Lyn is a 64-year-old traveler from the UK who has spent years exploring Spain and deepening her connection with its culture. Through an immersive language program in Valencia, she embraced a more authentic way of living and learning Spanish within a local community.
Why did you choose this program?
I chose this program because I wanted more than just Spanish lessons, I wanted to live the language. I had visited Spain many times as a tourist, but I longed for a deeper, more authentic experience. Living with my teacher offered full immersion in daily life, language, and culture, which felt like the most natural and effective way to become fluent and truly understand Spain. It also aligned perfectly with my long-term goal of retiring in Spain.
What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
The program provider organized everything related to my stay: accommodation, lessons, cultural activities, and daily immersion with my host teacher. They created a safe, structured, and welcoming environment. I only had to organize my travel to Spain and personal arrangements. Once I arrived, everything was taken care of, allowing me to focus fully on learning and enjoying the experience.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
Arrive with an open mind and a willingness to speak Spanish at all times, even when you make mistakes. Fully embrace the immersion by participating in conversations, shared meals, and daily activities with your host. The more you engage and step outside your comfort zone, the more confident, natural, and fluent you will become in a surprisingly short time.
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
A typical day includes structured Spanish lessons in the morning, followed by shared meals and informal conversations with the host family and other guests. Afternoons often involve cultural activities, excursions, or time to relax and study. Each week blends learning with real-life experiences, exploring nearby towns, enjoying local food, and living as part of a Spanish-speaking household.
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it?
My biggest fear was not understanding enough Spanish and feeling isolated. I overcame this by reminding myself that making mistakes is part of learning. The warmth of my host teacher and the supportive environment helped me gain confidence quickly, and soon I felt comfortable expressing myself and becoming more independent in daily conversations.
How did your views on the issue change? What was the most unexpected part of your experience, and would you do anything differently?
What surprised me most was how quickly I began to feel at home. I expected to improve my Spanish, but I didn’t expect to feel such a strong sense of belonging in such a short time. Living with my host and sharing daily life made the experience truly meaningful. If I could change anything, I would choose to stay longer, as one week felt far too short for such a rich and rewarding experience.