Are you over 50 and curious about various Spanish courses for over 50s? Thinking of opting for one for yourself but feeling anxious about whether you should go for it or not?
Meet Christine, a vibrant individual who decided to take on the challenge of learning Spanish after turning 50. She’s proof that age is no barrier to acquiring a new skill, even something as challenging and rewarding as learning a new language.
In this blog, we’ll follow Christine’s inspiring journey at Spanish Express through her Spanish courses designed specifically for over 50s. Mónica, our founder and host teacher, will lead us through this journey.
We’ll see how she navigates the learning process, the fun she has along the way, and the doors that open for her as a result. It’s more than just a story about learning Spanish; it’s about enriching life experiences after 50.
Why learn a new language, especially Spanish, after 50?
Brain exercise is essential at any age. Forget the lackluster results from past grammar classes; studying Spanish brings new levels of understanding in your native language, similar to innovative educational approaches like homeschooling.
It makes worldwide friendships possible during travel. Spanish skills can boost your social life, even with native Spanish speakers as neighbours. Plus, embracing Spanish learning as an adult can give you a youthful vibe.
Spain Diaries: Christine travels from Ontario, Canada to the Costa del Maresme, Barcelona
Destination: Dosrius, Costa del Maresme, Barcelona, Spain
Teacher: Mónica
Student: Christine
Nationality: Canadian
Age: 50+
Date: May
Aim: Explore a hidden coast of Spain, The Costa del Maresme, whilst improving Spanish
Introduction to the student, her background, preferences, and goals.
Let’s meet Christine, a dynamic individual whose life is defined by her zest for fitness and exploration. She is a passionate cyclist who thrives in the arena of physical challenges.
Christine’s yearning for adventure has led her to the welcoming arms of Spain, a Spanish-speaking country she holds close to her heart.
Christine has more on her agenda than just sightseeing in Spain. She is on a mission to master the Spanish language to deepen her travel experience, form friendships, and make her escapades more rewarding. She is committed to learning Spanish, and her enthusiasm shows it.
Can You Learn Spanish After 50? Absolutely Yes!
Here are the FACTS:
- Learning Spanish over 50 can be challenging but offers mind stimulation at any age.
- Mature students have unique life skills that can be helpful in language learning.
- Being in a Spanish-speaking country helps with learning the language and culture.
- Don’t let age stop you; many over 50s learn Spanish and overcome challenges.
REMEMBER! Age is not a barrier – it’s an opportunity to enrich your life through language.
And now let’s see what Christine was up to while she visited us…
A devoted cycling aficionado to the ultimate haven for cyclists
Christine loves cycling and wants to explore Spain. She feels the learning process of cycling in new terrains is similar to language learning. In Dosrius, Barcelona, Spanish Express offers an intensive course in natural beauty and cycling challenges.
She loves the Spanish art of living close to nature. As a mature student of life, she always seeks new language and cultural activities. In her free time, she often thinks about ways to learn more about the world.
This experience kept her mind sharp. She practiced her love for cycling in small groups of friends. The experience felt like a relaxed atmosphere and helped her to speak the language of nature.
An enchanting Hiking Tour through the Serene Montnegre i Corredor Natural Park
After her enriching cycling trip in Dosrius, Christine felt a calling for another adventure. This time, her eyes were set on the Montnegre i Corredor Natural Park in Spain.
As a mature student of nature and culture, Christine was thrilled to know this park is an ideal spot for leisure programmes.
Embracing the learning process of life’s simple joys, Christine thought this would be a perfect Spanish language immersion experience. She envisioned spending her free time in this oasis of calm, surrounded by the beauty of Spain, her new favorite place in the world.
Christine’s plan was to be there for a two-week course in nature appreciation. She wanted to move at her own pace, taking in the relaxed atmosphere and practicing the art of mindfulness. She hoped the trip would help keep her mind sharp and offer her a world of ways to learn more about natural wonders.
More than just an excursion, Christine saw this as an opportunity to engage in cultural activities, such as visiting the Sanctuary of El Corredor. With its late 16th-century Gothic charm, the sanctuary felt like a sacred classroom where she could study Spanish art and culture.
Christine felt grateful for these opportunities. She realized that learning a new language or exploring a foreign landscape were similar in many ways—both expanded her worldview, improved her Spanish skills, and enriched her life incredibly.
Sport excursions to the gym
Christine is a fitness aficionado whose passion for a healthy lifestyle transcends the conventional confines of a gym. With an unwavering dedication to physical well-being, she exudes an infectious energy that draws others into her world of exercise and vitality.
During one of our gym sessions, her enthusiasm was palpable as she graciously shared her extensive knowledge about weight training, imparting invaluable tips and techniques that transformed my approach to workouts.
We went to a gym situated along the serene coastline, where the rhythmic sound of crashing waves provided an invigorating backdrop to our exercise regimen.
It was in this scenic retreat that Christine not only revealed the invigorating coastal breeze but also expanded her lexicon with many gym-related vocabulary, solidifying her connection to both fitness and nature in perfect harmony.
By the way, you are more than welcome to join our Free Spanish Lingo Gym. Here, you will build your language just like your muscular strength and feel more confident around native speakers.
Embracing Mataró: A Day of Shopping, Culture, and Joyful ‘Merienda’ with Christine
My mom and I were eager for a day in Mataró with Christine, planning for a blend of shopping, cultural activities, and “merienda,” a Spanish tradition. Our learning process for the day was full of laughs and meaningful talks, making it a course in friendship.
We kicked off with shopping, as Christine’s enthusiasm added fun to this leisure programme. We explored fashion boutiques with small groups of local vendors. This shopping experience felt like an intensive course in Spanish culture and classes in joy.
Then, we admired Gaudí’s early art. Christine’s love for Spanish art and history made our cultural activities richer. We felt like students in a two-week course on Spain’s artistic legacy.
As the afternoon came, we enjoyed “merienda.” In a relaxed atmosphere, we savored Spanish words as we spoke, and food and drinks, keeping our minds sharp. We were learning Spanish and the language of friendship.
By the end, we knew the true lesson of our day was in the time spent together. We returned home, carrying with us lessons more valuable than any language learning. We were united in culture and spirit, a feeling that would last a lifetime.
Merienda, a cherished Spanish tradition, refers to a light meal or snack typically enjoyed in the late afternoon or early evening. It often includes a variety of savoury or sweet items such as pastries, sandwiches, fruits, or small bites, accompanied by coffee, tea, or a refreshing beverage. The concept revolves around the idea of taking a pleasant pause in the day to relax, socialise, and indulge in good food and company.
An escapade to Barcelona centre
Our adventure to central Barcelona was like stepping into a new Spanish-speaking country full of life and culture. Christine was thrilled, and it was evident we were learning Spanish and its heritage with each step.
In the historic Gothic Quarter, her excitement was contagious. This was more than a leisure programme; it was an intensive course in culture.
The aroma of chocolate con churros filled the air and was a must in Spanish courses for foodies. This wasn’t just a Spanish lesson; it was a dive into the heart of Spanish culinary arts. Each bite was like a word in a foreign language, sweet and rich.
Moving on, La Boquería market greeted us with a burst of colors and smells. It was a place where native Spanish speakers and tourists mingled, offering an array of local goods. This was a unique form of language learning, an immersive experience beyond basic topics or grammar classes.
Next, we explored Vicens, a shop specialising in turrón. Christine was in awe, savoring the flavors and absorbing the craftsmanship. The experience felt like an intensive class in Spanish traditions, perfect for any students who wish to delve deeper into the culture.
We wrapped up our day at El Caganer, a shop that was the epitome of Spanish culture and folklore. Christine was fascinated by the intricately crafted figurines, adding another layer to her Spanish learning journey. This offered a unique glimpse into the customs that make up Spain’s vibrant tapestry.
The memories of our Barcelona day, filled with cultural activities and new language skills, stayed with us. It felt like we had taken a two-week course condensed into one enriching day, and our minds felt sharp as a result.
The Subversive Charm of ‘El Caganer’: Unravelling the Whimsical Traditions of Barcelona’s Celebrated Figurine
El Caganer offers a unique perspective for those engaged in language learning, especially over 50s looking to learn Spanish. This whimsical tradition exemplifies the depth and diversity of cultural activities you can explore in a Spanish-speaking country like Spain.
If you’re considering an intensive course or perhaps looking to study Spanish more leisurely, understanding the cultural context of El Caganer can be both fun and educational.
Over 50s students who opt for Spanish courses often find learning about such traditions makes the language more relatable and easier to grasp. This resonates well for those who prefer to learn at their own pace, allowing an immersive experience that goes beyond the class environment.
Even if you’re planning a short one or two-week course, such unique cultural insights can significantly enhance your Spanish skills.
Interestingly, El Caganer has its roots in agricultural symbolism, which might not be part of typical Spanish lessons but adds a delightful layer to your Spanish language journey. Learning about this quirky figurine could be a fun way for Over 50s to learn Spanish, diving deep into cultural activities while perhaps improving their pronunciation of native Spanish words.
So if you’re planning to enrol in Spanish courses for Over 50s, consider seeking ones that blend language learning with cultural activities. This rounded approach not only keeps the mind sharp but also makes learning a new language like Spanish more enjoyable and fulfilling.
Catalonia’s Timeless Gem: Exploring the Enchanting Marvels of Girona, Spain
For Over 50s looking to learn Spanish, Spanish Express in Girona offers an immersive experience that complements traditional Spanish courses.
So, if you aim to learn Spanish abroad, Girona is an ideal destination. It’s not just about intensive classes or Spanish lessons; it’s about living the Spanish language in its most authentic form.
And for those committed to learning, Girona offers an enriching experience, making the mastery of this foreign language far more attainable.
Unbreakable Bonds: Christine’s Endearing Connection with My Golden Retrievers
Christine’s natural ability to connect with animals was apparent when she spent time with my Golden Retrievers. It was almost as if they were all involved in an intensive course on foreign language, the language of empathy and love.
Her body language, rich in kindness, spoke volumes, much like the nuanced tones of native speakers in a new language.
While my furry babies may not be involved in formal Spanish courses, they seemed to understand the universal language of affection. The learning process they underwent in their time spent with Christine was evident.
They might not be Over 50s learning Spanish, but they were certainly mature students in the school of emotional connection.
Also Read: Can a 70-Year-Old Learn Spanish? Read David’s Story at Spanish Express
Embracing Kindred Paths: The Unforgettable Journey with Christine, a Friend for Life
Christine became more than just another individual; I happened to share small groups of cultural activities. She became an irreplaceable companion. We didn’t need to study Spanish or any other language to communicate. Our mutual understanding surpassed the need for spoken words.
What I realised is that building a friendship is much like learning languages. It requires dedication, practice, and a willingness to make mistakes. It might not be a formal Spanish course or a rigorous, intensive class, but it’s a learning process nonetheless.
Christine and I might not have become fluent in any new foreign language, but we certainly became proficient in understanding the silent yet expressive language of friendship.
Our mutual affection wasn’t confined to a classroom setting or bound by grammar rules. It was free, much like how Over 50s learn Spanish at their own pace in a relaxed atmosphere.
It was a testament to the possibility that learning and bonding can happen simultaneously and that the bonds formed would withstand the trials and tribulations of life.
And just like my pets found a meaningful connection with Christine, I too found a soul companion whose presence became an intensive class in the subject of life itself.
Visit Spain with us and live an experience like Christine’s!
If you want to live an exciting adventure like Christine, join our SHIP! 😃
You will be able to discover beautiful cities like Barcelona, Valencia, Burgos or Palma de Mallorca amongts others exciting destination while learning and practising Spanish at our teachers’ homes or anywhere else in Spain, accompanied by our teachers and local guides. ✏️
Here, you can read about our students’ experiences in Barcelona province. 📖
Come and join us and be the protagonist of our next diaries. 😁
For more resources like this blog, check out our list of 29 essential Spanish learning blogs. Also, don’t miss our featured blog, How to Learn Spanish Fast — and Succeed! for more insightful tips and strategies.
FAQs
Is learning Spanish after 50 too difficult?
Not at all. Christine proves that age is no barrier to learning a new language. Plus, mature students bring unique life skills to the table that can aid in language learning.
Do these courses cater specifically to Over 50s?
Yes, Spanish Express designs courses that are tailored to meet the needs and pace of Over 50s learners. You’re never too old to learn.
What kind of activities are included in the Spanish course for Over 50s?
Apart from language classes, the courses may include outdoor activities like cycling hiking, and cultural activities such as museum visits to make learning fun and engaging.
How does learning Spanish benefit you beyond language skills?
As seen with Christine, learning Spanish can expand your social circle, keep your brain stimulated, and even enrich your travel experiences.
Can these courses be taken while vacationing in Spain?
Absolutely. Christine combined her love for travel and learning by taking an intensive Spanish course while exploring Spain. This helps in immersing oneself fully in the language and culture.
