Are you over 60? Spanish classes for young senior students like you might be a nightmare. We interviewed thousands of young senior students, and they all agreed to this until they started residing in their teachers’ homes at Spanish Express.
Don’t agree? Here is Sue, a spirited student at Spanish Express, whose journey took her to the sunny landscapes of Valencia, Spain. By participating in our unique Spanish Homestay Immersion Programme (SHIP), Sue broke through the age barrier and elevated her Spanish skills to a new level.
Just like Sue, you, too, can reap the benefits of studying Spanish in a native Spanish-speaking environment. Enhancing not just language proficiency but also cultural understanding. This article tracks Sue’s transformative experience and explores how SHIP can offer you the same advantages.
Read on to find the secret to successfully learning Spanish at any age, especially if you’re a young senior. Discover why SHIP is the experience you can’t afford to miss.
Can a 60 Year Old Learn Spanish?
The age-old question, “Is it too late to learn something new?” often comes up, especially when someone crosses the age of 60. When it comes to learning Spanish, the answer is a firm NO.
Well, seniors learn Spanish all the time and have shown incredible progress. The brain is more adaptable than we give it credit for, even at later stages in life. At Spanish Express, we have a variety of senior students who have effectively picked up the language and even used it to communicate with locals during their travels.
Our courses are designed to cater to all age groups, making the learning process enjoyable and achievable for everyone. So, if you’re over 60 and wondering if you can learn Spanish, the answer is YES, YOU definitely CAN.
Is Brain Science Used in the Spanish Lessons?
Now, you might wonder how Spanish Express makes learning Spanish easier for seniors. One of the keys is the incorporation of brain science in our Spanish lessons.
Studies have shown that learning a foreign language at an older age can be good for your brain and even improve memory. At Spanish Express, our approach is backed by scientific research to help you learn effectively, irrespective of your age.
We have designed our lessons to utilize cognitive skills and memory functions, optimizing the learning experience for all age groups, including seniors.
Therefore, when you join one of our Spanish courses, you’re not just learning a new language; you’re also giving your brain a healthy workout.
What Is the Key to Improvement in Memory for Seniors?
You may be familiar with a landmark study published in the Taylor & Francis Online that reveals learning a new language slows age-related cognitive decline. The study specifically highlights how seniors who engage in language learning can improve their memory function.
In Sue’s experience with Spanish Express, we applied this research by incorporating repetitive practice and cultural activities. Sue noticed a remarkable improvement in her memory while also honing her Spanish skills. This scientific approach makes our courses not just educational but also beneficial for mental health.
Let’s Introduce You to Spanish Express
Spanish Express offers a unique approach to language learning. You don’t just attend classes; you live in your teachers’ homes. This home-based learning sets us apart and allows you to immerse in the Spanish language and culture around the clock.
We are a division of David Game College, so you know the education quality is top-notch. With locations in various cities, you can find us easily. Our Spanish courses are designed to fit all age groups and learning styles.
We also offer Spanish Official Exam preparations like DELE, SIELE, and British Exams like A Level and IGCSE, cultural classes, and provide valuable Spanish resources to make your learning complete. Our corporate programs help professionals communicate in Spanish at the business level.
What Does SHIP Stand for?
SHIP stands for Spanish Homestay Immersion Programme. Instead of learning Spanish inside a class just like any other course, SHIP at Spanish Express puts you in your teacher’s home, where you live with local expert tutors.
So, when you hear SHIP, it means complete immersion into the Spanish culture. You learn from Spanish teachers, listen to Spanish music, communicate with the local Spanish people, and explore various heritage Spanish sites.
While you’re over 60, SHIP is the best way to learn Spanish. Most of our students started learning Spanish in a traditional way but ended up enrolling in our SHIP program, realizing how it gives them the true value of money and returns on investment.
Do you want to learn Spanish in Valencia, Spain?
With Spanish Express, you can! Thanks to our Spanish Homestay Immersion Programme (SHIP), you will have the opportunity to visit Spain while learning Spanish with our native or C2-level Spanish teachers.
You will live and study Spanish in your teacher’s home in Valencia, Spain!
To give you a deeper insight into this experience, we bring you the Valencia, Spain diaries, a compilation of our students’ adventures.
On this occasion, we invite you to discover Sue’s trip, our last student to visit us in Valencia, welcomed by Pilar, the host teacher in the town of Gilet.
Get to know their experience as told by Pilar, and get ready to embark on this adventure with our SHIP.
Valencia, Spain: A Leaf from Pilar’s Diary
Destination: Valencia, Spain
Student: Sue, an English Teacher from the United States
Teacher/Narrator: Pilar residing in Valencia, Spain
Hi, I am Pilar, a Tutor at Spanish Express residing in Valencia. I love to share my moments with my dedicated and passionate students. This time, I am here with Sue. Three days before the start of our immersion course, Sue decided on a destination to study and learn about Spanish culture, choosing Valencia.
Our student is an English teacher who loves learning Spanish, but she wanted to focus on speaking and listening during the course.
Despite her age, Sue has exceptional vitality for everything she sets out to do. She is a fantastic person!
This Is Where Her Adventure Begins…
Sue arrived at Manises airport in Valencia on a Sunday in June with a simple backpack carrying the essentials: clothes, a swimming costume, a notepad and her mobile phone.
Day 1
Her immersion programme began with lots of interaction and food at a welcome party where Spanish friends prepared her an exquisite Valencian paella.
Sue helped cook paella, meaning she had to listen carefully to the vocabulary used throughout preparation.
She participated in the group conversations, practised her Spanish, and enjoyed the culinary experience.
Day 2
We started formal classes.
Our goal was to practise sentences in the past tense to use in everyday life. In addition, we made a shopping list to work on the topic “a day at the supermarket“.
In the afternoon, we went shopping at a Spanish supermarket called Mercadona. There, Sue was able to be immersed in typical day-to-day shopping activity, but, on this occasion, entirely in Spanish.
Day 3
We scheduled a visit to the historic centre of Valencia, Spain.
The class started with the vocabulary we were going to use on that visit, as we had planned in the booklet “Live and study Spanish with your teacher in Valencia“.
Sue, enthusiastic about touring the old part of the city, wanted to get to know the places she was going to visit: the Lonja, the Central Market, the Cathedral, the Miguelete Tower, and the Plaza de la Virgen, among others.
We ended the day at the beach of Alboraya. A beautiful place to enjoy the sea.
Day 4
After our class at home, Sue asked me to repeat the beach experience, but this time we took food with us so we could spend more time there.
This was not a problem for me. I have a flexible schedule and always try to accommodate my students as best I can.
In the evening, at home and relaxed, we watched a Spanish-language film of Sue’s choice.
Day 5
Like every day, before starting the Spanish class, we had breakfast on the villa’s terrace. This time it was brilliant because Sue wanted to surprise me by making breakfast herself. It was delicious.
After class, we visited Sagunto, a historic site with a castle and an impressive Roman theatre.
We took the opportunity to walk around the “street market” that goes on every Thursday. During this visit, we talked about the various goods and items it offered (especially the vocabulary of clothes).
In the afternoon, after a siesta, we visited the City of Arts and Sciences. There, we took in the exuberant architecture of the place, its artificial lakes, the exhibition of sculptures on the lakes and the marvellous gardens of the Turia River.
It was such a special experience that Sue wanted to come back the following day.
Day 6
We made the most of her last day– how? Well, my student decided what to do about it.
Like every day after breakfast and a two-hour Spanish class, Sue went for a swim in the pool and wanted to repeat the experience of visiting the City of Arts and Sciences.
This time Sue chose to watch a 3D film in one of the city’s iconic buildings, the “Hemisphere“.
And thus, Sue’s immersive experience in Valencia came to a close.
Sue made the most of every moment, place, and Spanish class. Every detail of the sessions and every new word she learned filled her notebook day by day.
But above all, she learned to communicate with other Spaniards to improve her speaking and listening skills. Being immersed every day with the locals everywhere she went was key to her learning journey.
Sue arrived in Valencia, Spain, with difficulties communicating in Spanish. Her goal was always to become more fluent in the language, and…
Congratulations Sue, GOAL ACHIEVED!
Learn Spanish in Valencia, Spain, with Spanish Express
You can also embark on this adventure with us, our SHIP not only takes you to Valencia, but we also have five other destinations available.
Barcelona, Navarra, Mallorca, Málaga and Madrid are also on our itinerary!
You choose the next stop on our SHIP. We’ll make sure you get the best experience.
What are you waiting for to learn Spanish in Spain? Contact us, and you will be the protagonist of the next diary.
We are waiting for you!
Coordinator of Spanish Homestay Immersion Programme (SHIP)
Spanish Express Host Teacher
Want more Spanish resources? Check these out!
FAQs
Is 60 too old to learn a new language?
No, age is just a number. Many seniors have successfully learned Spanish with us.
Which Spanish Course Is Best for a Senior over 60?
Our Spanish Homestay Immersion Programme is ideal for seniors, as it’s flexible and immersive.
Does Spanish Express provide private or individual lessons?
Yes, we offer one-on-one lessons tailored to your needs.
How flexible is the Spanish Express Immersion Programme for seniors learning Spanish?
Very flexible. Like our student, Sue, you can tailor the schedule to learn at your own pace.
What cultural activities and everyday experiences are included in this Spanish course?
From local tours to cooking classes, we offer a range of cultural activities.
As a mature student, can I focus on specific Spanish skills like speaking and listening?
Yes, you can focus on areas like speaking and listening during your intensive course.
What is the return on investment for someone considering studying Spanish with Spanish Express?
You gain language skills, cultural experiences, and the confidence to speak Spanish fluently.
Can I choose specific Spanish-speaking countries or cities like Valencia for my Spanish immersion experience?
Yes, we have multiple locations, including Valencia, for your immersive experience. Here are the SHIP destinations listed below:
Are there opportunities for cultural classes like cooking paella in Spain, as Sue did?
Definitely, cultural classes like cooking paella are part of the experience.
Can I extend my two-week course or leisure programs in Spain if I find them enjoyable?
Yes, if you enjoy it like Sue did, extending your stay is certainly possible.
