Learning a new language becomes easier when you immerse yourself in the respective culture and traditions. So, when you’re up to learning the Spanish language, the locales of a Spanish-speaking country are the best source of enhancing your fluency. Hence, opting for an Immersion Programme in Spain is the best option.
In this blog, we will share a diary from our host teacher and founder, Mónica. She will share a leaf from her diary where she keeps an account of our SHIP students.
With first-hand experiences, insights from the teacher, and a glimpse into Spanish culture, this is the ultimate guide for anyone pondering the power of immersion in language learning.
From the buzzing city life of Barcelona to the quiet charm of Dosrius, join Tom’s odyssey and discover why Spanish Express offers the SHIP programme.
Why Spanish Express Offers the Best Immersion Programs in Spain
When it comes to learning a language, immersion is key. At Spanish Express, we offer the best Spanish immersion programs that combine high-quality education with a cultural plunge.
While some might look to Costa Rica or Colombia for language immersion, Spain provides a rich history and diverse cultural activities that make learning Spanish a full-bodied experience.
Our Spanish immersion courses are designed to suit all kinds of learners, from high school students to business professionals. The strength of our programs lies in their flexibility and depth.
You can opt for an intensive Spanish immersion program or more casual Spanish courses based on your needs and schedule. The aim is to help you speak Spanish naturally and understand the local culture.
The immersive experience extends beyond the classroom. Our students live with a host teacher to practice speaking Spanish and soak in the local culture.
This makes for a richer, more engaging learning environment compared to regular Spanish classes.
How Spanish Teachers at Spanish Express Make Learning Engaging and Effective
The quality of Spanish immersion is directly tied to the quality of its teachers. At Spanish Express, our Spanish language teachers are native speakers with years of experience in education.
They are well-versed in making Spanish classes engaging and effective. They go beyond standard textbook material and incorporate local culture and real-life scenarios into the learning process.
Our teachers use a mix of traditional and modern teaching methods. They focus not only on Spanish language skills but also on the cultural aspects.
Whether it’s about navigating local markets or conducting business Spanish meetings, the aim is to make you comfortable in a Spanish-speaking country.
Teachers provide one-on-one private lessons as well as small groups, giving students a chance to interact with fellow students from around the world, making the classes more dynamic.
Learning Spanish at Spanish Express isn’t just about memorising verbs and vocabulary; it’s about engaging with the language while living in your teacher’s home in Spain.
And it’s this blend of expert teaching and cultural immersion that makes us the best choice for anyone looking to study Spanish in Spain.
Spanish Exam Preparations: SIELE, DELE, IGCSE, and A-Levels Made Easier with Spanish Express
Preparing for Spanish exams can be a daunting task. Whether it’s SIELE, DELE, IGCSE, or A-Levels, each test has its own challenges.
At Spanish Express, we have designed special courses to help you ace these exams. The courses aren’t just about rote learning but are crafted to improve your Spanish skills in a real-world context.
The edge that Spanish Express has over other language learning platforms is its focus on language immersion. Students who have engaged in our Spanish immersion programs have found it easier to understand the nuances of the language, making them better prepared for the exams.
We blend traditional teaching methods with modern pedagogical techniques, ensuring that you not only learn Spanish but also speak and understand it naturally.
So, if you’re aiming to clear any of these rigorous Spanish exams, Spanish Express provides the most effective and engaging way to achieve your language goals.
Workshops on Spanish Film & Literature
Learning a language is not just about grasping its syntax or expanding your vocabulary; it’s also about diving deep into its culture.
We believe that to truly learn Spanish, one must immerse oneself in its rich culture. That’s why we offer unique workshops focusing on Spanish Film and literature.
Our podcast series is particularly helpful for those considering studying Spanish A-Level in Sixth Form. Through these episodes, we share our love for Spanish culture, specifically its film and literature.
We also discuss why these cultural elements are so crucial in understanding the language and the people who speak it.
The workshops are led by native Spanish speakers who are passionate about sharing the nuances of Spanish cinema and literature.
The goal is to strengthen your language skills and cultural understanding, making you not just a Spanish learner but also a Spanish enthusiast.
These cultural activities also help high school students who are keen on understanding Spanish culture for personal or professional reasons.
By attending our workshops, you get more than just classes; you get an immersion experience that enriches your language-learning journey.
So, if you want to not just learn but live the language, our workshops on Spanish Film & Literature are the way to go.
Learn Spanish at Your Own Pace with Spanish Express
Spanish Express offers online courses to fit different learning needs. If you’re a high school student getting ready for a Spanish IGCSE exam or you want to pass the DELE exam, Spanish Express has options for you.
Our monthly tuition plans are flexible, offering options for both Individual Tuition and Group Tuition, allowing you to choose the most convenient one for you.
From workshops focused on Spanish literature and film to General Spanish Courses, we have a wide range of learning options. This way, you can learn Spanish at a pace that’s comfortable for you.
High-Quality Resources for Free
Free Spanish Level Test
Discover your proficiency in the Spanish language through our online level test. Ideal for learners at all stages, this test helps assess your linguistic abilities. Use the results to find the perfect Spanish courses for your needs.
Interactive Spanish Culture Quiz
How well do you know Spanish culture? Our online quiz offers a fun, interactive way to test your knowledge on various cultural elements, from local food to historic landmarks. A fantastic way for Spanish enthusiasts to engage more deeply with the culture.
In-depth Blog Posts
Expand your knowledge with our informative blog. From insights into language immersion programs to tips on speaking Spanish with native speakers, the blog is a treasure trove of useful information. It’s an excellent tool for anyone aiming to improve their Spanish skills.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Never miss an update from Spanish Express. Our newsletter delivers the latest news, special offers, and additional resources right to your inbox. An effortless way to stay connected and informed.
Spanish Lingo Gym
Brush up on your Spanish skills with the Lingo Gym. This interactive platform allows you to practice in a fun and engaging manner. Featuring exercises designed by native Spanish language teachers, it offers a comprehensive way to improve various aspects of your Spanish language.
Value for Money: How Spanish Express Stands Out in a Sea of Free Online Resources
Destination: Dosrius, Barcelona
Month: August
Student: Tom from
Teacher: Mónica
Objective: Preparation for A Level
Student introduction, a little bit about his story and goals
Tom is an 18 year old student from London who did his A-levels in the UK. One of his subjects was Spanish, for which he prepared with Spanish Express through one-to-one private lessons. Tom has been with us for two years and has been supported mainly by Óscar, one of the first examining teachers who started with us.
For this reason, Tom wanted to participate in the Spanish Homestay Immersion Programme (SHIP) “Live and study Spanish in your teacher’s home”, in order to spend a week with me in Dosrius, Barcelona, and to prepare himself well for his A Level exam, after having taken the Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Spanish.
I am A-Level teacher and examiner with more than 20 years of experience, so it was a unique opportunity for Tom to spend a week with me and learn some exam techniques that were very useful for him when he took the exam in September.
Tom decided to take his A Level exam remotely because he felt more comfortable taking it at home and not having to travel to our centre. Being in a formal environment would have made him more nervous.
Our goal with this personalised immersion programme is to help students achieve their goals, as each student experiences specific problems along the way that can be effectively addressed through individualised education.
Tom chose August to visit Dosrius, Barcelona, as he had finished his A-level studies in June and wanted to enjoy the summer holidays after his final year of high school.
It was very important for Tom to continue his Spanish during the summer, as in September he was due to start volunteering in the Canary Islands and was required to have an official Spanish certificate.
SHIP begins
Spanish food, an essential point for Tom
I think one of the most significant points of Tom’s week was the food. Tom loves Spanish food and enjoyed every single dish my father prepared for him. We could include fideuá, poultry with vegetables, a variety of salads and pasta with meatballs, among many others.
Fideuá is a dish originally from Gandía, Valencia, although it is very popular in Barcelona. Its preparation is similar to that of paella, although the base is made of pasta rather than rice.
Apart from the noodles, its most important ingredients are the broth of morralla, fish and some seafood such as cuttlefish and prawns. It can be garnished with aioli and tomato.
During the SHIP
Visit to Barcelona city
How could we not visit the Sagrada Familia and Casa Milà? A visit to Gaudí’s works of art is a must if you want to get to know in depth the marvellous Catalan architecture. Here are the main tourist attractions in Barcelona.
Barcelona city centre
One of the most emblematic central points is the so-called Old Quarter (Ciutat Vella). This area of the city is made up of different neighbourhoods, such as, for example, the Born district. The medieval streets are full of cafés, fashionable shops and a wide range of gastronomic offer that will satisfy even the most demanding palate.
Temple of the Sagrada Familia
The Expiatory Temple of the Sagrada Familia is the best-known work of the famous architect Antonio Gaudí. Construction began in 1882, yet the temple is still unfinished. The estimated completion date is 2026. This marvellous Catholic basilica is the greatest example of modern Catalan architecture.
The Casa Milà
Also known as La Pedrera, Casa Milà is a modernist building designed by Gaudí himself. It took seven years to build, from 1906 to 1912. Thanks to its surrealist sculptural ceiling and undulating façade, the building looks as if it has been carved out of the ground. It consists of nine levels, including a basement, several intermediate floors and a sculptural terrace.
Visit to the burrito reserve: Rukimon
Tom is an animal lover, so I decided to surprise him and take him to visit our neighbours, the donkeys of Rukimon, a park where all the donkey breeds of the Peninsula live. Located in the valley of Canyamars (Dosrius, Barcelona) within the Natural Park of Montnegre i Corredor, in the region of Maresme (45 minutes from Barcelona city).
This is the only donkey reserve in the whole of Spain and has volunteered in case any of the visitors would like to sponsor one of their rescued donkeys.
Tom thoroughly enjoyed petting and feeding our furry friends. They love cuddles and carrots!
Visit to Argentona
Argentona has an important architectural legacy from the Catalan Art Nouveau period, such as the summer home of the architect Josep Puig I Cadafalch himself, in the Plaça de Vendre and Casa Garí, an old Catalan farmhouse converted into a manor house.
In addition to the stately homes and mansions, a stroll through the Old Quarter reveals the Museum of the Pitcher, a benchmark of its kind and a showcase for the pottery tradition of the town, which also boasts a beautiful natural setting, full of streams and brooks.
A very interesting curiosity: the streets of Argentona are full of giant jugs, which give them a special colour. In fact, here you will find the Botijo Museum, a place designed to preserve and promote this traditional local art.
The Mataró tramway line in Argentona ran from 1928 until 1965, when a flood swept away the bridge over the Argentona stream. This tramway facilitated communication with Mataró and made it easier for Argentona to become a summer resort.
Here we were able to see a sample of the local history, as Argentona sums up very well what a traditional Catalan village is. It is undoubtedly a very important place for regional history.
Finishing the SHIP
Movies and popcorn, a perfect combination for Tom!
Tom is a movie and Netflix lover, so I thought it would be a good idea to take him to the cinema for his farewell.
Watching films in Spanish helps you learn, as it is a great way to improve your vocabulary. However, it’s not just about learning new words, it’s also about being able to understand the context of what you’re watching. It also gives you the opportunity to learn about another culture, which is great for international students.
Visit Dosrius, Barcelona, and experience an adventure like Tom’s
If you want to live an authentic learning experience like Tom’s, join our SHIP! ✈️
With our programme you’ll get to know cities like Barcelona, Mallorca and Valencia while leearning Spanish in our teachers’ homes. 🇪🇸
Whatever your interests (sports, cultural activities, gastronomy, history or a bit of everything), Spanish Express gives you an experience to match your aspirations. 😄
Here you can read more about Léa and Tiffany, other participants of our SHIP in Dosrius, Barcelona. 📖
Join us and become the protagonist in our next diaries. 🤩
At Spanish Express you will learn Spanish in a different way!
