A beautiful Spanish immersion experience in Menorca with Mónica

This was my first visit to Menorca, and hopefully the first of many. I came to take part in the SHIP program with my host teacher Mónica, who is also the founder and director of Spanish Express, and it turned into an experience I will always remember.

Mónica was not only my Spanish teacher, but also my cultural guide and now a friend. She has a very special way of teaching. You learn Spanish and culture almost without realising it.

There was no need to sit in a classroom because the classroom was wherever I was with Mónica: walking through the streets, having coffee, visiting beautiful places, eating local food, going to the beach, and talking naturally in Spanish.

My main interest was Spanish for business, as I need it for my work in the US. With times changing and Spanish becoming more and more important, I realised I had to give my Spanish a big push.

This experience really helped me improve my confidence, vocabulary, and ability to express myself in real situations. I learned useful Spanish for business, but in such a relaxed and natural way that it never felt like a formal lesson.

And then there is Menorca itself. What a dream! The beaches are breathtaking, with clear turquoise water, quiet coves, and landscapes that feel almost untouched. Every beach seemed to have its own personality, and one curious thing I noticed is that in Menorca you can go from history and culture to the sea in just a few minutes. One moment you are walking through ancient streets, and soon after you are looking at some of the most beautiful water I have ever seen.

Ciutadella, Mónica’s hometown, is impressive. Her house is right in the old quarter, surrounded by narrow streets, beautiful squares, historic palaces, churches, art, culture, and history.

One of the things that surprised me most was the number of palaces in the old town. They give the city a very special atmosphere, almost as if every street has a story to tell. Walking through Ciutadella with Mónica made me notice details I would probably have missed on my own — the architecture, the courtyards, the old façades, and the connection between the island’s history and daily life today.

The food was another highlight — fresh, local, and absolutely delicious. Sharing meals, discovering local flavours, and talking about Menorcan culture made the experience feel even more authentic.

SHIP in Menorca is much more than a Spanish course. It is language, culture, daily life, friendship, and discovery all together. I left feeling more confident in my Spanish, especially for business, but also with a deeper love for Menorca and its way of life.

I cannot recommend Mónica and Spanish Express highly enough. This was not just a course; it was a truly unforgettable experience. Thank you!!!