A very efficient way to learn another language, such as studying Spanish, is to live and study in your private teacher’s home abroad. This strategy, offering full board accommodation with host families, has many advantages for faster learning. 🤩
With Spanish Express, you are guaranteed quality learning and an immersive experience in a country like Spain, specifically in vibrant cities like Madrid. Learn with us and maximize the opportunity to improve your Spanish in Spain! 📓
Remember, besides being your teacher’s student, you will also be a family member in their home. Feeling comfortable and adapting well to this new way of life, especially when studying in your teacher’s home in Spain, is crucial. All of our teachers are easygoing, friendly, and ready to welcome you, offering a unique opportunity to explore Spanish culture and speak the language in everyday, real-life situations. 🏠
How do you maintain a good relationship with your teacher if you study and live in their home?
There are many benefits to be gained from living and studying with your teacher. An important part of learning a new language depends on you. That’s why we’ve put together some tips to help you study and live with your teacher in the best possible way.
Be respectful
Respect is key to a happy coexistence. Ask your teacher to explain the rules of the house to you, as you will not only have an academic relationship, but you will also be a guest.
Therefore, be considerate when using the kitchen and common areas such as the living room or dining room. You should also respect your host’s private space, just as your host will respect yours. These basic rules of respect will help everyone to feel comfortable and enjoy the experience.
Communicate with your teacher
Communication helps us to understand each other and also to express how we feel. In other words, it is important to get to know who you live with. So try to maintain good communication in your teacher’s home, so that you are both able to recognise your boundaries and trust each other.
Let your host know what makes you comfortable and what doesn’t, but also encourage them to express the same to you. This way you can be more relaxed and familiar with each other.
Make the most of speaking Spanish
Living with your language instructor as part of Spanish Immersion Programs will make it easier for you to recognize the presence of the language in everyday life. Take the opportunity to put your knowledge of the new language and culture into practice. You can start with food, music, films, cooking utensils, etc… whatever piques your interest! Enroll in Spanish courses or partake in cultural visits to enhance your learning experience.
You should also make a habit of communicating with your mentor, a native speaker, in the language you are learning. From the smallest details such as naming objects, to more elaborate phrases such as asking permission, inviting for a walk, or asking the time. This practice is crucial in immersion programs where learning Spanish abroad, especially in vibrant cities like Valencia or Barcelona, becomes a part of your daily life.
Extra study makes a huge difference
Remember to take your new language study seriously, whether it’s through formal classes or interacting with host families. Studying in your “home” may make you relax a little in terms of discipline; however, you will have a private teacher close by to encourage you and to remind you of your homework!
Try to stay committed to your academic duties, including coursework, without expecting the teacher to constantly remind you of your homework and to study. It’s important to balance fun learning with academic responsibilities. You will be able to make progress in the language if you retain a sense of responsibility, practicing the four skills of language learning: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
However, it’s normal to feel a bit tired or have difficulties with the language at times, especially if you’re studying for several hours per week. Your teacher, understands the challenges faced by adult members or children learning a new language, will be there to support you.
What should you avoid doing when living and studying at your teacher’s home?
We’ve already talked about the things you should do if you live and study at your teacher’s home, but now we’ll talk about what you should avoid. These tips will help you to do well in the language.
Don’t overstep boundaries
Both you and your teacher should talk about the rules of living together in order to feel comfortable. This means that both of you will draw boundaries that you must respect. Try to maintain these boundaries, and this will ensure respect.
Such boundaries include class schedules, use of the kitchen, and cleanliness, among others. Always try to talk to the teacher, especially if you are not sure about something or if you need to ask permission.
Don’t abuse the teacher’s time
Your instructor will set up an appropriate timetable for classes. Don’t assume that he or she will always be available because, like you, he or she will have his or her own space and time. This is why it is important that you respect class, meals and leisure time.
It is natural that there may be a change in classes or that for some reason you are unable to attend. In such cases, you should communicate this to your teacher, if possible well in advance.
Don’t forget to help with the cleaning!
Offering to help out with household jobs and cleaning is a really good way to build respect and be polite in your teacher’s home during your Spanish Homestay Immersion Experience. Try to keep things clean and organised in the different areas of the house.
Whether it’s the kitchen, the bathrooms, or your own room, help out by keeping things tidy. This approach not only shows respect for your host’s space but also allows you to learn about some of the details or habits of cleanliness specific to each culture, enhancing your understanding as you learn Spanish abroad.
Remember to have fun!
We don’t have to be so strict all the time! A relaxed, rested mind is more helpful when it comes to studying. That’s why you should organise your time so that you have free time available for leisure and fun, away from studying.
In entertainment and culture, you will find ways to familiarise yourself with the language. Take the opportunity to go to the theatre, to the cinema or to visit places of cultural interest, such as museums, squares or monuments.
Another advantage is that you can take advantage of your teacher’s recommendations and enjoy your walk around the city with him or her. In other words, you will learn a lot with a teacher as a guide for the local area.
Ready to Join Our Spanish Immersion Program?
Learning a new language is always an enriching experience. Now imagine doing it while living and studying at your teacher’s home. And even more: living and studying Spanish in Spain. 🇪🇸
For this reason, Spanish Express offers you our Spanish Homestay Immersion Programme (SHIP). ✈️
In addition to effectively acquiring practical Spanish language skills, with us you will experience a cultural immersion. Learning a language means immersing yourself in its culture, and at Spanish Express we take care of that. ✏️
What are you waiting for? Dare to improve your language and communication skills with our immersion programme in your teacher’s home. 😀
Living and studying in Spain will change your life! 😎
Is it easy to learn Spanish by Immersion?
A Language Immersion Program for learning Spanish abroad provides a distinct opportunity. Total immersion, especially through private lessons with a native language teacher, enables quick adaptation to everyday situations. This method proves effective for rapid progress in speaking and understanding Spanish within a short time frame.
Is the Spanish Language beneficial for US citizens?
For US citizens, mastering Spanish offers significant benefits. Participation in a Language Immersion Program allows exploration of a new culture while enhancing communication skills. Spanish, as a prevalent native language in the U.S., creates opportunities in various sectors, proving valuable for both younger students and adults.
How does Immersion in Spanish culture boost your language skills?
Cultural immersion in Spanish, via programs like Total Linguistic Immersion, dramatically enhances language skills. Living with a host family and attending formal lessons, along with activities like mini-golf with similarly interested individuals, helps develop the four essential language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Such complete immersion in a native setting offers a unique approach to learning and rapid skill adaptation in Spanish.