Spanish Express

Program Reviews

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Jon
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

To learn Spanish for business in Barcelona, Spain

Spanish and Latin American vibes are everywhere in the US. Being bilingual is a big plus for lots of jobs, and I'm all about leveling up my career using my Spanish skills. I've been hitting up job interviews with some international companies that have offices in Barcelona, Spain. That's why I signed up for the Spanish Homestay Immersion Program (SHIP) in Barcelona. It's my chance to put all that Spanish knowledge I've been soaking up into action.
Spanish Express also has this online program that pairs up perfectly with SHIP in Spain.

Mónica's been my Spanish sensei for business stuff, helping me fine-tune my CV and get ready for job interviews for a whole year. Then, we finally met up in Spain for two weeks. Not only did I polish up my Spanish, but I also got the lowdown on doing business in Spain, soaked in the culture, checked out the art scene, and way more.

Seriously, if you're looking to step up your career game using Spanish, I totally recommend this program. It's the real deal.

What was your funniest moment?
During my home immersion program in Barcelona, I had a hilarious encounter that left us all in stitches. It was my attempt to order a classic Spanish dish, paella, at a local restaurant. Confident in my newly polished Spanish skills, I enthusiastically placed my order, or so I thought. Instead of asking for "paella de mariscos" (seafood paella), I mistakenly requested "paella de mariachis," unknowingly substituting "mariscos" (seafood) with "mariachis" (Mexican musicians). The waiter, trying to contain his laughter, politely informed me of my error, which sent our entire table into fits of giggles. From then on, "paella de mariachis" became an inside joke among my host family and me, reminding me to always double-check my vocabulary before ordering.
Pros
  • Cultural Enrichment
  • Immersive Language Learning
  • Personal Growth and Independence
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Sarah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Valencia's experience

I arrived excited in Valencia for my Spanish immersion course. The family of my teacher, Pilar, warmly welcomed me to their charming house in the mountains, just a few minutes from the beach.
Mornings were spent learning in intensive classes with Pilar. In the afternoons, we explored Valencia together, from the Barrio del Carmen to the City of Arts and Sciences.
Shared meals with Pilar's family became practical lessons. On weekends, we explored the Albufera and tried horchata and fartons.
By the end of the course, my Spanish had improved, but the most valuable aspect was the experience itself. I said goodbye with gratitude, carrying with me lasting memories and enhanced language skills. I highly recommend the Spanish course in Valencia with Pilar.

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Alvaro
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing experience

I thoroughly recommend Mónica's programme in Barcelona for travel lovers

It couldn't have gone more smoothly! By far the most enjoyable Spanish programme I've ever experienced. Mónica provided knowledge and confidence, made certain that the course was interesting and relevant to my interests, which are nature, photography and art in general. A week spent with Mónica and her two adorable Golden retrievers, Rumba and Samba, was an unforgettable cultural experience. Mónica's parents live upstairs, and her father is an incredible cook as well as an incredible artist. They were all friendly and welcoming, and the food was delicious. The house is adorned with vibrant paintings. My spoken and written Spanish has greatly improved so I now feel confident to travel around Spain and Latin America. I wholeheartedly recommend Mónica's programme in the province of Barcelona.

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Mírela
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing experience at Pilar’s house in Valencia

Participating in the Spanish immersion program at Pilar’s house in Valencia was a truly enriching experience. Pilar’s warm hospitality instantly made me feel like part of her family. The personalised lessons were carefully tailored to my language goals, allowing me to make significant strides in my Spanish proficiency. Living with a native speaker was a game-changer; it gave me the opportunity to practice the language in real-life situations, greatly improving my conversational skills. Pilar’s teaching style was engaging and interactive, making learning both enjoyable and effective. Exploring Valencia with her guidance was a delightful bonus; I got to discover the city's hidden gems and immerse myself in its vibrant culture. This immersion program not only deepened my understanding of the Spanish language but also allowed me to forge meaningful connections and memories. I wholeheartedly recommend this program to anyone looking to learn Spanish while experiencing the beauty and charm of Valencia.

What was your funniest moment?
My funniest moment was when I tried to speak to a Spanish girl and she spoke so fast that I thought it was an embarbussament to me.
Pros
  • Truly enriching experience
  • Warm hospitality
  • Personalized lessons
Cons
  • My difficulty learning the language
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Giulia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Transformative Journey through Pilar's Spanish Immersion Program in Valencia

Embarking on the Spanish immersion program at Pilar's house in Valencia was an incredible journey of language and culture. Pilar's welcoming home instantly felt like a second home, providing a comfortable and immersive setting for learning. The personalised lessons were tailored to my individual needs and learning style, ensuring that I made significant progress during my stay. Living with a native speaker was a unique advantage, as I was able to practise conversational Spanish daily and gain valuable insights into local customs and expressions. Pilar's expertise and passion for teaching were evident in every session, making the learning process engaging and enjoyable. Exploring Valencia with her guidance opened up a world of authentic experiences, from savouring local cuisine to discovering historic landmarks. This program not only honed my language skills but also allowed me to forge connections and memories that will last a lifetime. If you're seeking a comprehensive and immersive way to learn Spanish while immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of Valencia, this immersion program is an absolute must.

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Sinead
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best experience ever

Participating in the Spanish immersion program at Pilar's house in Valencia was an eye-opening adventure. From the moment I stepped into her home, I felt like I was part of her family. The personalised lessons were tailored to my specific needs, and Pilar's patience and expertise made learning enjoyable and effective. Living with a native speaker was an invaluable opportunity; it pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me develop conversational skills I never thought possible. Pilar's passion for teaching was evident in their creative and engaging lessons. Exploring Valencia with her guidance added an extra layer of authenticity to my experience; I was able to connect with locals and uncover hidden gems that I wouldn't have discovered on my own. This immersion program not only improved my language skills but also allowed me to immerse myself in the vibrant culture of Valencia. If you're seeking a truly immersive and rewarding way to learn Spanish, look no further than this program.

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Aurora
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Incredible Experience Barcelona

I had the most incredible experience during my stay at Mónica's house in the province of Barcelona. Exploring the hiking trails of Montnegre I Corredor Natural Park, Spain's first park of silence, was truly an adventure to cherish. Despite the park's serene atmosphere, Mónica made sure to infuse our time with laughter and engaging Spanish conversations. It was a refreshing and inspiring environment that truly enhanced my language learning experience.

One memorable afternoon, I had the pleasure of strolling through Mataró with Josefina, Mónica's mother, engaging in Spanish conversations with locals along the way. It was a fantastic opportunity to immerse myself in the language and culture, proving that Spanish classes can be both educational and enjoyable.

Listening to Spanish music proved to be an effective and enjoyable method of language learning. Instead of tedious textbook exercises, studying song lyrics allowed me to grasp new vocabulary, idioms, and colloquial phrases effortlessly. As someone who loves to sing and dance, a night out was a highlight of my trip. Sharing the experience with Mónica's vibrant group of friends made it even more memorable.

To cap off my visit, I was treated to a delicious Sunday family meal featuring a seafood casserole with rice, expertly prepared by Juan, Mónica's father. It was the perfect farewell to a truly unforgettable experience.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would stayed longer!
Pros
  • Able to be with a Spanish family
  • Listening to Spanish from waking up
  • The weather!
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Ayesha
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An incredible experience with the immersion program to learn Spanish at Mónica's house in Dosrius, Barcelona

I had an incredible experience with the immersion program to learn Spanish at Mónica's house in Barcelona. From the moment I arrived, I was warmly welcomed into her home, which provided an authentic and comfortable environment for improving my Spanish.

The personalized lessons were tailored to my level and needs, making the learning process engaging and effective. Living with a native Spanish speaker allowed me to practice the language outside of the classroom, enhancing my conversational skills. Mónica's expertise and patience were remarkable, and the cultural insights she shared enriched my understanding of the language and local customs.

Exploring Barcelona province with guidance from a local was a unique bonus, as I got to immerse myself in it. Overall, this immersion program exceeded my expectations and was an invaluable opportunity to improve my Spanish in an authentic setting.

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Sophie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The best experience learning spanish

Participating in Arancha’s Spanish immersion program in Menorca was an incredible experience. Her welcoming home in Mahón, the island’s capital, provided the perfect environment for deepening my Spanish language skills. Personalized lessons tailored to my level and goals ensured effective learning.
Living with a native Spanish speaker and qualified teacher was a dream. Daily interactions immersed me in the language, and Arancha’s patient approach made learning enjoyable, even with complex topics.
I had the wonderful opportunity to spend the weekend with Santiago from Argentina, another teacher from Spanish Express, who was in Spain for a teacher’s reunion. It was fascinating to experience different accents and I found it incredibly enriching. Additionally, I had the pleasure of meeting Mónica, the founder and director of Spanish Express. She generously extended her time and invited me to participate in extra weekend activities not included in the program.
Exploring Menorca with Arancha, Santiago, Mónica and several of her childhood friends was a highlight. From historic sites to authentic cuisine, I immersed myself in local life, deepening my understanding of gastronomy, art and culture in general.
This immersion program surpassed expectations, enhancing both my language skills and cultural connection. If you want a unique way to learn Spanish while enjoying Menorca’s beauty, I highly recommend it.

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Ashley
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing Spanish Immersion Experience In Spain!

I recently returned from an amazing two-week stay in Spain with Spanish Express. I spent one week with Monica in Barcelona (Dosruis) and one week with Alberto and Marisol in Burgos. Both weeks were phenomenal experiences!

In Barcelona (Dosruis), I stayed with Monica, her lovely parents, and their two adorable Golden Retrievers. I had a private bedroom and bathroom, the room was clean, and the bed was very comfortable. In Burgos, I stayed with Alberto and Marisol and their daughter. Once again, I had a clean comfortable bedroom and a separate bathroom.

Both families went out of their way to ensure I was comfortable, had everything I needed, as well as anything I may have wanted. I had the opportunity to go grocery shopping, wash clothes, and select the activities I wanted to do each week.

The thing that surprised me the most was the generosity of both families. I knew that some activities came with the fee paid for the program, but both families went above and beyond any of my expectations. For example, we went out for various meals and tapas, a hop-on hop-off bus tour of Barcelona, visited a cathedral, went to the beach, multiple monasteries, a concert, went to Carnaval, toured various well-known and lesser-known sites, and much more!

Additionally, having a local family take you around gives you a perspective outside of what you get from traditional tours, and you get to experience more of the local life throughout your stay.

Of course, the reason most people are probably looking to attend a Spanish Immersion program is for the Spanish classes. Depending on the program you select you get a set number of class hours per week, and you can let your teacher/s know what you want to focus on.

The first week my lessons were focused on studying for the SIELE exam and the second week my lessons were focused on better understanding when to use each verb tense. The great thing about immersion is that even outside of class time you are still speaking and practicing Spanish throughout the day.

All in all, you get way more from attending a program with Spanish Express than just Spanish classes. Although the Spanish classes are great, what sets this program apart is getting to experience living in Spain with amazing families who are more than generous with their time and who really want to show you a great time.

I spent an extra week in Spain after my experience with Spanish Express ended and both families checked on me throughout my time in Spain and made sure I got back home safely. I left feeling like I have two additional families in Spain. I highly recommend doing an immersion program with Spanish Express and I plan to attend their program again in the future!

Pros
  • Individualized immersion program
  • Local experiences
  • Generosity of the families