Hola! I’m Pilar Martínez, and I had the privilege of guiding Brian, a talented English sculptor, through his Spanish immersion for travel in Valencia.
At 68, Brian joined the program with the goal of learning Spanish from scratch, motivated by his love for art, travel, and personal connections.
This blog highlights his incredible progress and the unique experiences that shaped his journey—from cultural visits to practicing Spanish in real-life settings.
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to immerse yourself in the Spanish way of life, this story will inspire you to start your own language-learning adventure.
Discover Spanish in Valencia
The Spanish Homestay Immersion program (SHIP) offers a unique opportunity to live and learn Spanish in Spain, no matter your age. It combines language lessons with real-life experiences, helping participants immerse themselves in the local culture.
From practicing conversational Spanish with native speakers to exploring historic landmarks, this program is designed to make language learning engaging, practical, and enjoyable for anyone ready to embrace the Spanish way of life.
Meet Brian: A Sculptor’s Language Immersion with Pilar in Valencia (Gilet)
Destination: Valencia (Gilet)
Teacher: Pilar
Student: Brian
Nationality: British
Age: 65+
Month: December
Objective: Learning the language from scratch.
Brian is a distinguished English sculptor who chose to undertake a Spanish immersion course in Valencia, driven by his passion for learning and, in particular, his interest in the Spanish language. This knowledge provides him with the opportunity to travel to Spanish-speaking countries, including regions in Latin America and Europe, and communicate effectively with local inhabitants.
Furthermore, his interest in learning Spanish is reinforced by a personal connection: his daughter-in-law is Peruvian, and mastering the language will enable him to engage in closer conversations with a member of his family. Brian focused on learning basic Spanish phrases, practicing Spanish verbs, and expanding his Spanish vocabulary to feel more confident when interacting with native Spanish speakers.
This immersive experience allowed him to build foundational language skills, such as basic Spanish travel phrases like por favor, which are useful for connecting with people in Spanish-speaking regions. By the end of the course, he had gained confidence in speaking Spanish and was eager to continue his journey into both European Spanish and Latin American Spanish to enhance his travel experiences and family connections.
Brian’s Passion for Art and Learning
Brian is not only passionate about learning but also deeply devoted to art, with a particular focus on sculpture. His prolific artistic career has positioned him as one of the most renowned and sought-after sculptors in his field, earning him admiration both locally and internationally.
Additionally, Brian has aprofound appreciation for nature. He resides in a serene natural setting, which allows him to connect with the outdoors and dedicate time to walks in the forest, often accompanied by his dogs. This activity not only provides tranquility but also serves as a source of inspiration for his artistic work.
Another of his main hobbies is music, a passion that has led him to learn to play the guitar and the violin. He devotes part of his free time to honing these skills, showcasing his dedication to both personal and artistic development.
Academic Background, Spanish Level, and Progress Report
A variety of activities were implemented during Brian’s immersion experience to enhance his linguistic competence and cultural understanding:
- Since Brian was learning Spanish from scratch, he focused on beginner Spanish topics to develop a foundation in the language. His ability to adapt to learning a foreign language at this stage of life is truly inspiring.
- The lessons incorporated conversational Spanish to help him gain confidence in speaking the local language with native speakers. From basic Spanish words to essential phrases, he quickly built a practical vocabulary.
- Activities were designed to integrate cultural nuances while enhancing his language skills. For example, discussions about Central or South America introduced him to the diversity of Spanish as an official language in many regions.
- Rather than relying on language learning apps, Brian fully immersed himself in the experience, which allowed him to practice Spanish classes tailored to his pace and style of learning.
- By the end of his stay, he could confidently form sentences, ask questions, and engage in beginner Spanish conversations. His focus and effort laid the groundwork for progressing to intermediate Spanish levels in the future.
Brian’s journey is a testament to how language learners can embrace a new language with dedication, enthusiasm, and a willingness to step outside their comfort zones. His passion for connecting with native speakers and understanding the broader context of Spanish across Europe and South America truly enriched his experience.
Conversations and Cultural Connections
Our sessions often took place in everyday contexts, such as during meals and car journeys into the city. On special occasions, like Paella Day, Brian had the chance to interact with my family friends. These gatherings provided him with the opportunity to practice conversational Spanish in a relaxed and friendly environment.
Many of our conversations centered around his artistic work, including his sculptures, different art styles, and exhibitions he had been part of across Europe. His passion for sculpture was evident, and from the very beginning, he made a conscious effort to express this enthusiasm in Spanish.
Even though Brian was just starting with the language, he showed tremendous commitment during our conversations. He often challenged himself to use new Spanish words and phrases, striving to enrich his vocabulary and communicate as effectively as possible.
His motivation and dedication were instrumental in overcoming the initial challenges of learning a foreign language and gave him the confidence to interact with native speakers.
These cultural connections and real-life interactions helped Brian make significant progress in his journey to speak Spanish, and it was rewarding to see his language skills grow through every conversation.
Building a Spanish Foundation
The focus of these sessions was to establish a solid foundation and boost Brian’s confidence in learning Spanish. Initially, the goal was to provide him with basic vocabulary and essential Spanish phrases like buenos días and cómo te llamas, enabling clear and structured communication. Once this base was in place, the focus shifted to progressively expanding his grammatical and lexical knowledge.
The challenge was significant, as Brian began the course with very limited vocabulary and only a few basic words and expressions, such as habla inglés and dónde está el…. For this reason, an intensive course was designed to help him study at his own pace, organize his prior knowledge, and steadily expand his vocabulary.
We incorporated practical phrases, including tengo una reserva and gira a la izquierda, which are useful Spanish travel phrases, along with essential grammar concepts to help him prepare for his next trip. Despite starting with little Spanish, Brian showed remarkable commitment, quickly improving his ability to communicate in a foreign country while building a strong foundation for future learning.
Master in Spanish Grammar and Verbs
Written exercises were an essential part of the immersion experience, helping Brian strengthen his grasp of Spanish grammar and proper verb usage. With resources like the Spanish Express Verb Workbook, he practiced verb tenses and forms, including the present perfect, regular and irregular verbs, reflexive verbs, and constructions like gustar.
He also reviewed past tenses (preterite, imperfect, and pluperfect) and explored future tenses, which allowed him to structure sentences more effectively. These exercises provided Brian with key opportunities to master verb conjugation and practical usage, contributing significantly to his fluency.
Brian’s Spanish learning journey focused on mastering this new skill with dedication. Despite Spanish being a second language for him, he worked diligently to build confidence and make steady progress in real-life scenarios, such as asking ¿qué hora es? or using phrases like Me gusta mucho la comida.
Historic Valencia Through Local Eyes
Exploring Valencia with Brian was a wonderful way to introduce him to the cultural and linguistic richness of Spain. Each experience was designed not only to showcase the city’s history but also to immerse him in real-life language practice.
The Old Town Walking Tour
We began with a tour of Valencia’s historic old town, where we explored landmarks like the Plaza de la Virgen and the Silk Exchange. During the tour, I encouraged Brian to ask questions about the architecture using simple Spanish questions like ¿Te gusta este edificio? or ¿Dónde está la catedral? This helped him practice conversational Spanish while enjoying the sights.
Paella Lunch by the Beach
One of the highlights was a traditional paella lunch by the beach, where Brian had the chance to order food in Spanish and interact with locals. Greetings like buenos días and buenas tardes became second nature during these outings, and he began to feel more confident speaking Spanish outside the classroom.
Visit to the City of Arts and Sciences
We also visited the City of Arts and Sciences, a modern architectural marvel. The experience not only sparked conversations about art and design—his area of expertise—but also encouraged him to use new vocabulary and expand his knowledge of widely spoken phrases.
Home-Cooked Dinners and Language Practice
Evenings were spent enjoying home-cooked meals at the homestay, where Brian would practice what he’d learned that day. These moments provided a relaxed environment for him to start speaking Spanish more naturally and confidently.
Through these experiences, Brian’s ability to engage with the local language improved significantly. He gained a deeper appreciation for Spanish as one of the world’s most popular languages and felt more prepared to continue his Spanish learning journey.
Exploring Valencia’s Rich Culture
Brian had the opportunity to enjoy various cultural visits in the city of Valencia, enriching his immersion experience and deepening his appreciation for the local culture.
Visit to Port Saplaya, Alboraya
On his first day, we took a relaxing stroll along the beach and port of Port Saplaya under the warm sun. This serene environment offered Brian a peaceful start to his stay in Valencia. While enjoying the tranquil setting, we practiced simple greetings like good morning and phrases that could be used in real-life scenarios.
This outing also gave Brian a chance to build his confidence in conversational Spanish. Although he speaks English as his native language, he was eager to explore a new way of expressing himself in Spanish. Each moment, from discussing the weather to exchanging daily phrases like good morning or good night, contributed to his progress in mastering the basics.
These experiences were a perfect complement to his structured lessons, allowing him to integrate what he had learned into practical use. Combining cultural outings with bite-sized lessons ensured that Brian made steady progress on his Spanish learning journey.
Historic Center of Valencia with Pilar’s Daughter
The visit to Valencia’s historic center was guided by my daughter, Esmeralda, whose enthusiasm enriched the tour. Brian explored the narrow streets of the old town and the plazas around iconic landmarks such as the Cathedral, the Miguelete Tower, and the Basilica.
He also admired the Christmas decorations in the historic center, including a Nativity scene in Plaza de la Reina with life-sized sculptures and a towering Christmas tree in each square. The experience gave him the chance to apply what he had studied, practicing advanced Spanish vocabulary in a real-world context.
IVAM Museum: Julio González Exhibition
The visit to the Valencian Institute of Modern Art (IVAM) was a highlight for Brian. With his passion for sculpture, he deeply admired the exhibition dedicated to the renowned Spanish sculptor Julio González. The intricate artistic details of González’s work resonated with him, making this experience particularly meaningful and memorable.
Paella Day: More Than a Meal
One of Brian’s most memorable days was dedicated to the traditional Spanish dish, paella. He had the opportunity to share this experience with my family and close friends.
Not only did he enjoy savoring this iconic dish, but he also actively participated in its preparation, interacting with everyone and learning the techniques behind this celebrated recipe.
As a special treat, we introduced him to Roscón de Reyes, a traditional dessert typically enjoyed during the Epiphany. Although it was early, we wanted Brian to experience this culinary tradition before his return to England.
The moment became even more fun when he found the figurine of a king hidden in his slice, much to everyone’s delight, sparing him from the “penalty” of finding the bean. The experience was both culturally enriching and enjoyable for Brian, leaving a lasting impression.
Start Your Own Spanish Learning Journey
Brian’s time in Valencia was more than just an immersion in the Spanish language—it was an opportunity to connect with local culture, traditions, and people.
Each activity, from exploring historic sites to sharing meals, enriched his learning experience and helped him integrate into the community.
These moments not only strengthened his language skills but also left him with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the Spanish way of life.
Are you ready to start speaking Spanish and create your own unforgettable language learning experience? Join us on an immersive journey today!
FAQs
What is the best program to learn Spanish for travel?
Immersive programs, like homestay language courses, are the best way to learn Spanish for travel. These programs focus on conversational skills and essential phrases for real-life situations.
How long does it take to learn Spanish for travel?
With consistent practice, you can learn basic Spanish for travel in 2-3 months. Focusing on travel phrases and common expressions speeds up preparation for your trip.
Can I become fluent in 3 months in Spanish?
Fluency in three months is challenging, but you can achieve conversational skills. Dedicating daily time to essential phrases, grammar, and practice with native speakers helps immensely.
How to prepare for a trip in Spanish?
Learn essential phrases, like greetings, directions, and ordering food. Use language learning apps, watch Spanish TV shows, and practice speaking with native speakers before traveling.
