Need to know the language well or at least decently?

<p>If you took say 3 Spanish classes in high school and another Spanish class in college would it be enough to study abroad in Spain? I heard that the accents will be hard to understand and how fast some people can speak as well. What's your experience studying abroad without knowing the language that well?</p>

<p>People don’t speak faster in one place than another. It just sounds like that when you suck at understanding them.</p>

<p>It’s fine with no spanish at all- you’ll only talk to other Americans anyway…</p>

<p>If you refrain from speaking English, you’ll do fine because you’ll pick up the language. You’ll need total immersion to successful feel comfortable with the language, and there’s no better place than a Spanish speaking country. You’ll make mistakes, but that’s how you learn; so don’t shy from sounding wierd.</p>

<p>Otherwise, if you choose to only (or even a good majority of the time) speak in English, then be assured you’ll have a troublesome time communication to locals.</p>

<p>You will do just fine. I know many people who have studied abroad in Spain and other countries as well, with little or no knowledge of the language. If you refrain from speaking English like the previous poster said, you will gradually pick it up and understanding it will slowly get better for you - but that will come with time and practice :)</p>

<p>Thanks for the input, everyone! :)</p>