Looking for IGCSE A Level exam preparation to enhance your Spanish language skills? Our Half-Term Spanish Homestay Immersion Programme (SHIP) provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Spanish culture and language while preparing for your exams during the October school holidays.

Held in Barcelona, Valencia, and Cádiz, this program is designed to help you get ready for your GCSE or A-Level exams in a fully immersive setting. You’ll live with a Spanish teacher-examiner, take daily language lessons, and experience the local culture firsthand. Discover why SHIP could be the key to your academic success.

Why Choose SHIP for the October Half Term?

SHIP offers GCSE and A-level students a focused learning experience to achieve the best results in a short time. This program emphasizes full language immersion by living with a Spanish teacher-examiner and participating in daily private sessions.

Here’s what makes this program particularly special:

• Customized Learning: Tailored to the needs of GCSE and A-Level students, focusing on their exam subjects.
• Expert Guidance: Gain from the experience of a teacher-examiner who knows the exam board requirements.
• Cultural Immersion: Live and learn Spanish every day by being part of a host family.
• Targeted Results: Intensive and focused, the program aims to help you achieve rapid improvement in your Spanish skills.

Each moment of your stay helps your learning—Whether you’re practicing Spanish at dinner or covering exam board-specific grammar during lessons.

The Program Locations: Barcelona, Valencia, and Cádiz

SHIP takes place in three of Spain’s most culturally vibrant cities: Barcelona, Valencia, and Cádiz. Each city offers a unique atmosphere, mixing historical landmarks with modern culture, making it perfect for both GCSE and A-level students to engage in revision courses during the school holidays.

Barcelona:

Known for its iconic architecture by Antoni Gaudí, Barcelona is a bustling city where students can practice their Spanish in a lively, diverse setting. Explore the Gothic Quarter, visit museums, and engage with the city’s dynamic population—all while improving your language skills and preparing for exam board requirements.

Valencia:

Home to the City of Arts and Sciences and stunning beaches, Valencia offers a more relaxed setting. With a blend of rich history and modern culture, it provides an ideal balance for level revision courses and experiencing Spanish life during your revision time.

Cádiz:

With a 3,000-year-old history, Cádiz offers an authentic Andalusian experience. Its smaller size and traditional charm make it perfect for students seeking a more intimate setting to focus on challenging concepts and prepare for GCSE revision courses while still enjoying the local culture.

Each city serves as an engaging classroom, allowing students to apply their language skills in real-world scenarios while getting ready for their exams.

Experience Living with Your Spanish Host Teacher-Examiner

Mónica

Mónica Romero, founder of the Spanish Homestay Immersion Programme (SHIP) at Spanish Express, blends her Spanish-Argentinian heritage with over 30 years of experience between Spain and the UK. She is passionate about combining language education with cultural immersion, earning excellent feedback for her engaging teaching style.

Pilar

Pilar, a certified Spanish teacher in Valencia, offers a unique Spanish Immersion Course where students stay at her home. She combines language lessons with cultural activities, believing that living with a teacher is the best way to immerse in Spanish culture and language.

Óscar

Óscar, a seasoned educator at Spanish Express since 2003, offers immersive language courses in Cádiz that blend language learning with cultural experiences, including surfing lessons and visits to local tapas bars. He creates a dynamic environment for students to engage with the Spanish language and culture.

One of the standout aspects of the SHIP program is the opportunity to stay with a host teacher-examiner and their family. These experienced tutors understand the challenges of preparing for GCSE and A-Level exams, providing a structured environment where you can immerse yourself in the Spanish language and culture daily.

Beyond language lessons, living with a host family offers a rich cultural exchange. You’ll enjoy meals together, explore Spanish traditions, and practice conversational Spanish in real-life settings—an experience far beyond what online revision courses can provide, fully preparing you for exam boards requirements.

Get Ready for Your Exams with Tailored Lessons

This immersion program focuses on both daily Spanish conversation and targeted exam preparation. With private lessons from your host teacher-examiner, you’ll focus on key areas relevant to your GCSE or A-Level exams. These lessons are specifically designed to enhance skills like reading comprehension, writing, listening, and speaking—all aligned with your exam syllabus and secondary education needs.

In addition to individual lessons, you’ll work on grammar, vocabulary, and exam techniques in small groups (up to four students per group). This structured attention allows your tutor to identify areas needing improvement and provide personalized strategies to help you succeed in your chosen subjects. Whether it’s science, maths, or language, your lessons will target the exact skills needed to excel in your level courses.

Engage in Cultural Exploration

Learning Spanish with SHIP goes beyond classroom lessons—it’s about fully experiencing the culture. The program includes exciting cultural activities and excursions that support your exam board-specific language studies. Here are some of the activities you might enjoy:

• Barcelona: Explore landmarks like the Sagrada Familia, Parc Güell, or the Picasso Museum, all while practicing your Spanish with locals.
• Valencia: Visit the stunning City of Arts and Sciences, take a walk in the Turia Gardens, or join a paella-making class, combining fun with learning.
• Cádiz: Stroll through the old town, visit the ancient Roman theater, or relax at La Caleta beach, soaking in the Andalusian lifestyle.

These outings give you the chance to engage with native speakers in real-life settings, enhancing both your cultural knowledge and fluency, ensuring that all our courses are immersive and practical.

What’s Included?

The SHIP program offers a well-rounded package that includes everything you need for an immersive language-learning experience.

• 7-Day, 6-Night Program: An intensive week of language and culture.
• Daily Spanish Classes: Focused on exam preparation and personalized to your needs.
• Accommodation in the Teacher’s Home: Stay with a native teacher-examiner and their family.
• Meals: Enjoy home-cooked meals with the family or experience local cuisine at nearby eateries.
• Daily Themed Activities: Participate in cultural activities led by your teacher or a local guide.

What You Need to Join

Excited to join? Here’s what you’ll need:

• Be a GCSE or A-Level student: The program is designed to prepare you for your exam board-specific courses.
• Participate in a Zoom Meeting: This pre-program session helps assess your language level and set goals.
• Be Enthusiastic and Open-Minded: Embrace the opportunity to dive into Spanish culture.
• Commit to Speaking Only Spanish: Full immersion requires dedication—students are encouraged to speak only Spanish during their stay.

With a structured approach, SHIP offers a perfect blend of learning and cultural exploration, ensuring excellent results for the academic year ahead.

The Benefits of Complete Spanish Immersion

Students who participate in this program often report significant improvements in their language skills—both academically and conversationally. Here are some of the top benefits:

1. Rapid Improvement: The intensive nature of the program ensures fast progress.
2. Confidence Boost: Daily interactions with native speakers will help you gain confidence in speaking.
3. Cultural Awareness: You’ll gain a deeper understanding of Spanish culture, traditions, and daily life.
4. Exam Preparation: The focused lessons are designed to help you excel in your upcoming GCSE or A-Level exams.

Secure Your Spot!

The SHIP program is a highly sought-after experience, and spots are limited. Make the most of your October half-term by preparing for your Spanish exams while immersing yourself in the language and culture of Barcelona, Valencia, or Cádiz.

This October, embark on an unforgettable academic journey, develop essential language skills, and discover the heart of Spain—all while getting ready for your exams!