was learning all I could. They used a mixture of written, listening and reading during classes so it was easy to stay engaged. On my last day of Spanish classes, instead of traditional lessons, my teacher Alma and I went on an excursion to San Juan del Obispo. We toured the city, visited a monastery, and tasted plenty of wine and chocolate. Also knowing that I am going to medical school, Alma and Sandra also incorporated Spanish medical terminology and case studies which was also great!
Do you think more people should learn a second language?
Yes! More people should learn a second language. Having knowledge of another language gives you the tools you need to effectively communicate and engage with people from other cultures. Of course, there is translating software and Spanish speaking friends/ coworkers, but I don’t think anything compares to speaking the language yourself.
Do you think an immersion experience is a more effective way to learn a new language?
During college, I studied Spanish for 3 years. But even with all that coursework, I was only able to hold a very basic conversation in Spanish. I was not confident in speaking Spanish at all because I thought I would say something wrong. Everyone I spoke to always suggested an immersion program because it truly forces you to overcome your fears and gain confidence. After my immersion program with Maximo Nivel, I feel much more confident holding extended conversations with native speakers. I now have a strong foundation to build on as I move forward in my career.
When and with whom did you use Spanish most?
While in Antigua Guatemala, I spoke Spanish everywhere! Especially at the school and at my home stay. My host mom, Miriam, would not allow me to speak English at all!! And whenever I made a mistake, she would correct me, and we would keep the conversation going! Whenever I went to restaurants or when talking to someone in the streets, I always practiced my Spanish.
What was like living with a host family?
My experience living with a host family was amazing! I was initially hesitant about living with a host family because of the language barrier, not knowing the family beforehand etc. But I was pleasantly surprised. My host family (Miriam and Mario) were more than welcoming. They made me feel at home and held conversations with me every night at dinner. The home was beautiful, clean, and safe. Meals at my home stay were excellent and just another way that I was able to fully immerse myself into Guatemalan culture. If ever in Antigua in the future, I would not hesitate to do another home stay.
Which excursions did you participate in?
While in Antigua, Guatemala I visited Lake Atitlan, Pacaya Volcano, Cerro de la Cruz, Hotel Casa Santo Domingo, Casa de Jade and several ruins near central park. If I ever have the opportunity to travel to Guatemala again, I would love to visit Tikal and Guatemala City.
What was one thing that surprised you about Antigua, or Guatemala, overall?
What surprised me about Antigua was how friendly and walkable the city was. As a solo female traveler, I never once felt unsafe walking through the city. Everyone I met was so warm and easy to talk to as a new Spanish learner and that really helped me open up more and build confidence. I was also surprised that almost every café and restaurant in Antigua has a beautiful courtyard. I could honestly sit outside in those courtyards all day long!
How was your time in Guatemala during COVID?
Guatemala was very safe during COVID. I am fully vaccinated so that added to my feeling of security/ safety while travelling internationally. But other than that, most people adhered to mask wearing and most of the restaurants I went to all had limited capacity. I think Maximo Nivel did a great job of keep classrooms clean and provided hand sanitizer for students to use, and some of our classes were held outside in the courtyard, which was nice.
What is the best piece of advice you’d give others looking to learn Spanish abroad?
If anyone out there is interested in participating in a Spanish immersion program abroad, I say go for it! I learned more Spanish in 4 weeks during my program than I did in 3 years’ worth of university Spanish courses. Of course, I was nervous because it was a new experience, and I am sure you will be too, but once you do it you won’t be disappointed. I can’t wait to return to Antigua Guatemala!
Did Maximo Nivel program meet your expectations?
Maximo Nivel absolutely met my expectations. I enjoyed my 4 weeks in Antigua so much that I was very close to extending my program one more week! I was extremely sad to leave because I enjoyed the experience so much. Program staff in Antigua were always there to answer any questions or provide advice on places to go or things to do. The staff made sure I had a full experience in Antigua, and I am very grateful! Thanks again!