Spanish Express

Program Reviews

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.

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!
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.

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.

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
Stacy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Language Journey to Remember

My experience with the Spanish Express Language Immersion Program in Dosrius, Spain exceeded every expectation I had. My friend and I participated together and our accommodations were second to none, with comfortable rooms and amenities, it truly felt like a home away from home. The beautiful artwork that adorned the walls (created by our host- Monica’s father) further enriched the experience. Not to mention his impeccable cooking - every meal was delicious and was presented to us as a work of art.

Dosrius is nestled in the picturesque Catalan countryside about 45 minutes from the vibrant city of Barcelona. The surroundings are breathtaking. However, what truly sets this program apart is its passionate and dedicated teacher/founder - Monica. She is a phenomenal teacher who worked to ensure that each lesson was crafted to enhance our learning in practical and entertaining ways -we definitely laughed a lot. Whether in the classroom, exploring the local markets, or savoring traditional Catalan cuisine, the emphasis was always on real-world application and interactions.

My time with the Spanish Express Language Immersion Program did so much more than enhance my language skills, it also allowed me to embrace and learn a different way of life. For anyone seeking an immersive and unforgettable language learning experience, there is no need to look further. This was by far my best language immersion program. ¡Muchas gracias por todo!

Pros
  • Amazing Food
  • Location/Scenery
  • Phenomenal Teacher
Juliet
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Comfortable home stay near Barcelona

I spent a week in Barcelona with a friend in Monica’s home. The home was immaculate and beautiful. Monica made us feel at home from the beginning. We had dedicated class time but spent almost the entire stay speaking in Spanish which helped to improve our fluency level. Monica included us in her daily routine in addition to several pre-planned excursions to nearby towns. The scenery was tranquil and gorgeous. We had home cooked meals prepared by Monica’s father, and everything we had was delicious. We also had ample opportunity to eat out in restaurants when we wanted. We were preparing for the DELE exam, and the classes provided a nice review during the week prior to the exam. Monica went above and beyond to support us in achieving our Spanish goals. I would 100% recommend this program to solo travelers or small groups.

Pros
  • Individualized attention
  • Beautiful location
Tanya
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Fun with Learning Spanish in Valencia!

I was fortunate enough to spend 2 great weeks learning Spanish in the Valencia area with a very kind and helpful teacher, Pilar. She was an animated, accommodating language guide, as well as a good cook! I had never been to Spain and was only used to the Latin American accent, so after 2 weeks with Pilar, both my comprehension of the Spanish accent as well as my conversational abilities definitely improved. I enjoyed a wonderful bike ride to the coast in the city, hiked around the hills right outside Pilar's house, walked amongst orange groves, shopped for xmas gifts for my family, explored the old historic town, and spent time with Pilar's kind family while chatting in Spanish & eating some yummy Paella. Her home was comfortable and located in the mountains just outside of Valencia. I appreciated how she was flexible with my personal pace and learning style, as well as very accommodating with my dietary preferences. I’d highly recommend Spanish Express and their Valencia program!

Ardeshir Mohsen
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Spanish Express Immersion Programme - Valencia, 12th - 24th June 2023

I stopped learning Spanish in May 2014, as soon as I finished secondary school.

After my brother did a French immersion programme in Paris, I thought it would be a wonderful idea for me to do something similar in Spain. I did my immersion programme in Valencia in June 2023 by living at my teacher's house outside the city.

Whilst in Valencia, I did not only have daily morning classes, but I also practiced the language in real-life situation such as when shopping, at restaurants and when sightseeing.

What was your funniest moment?
When I ended up arriving in Valencia at 1AM, following a 5 hour flight delay from London Heathrow.
Pros
  • Comfortable housing and great hospitality.
  • Amazing weather and people in Valencia.
  • Delicious food, especially the home-made, Paella.
Cons
  • Issues with air conditioning system.
  • Loads of mosquito bites.
  • I found the listening (escuchar) sections difficult.
Frederic
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Super cours d'espagnol

J'ai passé une semaine en immersion totale chez Pilar, professeur d'espagnol près de Valence.
Les cours prodigués sont excellents. Pilar s'adapte parfaitement au niveau de l'étudiant et fait ses cours sur des thèmes que l'on choisit, avec toujours un vocabulaire actuel, adapté aux discussions de tous les jours.
Le logement est parfait. La maison est grande, calme dans un environnement arboré. En plus d'être une très bonne professeur, Picardie est également très bonne cuisinière. Elle vous fait découvrir également la cuisine du pays.
L'apres-midi je profitais de ballades ou visites des environs avec Pilar. J'ai ainsi pu découvrir la ville de Valencia, et des plages autour de Gilet.
Je recommande vivement ce cours

Translation:
I spent a week in total immersion with Pilar, a Spanish teacher near Valencia.
The courses provided are excellent. Pilar adapts perfectly to the level of the student and gives her lessons on themes that we choose, always with current vocabulary, adapted to everyday discussions.
The accommodation is perfect. The house is large, quiet in a wooded environment. In addition to being a very good teacher, Picardie is also a very good cook. She also introduces you to the country's cuisine.
In the afternoon I enjoyed walks or visits to the surrounding area with Pilar. I was able to discover the city of Valencia, and the beaches around Gilet.
I highly recommend this course

Pros
  • Cours parfait
  • Accueil
  • Activites
Cons
  • Rien