In Valencia, people mostly speak English because they are used to tourists and international students. However, there are also local places, such as public hospitals, where there are people who do not speak English at all. At the beginning, this was quite challenging for me, especially in situations where I needed to explain something important or understand instructions. However, because I already had some basic knowledge of Italian, I was able to communicate using a mix of English and Italian, and surprisingly, this often worked. People understood parts of what I was saying, and together we usually found a way to solve the problem. This showed me that even if you do not speak a language perfectly, communication is still possible if you stay calm and creative.

At the same time, I did not want to always choose the easy option and speak English. After the first week, I really started to push myself to use Spanish in everyday situations. For example, when I was in a café and wanted to pay, instead of saying “I want to pay with the card”, I tried to say “con la tarjeta”. Even if my sentences were not perfect, people appreciated the effort, and it made me feel more confident. I also started ordering food in Spanish, asking for directions, and having small conversations with locals. In the beginning, this felt uncomfortable, and I was a bit nervous, but with time, it became more natural.

What I found difficult was understanding fast conversations and different accents. Sometimes people speak very quickly or use slang words that I do not know, which can be frustrating. Another difficulty is forming correct sentences, especially with verb conjugations. However, what was surprisingly easy was understanding the general meaning of conversations, especially because Spanish is similar to Italian in some ways. Also, people are usually patient and supportive, which made it easier for me to practise.

To overcome communicative differences, I developed several strategies. I use simple words and short sentences, repeat or rephrase things, and I am not afraid to ask people to speak more slowly. Another strategy is that I actively try to practise every day, even in small situations like buying coffee or asking a question. I realised that consistency is very important.

This experience really changed how I see myself as a communicator. Before, I was more focused on speaking correctly, but now I understand that communication is more about confidence and trying. I became more open, flexible, and less afraid of making mistakes. I learnt that it is okay not to understand everything and that mistakes are part of the learning process.

These skills will definitely be useful for my future. In international environments, especially in business or marketing, it is very important to communicate with people from different backgrounds. Being able to adapt, stay patient, and find ways to understand each other is a big advantage. It also helps me to connect with more people and feel comfortable in new situations.

This experience really showed me how important it is to leave your comfort zone. It would not make sense to live in Spain for several months and not learn the language. Now I also try to study Spanish in my free time, especially verbs and basic grammar, and sometimes I watch videos or listen to music in Spanish. I am really happy that I have this opportunity to learn a new language, and I definitely want to continue improving my Spanish when I go back to Austria. It has made me more independent and confident, and I feel like I have grown a lot through this experience.