What inspired you to work for Spanish Express?
Honestly? I love grammar. And people. And food. So Spanish Express seemed like the perfect match. I’ve always believed that the best way to learn a language is by living it, not just studying it. At Spanish Express, students don’t just learn about Spanish; they live it, eat it, and sometimes even dream in it (I hope). I wanted to be part of that mix of real-life immersion and quality teaching. Also, they let me teach the subjunctive to actual humans, and that’s a dream come true.
Ana with Monica in Barcelona
Describe a typical day at work.
When I have a student at home, the day starts with breakfast — sometimes together, sometimes they make their own. We speak in Spanish either way. Lessons are usually in the morning, but not always at the table. A walk can be a lesson. Cooking too. The rhythm depends on the day. Some afternoons are free, others include cultural visits where we keep speaking and learning. One day a week, the student explores on their own. And yes, we always end up talking about the subjunctive at some point. No escape.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
Relax. You don’t have to know everything on day one. Don’t worry if you mess up a verb or confuse ser and estar — it happens to everyone. Keep a little notebook for funny mistakes, talk to people even if your accent is all over the place, and eat all the local food. Seriously. You’ll learn a lot more when your brain is happy and full.
Why should someone choose Spanish Express over competitors?
Because we’re not cookie-cutter, you don’t sit in a classroom with 15 strangers and a textbook. You’re part of a small, personalized experience where your teacher knows your name, your goals, and maybe even your favorite food. We adapt everything to fit you. Plus, our homes have real kitchens. And sometimes, real paella.
What is Spanish Express' mission, and how do you continue to work toward it?
To help people learn Spanish in a natural, immersive, and joyful way. We want students to speak, connect, and feel at home in the language. I support that daily by creating relaxed learning environments, adapting to each student’s needs, and adding a bit of humor to the lessons. If we’re laughing and learning, we’re on the right track.
Ana with SHIP students
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
I want them to take away confidence in themselves and not just in Spanish. I hope they leave with better grammar, more vocabulary, and a suitcase full of memories. But more than that, I want them to feel like Spanish is part of their life now, not just something they studied, but something they lived.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Because it makes you human in a different way, you stop assuming your way is the only way and start seeing things from other people’s perspectives. You listen more, ask better questions, and become more curious. You realize how much there is to learn from others, not just about language, but about life. And yes, your Spanish improves too.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel is when you connect. With people, places, stories, and food. When you try to understand instead of just observing. When you speak the local language, even if it’s messy, it’s not about how many cities you visit, but how deeply you experience the one you’re in. That's what we do at our Homestay Immersion Program.
