Spanish Homestay Immersion Programme (SHIP) - Live & Study Spanish in your teacher's home in Spain

Spanish Express

Why choose Spanish Express ?

At Spanish Express, we craft immersive language experiences that reach far beyond the classroom. Our flagship Spanish Homestay Immersion Program (SHIP) places you inside your teacher's home across Spain's most captivating regions: Barcelona, Menorca, Valencia, and Cádiz, our most sought-after destinations, plus Cáceres, Burgos, and Sevilla.

With SHIP, you don't just learn Spanish, you live it. Daily lessons with certified teachers blend seamlessly with shared meals, family life, and cultural excursions, turning every moment into real practice.

Feel Barcelona's modernist energy, unwind on Menorca's turquoise shores, explore Valencia's bold fusion of tradition and innovation, or soak up Cádiz's Andalusian soul.

Winner of the GoOverseas Community Choice Awards for Language Schools in 2023, 2024, and 2025, we're a trusted leader in immersive Spanish education.

Menorca is Calling You! Our Most Loved New Destination

Reviews

Natalia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Why Learning Spanish with Mónica in Menorca Felt So Natural

I came to Menorca because I wanted to improve my Spanish in a more natural way, not just by sitting in a classroom. I already had a good level, around B2, but I often felt that I needed more confidence when speaking, especially in real situations.

From the beginning, the experience felt very personal. The lessons were adapted to my level and to the things I needed to improve. We worked on grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and conversation, but always in a very practical way. I also liked that I could ask questions freely and focus on the areas where I felt less secure.

What I enjoyed most was that Spanish was not limited to the lesson time. We spoke Spanish during meals, while walking around Ciutadella, visiting places, and doing normal everyday things. This helped me a lot because I had to use the language naturally, without preparing every sentence in advance.

Menorca was a beautiful place for this kind of immersion. I really enjoyed discovering Ciutadella, the old streets, the port, and some of the island’s cultural and historical places. Visiting sites like the Naveta d’Es Tudons and Can Saura Museum made the experience more interesting because I was learning Spanish while also learning about Menorcan history and culture.

Mónica made me feel very comfortable. I did not feel judged when I made mistakes, and that helped me speak more. Little by little, I noticed that I was reacting faster in Spanish and not translating so much in my head.

For me, this experience was useful, warm, and motivating. It gave me more confidence and helped me see Spanish as something I can use in real life, not only study from a book. I would recommend the Menorca SHIP experience to anyone who wants to improve their Spanish in a personal and authentic way.

What was your funniest moment?
One of the funniest moments was learning about Menorcan culture with Mónica and trying to remember all the local names, traditions, and little details connected to the island. I speak Spanish quite well, but Menorca has its own identity, history, and expressions, so I felt like I was discovering another world inside Spain. We laughed a lot because I became very curious and kept asking Mónica more and more questions.
Pros
  • Mónica adapted the experience to my level and interests.
  • I did not only improve my Spanish; I also discovered Menorcan history, traditions, local identity, and places.
  • I used the language throughout the day in real conversations, meals, walks, and cultural visits.
Cons
  • Menorca made me want more time. I need to go back with Mónica!
  • Because Spanish is used throughout the day, the immersion requires energy and concentration.
Amy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Spanish immersion in Valencia

I left Valencia with stronger Spanish skills, greater confidence in speaking, and wonderful memories of my time with Pilar. More importantly, I left feeling inspired to continue learning the language. This experience exceeded my expectations in every way, and I would wholeheartedly recommend Pilar to anyone looking for an authentic Spanish immersion experience. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, Pilar creates a personalized experience that combines excellent instruction, cultural immersion, and genuine hospitality. I am grateful for the time we shared and hope to return in the future.

What was your funniest moment?
I enjoyed our time at the beach and bike riding to the museums. The museum exhibit was a great opportunity to test my language skills by reading the exhibit displays in Spanish.
Jane
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Adult Study Abroad!

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 college abroad in Seville.

Spanish Express exceeded all my expectations.

Monica designed a customized program specifically tailored to my language level, interests, and goals. The one-to-one immersion format provided an unparalleled opportunity to improve my Spanish through 24/7 conversation and interaction. Rather than focusing on basic tourist Spanish, our discussions covered family, travel, art, current events, Spanish culture, and everything we experienced throughout the day.

What made the program especially effective was the natural way language learning was integrated into everyday life. We practiced speaking in the past, present, and future tenses, while instructors offered gentle corrections to vocabulary and grammar that helped me improve without interrupting the flow of conversation.

The daily excursions added another dimension to the experience. I not only improved my Spanish but also gained a deeper understanding of Spain's history, culture, and contemporary society. Structured lesson time complemented the immersion experience by strengthening my comprehension and grammar skills.

For anyone seeking a meaningful and authentic way to improve their Spanish while learning about Spain and its people, I highly recommend Spanish Express. It was exactly the experience I had been searching for.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
When I do this over again, I will plan to spend more time in Spain before or after the program to continue practicing my new and improved Spanish skills!
Pros
  • Total Immersion
  • 1:1 instruction
  • Customized program to meet MY language goals
Read my full story
Bas
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Two weeks in Valencia

My experience with this type of learning was great. I was in Valencia with Pilar Martinez, for two weeks. She is able to build a tailor made program for each student, based on the starting level and that meant I had a maximum learning curve. I loved the fact we only spoke Spanish, which as a beginner is difficult and sometimes exhausting but incredibly rewarding. All the people we met, family and friends, as well as all the museums and tours we did, were situations to speak and listen to Spanish. Pilar is the perfect teacher and great host in a beautiful house and wonderful region of Spain.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
Cycling around the city of Valencia
Pros
  • Practicing speaking
  • Being emerged in Spanish.
Monica
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Two unforgettable weeks in Menorca with Mónica

I chose Menorca for my Spanish Homestay Immersion Programme because I wanted to improve my Spanish in a real, natural environment while also discovering the culture of the island. I came from Rome, Italy, where I work as an estate agent, and being able to communicate confidently in Spanish is something I really value, both personally and professionally.

I already had a strong B2 level when I arrived, but during my two weeks with Mónica, my host teacher and the Founder and Director of Spanish Express, I felt that my Spanish became more fluent, more confident, and much more natural.

The experience was not only about lessons. It was about living the language every day: during conversations, meals, walks, excursions, and normal daily life. Mónica corrected my mistakes in a very gentle and practical way, and I always felt encouraged to speak. I especially enjoyed being able to discuss real topics, compare Italian and Spanish culture, and use Spanish in meaningful conversations.

Menorca completely amazed me. I loved discovering Ciutadella and Mahón, and some of the places we visited were truly unforgettable. Palacio Torre-Saura was beautiful, Sa Naveta d’Es Tudons was fascinating, and Líthica was one of the most impressive places I saw on the island. I also loved Playa Algaiarens, which quickly became one of my favourite beaches.

Food was another important part of the experience. I really enjoyed trying local Menorcan products, especially sobrassada and cheese. I was also invited to try gin amb llimonada, and I loved it! It was one of those moments where learning Spanish suddenly became even more relaxed, social, and enjoyable.

Another lovely part of the experience was meeting Mónica’s childhood friends. They were so much fun, warm, lively, and welcoming. Even when the conversations moved quickly between Spanish, Catalan, Menorcan expressions, and lots of laughter, I felt included and encouraged to join in. It was real-life Spanish practice at its best — natural, spontaneous, and full of personality.

Mónica and I got on very well from the beginning. Of course, sharing the same name was already a funny start. Every time someone said “Mónica,” we both looked up, which made us laugh more than once. We also discovered that we had a very similar sense of humour, so even when I made mistakes in Spanish or mixed up words, the atmosphere was always relaxed and fun.

There were many funny little moments during the two weeks: trying to understand Menorcan expressions, comparing Italian and Spanish gestures, laughing at how dramatic we could both be, and realising that sometimes language mistakes create the best conversations. Considering the language and cultural differences, I think we did very well — and we laughed a lot along the way.

My two weeks in Menorca were much more than a Spanish course. They were a complete cultural and personal experience. I improved my Spanish, discovered a beautiful island, enjoyed local traditions, met wonderful people, and felt truly welcomed.

I would definitely recommend the Spanish Homestay Immersion Programme to anyone who wants to learn Spanish in a real, human, and unforgettable way.

Programs

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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

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.
 

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Richard

Job Title
Host Teacher
Richard is a dedicated host teacher based in Cáceres, Extremadura, who believes in true language immersion through everyday life. Known for his adaptable teaching style and cultural sensitivity, he helps students integrate Spanish naturally into their daily routines.
Richard Host Teacher with Spanish Express

Staff Spotlight: Richard

What is your favorite travel memory?

Walking through the old town of Cáceres at sunset is one of my favorite travel memories. The stone streets, quiet squares, and medieval towers feel timeless. I remember sitting in a small plaza, listening to the sounds of the city and watching the light change on the buildings. It reminded me that travel doesn’t need to be far or fast to be meaningful. Sometimes the most powerful experiences happen close to home.
 

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

Working with Spanish Express has helped me grow as a teacher and as a host. I’ve learned how to adapt my teaching style to very different students, from beginners to advanced professionals. Hosting students in my home has also taught me patience, flexibility, and cultural awareness. Every student brings a new perspective, and that constant exchange has made me more open and attentive as an educator.
 

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

One student returned and told me that they now think in Spanish during everyday moments while cooking, walking, or even talking to themselves. Hearing that was very special. It showed me that the immersion worked beyond grammar and lessons. Spanish has become part of their daily life, which is exactly what this programme is about.
 

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

I would choose the homestay immersion programme in Menorca. I love the sea, and since Cáceres is inland, I would prefer a seaside location. Menorca is a very tranquil island, which makes it an ideal place for learning and cultural immersion.

Additionally, Mónica is the host teacher there, and she was my mentor during my teacher training. I have a very good relationship with her, and I believe staying with her would make the experience both enriching and comfortable. Experiencing the programme again from a student’s perspective would help me grow as a teacher, as I strongly believe that teachers should always remain learners.
 

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

Spanish Express is unique because it truly values quality over quantity. The focus is always on the student’s experience, not just on selling courses. I feel especially proud when I see how well the team supports students before, during, and after their stay. Everyone works together to make sure each experience feels personal and meaningful.
 

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

The biggest factor in achieving long-term success is genuine human connection. When a company truly cares about people, including students, teachers, and staff, that care is reflected in the quality of its work and results. Trust, mutual respect, and clear, honest communication create a strong foundation for positive relationships. When individuals feel valued, supported, and genuinely listened to, motivation increases, collaboration improves, and success follows naturally for both the team and the organization as a whole.