I’m Mónica, the founder and lead teacher at Spanish Express, a Spanish language school in Barcelona. This past summer, I had the pleasure of hosting Christine, a school counselor from California, for a week of intensive Spanish immersion after her two-week stay in Valencia with my colleague, Pilar.
In Gilet, Valencia, Christine worked on her business Spanish through specialized Spanish lessons, role-plays, and Spanish podcasts. By the time she arrived in Barcelona, she had built a solid foundation in learning Spanish and was eager to learn business Spanish in Barcelona while refining her skills further.
During her week with me in Dosrius, Barcelona, we balanced business Spanish with cultural experiences. Through structured Spanish classes and local excursions, Christine immersed herself in daily life, expanding her vocabulary and conversational skills while deepening her connection to the Spanish language and culture.
Christine’s Spanish Immersion Week in Dosrius – Day-by-Day Journey
Christine, a high school counselor from the US, embarked on an exciting and immersive one-week journey in Dosrius, a charming village in Catalonia, Spain.
The goal of her Spanish immersion experience was not just to improve her communication skills but also to fully dive into the Spanish way of life, understanding the culture, history, and traditions.
As her guide, I combined Spanish courses with enriching cultural events to enhance her learning experience. Christine’s passion for studying Spanish and her positive attitude turned this week into something truly unforgettable.
Our program blended structured language lessons with meaningful local interactions, offering her both academic growth and lasting connections. Learning from native Spanish speakers helped Christine adapt quickly and make the most of her intensive course.
Day 1: Saturday – Tapas Lunch and Mataró’s Fiesta Mayor: Las Santas
Christine’s adventure began with a warm welcome at my home, where she joined us for a delightful tapas lunch. She met other students and Spanish teachers from our Spanish course program, and this initial social gathering was the perfect icebreaker.
As we shared plates of jamón ibérico, patatas bravas, and pan con tomate, Christine eagerly practiced her Spanish, making the most of every opportunity to learn Spanish in a real-world context.
The lively conversations were filled with laughter and stories from other students living with other of our host teachers.
This gathering set the tone for the rest of her week, helping her feel comfortable from the start. Tapas culture is not just about the food but the social experience, and Christine embraced this tradition fully.
Experiencing Las Santas – Mataró’s Fiesta Mayor
Later, we attended Mataró’s Fiesta Mayor, known as Las Santas, one of the city’s most vibrant cultural events. Christine witnessed the foreign language come alive through the sights and sounds of Spanish traditions. Parades of t giants filled the streets, representing historical figures with colorful costumes.
We also experienced the correfocs, where performers dressed as devils wielded fireworks, adding a thrilling spectacle to the celebration.
Christine was fascinated by the rich history and asked questions about the significance of these traditions, showing her curiosity about Spain’s deep-rooted cultural practices. It was the perfect introduction to the Spanish way of life.
Day 2: Sunday – Exploring Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter
Sunday was dedicated to exploring the rich history of Barcelona, one of Spain’s most iconic cities. Christine and Fallon, another student from our Spanish school, joined us as we ventured into the heart of the Gothic Quarter.
This area, with its narrow cobblestone streets, towering medieval buildings, and hidden courtyards, provided a perfect backdrop for teaching Spanish in a real-world setting. We visited the Barcelona Cathedral and the Plaça Sant Jaume, where Christine practiced her Spanish by reading plaques and signage aloud, enhancing her external communication skills.
For lunch, we stopped at a local spot to enjoy a variety of tapas, which allowed us to expand Christine’s Spanish food vocabulary. We discussed regional dishes and cultural customs, like the sobremesa, a leisurely chat after meals. Christine quickly adapted to the language nuances, making it a natural learning experience.
Afternoon Adventures in the Jewish Quarter
In the afternoon, we explored the Jewish Quarter, El Call, and other landmarks like the Plaça del Rei. By the end of the day, Christine was confidently navigating the streets, using new phrases from her intensive course.
Her curiosity and willingness to practice in real-life settings demonstrated the success of our teaching Spanish methods. Her progress was evident, as she grew more comfortable with each interaction.
Day 3: Monday – Grammar Focus: Conditional and Imperative verb tenses
After two days of cultural immersion, Monday started with more structured Spanish lessons. Christine, Lydia (one of my teacher assistants), and I spent the morning focusing on grammar, particularly the conditional tense.
This tense is crucial for business Spanish courses and everyday situations, helping with polite requests and hypothetical scenarios. Christine practiced conjugating regular and irregular verbs, applying them to real-life contexts like asking for directions or making polite suggestions.
We also covered the imperative tense, important for giving commands and instructions. Through role-play exercises, Christine practiced ordering food at restaurants and giving directions. This hands-on approach, common in our intensive courses, helped her grasp the grammar in practical ways, essential for both business and casual interactions.
Afternoon Excursion to Llinars
In the afternoon, we explored Llinars, visiting a historic castle. As we walked, Christine practiced her Spanish by discussing the castle’s architecture and history, blending language learning with cultural immersion.
We ended the day with a merienda (Merienda is Spain’s traditional afternoon snack. Meaning “light afternoon meal,” the merienda is eaten in the late afternoon or early evening—around 5-6:30 pm.) in the town square, where Christine confidently ordered in Spanish, reinforcing her skills in a natural setting.
Day 4: Tuesday – Conversation Practice and Local Culture in Dosrius
Tuesday was all about improving Christine’s conversational skills. In the morning, we had a Conversation Class where she practiced using the conditional and imperative tenses in natural dialogues. Her progress was clear, and her confidence in speaking had grown—a skill essential for both everyday interactions and business Spanish courses.
After class, Lydia, one of my excellent teacher trainees, guided us through a walking tour of Dosrius. We visited the Ayuntamiento de Dosrius (Town Hall), the local church, and an artistic forest, discussing their cultural significance.
Christine found the lavadero, the old washhouse, especially interesting as it showed a glimpse of the community’s past. These semi-intensive excursions allowed Christine to apply her Spanish in a real-world setting, deepening her understanding of local culture while enhancing her language skills.
Day 5: Wednesday – The Subjunctive Mood and Magical Walks
The subjunctive mood is one of the most challenging aspects of Spanish grammar, but Christine was determined to master it. We spent the morning working through different forms of the subjunctive—present, past perfect, imperfect, and pluperfect.
Lydia and I guided Christine through exercises to clarify when and how to use the subjunctive, particularly in expressions of doubt, emotion, or uncertainty, which are often important in both casual conversations and business Spanish courses.
In the afternoon, we took a well-deserved break and embarked on a magical walk through El bosque mágico (The Magic Forest), a serene spot within Dosrius. The peacefulness of the forest provided the perfect backdrop for reflection and continued conversations in Spanish, discussing nature and life in Spain.
Our day ended at Mataró Port, where we enjoyed a refreshing granizado (granizados are like fruit frappés, made from crushed ice mixed with fruit juices or syrups. The most typical is granizado de limón —lemon flavored—, however, you can get everything from strawberry to melon) while watching the sunset over the Mediterranean. These relaxed moments outside of the classroom, much like weekend excursions, gave Christine time to absorb the language naturally, making her learning experience more enriching.
Day 6: Thursday – Cognates and Irregular Subjunctive Forms
Thursday focused on fine-tuning Christine’s grasp of the irregular subjunctive forms, a notoriously tricky aspect of Spanish grammar. Despite the challenge, Christine’s determination paid off, and by the end of the session, she felt much more comfortable with these forms—an essential skill for both everyday conversations and professional contexts like a business Spanish course.
To balance the intensity of the grammar lessons, we worked through the Cognate Workbook, which helped Christine identify and understand cognates—words that share similarities between English and Spanish.
This exercise not only improved her reading comprehension but also expanded her vocabulary, especially for use in formal contexts, which is valuable when preparing for per week lessons or further academic challenges like a student visa application.
Our cultural excursion for the day took us to Argentona, a town known for its artistic and historical significance. Her Spanish learning journey brought her to Argentona, famous for its gigantic water jugs and the water jug museum.
As we explored, Christine confidently discussed architecture and art, showing how much her fluency had grown. It was clear that the combination of grammar lessons and cultural experiences was helping her progress rapidly.
Day 7: Friday – Final Grammar Review and Celebrating Progress
Friday was a continuation of Christine’s cultural and linguistic journey. In the afternoon, we visited the town of Argentona, this time with Laura, one of my teaching assistants who is originally from Argentona. Laura gave us a delightful tour of the town, sharing her deep knowledge of its history and pointing out the charming hidden spots that make Argentona so special.
We explored Puig i Cadafalch’s house, a prime example of Catalan Modernism, and wandered through the historic streets, learning about the town’s rich artistic legacy. Christine stayed fully engaged throughout the tour, maintaining conversations entirely in Spanish, showcasing the significant progress she had made during her immersion. Laura’s local insights and personal connection to Argentona added a unique layer to the experience, making this excursion even more enriching for Christine.
The day ended with a relaxing stroll through Mataró’s commercial center, where we sampled local delicacies and treated ourselves to another granizado—a refreshing way to wrap up a week filled with both hard work and cultural discovery.
Day 8: Saturday – A Grand Finale: Mastering the Subjunctive and Exploring Montnegre i El Corredor
Saturday marked the culmination of Christine’s immersion week, and we aimed to finish strong. The day began with a final grammar session focused on mastering the irregular subjunctive forms.
Despite the complexity, Christine’s determination and newfound confidence made a noticeable difference. Her progress was remarkable, and she was now well-prepared to apply these skills in real-world contexts, whether for a DELE exam or her professional life.
Explore Montnegre i El Corredor for a Rewarding Break
To celebrate Christine’s hard work, we ventured to the top of the stunning Parc del Montnegre i El Corredor for a morning of exploration.
The natural beauty of the lush forests and rolling hills provided a perfect backdrop for reflecting on her accomplishments. This type of weekend trip is a core part of our program, offering a balance of learning and relaxation.
Our adventure didn’t stop there. At the summit, we reached the historic Santuario, a tranquil sanctuary nestled within the park.
Here, we took a moment to soak in the serene surroundings and reflect on Christine’s journey—her hard work, her achievements, and her growth in both language and confidence. The sense of accomplishment was palpable.
Celebrate with a Sunset Aperitivo
As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the landscape, we celebrated with a traditional Spanish aperitivo, toasting to Christine’s incredible progress.
We shared stories and laughter, and it was clear that this week had been much more than just language learning—it had been a transformative experience that connected Christine to the heart and soul of Spanish culture.
The day ended with smiles and a sense of fulfillment. Christine had not only improved her Spanish skills but had also embraced the essence of Spain—the language, the people, and the vibrant culture.
It was a fitting end to a week filled with both hard work and unforgettable moments, leaving Christine ready to take her newfound fluency into her professional life and beyond.
Final Reflection
Christine’s immersion week in Dosrius was transformative, combining language growth and cultural exploration. Her dedication led to impressive progress, especially in mastering verb tenses and gaining confidence in everyday conversations.
By the end, Christine had not only improved her Spanish but also deepened her appreciation for Spain’s traditions. With her strong foundation, she’s well-prepared for future learning, whether through cooking classes, additional courses or even weekend trips.
I’m excited to see her continued success as she takes her new skills into her personal and professional life. If you’re looking for a personalized, immersive learning experience like Christine’s, join us at Spanish Express to start your own Spanish journey today!
