What inspired you to work for Spanish Express?
I joined Spanish Express because it felt right. I liked the idea of opening my home and sharing my language in a natural way. I had already lived many beautiful moments with people from different cultures, and I wanted more of that. At Spanish Express, we don’t just teach, we live with the students. That closeness creates something special. I felt it the first time a student said thank you at the end of a week. It’s not a job for me. It’s something I care about.
Nanda with a SHIP student
Describe a typical day at work.
No day is the same. Sometimes we have breakfast together, other times the student prepares their own and we meet later. The first lesson can happen at the table, during a walk, or even while preparing lunch. Cultural excursions often become the lesson itself, and those days are long but full of natural practice. Some afternoons are quiet, others active. One day a week, the student explores independently. It’s a calm rhythm, and it feels like living, not just studying.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I enjoy the conversations. Sitting at the table, walking in the town, or just chatting during lunch — that’s when real learning happens. Students relax and start speaking more. They feel less pressure. I also enjoy when they begin to ask questions, not just about Spanish, but about life here. That tells me they are feeling comfortable. It’s a very good sign. I don’t look for big results. I look for small changes, and when I see them, I feel proud.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
Be open. Don’t try to control everything. Let the experience show you something new. Listen more. Don’t worry about making mistakes with the language. Be patient, with yourself and with others. Take the time to notice the small things. Sometimes they matter more than the big ones. And say yes more often. That’s when beautiful things happen.
New scents, old streets
What makes Spanish Express special?
Spanish Express is special because students live and learn with certified teachers, not just host families. Lessons happen naturally—during meals, outings, or quiet chats. It’s personal, flexible, and focused on real use of Spanish. You learn by living the language, not just studying it. That’s what makes it different.
Why should someone choose Spanish Express over competitors?
Because here, we really get to know the student. We see what they need, how they learn, and what makes them feel at ease. We don’t follow a script. We adapt every day. And we care — not just about the Spanish, but about the person. I think that makes a difference. It’s not a big school, and maybe that’s the best part.
What is your organization's mission, and how do you continue to work toward it?
We want people to learn Spanish in a way that feels natural and human. I do my part by offering my time, space, and full attention. I teach, yes, but I also listen, support, and guide. I try to make every moment an opportunity to learn—not just the formal lessons but also the quiet moments in between.
Kasbah Museum or Dar el Makhzen
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
I hope they leave feeling calm and more connected to the language. I hope they take with them not just vocabulary, but moments—quiet conversations, shared meals, a walk through the village. I want them to remember how natural it felt to speak Spanish here. If they carry that feeling with them, that’s something lasting.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Because it helps you grow in ways that are hard to explain until you’ve experienced it. You begin to see everyday things differently. You start to listen more carefully, to observe without judging. You become more patient with others and with yourself. Travel opens your mind and your heart. It gives you stories, yes, but also understanding. You learn things that no classroom or book can teach. It’s not just about discovering a new culture. It’s also about discovering parts of yourself you didn’t know were there.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
It means being present. Paying attention. Talking to people. Trying the food. Learning a few words. Asking questions. Saying thank you. It’s not about doing a lot, but about feeling something. When you leave, you take more than pictures. You take something that stays with you. That is meaningful travel for me.
