Learning Spanish in Costa Rica: The Journey Begins

One of the things I’ve always appreciated about travel is the opportunity to become a student again.

I’m currently spending time in Costa Rica working on my Spanish, and the experience has reminded me that learning a language is about much more than memorizing vocabulary or understanding grammar rules.

Language is ultimately about connection.

When you’re learning another language, even simple conversations require more attention. You listen more carefully. You think more deliberately about what you’re trying to communicate. You become more aware of how much of communication depends on patience, context, and a willingness to learn.

There is also a certain humility that comes with being a beginner.

As adults, we spend much of our lives becoming competent in our careers, routines, and daily responsibilities. Learning a new language places you back in a position where progress comes one step at a time. Some days feel productive. Other days remind you how much there is still to learn.

I’ve come to appreciate that process.

Travel and language learning both have a way of expanding your perspective. They encourage curiosity. They create opportunities to meet people whose experiences and backgrounds may be very different from your own. They remind us that there is always more to understand about the world around us.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica has provided a wonderful environment for that kind of learning. Beyond the language itself, simply spending time in a different culture encourages observation, flexibility, and an openness to new ideas.

The experience has also reinforced something I’ve found to be true in many areas of life: meaningful communication begins with listening.

Whether in broadcasting, community involvement, family life, or everyday conversations, we often learn the most when we’re willing to listen first and speak second.

I’m still very much a student of Spanish, but that’s part of what makes the experience worthwhile.

There is value in continuing to learn, continuing to grow, and occasionally putting yourself in situations where you’re reminded that mastery is never the goal. Curiosity is.

— Mark Edgington

Mark Edgington is a nationally syndicated broadcaster, commentator, writer, husband, and father. He writes about family, civic life, community service, travel, and lessons learned through experience.

This article also appears on Medium where you can learn more about Mark Edgington’s ongoing work.