During my second week in Madrid I failed at the simple task of making a dinner reservation. I did not understand the host’s response after I asked if there was a table available so I asked him to repeat himself. “Habláis muy mal” he responded and hung up the phone. This brought a lot of shame I had about not understanding everything or being able to communicate my ideas clearly to the surface and I tried my best to hold back my tears on the subway back.
It has been hard to overcome this shame and at first I reacted by trying my best to avoid speaking Spanish. With the encouragement of my program directors and family I have found the courage through embracing the fact that I am a language learner and recognizing that many people, unlike the restaurant host, are patient and kind. I worked up the courage to ask the girl next to me in class about the homework and ever since then she has been my regular lunch buddy on Mondays. She invited me to lunch and told me that I should text her if I ever have a question on the homework. My experience has underscored for me how difficult it can be for international students at UW-Madison and this kindness has motivated me to do more to make them feel at home.
At the gym the other day I told the staff member that there was no toilet paper left in the bathroom and he started to flirt with me.
Instead of focusing on my mistakes, I try to focus on improving my ability to understand and be understood by others. I try to own my improving but very American accent because while some people choose not to be kind or patient, maybe others think it’s cute.
Natalie Suri
Hometown: Austin, Texas
Major: History
Program: WIP Universidad Complutense de Madrid
I hope to become confident speaking Spanish; be able to hang out with Spaniards without being hesitant when I speak or having to ask them to slow down. As someone interested in social justice, I hope to learn more about the Spanish parliament and the social movements that protest nearby.