What inspired you to work for SpanishSlow?
I was inspired to join SpanishSlow because it’s a family project rooted in our love for Matarraña. I wanted to share its beauty, traditions, and way of life through immersive experiences. It combines my personal and professional passions, offering guests a chance to feel at home while learning Spanish in an authentic, welcoming setting that goes far beyond classroom learning.
Strolling through Valderrobres
Describe a typical day at work.
My day begins when classes end and immersion starts. I may take students to a local winery for a guided tour and a meal made with seasonal, local products. Sometimes we finish the day sharing drinks and stories. Every day is unique but always focused on offering students authentic experiences that help them connect with the region, its people, and the Spanish language in real, meaningful ways.
What is your favorite part of your job?
What I love most is seeing students realize Spanish is more than grammar. During winery visits or meals, they ask questions, chat, and grow confident. Language comes alive through joy, food, and conversation. These real moments help them connect and learn naturally. Watching their transformation as they become more fluent and engaged is the most rewarding part of my work.
What advice would you give your pre-travel self?
Come with curiosity and an open heart. SpanishSlow is more than a trip. It’s a deep experience where you learn through living, not textbooks. Don’t stress about perfect Spanish. Let the language come through conversations, shared meals, and daily moments. Be present, embrace the unexpected, and allow the culture and people to guide your learning most naturally.
Why should someone choose SpanishSlow over competitors?
SpanishSlow offers a unique experience rooted in love for Matarraña. It’s a family-run program where language learning happens through real activities like winery visits, local meals, and small group settings. Students feel like guests, not clients. They learn through daily life and cultural connections. This warmth, personal touch, and authenticity set us apart from other programs.
Learning the art of olive harvesting and oil production.
What makes SpanishSlow easy to market to potential participants?
SpanishSlow is easy to share because it offers what many seek: real experiences that combine learning, culture, and connection. It’s a family-run initiative with personal warmth and dynamic immersion. Students become part of a community, not just a course. The emotional value, authenticity, and natural approach to language learning make our program appealing and memorable.
What is your organization's mission, and how do you continue to work toward it?
Our mission is to offer a joyful and natural way to learn Spanish while discovering Matarraña’s culture. We do this by turning each activity into a learning moment, from winery visits to café conversations. We keep groups small and treat students like family. Strong local ties and a deep respect for tradition help us create an authentic, connected, and transformative experience.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
I hope they gain confidence using Spanish in real life and remember how enjoyable learning can be. I want them to leave with friendships, deeper cultural understanding, and memories of laughter, shared meals, and local traditions. Our goal is not only fluency but transformation. Language becomes a living experience they take home and carry with them long after the program ends.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Travel expands perspective and builds empathy. Being in a new culture lets us experience life differently, through language, food, and traditions. Fundamental interactions teach us more than books ever could. It helps us grow, adapt, and connect across differences. The lessons learned abroad shape how we see ourselves and others, leaving a lasting impact on how we live and communicate.
Savoring local wines and km 0 flavors in the heart of nature
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
Learning a language opens doors to new cultures and people. It builds confidence, empathy, and understanding. Speaking Spanish means more than words. It’s sharing meals, telling stories, and living the culture. Language connects us and helps us grow in patience and creativity. It gives access to experiences, friendships, and opportunities we wouldn’t have otherwise.
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
Be open and brave. The best parts of travel often come from the unexpected. Don’t worry about perfect language skills. Try, learn, and enjoy the process. Real growth happens in everyday moments: a meal, a walk, a laugh. Slow down and connect with people. Let the experience change you. Going abroad is not just about seeing places but discovering who you are in new situations.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
To me, meaningful travel is about deep connection. It means going beyond sightseeing to live and feel a place. It’s sharing meals, listening to local stories, and learning new words. It’s about giving and receiving with respect. Travel becomes meaningful when it touches the heart and creates memories through simple, human moments that transform how we see the world.
