Wikilengua is a “wiki” designed and supervised by Fundeú BBVA (a foundation that the Royal Spanish Academy helped create to promote unity within the Spanish language). This “wiki” is an engaging resource for Spanish learners, formatted in a way that invites the user to explore everything from common errors made by native speakers, to fun linguistic curios; the site features one section that lists the names of animals which Spanish speakers around the world use to refer to different types people according to personality traits. For example, according to wikilengua, in Peru the word pulpo (octopus) may refer to a person with the ability to carry out a number of tasks at the same time.

At this point, many of you may be wondering what a wiki is. It’s just a website that lets the users themselves add, modify or delete content whenever and however they want. Wikipedia is probably the best known example. Those interested in adding or modifying Wikilengua.org just have to register first. If you’re reading this and considering posting purposefully false or insulting information on wikilengua to amuse yourself at the expense of those of us interested in delving deep into the richness of proper Castilian, keep in mind that Fundéu BBVA has monitors that proofread new content and intervene when necessary.

Anyone can contribute? Will that really foster correct usage of the language? At first glance, the Royal Spanish Academy’s use of this free-for-all concept in information resources seems contradictory to their purpose of establishing definitive Spanish rules as the highest authority on the matter. The site points out however, that Wikilengua’s purpose is not to establish language rules, but to offer a neutral perspective on language use, exposing national and international standard Spanish varieties, explaining to what degree different pieces of language deviate from those standards, and even exposing objections users may have to official rules. Users should keep content practical, avoiding overly complex articles with specialized linguistic jargon or theory. The site goes on to encourage users to be brave about modifying content, reminding them that although touching the work of others may feel a little funny at first, as if you were going to ruin it, you probably won’t (even if you do, the previous material can be retrieved).

Users are also encouraged to explore the site. The section entitled MINIATURAS in the bottom left hand corner of Wikilengua’s home page features a series of informative and entertaining sections such as one on common redundant expressions, short  word combinations in which one word is unnecessary, such as base fundamental (fundamental base, base here already means something fundamental). Another section here gives correct plural forms that people commonly say wrong. You’ll also find lists of important initials, what they stand for, and Spanish translations when the original meanings are in a different language, such as AI for Amnesty International, (Amnistía Internacional). Learners will likely also enjoy sections listed under LEXICO entitled Jerga juvenile, which offers all the latest in Spanish slang.

Wikilengua is an interesting resource for anyone wishing to broaden their knowledge of Spanish as it’s used today all around the Spanish speaking world. The still relatively new “wiki” format gives us a unique glimpse into Spanish beyond dictionaries, textbooks and other traditional reference tools, as speakers themselves present the language as they personally know and use it.

Study abroad, the big dream of many students. Choose to come to Spain and study at one of its highly regarded universities. Salamanca is home to the oldest university in all of Spain and the second oldest in Europe, which has made Salamanca a true student city.

Salamanca is therefore also the student city of Spain, it is not a big city and therefore has even more charisma. Furthermore, in the other Spanish cities you will also find very good universities as well as good opportunities for a top student life!

In all, there are 73 universities and colleges where you can study in Spain. In addition, there are also a number of American universities located in Spain. All classes at these American universities are taught in English. Good to know is that at all Spanish universities European students have as many rights as Spanish students, but for people from outside Europe there is only 5% place. In general, the higher education system in Spain is considered one of the better ones in the world.

Every year a world ranking of best universities is compiled. The best universities in Spain are: the Autonomous University of Barcelona , the General University of Barcelona, the Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona, the Autonomous University in Madrid, the University of Valencia, the Polytecnic Universidad de Valencia, and finally the University of Vigo.

These are a total of 7 Spanish universities on the list. The regions where most universities are located are Madrid (14), Barcelona (11), Andalusia(10) and Valencia (8). Also, the Madrid Business School was the best in Europe in 2012. This was revealed by the publication of the European Business School Rankings 2012 by the British newspaper Financial Times. A total of 3 Spanish programs appear in the top ten, this is the school in Madrid and two universities based in Barcelona, namely the Esade Business School and Iese Business School. The top 50 includes the fourth Spanish entry, also located in the Catalan capital; Eada Business School.

In addition to choosing a university in Spain, you can also choose to study Spanish in Spain at a language school. When you do this, you will learn the Spanish language and culture to perfection! Not only will you learn grammar and vocabulary, but you will also learn a lot about the country and its culture. Fun excursions are organized, you'll get to know other students in no time and, of course, you'll easily get to know the locals!

After Christmas, it's time for New Year's Eve, ´Nochevieja´. After most Spaniards stay home until midnight, a big party breaks out!

Tradition during ´Nochevieja´ is that when the clock on the Puerto del Sol in Madrid begins to strike 12 o'clock, grapes are eaten. These 12 campanadas (chimes) are televised throughout Spain. At each chime, a grape must then be quickly gulped down! The idea of this came about when there used to be an ample grape harvest in 1909. From then on it grew into the tradition as we know it today. The 12 grapes represent each month of the following year in which you will be lucky. After the grapes are snatched, of course, the Cava comes out again. New Year is celebrated lavishly in Spain while partying until dawn!

Besides the 12 grapes, there are other traditions in Spain during New Year celebrations. For example, you can put money in your shoes so you have a greater chance of fortune in the coming year. Or wear red underwear to get more love in the coming year. Some people walk with suitcases to increase the possibility of taking a trip in the next year.

Where to be during New Year celebrations in Spain is Madrid! In the capital of Spain, there is an exuberant celebration in the many bars, nightclubs, squares but most of all in the streets! And with a glass of cava in your hand you will feel like a real Madrileen!

But New Year can also be celebrated well in Barcelona! Especially the Ramblas and Plaça Catalunya are crowded and here the New Year is celebrated exuberantly. No fireworks are set off by the Barcelonans themselves, but the municipality organizes fireworks shows at different places in the city, including the beach! On the beach there are also many nice tents where you are sure to have a top time during Nochevieja!

In Salamanca, all students celebrate Nochevieja on December 13. Most go home for the holidays, but in order to be able to celebrate together, they do it earlier. This is one of the biggest parties of the year in the student city. The whole Plaza Mayor is filled with partying students!

¡"Feliz Año Nuevo"! (Happy New Year!)

Travel Destinations in Spain

Winter is a wonderful time to experience the rich culture of Spain. Many Spanish travel destinations feature winter sunshine, which offers an attractive alternative to the icy grip that frosty grey skies cast over much of the rest of Europe during this time of year. Travel expenses are often cheaper in winter (sometimes up to half the price), and availability is usually much easier to come by when booking a hotel room, an air or train ticket, tickets for events, etc. Attractions (and the cities and towns themselves) are less crowded with tourists, which may make your trip more comfortable and even a more personal journey. Certain Spanish winter vacation plans listed below are clearly more appropriate for families while others are more suited to couples or folks travelling alone, and we’ve grouped ideas into convenient categories, however keeping an open mind when deciding where to go may open up some curious possibilities: 

Historic/Cultural destinations

Granada’s incredible 10^th century Moorish fortress palace the Alhambra is open in winter. The city of Granada also sits at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range, where the nearby Sierra Nevada Ski Station offers skiers some of the best skiing in Spain.

The historic masonry work of Salamanca’s centuries old cathedrals, monuments and its university (one of Europe’s first) are just as stunning in winter as any other time of year. Visiting this historic university town in winter also gives visitors the special chance to experience the vibrant and youthful energy of its students, which summertime tourists miss. 

Flamenco excitement heats up Sevillian nights in winter. Seville is the home of flamenco, and winter visitors get to enjoy the city’s liveliest artistic traditions during the coolest time of year. The Royal Alcáhazar (Seville’s Moorish fortress/palace) and the Cathedral are open all winter long, along with a number of other attractions here in Andalucia’s largest city. 

Rural destinations

Spain offers a rich diversity of natural settings for wintertime travelers wishing to escape to a world of peaceful scenery. From the woodsy green landscapes of northern regions, particularly Galicia, where brave visitors could perhaps start the historic Camino de Santiago to do a little cool weather soul searching, to dry southlands, rustic vacation accommodations are available all over Spain. A casa rural may refer to just about any type of countryside lodging and some rural tourist sites offer activities such as horseback riding, guided hikes, skiing, etc. A Spanish countryside experience can be a relaxing retreat or an exciting adventure or both, depending on the kind of experience that most appeals to you.   

Theme parks

Many theme parks in Spain close during much of the winter, however some such as Port Aventura, about an hour south of Barcelona, and Madrid’s Warner Brothers Park, have special Christmas and New Year’s Eve promotions that are worth checking out, especially if you’re travelling with kids or if you’re just an amusement park lover.

Spa destinations

Imagine enjoying a hydromassage in a Jacuzzi in a spa resort nestled in the Pyrenees, surrounded by snowy mountain woodlands. You can do that at the Baños de Benasque Spa Resort and the Panticosa Spa Resort, which are also both located next to skiing facilities. In Southern Spain, Baños Arabes (Arab baths), particularly in Granada, offer an exciting way to experience the relaxing traditions of the Moorish Empire that flourished here hundreds of years ago.

Beach destinations

If you’re interested in Spanish wintertime beach fun in the sun, your best bet is likely somewhere on the Canary Islands. Temperatures on these islands located off the coast of western Africa remain warm all year round. Tenerife is the biggest and most popular of the islands, where the toasty black and golden sands of long scenic beaches await those hoping to escape chilly wintertime climates.

The Spanish Christmas Lottery (la Lotería de Navidad) is the most widely played chance game and every Spaniard dreams of being rich at the end of December. It is another trademark of Christmas traditions that one must live the excitement whether “El Gordo” (the biggest prize) will touch him this time.

The first contemporary lottery was created in 1812 in Cadiz to support the state revenue for public tax authority and in 1814 the first official drawing was held in Madrid which later has become the center and the day of 22^nd of December has been the official date for Christmas lottery, that is also acknowledged as the beginning of the holidays.  

The lottery tickets are official papers and counterfeiting is strongly prohibited. Each ticket is divided into series (195 series per number) and each series is divided into ten shares which is called decimos is at price of 20€. Since 2011 the number of series has been 100.000 started from 00000 to 99999. The biggest prize (the amount is 4.000.000€) is called el Gordo which literally means the fat one. It is not the biggest amount given considering the other lotteries though it is the most desired one among Spaniards even you should notice the phrase tocarle el gordo a alguien (to win el gordo) referring to get something you wish for with the help of luck. The winning numbers are chosen by randomly with two drums including boxwood balls on which the numbers are written with laser so as to keep the same weight. The first one contains 99.999 balls and the next drum is the prize drum that has all the 1807 balls determining the winners of the prizes. Since the beginning of the lottery, the students of San Ildefonso have the duty to sing out the winning numbers.

If you are staying in Spain during Christmas time, you should give a chance for el Gordo to touch you to start a prosperous year.  

Facts about the Spanish Christmas Lottery

It has been held every year without any cancellation not even during Civil War

The tickets are started to be sold in July

In 2002 the prizes are turned into Euro and the drawing took shorter 9 minutes less because it was not as long as the previous years when the prize was in pesetas.

The ticket ending with the number 1 is the unluckiest which has come out 8 times so far, the luckiest one is the number 5 coming 32 times.

Christmas and New Year are both important celebrations, which is why they are also celebrated in Spain in a big way! The Christmas atmosphere is very noticeable in the Spanish streets from the beginning of December. Everything is decorated, nativity scenes are placed and Christmas lights are also hung everywhere. In Spain, as in Holland, Christmas is celebrated with your family. Families eat a lot and a lot.

Christmas Eve in Spain is called "Nochebuena", which also means the good evening. During "Nochebuena" the Spaniards go to the Midnight Mass which is called "La Misa Del Gallo" (the Mass of the Cock). It is so called because a rooster announced the birth of Jesus. During the Nochebuena, children receive some small gifts, but the real "gift-giving" takes place in Spain when the Three Kings visit on January 6.

But Spaniards wouldn't be Spaniards if they didn't have special Christmas customs. Indeed, in Granada and Jaén, people jump over fires to protect themselves from disease. Also, in other regions, a special Christmas dance is performed that is more than a hundred years old. Spaniards, unlike us Dutch, only send Christmas cards to the people they will not see soon. If you do see someone often, you can also wish them a Merry Christmas in person, according to the Spanish.

At the Christmas markets in Barcelona and the surrounding area, there is also something funny to see; figurines of famous politicians and BE´ers (Famous Españoles) doing their business. These ´poopers´ symbolize the fertility that excrement gives to the ground. Besides, of course, it is also funny to see.

Therefore, the two most enjoyable Christmas markets in Spain are those of Barcelona, and of the capital Madrid. Barcelona's largest Christmas market is the Fira de Santa Llucía, where you can admire the nativity scene and stroll past more than 300 stalls. And there is even a musical parade! The Christmas market in Madrid's Plaza Mayor is large and characteristic every year. Spaniards and tourists alike come from far and wide to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere in this square in December.

One of the most important events during Christmas in Spain is ´El Gordo´, which means ´the fat one´. This is the biggest state-run lottery and world famous! Spaniards look forward to this Christmas tradition for a long time and when the numbers are finally drawn, they are sung by school children.

After everyone has wished each other Feliz Navidad, or Merry Christmas, it's already time to celebrate New Year's Eve, which, of course, also happens in a big way. Keep the Cava coming!

Chile, lies from north to south on the very west part of South America is neighbors with Argentina, Bolivia and Peru. Within various options to enjoy you can go skiing and continue chilling out at golden beaches next to Pacific Ocean.

Having presented many important literary figures like Gabriela Mistral, Pablo Neruda or Isabel Allende, this Latin American country proved its cultural richness introducing a deep and blend background along with dignity after going through a tough political stage. Right now it is one of the most popular emerging countries to invest and learn Spanish. 

The capital city Santiago welcomes the visitors with the wonderful image of snowy Andes and offering a vast of places to-go. On top of the list is Plaza de Armas which is the public square and the heart of the old city. Here is the meeting point for everyone and offers a panoramic view of the city centre. Another must see place is The Cathedral of Santiago or the Pedro de Valdivia statue and of course not to forget Palacio de la Moneda (La Moneda Palace). Barrio Patronato offers you the best prices for shopping or to find the shops of Luis Vuitton, Armani and many more top fashion brands the address is Alonso de Córdova. La Chascona, which is located at bohemian zone called Bellavista, is one of the houses of the poet Pablo Neruda. There you can see his personal items and writings as well as other belongings of his friends.

Getting a bit far from the capital and to explore the beautiful landscape, you should go up to the Andes where there are 18 ski centers such as Valle Nevado, Portillo, El Colorado or 5 knds of penguins spreading to several parts yet mostly in the south are waiting for you. Valparaiso as said in its name looks like a paradise with golden beaches and the typical colorful Chilean houses. Viña del Mar, situated in north-east of Santiago is a wonderful getaway holiday destination. In this region one place that is worth to see called Isla de Pascua (Easter Island) also one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There are more than 800 statues created by the local Rapanui people. The Atacama Desert being the driest desert in the world is a great place for astronomic observations and sports activities like sandboarding.

It is quite amazing for such a small country in size to be the host of many historical and natural sights. While the summer breeze has just reached recently, it is the perfect time to learn Spanish and get to know Latin American culture in Chile.

The Spanish Carnival is one of the things you must have experienced at least once in your life! For 2 weeks the streets of the Canary Islands are full of festivities with all the revelers creating a very special, but above all a lively and great atmosphere

Celebrate Spanish carnival in Tenerife in the Canary Islands! This carnival is the second largest in the world, second only to the carnival in Río de Janeiro! Characteristic of this celebration is the spectacular clothing. Women wear costumes made of plastic, metal, paper but mostly the most beautiful feathers! These costumes are sometimes so heavy that the women cannot walk in them. Then they are "just" driven onto the stage!

A queen is always elected. The election is televised throughout Spain. This always happens on Wednesday. The following Friday is the opening parade, or Apoteósis or Cabalgata, in which the queen leads the way with her bridesmaids and is accompanied by the comparsas, carnival groups that dance through streets to the infectious rhythms of samba and rumba! The comparsas mingle with the dancing and partying crowd during the Verbena, the street carnival, until early in the morning.

If you walk through the streets for the rest of the week you will find many parades, bars and stages installed in the streets and dancing all day long! On Monday there is a big electronic music festival "The Santa Cruz Dance Festival" with the most popular DJs! During the week there is a lot of dancing, parades and of course the burial of the Sardine. It is believed that this helps the fishermen get a good catch for the next year. During the weekend it is really over... But of course it ends with beautiful fireworks and one last party!

Tenerife is of course the place to be during Carnival in the Canary Islands, but Gran Canaria is no slouch either! Here, most towns and villages celebrate their own carnival, but the biggest party does take place in the main city of Las Palmas. Here you will also find the floats, carnival queen elections, street performers, fireworks and of course non-stop partying!

Carnival in Gran Canaria is an unforgettable experience, you'd think you were in Brazil! Book your vacation to the Canary Islands or Spanish course in Tenerife now and see it with your own eyes!

From the beginning of December, everything changes in Spain! Christmas decorations are hung in the streets, stores are decorated. Families like to get together at Christmas to eat and drink together, celebrate, and get presents.

Typical dishes of Spanish cuisine for Christmas Eve are suckling pig and lamb on a spit, turkey, not to mention, of course, fish and shellfish. After everyone has eaten a lot, the night mass is attended ´La misa del gallo´. But of course not before drinking a glass of cava, one of the traditions in Spain!

On Christmas Day, children receive gifts from ´Papa Noel´, but the gifts on January 6 from the Three Kings, Los Reyes Magos are much more popular! Especially for children, this is a big celebration! Weeks in advance they are busy writing letters and wish lists for the kings. The party is similar to our St. Nicholas party, with processions, water prepared for the camels and also charcoal for the little kids who were not so sweet. Furthermore, Christmas Day is mainly an addition to Christmas Eve. The family is visited and festive meals are eaten according to typical traditions in Spain.

As you probably know, good food is very important to Spaniards! Spanish cuisine has many delicacies. Real Spanish Christmas favourites are Turron from Alicante, Bacalao with cauliflower, crab, lobster, scallops, roasted prawns and turkey.

Other typical recipes for Christmas in Spain are dishes with oranges. such as caramelized oranges, flambéed oranges, fish filet á l´orange, there is an awful lot to choose from!

On Epiphany, a typical cake with decorations of dried fruit, or "Roscón de los Reyes," is eaten for breakfast or after lunch. The fruit symbolizes the rubies and emeralds of the three kings. There are 2 figures hidden in the cake. A gift that, when you find it, makes you kings or queens for the rest of the day. And a bean, which means whoever finds it will have to pay for the cake next time.

After Christmas is over, Spaniards have another fun tradition. Namely, on December 28, they celebrate ´1-April´. This is called the Day of the Innocent Saint or "Día de los Santos Inocentes" in Spain. On this day, Spaniards play pranks on their friends and family and strange and absurd news appears in the newspaper.

The benefits of volunteering abroad

Many people often express the desire to make the world a better place. It’s a pretty broad goal, and thinking of specific ways to begin achieving it can immediately turn into an overwhelming task. Looking at volunteer opportunities is an excellent place to start, as these provide a chance to make a difference in different communities, where you can personally get involved in the causes you feel most passionate about. Volunteering abroad often requires more sacrifices, but the rewards are also greater.  If you volunteer in Mexico for example, you’ll come home with valuable Spanish skills. don Quijote offers the chance to gain international work experience in a broad range of volunteer opportunities in Mexico, from ecological conservation, to working with children and indigenous communities, to providing medical care.

Many of the sacrifices one makes when volunteering in a foreign country, are paradoxically valuable benefits, such as: having to leave your home and likely give up many daily comforts you’re used to (you get to travel), having to speak a different language (you get to learn a language) and having to adapt to a new culture, climate, cooking style and way of life (you learn about a new culture and gain adaptability skills). The following is a list of what you get out of selflessly offering your time and services abroad.

Learn a different language

It’s no secret that full immersion in a foreign language is the most effective way to learn how to speak it. Speaking the language in meaningful situations also reinforces acquisition. If you associate vocabulary with personal interaction you’ve made with others, perhaps offering services that have made a positive difference in people’s lives, then that language will leave an indelible impression in your memory. The altruistic emotions you feel while using language in volunteer contexts will allow you to develop an intimate relationship with it that will also help maximize acquisition and your commitment to learning it.   

Get to travel

As a volunteer, you will gain valuable insight into local culture that tourists don’t usually get a chance to experience. The only way to understand and come to deeply appreciate a different culture is by integrating yourself into that culture’s way of life. Volunteers often report on returning home that they never realized how limited their view of the world was before their mind opening, life changing volunteer experience. It’s no exaggeration to say that your newly acquired intercultural awareness will contribute in a small way to the international understanding that is essential to maintaining stable relationships between entire countries.

Build a handsome resume

Employers love to see candidates that embrace a challenge and have proven their ability to adapt to new situations. Professional experience speaking a foreign language of course always makes you an appealing candidate for a wide variety of positions. Even if the language you acquired on your volunteer program doesn’t relate to the job you’re applying for, cross-cultural communication skills and awareness are essential aspects of many job profiles. You may also get the unique opportunity to gain experience in a field that may be difficult, if not impossible to access in a paid position without previous experience. You may even work in a field you never considered before, and you may find that you like it and would like to pursue it as a career.

Have fun, feel good about yourself and make new friends

Many volunteers explain that the experience made them more compassionate, and that they are eager to find more opportunities to enjoy the rewarding feeling of participating in an altruist effort. Furthermore, you will work with others that have similar goals of making a difference in certain communities and learning the language. Getting to know program participants and other volunteers, and exchanging ideas on project work will likely give you hope and inspiration. You may learn about how specific types of projects are carried out in different parts of the world. These people may become lifelong friends or valuable international contacts. One of the greatest benefits from volunteering is the feeling that you’ve made a difference in the world, getting that sense that you’ve achieved something.

Reverse the effects of aging

Okay, this one seems too good to be true, but a number of recent studies show that volunteering provides surprising health benefits. The Corporation for National and Community Service reports that recent research confirms that volunteers have greater functional ability and lower mortality rates. The Wisconsin longitudinal study confirms that volunteering positively influences psychological well-being and self-reported health. Volunteering fights depression, builds self confidence, keeps you physically healthy.