What inspired you to travel abroad?
I wanted to improve my Spanish for holidays and travel. I wasn’t looking for a traditional classroom experience; I wanted something more immersive, where I could learn naturally in a real-life context.
The SHIP program in Cádiz seemed like the perfect fit because it allowed me to stay with a native teacher and practice Spanish every day.
Why did you choose the Live & Study Spanish at Your Teacher's Home program?
I chose the SHIP program because it offered a personalized, immersive learning experience. Staying with Óscar in his home in Puerto Real meant I could practice Spanish all day, in both structured lessons and informal conversations.
Cádiz is also such a beautiful city with a rich history, which made it even more appealing.
What was your favorite part about Cádiz?
My favorite part about Cádiz was the relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere. I loved walking through the historical streets of Cádiz and exploring the area’s beaches and local attractions.
The city has such a unique charm, and Óscar was a fantastic guide who helped me experience the city in a meaningful way.
Sightseeing with Óscar.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
What made my experience extraordinary was how immersive it was. I didn’t just learn the language in a classroom; I used it in daily life—whether shopping, walking through the city, or having lunch with Óscar.
The balance of structured lessons and spontaneous learning made the experience both effective and enjoyable.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
Óscar was incredibly supportive throughout my time in Cádiz. He created a comfortable learning environment and was always patient, encouraging me to use Spanish as much as possible.
He also took care of everything—meals, accommodation, and daily activities—making it easy for me to focus entirely on my language learning.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I wish I had spent more time exploring the local culture and going on more excursions. Cádiz is a beautiful place, and there’s so much to see beyond the lessons.
I would have loved to explore the surrounding areas more and taken in all that the region has to offer. I would have also loved to explore at least one more destination with Spanish Express.
In Cádiz with Spanish Express.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
A typical day started with lessons in the morning, focusing on grammar, vocabulary, and speaking practice. In the afternoons, we would often explore Cádiz—Óscar would take me to local spots, and we’d practice what I’d learned.
Evenings were spent relaxing, but always in Spanish, whether over dinner or a walk around the city.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
In my free time, I enjoyed walking around Cádiz and soaking in the local culture. I also loved trying the local food and visiting places like the beaches, the historic sites, and the local markets.
It was great to be able to practice Spanish in real situations, like ordering food or asking for directions.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
I stayed with Óscar in his home in Puerto Real, and it was the perfect accommodation. The best part was the homely atmosphere—Óscar made me feel like I was part of his family.
The food was delicious, and I loved having dinner together while speaking Spanish. It made the learning experience feel natural and comfortable.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
Future participants should know that they’ll be using Spanish in real-life situations all the time, not just in class. Be ready to speak and make mistakes—that’s how you’ll learn the fastest.
Óscar is really encouraging and will make sure you feel comfortable every step of the way. They should also understand that the host teacher will not be with them 24/7, and they will have plenty of time to explore the city on their own.
Óscar helped me by providing a list of places that I could visit in my spare time, and that saved me considerable time.
Would you recommend your program to others? Why?
I would absolutely recommend the SHIP program in Cádiz. The immersion experience is second to none, and the personalized lessons made a huge difference in my learning.
Óscar is a fantastic teacher, and the location in Cádiz adds so much to the experience. If you want to learn Spanish in a relaxed, authentic setting, this program is perfect.
Serene environment in one of Cádiz’s famous restaurants.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
The biggest benefit of traveling abroad is being able to learn the language in its natural context. Living and interacting in Spain allowed me to improve my Spanish quickly, and it deepened my understanding of the culture.
It made me feel more connected to the language and more confident in using it in real-life situations.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
Now that I’m home, I feel much more confident in speaking Spanish, especially in everyday situations.
My trip to Cádiz gave me the tools to use Spanish casually and confidently, whether I’m traveling or just chatting with friends. It has made me want to continue learning and immersing myself in the Spanish language and culture.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel is about fully immersing yourself in a culture, learning the language, and understanding the people.
It’s not just about seeing tourist sites; it’s about experiencing life as locals do. My time in Cádiz helped me do that, and it’s something I’ll cherish and carry with me for the rest of my life.
