Staff Spotlight: Ana

Title:
Host Teacher

Photos

Ana, from Madrid with a love for Barcelona’s coast, holds a University of Barcelona Master’s in Teaching Spanish Foreign Language. An official DELE examiner (A1–B2) and seasoned copywriter-transcreator, she brings over ten years’ expertise to immersive, culturally rich language instruction.

What is your favorite travel memory?

My memory is an insect’s memory. If I want to remember details, I have to ask friends or family: Did I like that place? Did we eat well at that restaurant? That being said, I can easily remember the uses of the subjunctive, the differences between the imperfect and preterite, the differences between ser and estar. It is funny because I forget important travel details but remember grammar perfectly. Maybe my brain just prefers Spanish grammar over vacation memories. I guess teaching grammar is my real travel memory!
 

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

From each student, a thousand lessons emerge because each student has a different background and specific needs. Not all of us like or are interested in the same things. Students learn a lot from us, but I can assure you that we learn a lot from them too. That constant exchange makes me grow professionally and keeps me motivated every day.
 

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

Students come back very happy from the immersion experience. But if you are reading this because you want to join one of our courses, you should know that students not only return home satisfied because they had a great time, lived a unique experience, and learned a lot, they also come back very tired. It is not a vacation! I say this as a joke, but seriously, we adapt to each student's preferences. You have to be ready for a busy and full program.
 

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

I would choose Mónica’s program. Not only because this woman’s energy is contagious and she is so much fun, but also because her parents are wonderful and make the stay very pleasant. Her dogs are so cute too. This combination makes the stay really special. I have heard great things about Mónica’s program and I believe it would be an amazing experience to be part of it. The energy and kindness of the people involved make it a program I would love to join.
 

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

Everything. Always. These are the two answers. Spanish Express is unique in every way. It is a company created with a lot of love, effort, and hard work. That is why it is so special. I am always proud of the team because the teachers go through quality control to ensure we are expert teachers and hosts who care for the students like their own family. This makes me proud every single day.
 

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

Work, effort, dedication, confidence, and a lot of passion for what you do. These are the most important factors. When you love your work and put passion into it, everything becomes possible. Without passion, it is hard to keep going. Confidence helps to face challenges, and dedication ensures that you never give up. All these combined make a company successful. Success is not just about working hard but also about loving what you do and believing in it.