Learning a new language as an adult can be challenging. You might worry about not having enough time or struggling to make real progress in your Spanish classes. But Spanish immersion for adults is the solution
Many of our students have faced the same concerns and are unsure how to improve their Spanish language skills.
The Spanish Homestay Immersion Program (SHIP) at Spanish Express offers a solution.
In just one week, our students immerse themselves in the language and culture, living with native Spanish speakers who help them every step of the way.
Lilly’s story is a great example of this. Read on to see how SHIP can turn language challenges into successes before you try it yourself in Spain, Latin America, Costa Rica, or other regions.
Why Spanish Immersion Programs for Adults?
Spanish immersion programs offer adults a unique way to learn Spanish by living and practicing in real-life settings.
These programs help learners quickly improve their speaking Spanish and comprehension skills by surrounding them with native speakers.
Unlike traditional Spanish classes, immersion programs provide practical experience, making learning more natural and enjoyable.
For adults, this approach enhances language skills and deepens cultural understanding, creating a richer, more meaningful connection with the Spanish-speaking world.
It’s an effective and rewarding way to achieve fluency.
The Best Spanish Immersion Program for Adults at Spanish Express
As a Spanish host teacher in Barcelona, I welcome many adult learners into my home through the Spanish Homestay Immersion Program (SHIP) at Spanish Express.
This program is perfect for those looking to improve their Spanish proficiency with guidance from experienced Spanish teachers.
In addition to Barcelona, Spanish Express offers SHIP in several other beautiful destinations across Spain, including Valencia, Cádiz, Burgos, Murcia, and Girona.
Each location has expert host teachers like myself, ready to guide students from various backgrounds and Spanish levels.
No matter where you choose, you’ll find a supportive and immersive environment to help you achieve your language goals with native Spanish speakers.
How a Chinese American Student Spent her 1 Week in our Spanish Langauge Immersion Program
Lilly came to us eager to improve her Spanish, primarily for personal enjoyment and to engage in basic conversations while traveling.
She was also passionate about Spanish TV shows and books, hoping to enjoy them independently and deepen her connection to the language through an intensive Spanish immersion program.
A week full of activities and Spanish conversations
Before joining me for the seven-day Spanish Homestay Immersion Program (SHIP), Lilly spent nearly three months studying Spanish in Valencia.
This experience gave her a solid foundation in grammar and vocabulary. However, she was eager for more real-world practice, which is why she chose SHIP.
We balanced formal lessons with cultural experiences and daily conversations throughout the week.
Lilly’s active lifestyle, including regular gym workouts, complemented her disciplined approach to learning.
By the end of the week, it was clear that Lilly had significantly enhanced her Spanish skills. She left feeling more confident and excited to continue her journey with the language.
Destination: Barcelona (Dosrius)
Teacher: MĂłnica
Student: Lilly
Nationality: Chinese-American
Age: 30+
Month: August
Objective: Spanish for holidays
Day 1: Arrival and Settling In
Lilly arrived in the afternoon, looking extremely excited. I could see the anticipation in her eyes as we greeted each other warmly.
After a quick tour of the house, we decided to head to a nearby town to pick up some fresh fruits and vegetables. The local market was buzzing with energy, filled with vibrant colors and the smell of ripe produce.
We walked from stall to stall, choosing the best of the season while chatting about the different fruits and vegetables that are unique to Spain.
Once we returned home, I could tell Lilly needed some time to unwind. I encouraged her to settle into her room and relax for a couple of hours.
The first day can be overwhelming, so I wanted to make sure she felt comfortable and at ease in her new surroundings.
As the evening approached, we prepared a simple but delicious dinner together. We set the table on the terrace, where the soft evening breeze made the atmosphere perfect for a relaxing meal.
The conversation flowed naturally as we shared stories and discussed our plans for the week. It felt like we were old friends catching up, even though we had just met.
The tranquility of the evening, combined with the warmth of our conversation, set the tone for the rest of her stay.
Day 2: Morning Class and Exploring New Places
The second day began with the sun rising early, and so did we. Lilly was eager to dive into her studies, so we started the morning with a focused class on the first unit of the language exam.
We covered reading, listening, and speaking exercises, working together to review and strengthen her basic language skills.
I could see her confidence growing as we moved through each section, and her enthusiasm for learning was truly inspiring.
After the class, Lilly mentioned her love for fitness and asked if there was a gym nearby.
Being the athletic person she is, she didn’t want to miss out on her daily workout, so she joined me at my local sports center.
She enjoys running and took advantage of the gym machines to keep up her routine. We returned later, energized and ready for the rest of the day.
We enjoyed a leisurely lunch on the terrace, taking advantage of the beautiful weather. The homemade food was simple yet delicious, and the peaceful surroundings made it a perfect midday break.
The conversation during lunch was light and easy, with us discussing everything from Spanish cuisine to Lilly’s favorite running routes.
The afternoon was free for Lilly to rest or explore on her own. She took some time to relax, but we decided to visit a nearby village as evening approached.
We found a cozy bakery-café where we indulged in a delicious snack, the sweet aroma of freshly baked goods filling the air. The café had a warm and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for an afternoon treat.
After our snack, we wandered through a charming town that seemed frozen in time. The narrow streets, lined with historic buildings, and the quiet, tranquil ambiance captivated us both.
We took our time exploring, soaking in the beauty and serenity of the place. It was the perfect way to end the day with a sense of calm and connection to the local culture.
Day 3: Intensive Study and Cultural Tour
Friday morning was all about diving deep into the Spanish language. We started the day by correcting the written exercises from the previous class and reviewing two journals Lilly had written.
This allowed us to focus on the present tense, covering everything from regular and irregular verbs to reflexive verbs and those tricky “to like” types.
Lilly was fully engaged, asking thoughtful questions and practicing each new concept with determination.
After that, we turned our attention to the cognate notebook. We discussed cognates and reviewed perfect and near-perfect cognates, which are always helpful for quickly building vocabulary.
Lilly found this particularly interesting, as it gave her a new perspective on how languages are interconnected.
We also spent time on phonetics, which is crucial for clear and correct pronunciation. Lilly’s confidence grew as she mastered each new aspect of the language.
In the afternoon, we decided to take a break from studying and immerse ourselves in Barcelona’s rich culture.
We headed to Paseo de Gracia, one of the city’s most iconic streets known for its stunning examples of modernist architecture. As we strolled along, we admired the intricate details of the GaudÒs buildings, each one telling its own story through design.
Our cultural exploration culminated in a guided tour of Casa Vicens, a historic house designed by the legendary architect Antoni GaudĂ.
Walking through the beautifully crafted rooms, we learned about GaudĂ’s life, his unique architectural style, and the inspirations behind his work.
Lilly was fascinated by the blend of history and creativity, and it was a perfect way to connect her language learning with a deeper understanding of Spanish culture.
By the end of the day, we both felt enriched by the experience, having balanced intensive study with the beauty of artistic expression.
Day 4: Relaxation and Leisure
Saturday arrived as a welcome pause after an intense week of learning and exploring. We decided to take it slow, with no planned activities, giving Lilly the freedom to unwind and recharge.
The morning was unhurried, and the house was filled with a calm stillness, perfect for a day of leisure.
Lilly took full advantage of the relaxed pace, enjoying a long, leisurely breakfast on the terrace. The soft morning light, the gentle breeze, and the sounds of the nearby village waking up created a peaceful atmosphere.
We spent some time chatting casually, without the structure of lessons, just enjoying each other’s company and the simple pleasure of a quiet morning.
The rest of the day was hers to do as she pleased. She decided to take a stroll around the neighborhood, exploring the local area at her own pace.
The sun was warm but not too hot, perfect for a leisurely walk. When she returned, she found a cozy spot in the garden to read, allowing herself to get lost in a book for hours.
We shared a simple meal in the evening, reflecting on the week so far. The conversation was light and easy, with no rush or agenda. It was clear that this rest day was exactly what Lilly needed to prepare for the adventures ahead.
The balance between relaxation and exploration was key to making her experience not just educational but also deeply enjoyable.
Day 5: Language Practice and Nature Hike
Sunday was dedicated to what Lilly had been most eager to work on: her conversational skills.
We spent the entire day focused on speaking, allowing the conversation to flow naturally while I guided her through more challenging topics.
The goal was to boost her fluency and confidence, and I could see her making real progress as the day went on.
We discussed everything from daily life to cultural differences, and I made sure to correct her gently, helping her refine her language skills without interrupting the flow of conversation.
By the afternoon, we both felt the need for some fresh air, so we decided to head out for an excursion to a nearby nature park.
The hike was a perfect complement to our morning of intense language practice.
As we walked along the trails, surrounded by the beauty of the landscape, we continued our conversation, but this time in a more relaxed, informal setting.
The crisp air and peaceful environment made talking and enjoying each other’s company easy.
On our way back, we stopped at a local spot known for its homemade food. We picked up some delicious takeout, eager to enjoy it back home.
Once there, we set the table on the terrace, where my parents joined us for dinner. The meal was simple but filled with warmth as we shared stories and laughter under the evening sky.
The atmosphere was cozy and familiar, and it felt like Lilly was truly a part of the family. It was the perfect end to a day that balanced intense learning with the joy of connecting over good food and conversation.
Day 6: Studying the Past Tense and Coastal Exploration
Monday marked the start of a new week, and we dedicated the morning to mastering the intricacies of the past tense in Spanish.
We began with the present perfect, gradually moving through the preterite, the imperfect, and finally, the past perfect. It was a thorough and intense session, but Lilly tackled each new concept with determination.
As we worked through various exercises, I could see her understanding deepening, and by the end of the session, she had a much stronger grasp of how to use these tenses effectively in conversation.
After wrapping up our work on the cognate notebook and spending some time on phonetic practice, we decided to reward ourselves with an afternoon trip to the coast.
The change of scenery was a welcome break from the morning’s focused study. We headed to a charming coastal town, where the pace of life seemed to slow down as soon as we arrived.
We wandered through the town center, soaking in the local atmosphere.
The narrow streets were lined with quaint shops and cafes, and the sound of waves gently crashing in the distance added to the serene ambiance.
The refreshing sea breeze instantly lifted our spirits as we made our way to the seafront. We took our time walking along the shore, enjoying the simple pleasure of being by the water.
For dinner, we found a cozy beachside, “chiringuito,” where we indulged in typical local dishes. The food was delicious, and the setting couldn’t have been more perfect—dining with the sound of the waves in the background, the sky painted in hues of pink and orange as the sunset.
We ended the evening with a quiet visit to the town’s port. The boats gently bobbing in the water, the calm night air and the peaceful surroundings made it a perfect place to reflect on the day.
As we stood there, it was clear that the combination of intense study and relaxing coastal exploration had made for a truly fulfilling day.
Day 7: Conversational Practice and Farewell
The final day of Lilly’s immersion week began with a morning class, but we decided to change things up and sit at a cozy café in town.
The relaxed atmosphere made the conversation flow more naturally, creating a spontaneous and enjoyable learning experience. Over coffee and pastries, we focused on conversation, allowing Lilly to apply everything she had learned throughout the week. It was a wonderful way to solidify her skills in a real-world setting.
Afterwards, we turned our attention to the future tense, starting with the simple future and future perfect.
Lilly was quick to grasp these concepts, and we then moved on to the conditional tense, covering both the simple and compound forms.
Despite the intensity of the lesson, the setting kept the mood light and engaging, and I could see how much Lilly had grown in confidence and fluency.
Later in the day, Lilly came to the gym with me for one last workout session, keeping up with her routine before it was time to say goodbye.
It was clear she had made the most of her time here, learning Spanish, maintaining her personal routines, and exploring new experiences.
Finally, we shared a heartfelt farewell breakfast. We took our time, reflecting on the past days and Lilly’s progress.
We talked about the moments that stood out, from our strolls through charming towns to our deep conversations over dinner.
It was a bittersweet moment, knowing that our time together was coming to an end, but also feeling proud of how much Lilly had accomplished.
As she prepared to leave, there was a sense of fulfillment in the air—a feeling that this week had been about learning a language, forming a meaningful connection and creating memories that would last long after she returned home.
Join Us for a Week and live like a local
Lilly’s week in our Spanish Homestay Immersion Program was more than just an opportunity to improve her language skills. It was a transformative experience that deepened her connection to Spanish culture and boosted her confidence to speak Spanish every day.
If you want to take your Spanish to the next level, this language immersion program is designed to do just that. Whether you want to enhance your conversational skills, explore the beauty of Spain, or immerse yourself in authentic cultural experiences, our program is the perfect choice.
Ready to start your journey?
Book a free Discovery Call with us today and find out how our program can help you achieve your Spanish language goals. Your adventure in Spanish proficiency awaits!
How intensive is the Spanish Homestay Immersion Program (SHIP)?
SHIP is designed to be immersive and intensive, with a balance of structured lessons and cultural activities. While the program is focused on rapid language improvement, there’s also time for relaxation and exploration to ensure a well-rounded experience.
What level of Spanish do I need to participate in SHIP?
SHIP is suitable for learners at all levels, from complete beginners to advanced students. The program is tailored to your specific needs, ensuring that you can progress at your own pace.
What is the accommodation like during the SHIP program?
During SHIP, you’ll stay in the home of a certified native Spanish teacher. The accommodation is comfortable and welcoming, providing you with an authentic experience of living like a local.
How much progress can I expect to make in one week?
Many students experience significant improvement in their Spanish language skills within just one week, especially in conversational fluency and confidence. The immersive nature of the program accelerates learning beyond what is typically achieved in a classroom setting.
Are there any opportunities to continue learning after the SHIP program ends?
Yes, Spanish Express offers additional programs and resources to help you continue your language-learning journey after SHIP. You can also stay in touch with your host teacher for ongoing guidance and practice.
