Can you learn A new language at 30? Ashley’s story is a testament to the power of immersion, the resilience of the adult brain, and the boundless opportunities that language learning brings, no matter your age.
In a week filled with structured lessons, spontaneous conversations, and cultural explorations, Ashley moved beyond the confines of conventional learning.
Under our guidance, she experienced the nuances of Spanish and leveraged every moment as a learning opportunity.
Through Ashley’s eyes, we invite you to discover the enriching experiences that await when you step out of your comfort zone and join our 1 week Spanish Immersion Program in Spain.
Language Learning in Burgos with Alberto & Marisol Makes a Difference
Burgos is one of the cities where Spanish is spoken best. The city boasts three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Cathedral, the Camino de Santiago, and the Atapuerca Archaeological Site.
Ashley had the opportunity to spend her week in Burgos with Alberto, Marisol, and their daughter, Alicia, blending formal classes with various activities that involved conversing in different places around the city.
During these activities, Ashley was under the guidance of two teachers, as both Alberto and Marisol conducted Spanish immersion sessions at their home in Burgos.
How Ashley Became Fluent in a Foreign Language Just Like Native Speakers
Destination: Burgos City Center, Spain
Teacher: Alberto & Marisol
Students: Ashley
Nationality: American
Age: 35+
Objective: To learn Spanish to travel around Spain and Latin America
Hosting Ashley was a true highlight for us. Her deep love for learning Spanish brought fresh energy into our home. She was all about trying new things, which made every day exciting. Ashley’s journey with us was not just about learning a language. It was about looking into the future, thinking about how speaking Spanish will open new doors for her.
Ashley is into a lot of things like creating websites, writing for her blog, and spending time with her dogs. She also loves audiobooks and video games. Seeing her bring the same passion to learning Spanish was inspiring. For Ashley, diving into Spanish was another adventure. She showed us that learning can be full of joy at any age.
Our time with Ashley showed us that learning a new language is more than just words. It’s about making connections and preparing for the future. Ashley’s stay was a reminder that personal experiences make learning special. They turn it into a journey of discovery.
Start of Immersion Experience in Spain
Ashley’s adventure in Spain began even before she arrived at our doorstep. She had already spent a week in Barcelona, diving into the Spanish language. This early start in learning showed her dedication. From day one, she was all in, ready to tackle the joys and challenges of language acquisition head-on.
Her experience in Barcelona gave her a taste of what was to come, making her even more excited to continue her journey with us. It was clear Ashley wasn’t just passing through; she was here to truly understand and embrace the Spanish way of life. Her enthusiasm for starting learning and the progress she had already made were impressive.
Joining us, Ashley brought with her not just the desire to improve her Spanish but a commitment to immerse herself fully in the learning process. It was more than just a language course for her; it was a deep dive into a new culture, a new way of thinking. Her ability to start learning and keep pushing forward set the tone for her entire stay.
Customization of the Learning Path
When we crafted Ashley’s learning path, we aimed to merge structured knowledge with hands-on practice. Our home transformed into more than just a place to live; it became a lively learning environment.
The SHIP verb booklet served as our roadmap, allowing us to explore the complexities of Spanish verbs, including the challenging Indefinido, imperfect tenses, and the subjunctive. Ashley’s quick grasp and active engagement turned every lesson into a lively exchange.
Her learning extended beyond workbook pages, embracing real-world applications. Engaging in everyday conversations, from morning chats to discussions in the lively local market, Ashley applied her Spanish in situations that enhanced her vocabulary.
These excursions, whether to enjoy an aperitif or a stroll in Fuentes Blancas Park, were essential components of her educational journey, not mere breaks.
Ashley’s improvement was clear in her growing vocabulary and her seamless interaction in Spanish. Daily, she encountered new words, phrases, and insights, showcasing that learning is a never-ending adventure.
Her journey illustrates the effectiveness of combining theoretical knowledge with practical application, making each day a valuable learning experience.
Cultural Activities and Social Interactions
Ashley chose some fun activities for us to do together. We saw the old part of the city, had dinners with small dishes called pintxos, and tried to walk part of the Camino de Santiago trail.
We didn’t walk the whole trail because we also wanted to visit the Charterhouse of Miraflores. Ashley really liked these adventures. She said they were new and exciting, different from what she’s used to at home.
We also did more things: we looked around the big church, walked in Fuentes Blancas Park, made a Spanish omelet, went to the Museum of Evolution, had pintxos again but at different bars, went to a Pancho Varona music show, and joined in the Carnival fun.
During these times, Ashley got to hear Spanish a lot. She saw how life is changing in Spain and was part of the audience enjoying Spanish culture.
Walk on the Camino de Santiago
On Tuesday, right after our lesson at home, we decided to take a walk on part of the Camino de Santiago near our place. We saw shells and new signs along the way. These made us talk about the Camino’s history, especially the French Way, a path people have walked to Santiago de Compostela for many years.
This walk took us to Plaza de San Juan. There, we checked out an old monastery that now shows exhibitions and a library that used to be a hospital for those walking the Camino. We even had our lesson there that day.
After exploring, we stopped for a quick snack before heading back home for lunch. This walk was a great chance for Ashley to practice listening and using the correct Spanish, and she put in a lot of effort to learn.
Visit to the Majestic Cathedral of Burgos
In the afternoon, we made our way to the stunning Cathedral of Burgos, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture that dates back to 1221. We admired the Golden Staircase, the Papamoscas clock, and the impressive lantern tower among other features.
Walking around it afterwards, we took in the cathedral from various viewpoints, appreciating its beauty from every angle.
This visit was more than just sightseeing; it was about understanding the rules of Gothic design, the important thing being to appreciate the art and history combined in this majestic structure. It all makes sense when you see how each detail contributes to its grandeur.
Market Days and Neighborhood Exploration
On Wednesday, we mixed up our routine by spending the morning focusing on language lessons at home. In the afternoon, we ventured out to explore the local shopping center and the weekly vegetable market.
This outing wasn’t just a break from our studies; it was a dive into real-world language practice. Ashley had the chance to listen to and engage with people speaking in their first language, Spanish. It was also an opportunity for her to use Spanish as her second language in authentic situations.
Besides Spanish, we occasionally heard other languages at the market, reflecting the diverse community that comes together there. This blend of languages in everyday settings offered Ashley a rich, immersive experience, reinforcing her language skills in a lively, natural environment.
Historical Tour through Burgos’ Center
On Thursday morning, we resumed our Spanish lessons at home, emphasizing Ashley’s development in her second language, contrasting her native language. Learning Spanish in her 30s, Ashley has discovered numerous advantages, such as a nuanced understanding of cultural context and a deeper appreciation for conversations with native speakers.
Later in the day, we strolled towards Fuentes Blancas Park, situated along the Arlanzón River. This walkthrough nature led us to Burgos’ historic heart in the afternoon. Starting at the El Cid statue, we navigated the Espolón Promenade up to the Santa María Arch, stepping back into medieval times.
Our ascent to the Castle offered us sweeping views of the city, encouraging Ashley to use Spanish more confidently in discussions with native speakers, further bridging the gap between her native language and her target language. The journey back introduced us to the Contemporary Art Center and remnants of ancient walls.
The day concluded with a leisurely pause at a café, blending language learning with historical immersion. This experience, rich in interactions with native speakers, underscored the value of learning a new language at an older age, enhancing Ashley’s linguistic journey in her 30s.
Discoveries at the Museum of Human Evolution
After our earlier adventures, we visited the Museum of Human Evolution, home to some of Europe’s oldest human discoveries.
This museum, situated near the Atapuerca Sierra where annual excavations unveil history, offers a window into the dawn of humanity. It’s fascinating to think about how, through the ages, humans have evolved to use more than one language, transitioning from using one language to communicating in new languages.
This museum, a popular spot in Burgos, illustrates the vast journey of human evolution, highlighting the importance and complexity of language development over time.
Gothic Insights: Charterhouse and Monastery Visits
On Friday, after our morning classes, we dedicated our time to exploring significant Gothic art monuments. Our first stop was the Miraflores Charterhouse, a stunning example of 15th-century Gothic art nestled in Fuentes Blancas Park. Its exterior beauty is a testament to the intricate designs of the period.
Following this, we visited the San Pedro de Cardeña Monastery, famously associated with El Cid, who sought refuge there for his family during his exile. This monastery showcases a blend of architectural styles, reflecting the changes it has undergone through the centuries.
These visits were not just about admiring Gothic architecture; they were an opportunity to reflect on the critical period of learning and how time spent understanding different languages and cultures enriches our perspective.
Immersing ourselves in the history and linguistic evolution within these ancient walls offered unique insights into the complexity and beauty of languages.
Burgos’ Culinary and Social Scene
In the evening, we immersed ourselves in Burgos’ vibrant culinary and social scene. We enjoyed a variety of tapas in a local neighborhood, accompanied by the renowned Ribera del Duero wine. This experience wasn’t just about indulging in delicious food; it was a part of Ashley’s journey in learning a new language.
As we dined out in downtown Burgos on another occasion, Ashley encountered the lively social life of our city.
Here, the tradition of meeting friends over tapas provided a practical context for her to practice and enhance her language skills, including picking up a few phrases in German from fellow diners, adding an unexpected twist to her language-learning adventure.
This blending of learning German and Spanish in social settings underscored the rich, multi-lingual tapestry of learning languages.
Exploration of the Arlanza Route
On Saturday, we embarked on an adventure along the Arlanza Route in our province, immersing ourselves in the rich history and stunning landscapes it had to offer. Our first stop was the iconic Sad Hill, famous for its appearance in “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.”
This visit wasn’t just a walk down memory lane; it was a chance for Ashley to practice Spanish in a unique setting, bridging the gap between younger enthusiasm and historical exploration.
Next, we explored Santo Domingo de Silos, where the Abbey’s Romanesque cloister and its museum captivated us. The highlight was listening to the Gregorian chant of the monastery’s monks, a moment where technology met tradition as we used Google Translate to grasp the Latin lyrics, turning it into a practical language practice session.
Our journey continued through Yecla Gorge, leading us to the picturesque village of Covarrubias. Here, we wandered among traditional houses and learned about Princess Cristina of Norway’s historical ties to the village.
This exploration was not only about sightseeing but also about applying language skills in real-life conversations, making every encounter an opportunity for Ashley to practice and enhance her Spanish, weaving together the threads of learning, history, and the beauty of Burgos.
Becoming Part of a Spanish Family
Ashley quickly became part of our family, her journey as a native speaker of English embracing the challenge of learning Spanish, and even showing interest in how to learn French, showcasing the many advantages of language learning in your 30s.
Her personal experience highlighted the value of immersion, as she navigated through grammar, fluency, and making mistakes, proving that starting learning at any age is beneficial. The time she spent learning, speaking with our children, and engaging in daily conversations accelerated her understanding.
It’s clear that learning a language as an adult involves more than just memorizing rules; it’s about adapting to social changes, recognizing signs of progress, and understanding that fluency is a matter of consistent practice.
Ashley’s stay with us proved that the brain’s capacity to acquire new languages doesn’t diminish with age; in fact, school learning and real-life application complement each other, enriching the learning experience.
Musical Farewell: Concert Night
Our week with Ashley culminated in a memorable farewell at a concert by Pancho Varona, a renowned artist, in Burgos. This evening was not just a celebration of music but a testament to the bonds formed and the cultural immersion Ashley experienced.
The concert, set in one of Burgos’s famed venues, allowed Ashley to engage with the language and culture in a vibrant social setting, marking a fitting end to her immersive journey with us.
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Marisol & Alberto at Spanish Express