What inspired you to work for Spanish Express?
My passion for language learning and cultural immersion inspired me to work for Spanish Express. Having lived in London and experienced the power of language to bridge cultures, I wanted to create similar opportunities for others. The vision of Spanish Express aligns perfectly with my belief in immersive learning, where students live and breathe the language in a real-world context. The chance to develop programs like SHIP, which offer transformative experiences, motivated me to join and contribute to the organization’s mission of fostering linguistic and cultural understanding.
Describe a typical day at work.
A typical day at work involves a mix of teaching, planning, and administrative tasks. I start the day with online Spanish lessons, tailoring each session to my students’ needs. Afterward, I focus on curriculum development, ensuring our programs remain engaging and effective. Afternoons often include meetings with my team to discuss ongoing projects and student progress. I also spend time coordinating cultural excursions for our immersion programs. My day ends with lesson reviews and preparing for the next day. This blend of teaching, planning, and student interaction keeps my workday dynamic and fulfilling.
Heather and Mónica having lunch at a typical beach chiringuito, enjoying tapas.
Why do you do what you do?
I do what I do because I believe in the transformative power of language and cultural immersion. Helping students connect with the Spanish language and culture not only enhances their communication skills but also broadens their worldviews. Witnessing the personal and professional growth of my students is incredibly rewarding. I’m passionate about making language learning accessible, enjoyable, and impactful. By offering immersive experiences, I aim to create lasting memories and meaningful connections that go beyond traditional classroom settings. This drive to inspire and educate fuels my dedication to Spanish Express.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is seeing the progress and confidence in my students as they immerse themselves in the Spanish language and culture. It’s incredibly fulfilling to witness their “aha” moments and their joy in mastering new concepts. I also love organizing cultural excursions and activities that enrich their learning experience. These outings not only provide practical language practice but also deepen their appreciation for Spanish traditions and way of life. The combination of teaching and cultural exploration makes my role at Spanish Express truly special and rewarding.
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
My education and international background are crucial to my role at Spanish Express. Having studied languages and lived in various cultural settings, I bring a global perspective to my teaching. This helps me understand the diverse challenges students face and tailor my instruction to meet their needs. As a SIELE examiner, I use my expertise to prepare students for this important certification, ensuring they meet international standards. My international experience enriches our immersion programs, allowing me to create authentic learning environments that incorporate cultural insights and linguistic nuances. This comprehensive approach helps students gain a deeper understanding of the Spanish language and culture.
Gunilla and Mónica hiking at Parc del Montnegre i Corredor.
What challenges do you often face and how do you overcome them?
One of the main challenges I face is balancing the diverse needs and learning styles of our students. To overcome this, I adopt a flexible and personalized approach to teaching, ensuring each student receives the support and guidance they need. Another challenge is keeping the curriculum engaging and relevant. I regularly update our materials and incorporate feedback from students to keep the lessons fresh and interesting. Additionally, organizing cultural activities requires meticulous planning and coordination, but the rewards of seeing students enjoy and learn from these experiences make it worthwhile.
What are some current projects you are working on?
I am currently expanding our SHIP program to include more diverse destinations across Spain. We are developing new partnerships with local educators and cultural organizations to offer a wider range of immersive experiences. Additionally, I am enhancing our online platform to provide more interactive and engaging content for remote learners. We are also planning a series of cultural events and workshops to complement our language courses, giving students more opportunities to practice their Spanish in real-world settings. These projects aim to enrich our student's learning experiences and broaden their cultural understanding.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
I would tell my pre-travel self to embrace every moment of the journey and be open to new experiences. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, as this is where the most growth happens. Be patient with yourself as you learn the language and culture, and don’t be discouraged by challenges. Every interaction, whether successful or awkward, is an opportunity to learn. Lastly, make an effort to connect with locals and immerse yourself fully in the experience. These connections and experiences will be invaluable and shape your perspective in ways you can’t yet imagine.
Gunilla & Mónica hiking at Port of Mataró
What makes Spanish Express special?
Spanish Express is special because we offer a unique immersion experience by placing students in the homes of their teachers rather than with host families. This means that our students receive continuous, personalized instruction from experienced educators who are also certified Spanish examiners. This setup ensures that learning extends beyond the classroom into everyday life, providing a comprehensive and immersive cultural experience.
Why should someone choose Spanish Express over competitors?
Someone should choose Spanish Express over competitors because we provide a unique homestay experience where students live with their teachers, who are certified Spanish examiners. This ensures high-quality, tailored instruction and constant language practice. Unlike other programs that place students with host families, our approach guarantees a seamless integration of learning and living, maximizing the immersion experience and ensuring rapid language acquisition.
What do you aspire for the future of Spanish Express?
I hope Spanish Express continues to expand our immersion programs to more regions in Spain, offering diverse cultural experiences. We aim to incorporate more technology into our teaching methods, enhancing our online learning platform to reach a global audience. Additionally, we hope to foster stronger partnerships with educational institutions and cultural organizations to enrich our curriculum and provide our students with even more opportunities for growth and cultural exchange.
What is Spanish Express' mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
Our mission is to provide immersive, high-quality Spanish language education through personalized homestay programs. We work toward this by continually refining our curriculum to meet the needs of our students and ensuring our teachers are highly qualified and experienced. By offering immersive cultural experiences and maintaining a high standard of instruction, we help students achieve fluency and gain a deep appreciation for Spanish culture. We also expand our programs and incorporate new teaching technologies to stay ahead in language education.
Pilar and Mónica are preparing the immersion program for the SHIP students.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
I hope participants leave our programs with improved Spanish fluency, a deep appreciation for Spanish culture, and unforgettable memories. Our immersive approach aims to build confidence in speaking and understanding Spanish, providing a solid foundation for future language use and cultural interactions.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Traveling abroad and experiencing new cultures broadens perspectives, fosters empathy, and enhances global awareness. It encourages personal growth, adaptability, and a deeper understanding of the world. Exposure to different ways of life challenges preconceived notions, promotes cultural sensitivity, and helps build meaningful connections across borders. This personal and intellectual enrichment contributes to a more inclusive and interconnected global community, fostering mutual respect and cooperation.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel means engaging deeply with the places and people you visit. It's about immersing yourself in the local culture, learning the language, and understanding the history and traditions. It's also about forming genuine connections, contributing positively to the community, and gaining insights that broaden your worldview and enrich your life.
