Shakirova Akylai, sophomore in the Psychology Department. 

Why did you decide to start learning Spanish?

I started learning Spanish in high school, and I decided to continue it in university. Spanish is a very popular language, and so it will be very useful in the future.

What plans do you have for the future?

I don’t know! I would like to continue my studies, and I might change my major, maybe to Business Administration.

Do you have any advice for someone who is learning a language right now?

 Well there has to be a strong motivation. For example, I really want to go to Spain!

Interesting Facts: Has taken dancing lessons for 10 years, including Spanish national dances. Favorite Spanish word - loca (crazy).

Natalia Zinoveva, senior in the Business Administration department. Natalia went on the same program last year…

So you were on the program last year, what was your experience like?

Well the city, Valladolid, was the old capital of Spain. It’s really interesting because there are both modern and historical elements. My Spanish became much better, you have to speak Spanish everywhere of course. I thought in Spain people would speak English, but they don’t! It was really hard to communicate at first, but then you keep communicating and try to solve the problem, and you really learn fast!

Why did you decide to start learning Spanish?

 Well it is one of the official languages of the United Nations, and I also liked the pronunciation and sounds of the language. I used to listen to Spanish music when I started studying Spanish.

 Do you have any advice for someone who is learning a language right now?

First of all you have to want to learn the language. When you do, you will find opportunities. I study on some free websites like Duolingo to increase my vocabulary, and found people in Spanish speaking countries to speak with over Skype.

What plans do you have for the future?

I would like to work for the United Nations, or maybe choose an internship through AIESEC. And maybe this is too forward in the future, but I plan to open a business in Spain. I have a business here, Mobile Beauty Salon, and also a promotion agency. I know a person in Spain from Kyrgyzstan who has a business there. I would like to move my beauty business there in the future.

 Interesting Facts: Favorite Spanish word – ojalá (like ‘I hope to god’ something happens). Has traveled to the United States under the Work & Travel program. 

Anara Tiurkanova, sophomore in the Psychology department.

 Why did you decide to learn Spanish?

Well I learned French in high school, and Spanish is similar so I thought it would be easier to learn. Also it is very good for your resume to have extra languages. I really like the process of learning a language and Guillermo Bravo is a perfect professor, he really motivates us a lot.

So why French?

I don’t know! My parents decided for me.

Do you have any advice for someone who is learning a language right now?

Well Natalia said everything! But you have to find a good professor, it’s very important.

What plans do you have for the future?

 I would like to get a Master’s degree.

In Spanish?

Well, I don’t know enough Spanish! Maybe in the future if I know it well enough.

Interesting Facts: Said she didn’t know enough Spanish to have a favorite word, we’ll ask again after she gets back from Spain!