Spanish in the Caribbean is fast and loud, and Puerto Rico is no exception. But people on the island will tell you that fast, loud talk can also be a sign of alegría—happiness!

Now a lesson on Puerticanismos. Forget your 9th grade Spanish. People here do not say autobus; it’s guagua. It’s not para, it's just pa’. It’s not naranja, it’s...get this, china? Once you learn Puerto Rican Spanish, you can survive in any Latin American country.

One last word of advice: Recovery from Hurricane Maria is a real part of life on the island. Not every place will look like the guidebook anymore. But by enrolling in language schools in Puerto Rico, your economic impact will nurture the island’s progress. When your course is over, why not volunteer? Do your part in the ayuda. Help. Wherever and whenever you can.

It really goes without saying. There are so many benefits to taking language courses in Puerto Rico, even if it’s a short trip. You’ll gain the skills and cultural perspective to take you to your next life step. Of course, the more time you spend there, the more you’ll discover why people call it la isla de encanto—the island of enchantment.