Why did you choose this program?
As a recently retired professional, I was looking for an adult study-abroad experience that would help me reconnect with the Spanish I studied in school and during my semester abroad in Seville many years ago. I wanted more than a traditional classroom program—I wanted total immersion.
Spanish Express stood out because Monica was incredibly responsive to my initial inquiry and willing to customize the experience to my skill level, interests, and schedule. I was especially attracted to the opportunity to live in my instructor's home and participate in a one-to-one immersion program. The idea of speaking Spanish throughout the day, rather than only during class hours, seemed like the most effective way to improve my language skills while gaining a deeper understanding of Spain and its culture.
What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
Spanish Express helped with virtually everything except my flight to Spain. Monica provided guidance before I arrived, including recommendations to spend a few days exploring Barcelona and recovering from jet lag before beginning the program. That advice was invaluable because it allowed me to start the immersion experience feeling rested and ready to learn.
Once the program began, everything was thoughtfully organized—from lessons and cultural activities to daily excursions and opportunities for authentic conversation. It made the entire experience seamless and stress-free.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
If your schedule allows, spend additional time in Spain before and after the program. Arriving a few days early helped me adjust to the time difference and enjoy some independent travel before beginning the intensive immersion experience.
I would also encourage participants to embrace every opportunity to speak Spanish, even when they're unsure of themselves. The goal isn't perfection—it's communication. The more willing you are to engage in conversation, the more you'll gain from the experience.
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
Each day combined structured learning with real-world immersion. We spent time working on specific lessons designed to improve my comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary, but the real magic happened throughout the day during natural conversations.
Because the program is one-to-one and conducted entirely in Spanish, every activity became a learning opportunity. We talked about family, travel, art, history, current events, and whatever we experienced during our excursions. Conversations naturally moved between past, present, and future tenses, helping me build fluency in a practical way.
Daily cultural excursions were another highlight. They provided insight into Spain's history, culture, and contemporary life while creating endless opportunities to practice Spanish in authentic situations.
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?
My biggest fear was that I wouldn't remember enough Spanish from my studies years ago to participate comfortably in conversations. I was also concerned that speaking Spanish all day would leave me mentally exhausted.
Fortunately, neither concern turned out to be a problem. From the very beginning, Monica and the other instructors created a supportive environment where learning felt natural and enjoyable. They gently corrected vocabulary and verb tenses without interrupting the flow of conversation, which helped build my confidence rather than making me self-conscious.
Instead of feeling exhausted, I found the experience energizing. I was surprised by how much Spanish returned once I began using it regularly, and I left with far more confidence than I had when I arrived.
What was the most rewarding part of this program?
The most rewarding part was realizing that I wasn't just improving my Spanish—I was forming genuine connections and gaining a deeper understanding of modern Spain.
Many language programs focus primarily on grammar and vocabulary. Spanish Express certainly helped me improve those skills, but it also gave me insight into Spanish family life, culture, history, traditions, and contemporary issues. Living in my instructor's home and sharing daily experiences created opportunities for conversations that simply aren't possible in a classroom setting.
By the end of the week, I felt more confident speaking Spanish and more connected to Spain and its people. That's what made the experience so memorable.
