Learning a new language is a fun activity, but you are afraid of exams, right? Learning for fun or to pass an exam are two different things. At Spanish Express, we magically combine these and weave them with tourism.
So, we provide a Homestay Immersion Programme for Spanish DELE to make this exam a mesmerizing journey for you. Your DELE Exam journey becomes more like a trip to a Spanish-speaking country where you live in your teacher’s home and immerse in local Spanish culture.
We don’t just say it; see an example of our teenage student Alasdair, who prepared his DELE exam with us while playing football, visiting historical sites in Barcelona, and juggling with Monica’s lovely Golden Retrievers: Rumba & Samba. Mónica is our founder and host-teacher in Barcelona.
Later in this blog, you will read her diary tracking the footsteps of Alasdair’s experience at her home. Along with that, we will break down the Exam structure and provide you with a roadmap to take your DELE exam either online or through an immersion program.
What Is DELE in Spanish? Exam Structure
The DELE programme, offered by Spanish Express, is a level test to assess your linguistic skills in the Spanish language. Originating in Spain but recognized in most Spanish-speaking countries, including those in Latin America, the DELE is an excellent way to evaluate your proficiency in this Romance language.
The DELE exam is a comprehensive test that covers four parts: reading comprehension, written expression, oral expression, and listening. Let’s briefly describe DELE B1 as an example:
Reading Comprehension: This part assesses your 1ability to understand informative texts and answer questions related to them. You’ll need to identify the main idea and specific information.
Written Expression: Here, you are expected to produce simple yet coherent texts on everyday topics. Your grammar, writing, and vocabulary skills will be under scrutiny.
Oral Expression: This part examines your speaking ability. You’ll describe situations, express personal interest, and answer questions orally.
Listening: Your comprehension skills will be tested again as you listen to dialogues or monologues and answer related questions.
You don’t need to memorize a dictionary to pass. What’s crucial is your ability to handle most situations that could arise while travelling in Spain or any Latin American country.
The exam is structured to ensure the candidate can read, write, speak, and understand Spanish at an intermediate level. Various practice exams and quizzes are available to prepare you for each section effectively.
What is the Difference between DELE B1 and DELE B2 Spanish?
DELE B1 and DELE B2 levels differ mainly in complexity and depth. DELE B1 is an intermediate stage where you handle everyday situations and basic expressions. DELE B2 takes it up a notch: you’re expected to understand complex texts and express yourself more fluently.
DELE B1 focuses on practical language use, while DELE B2 tests your ability to use the language in more abstract and complicated scenarios.
In short, DELE B1 is about getting by, and DELE B2 is about diving deeper into the linguistic nuances of the Spanish language. Our student, Alasdair, started with DELE A2 and then moved to DELE B1 to make sure he enjoyed the process instead of stressing himself out.
Why Take the DELE Exam?
Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world. It provides you with various cultural and business opportunities. While most of the time you need to develop conversational Spanish skills, DELE Exams for Spanish help you progress as an educational or a business person.
Some jobs even have criteria where applicants must hold a DELE certificate. Earning this certificate can set you apart in competitive job markets and enhance your resume. Additionally, it serves as a globally recognized proof of your linguistic skills, further opening doors for travel or study abroad.
DELE Exam Preparation 100% Online
At Spanish Express, we offer DELE exam preparation lessons that fully adhere to the Instituto Cervantes guidelines. Taught by Spanish native speakers and DELE-qualified examiners, our comprehensive courses cover everything from grammar and vocabulary to exam techniques. Get insider tips and hands-on practice to ace any DELE level exam.
Would you like to visit the first park of silence in Spain? Or do you dream of visiting Antoni Gaudí’s works, such as the Sagrada Familia? 😍
You can discover these places in Barcelona, Spain, and more with Spanish Express! 💃
This cosmopolitan city is available as part of our Spanish Homestay Immersion Programme (SHIP) 🚢.
We will welcome you with open arms in Dosrius, Barcelona!
This beautiful natural province area hides terrific treasures that will leave you speechless. The best thing is that, just a few hours away, you’ll have the opportunity to experience Barcelona’s diverse and colourful city centre.
You’ll get the best of both worlds in one trip while learning Spanish.
If you wish to find out more about this experience, we present to you the diary of Mónica, founder and director of Spanish Express and a Spanish teacher-hostess in the province of Barcelona.
Mónica welcomed Alasdair, our latest student, to visit Barcelona, Spain, and now shares with us his adventures in this beautiful region in Spain.
Discover their story and be the next to join us! 🌅
Barcelona, Spain: A Leaf from Monica’s Diary
Destination: Barcelona, Spain.
Student: A 16 years old teen Alasdair from the United Kingdom
Tutor/Narrator: Monica, residing in Barcelona, Spain
Objective: To prepare for the DELE B1.
Hello, it’s me, Monica, from Spanish Express. After hosting thousands of students from around the world in my hometown, Barcelona, I still feel refreshed receiving every new learner. Each guest student brings energy and leaves memories, and I love to trace those memories over and again. This time, I am here with a young sports enthusiast.
Our student, Alasdair, is a 16-year-old teenager who has been studying with us virtually for the last two years. Therefore, I was delighted to be able to share with him ten wonderful days (he stayed three extra days) participating in the Spanish Homestay Immersion Programme (SHIP) in Dosrius, Barcelona.
Alasdair chose June to visit Dosrius in Barcelona, as he had finished his GCSE exams and, as he is such a good student, his mother rewarded him with the immersion trip to Barcelona.
Start of SHIP
During the first few days that Alasdair and I shared, I really enjoyed seeing his passion for sports, culture, and nature, as well as his interest in learning more and more about the Spanish language.
Alasdair had the opportunity to improve his Spanish through sporting activities such as football, basketball, and swimming, as well as the many visits we made during his stay.
One of the main activities Alasdair took part in was the football club he attended every morning, where he had the opportunity to practice Spanish while playing football with other boys his age.
He was also curious to see the Montnegre i Corredor natural park, the first silent park in Spain.
This area has been chosen as the first park of silence in the country, thanks to the initiative led by Quiet Parks International. Its main objective is to ensure that peace and silence are the only things in natural places.
In this way, the Montnegre i Corredor natural park joined the long list of parks worldwide that are part of this plan.
Alasdair had read about it, so he wanted to experience it by visiting the only such park in Spain. It was a privilege to enjoy the sounds of this area’s flora and fauna.
The best part? This park is in my backyard!
What can I tell you? These are some advantages of living with your teacher while learning Spanish.
Half Way Through SHIP
Due to the immediate proximity of Montnegre i Corredor to my home and Alasdair’s passion for sport, walks in the mountains became our daily routine.
The landscapes and the varied vegetation surprised Alasdair. He never thought that these natural landscapes could be found in such a place as Barcelona, Spain.
We also had the opportunity to explore the nature of the Costa del Maresme, another area belonging to the local province.
During these walks, we had two faithful companions, my beautiful golden retrievers, Rumba and Samba. As well as walking with us, they played with Alasdair when we got home – they are both like little girls!
However, this was not our only animal contact on our journey. A visit to the donkey reserve, Rukimon, was also part of the itinerary.
That is the only donkey reserve in Spain and has volunteer programs in case some visitors feel like sponsoring one of their rescued donkeys.
The visit resulted in some amusing anecdotes that left Alasdair (and the donkeys) happy as a clam.
Spanish Lessons at SHIP
Of course, Spanish lessons made up a large part of our daily itinerary. Although we put into practice what we had learnt in every place we visited, the sessions at home were not lacking.
With Alasdair, we focus on lessons for the DELE B1. In our programs, we adapt to the needs of each student. We prepare them for official exams or in any Spanish area they wish to improve on.
We also focus on exams such as SIELE, IGCSE, GCSE, and A-Level. Some of these can be taken with us, as Spanish Express is one of the seven UK’s SIELE accredited centres, and we are part of the David Game group, one of the most prestigious private schools and examination centres in England.
In addition to the lessons, we have an activity booklet with local sites, which is both educational and cultural. Alasdair told me that he learned a lot about the culture of Spain, and he is pleased because his listening comprehension has improved a lot, and he feels more confident when speaking Spanish.
What Alasdair enjoyed most, apart from learning more about the Spanish language, was the comfort of the places where classes took place.
Sometimes indoors, accompanied by Rumba and Samba. On other occasions, we opted for the terrace with the company of the mountain breeze and others in some places we visited to be able to answer lesson questions while we were visiting the site.
What a luxury to be able to have Spanish classes in the middle of nature!
Final Days of the SHIP
Of course, one day we went to the centre of Barcelona and visited many tourist sites in the capital on the tourist bus, which allowed us to get on and off as many times as we wanted and, of course, to take photos from the top floor of the bus.
Alasdair was thrilled!
The Sagrada Familia and Casa Batllóle stole Alasdair’s heart, as they are unforgettable places that leave a lasting impression on all who visit them.
It was a unique experience for Alasdair to be part of a Spanish family because he had the opportunity to meet my parents and the boys in the football club and other boys on the basketball courts next to my house.
In this way, he could integrate into Spanish culture and savour the typical gastronomy of one of Spain’s best-known regions.
Undoubtedly, Dosrius is the perfect place to enjoy a pleasant conversation in Spanish, taste exquisite typical dishes at home and in the famous Catalan farmhouses, and be surprised by its natural parks, flora, and fauna.
Alasdair is a sweetheart! He has been studying with us for two years. He got an A* at IGCSE, and we are now preparing him for the DELE B1 exam, which we have no doubt he will pass with flying colours after participating in the SHIP.
Mónica
Founder and director of Spanish Express
Spanish Express Host Teacher
Not Sure What Works for You?
You Can Also Live this Experience With Spanish Express! 🎉
If you enjoyed Alasdair’s adventure, wait until you see all the other destinations we have available in our Spanish Homestay Immersion Programme (SHIP).
In addition to the impressive Barcelona, you can also visit Valencia, Navarra, Mallorca, Malaga, and Madrid. 👀
The most important provinces of Spain are available for you.
While learning Spanish, you’ll see unique places and immerse yourself in the culture. 💃
Make the most of the summer – live and study Spanish at your teacher’s home in Spain with Spanish Express! 🙌
Our SHIP is waiting for you. 🚢
Absolutely, there’s More at Spanish Express
We don’t just offer the Homestay Immersion Programme. We have a range of other courses, workshops, and programs designed to suit different learning needs and styles. 📚
From online group classes to private lessons and even specialized business Spanish courses, we’ve got you covered. 💼
Interested in diving deeper into Spanish culture? Our cultural workshops offer a unique blend of language and tradition, from cooking classes to dance lessons. 💃🕺
Our free Spanish Resources include:
So whether you’re a beginner or an advanced speaker, Spanish Express has a program that will take your Spanish skills to the next level. 🌟
We will be your host at the following SHIP Destination:
Your journey to Spanish fluency starts with Spanish Express! 🌍
FAQs
How does the Homestay Immersion Programme work?
In the Homestay Immersion Programme, you live in a teacher’s home in Spain and immerse yourself in local culture while preparing for the DELE exam.
Are online DELE Exam Preparation courses as effective as in-person classes?
Yes, our online courses are designed to offer comprehensive preparation, including past papers and exam techniques, all taught by DELE-qualified examiners.
How can I prepare for the written expression part of the DELE exam?
Our courses cover written expression comprehensively, providing you with grammar reviews, idiomatic expressions, and text analysis to help you write coherent texts for the exam.
