When I first arrived it was harder for me to get around and use the transportation system.  In the first week, my Spanish was not very good so I was less comfortable asking for directions or asking for specifics when buying bus tickets.  Lately, it is much easier.  I've learned enough Spanish so that I don't have problems obtaining information about schedules and other information at the bus station and I can ask for basic directions in the city.  This change has probably made me more willing to go out on a limb and practice my Spanish because a little effort helps a lot.  Maybe it will make me more willing to ask for help getting around when I get home because I'll be used to it and it'll be easier.