Summary of Reddit Comments on Learning Spanish in Ecuador

Immersion Methods

Watch a lot of movies and series in Spanish with English subtitles.
Connect with locals through calls before arrival.
Consistency, reading, and listening to podcasts daily are key.
Chat in Spanish occasionally with others to activate knowledge.
Living in a Spanish-speaking country and daily practice immersed in the language is highly recommended.

Learning Strategies and Resources

Resources for Learning Spanish:

italki sessions, listening to music, podcasts, and watching TV shows.
Spanish grammar sites like kwiziq.com.
baselang.com for 1-on-1 sessions with native speakers.
Anki flashcards for vocabulary and consistency in learning.
Language exchange sites for daily practice.
Study abroad programs for immersive experiences.
Language learning YouTube channels, TV shows, movies, and music.
Reading books and news in Spanish.

Common Challenges in Learning Spanish:

Common confusions like "porque" vs "por qué".
Issues with verb conjugations and accents.
Challenges with specific words like "sí" and "si", "tu" and "tú".
Unintentional mix-ups like "mesóclise" and outdated language features.
Autocorrect issues leading to wrong word replacements.
Personal anecdotes on challenges faced by a family member with limited education.

Spanish Schools and Immersion Programs

Consider language immersion programs in Medellin, Colombia, offering stay, lessons, and excursions.
Utilize online resources like "Spanish with Paul" on YouTube for basic intros.
Start learning Spanish in advance before traveling to Ecuador or other Spanish-speaking countries.
Look for private immersion programs that offer accommodations and language lessons.
Recommendations for specific Spanish language schools in Medellin.

Surfing and Language Learning

Surfing and language learning opportunities in places like Paraguay, Costa Rica, Chile, and Nicaragua.
Suggestions for Spanish learning and surfing experiences in Latin American countries like El Salvador and Bolivia.
Mention of surfing culture in countries like Colombia and Peru.

Study Abroad and University Recommendations

Consider US institutions with Study abroad programs in Spanish-speaking countries.
Rankings and considerations for Latin American universities for higher education.
Specific suggestions for universities like Javeriana in Bogotá, Colombia.
Emphasis on the value of a degree from an institution recognized by potential employers in different regions.

This comprehensive summary offers insights and recommendations from Reddit comments on learning Spanish in Ecuador, covering immersion methods, learning strategies, challenges, resources, schooling options, and broader language learning opportunities in Latin America.