Are you preparing for your Spanish A Level exams and thinking of mastering the Spanish language at the same time?
Imagine combining your studies with a rich cultural experience in Spain, where you immerse yourself in the language, not just through textbooks, but by living with a native speaker.
That’s exactly what Tom aimed to achieve when he joined Spanish Express for our Homestay Immersion Programme in Valencia.
At Spanish Express, we offer an unforgettable learning experience where students can access the Spanish language in real-life settings.
Were you interested in improving your fluency while enjoying Spanish traditions? Let’s dive into Tom’s week of immersion and see how he made the most of his time in Valencia!
Why is Spanish immersion a Must for an A-Level Student?
Spanish immersion is a must for A-Level students aiming to master the Spanish language. It provides the opportunity to engage with native speakers, enhancing fluency and understanding beyond classroom learning.
Immersion helps students apply the syllabus in real-world situations, improving their predicted grades and preparation for GCSE and higher education. By experiencing the language first-hand, learners can grasp complex grammar and cultural nuances, making their studies more enjoyable and effective.
This approach supports students in achieving their qualifications and succeeding in their education, ensuring they are well-prepared for future Spanish-speaking environments.
Read Tom’s Experience with Spanish Express in Valencia
Destination: Valencia (Gilet)
Teacher: Pilar Martinez
Student: Tom
Nationality: British
Age: 22
Month: July-August 2024
Objective: To Improve the conversation and tense usage
I’m Pilar, a Spanish teacher in Valencia with Spanish Express, and I had the pleasure of teaching Tom during his A-Level immersion course.
Tom came to us with a passion for the Spanish language and a desire to improve his conversational skills. His commitment to learning was evident from the start, and he quickly adapted to the immersive experience.
By living with a native speaker and engaging in real-life conversations, Tom accessed the language in a way that no classroom could offer. His enthusiasm made him enjoy learning, and he progressed rapidly, building a solid foundation for his future education and exams.
Historic Center of Valencia
Tom explored the Historic Center of Valencia with great enthusiasm. We started at the Cathedral in Plaza de la Virgen, where he admired the stunning architecture and gained valuable insight into Spanish culture and history.
Climbing the 207 steps of Torre del Miguelete, he reached the top and enjoyed a breathtaking view of the city. We then walked through the narrow streets of the old town, passing by Plaza Redonda and Plaza del Negrito.
To refresh himself, Tom tasted handcrafted Valencian ice cream and horchata, fully embracing the local traditions. These experiences helped him enhance his language proficiency and deepen his understanding of Spanish culture, key elements for mastering Spanish at his own pace.
Flamenco Show at Café el Duende
One evening, I took Tom to Café el Duende, where he witnessed a stunning flamenco performance. The professional dancers and singers captivated the audience with their energy and passion.
Tom, fascinated by this traditional Spanish art form, saw how emotion and rhythm merged in perfect harmony. He gained insight into the cultural depth of Spain, which added to his understanding of the language.
This experience allowed him to connect with Spanish speakers on a deeper level, enriching his speaking skills. Witnessing such performances gave Tom a unique perspective on Spanish culture, enhancing his learning experience and bringing his Spanish A-Level preparation to life.
City of Arts and Sciences
I took Tom to the breathtaking City of Arts and Sciences, where he admired the extraordinary architecture of Santiago Calatrava. As we walked through this futuristic complex, Tom expressed his fascination with the design and creativity that surround the area.
We visited the Science Museum, which allowed him to explore cutting-edge exhibitions that sparked his interest in the world of science. At the Ágora, we discovered two remarkable exhibitions—one on photography and another featuring 19th-century portrait paintings from El Prado.
These cultural experiences helped Tom gain a thorough understanding of Spanish art and history, adding valuable context to his language studies. This visit, along with his personal tutor’s support, contributed to his growing appreciation of Spanish culture, enriching his preparation for the Spanish A-Level qualification.
Gilet Town Visit
Tom and I took a trip to the quaint town of Gilet, where he learned about the rich local culture and traditions. The peaceful atmosphere of this small town offered him a different side of Spain, far from the bustling city.
As we walked through the streets, Tom gained insight into the daily lives of the locals, deepening his cultural understanding, which played an essential role in his language development.
The experience provided him with a new perspective on Spanish traditions, complementing the course materials and enhancing his preparation for his AQA A-Level exams.
This visit gave him a unique opportunity to connect with Spain beyond the classroom, reinforcing the importance of cultural immersion in his learning journey.
Sagunto Castle and Roman Theater
Our visit to Sagunto felt like stepping back in time. As we walked through the Roman forum and explored the ancient castle walls, Tom found himself immersed in a different era.
This rich Roman history provided a vivid backdrop for his language learning, helping him gain insight into the deep cultural roots of Spain.
Exploring these historical landmarks went beyond just sightseeing; it reinforced his appreciation of Spanish heritage, which in turn supported his progress in mastering the language.
The day’s discoveries gave him new perspectives to bring back to his studies, complementing the resources and additional reading he used with his personal tutor.
Shopping in Valencia
Tom’s free day in Valencia allowed him to explore the city’s shopping scene while enhancing his language skills. We strolled through the narrow streets, browsing local shops where he practiced his Spanish with ease.
Later, we visited El Corte Inglés, one of Spain’s largest department stores, where he gained further insight into Spanish culture. This real-world practice complemented the level of Spanish online courses he had been taking and helped him apply the learning resources and vocabulary from his study plan in a natural setting.
These experiences reinforced the progress he had made throughout the previous year, making shopping in Valencia both enjoyable and educational as part of his preparation for future university and assignments.
Special Moments in Gilet
Some of Tom’s most cherished memories came from the special moments we shared in Gilet. One evening, we had a relaxed dinner on the terrace with some neighbors, surrounded by the fresh mountain air.
This informal setting allowed Tom to immerse himself in casual conversation, helping him build confidence in speaking. A few days later, we celebrated a family member’s birthday, where Tom enjoyed traditional paella, prepared in the true Valencian style.
These gatherings added a personal touch to his learning, connecting him to the heart of Spanish culture. Dining at “La Pinada,” with its buffet of authentic dishes, offered Tom yet another opportunity to practice the vocabulary he had been preparing for his oral exams and writing assignments.
These experiences were not only about food but deepened his cultural understanding in ways that no distance learning course could replicate.
Farewell at La Albufera
Our farewell trip to La Albufera marked the perfect end to Tom’s Spanish immersion experience. We took a peaceful boat ride across Spain’s largest lake, surrounded by the natural beauty of the park. This serene setting gave Tom the chance to reflect on his time in Valencia and the progress he made.
Being immersed in Spanish every day, from casual conversations to structured learning, deepened his language skills far beyond what he could achieve through past papers or classroom studies.
The trip helped Tom complete his learning journey, blending cultural understanding with language mastery. This final experience will be highly valued as he continues to prepare for his oral exam and further subjects in his Spanish studies.
Ready to Succeed in Your Spanish A-Level Journey?
If you’re looking to enhance your Spanish language skills and fully immerse yourself in Spanish culture, the Homestay Immersion Programme at Spanish Express is your perfect choice.
With flexible payment options and monthly instalments, you can access a wide range of learning experiences that will help you succeed in your A-Level exams and beyond.
Whether you want to improve your conversation skills or explore Spain’s rich traditions, this program is designed to help you achieve your goals.
Don’t wait—Join us today and take the first step toward mastering Spanish!
