What inspired you to work for Spanish Express?
I liked the idea of teaching without being in a traditional classroom. Here, I get to teach, talk, and live in Spanish with the students. There are no distractions—just the language, the culture, and the food. I already had experience teaching abroad, so doing it from home was a good next step. It’s not about being creative. It’s about teaching well. Spanish Express lets me do that without wasting time.
Describe a typical day at work.
It depends on the day. Sometimes, we have breakfast together, sometimes not. Lessons are usually in the morning, but a long excursion can count as a full lesson, too. We speak during everything—walking, eating, even waiting for the bus. Some days, I have the afternoon off, and other days, we go out and keep talking. Once a week, the students explore on their own. They come back with stories. I correct their grammar if needed.
Oscar with SHIP students
Why do you do what you do?
Because I like seeing people speak better Spanish after a few days. I know how to teach. This format works. They come here, they talk, they learn. I get to focus on one student at a time. That’s better than being in a room with thirty people. I enjoy that focus. It’s simple and effective. There’s no need for big ideas. Just do the work. That’s enough for me.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I like working with all kinds of students, but the Spanish Hotel Immersion in Cádiz is my favorite. The energy is better. The groups are focused, and the team-building activities help them connect and speak more naturally. I teach during meals, cultural visits, and everything in between. Some lessons last four hours, but no one notices. The mix of structure and flexibility works. By the end of the week, their Spanish is stronger. That’s what I enjoy most.
Oscar and Monica are planning lessons for SHIP students
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
I taught in the UK for many years. I saw how students learn Spanish outside of Spain. That helps me now. I know what works, what doesn’t, and what confuses them. I use that experience here in Cádiz. Same job, different setting. The content is the same. The delivery changes depending on the student. That’s what I’ve learned over time.
What challenges do you often face, and how do you overcome them?
Some students want to go fast. Others are afraid to speak. Both can slow progress. I watch, listen, and adjust. If they don’t understand, I change the example. If they freeze, we go slower. Sometimes I just stop and say, “Talk to me like it’s real life.” That usually helps. No one learns well under pressure. Keep it simple. Keep it clear.
What are some current projects you are working on?
I’m hosting a student now for immersion at home. We do integrated lessons during excursions, meals, and shopping, and we speak throughout the day, depending on the plan. I’m also preparing content that includes real Cádiz expressions and situations, especially for the hotel groups. The goal is to keep everything practical. No one needs filler. I prefer activities that match how the SHIP days really work—some structured, some spontaneous, all focused on speaking.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
Pack light. Bring good walking shoes. Don’t expect to understand everything the first day. Listen carefully, speak when you can, and don’t panic about mistakes. People will help if you show effort. And learn how to order food, ask for a coffee, or get directions. If you can do those three things, you’ll be fine. Everything else comes with time.
Oscar and Pilar in Valencia
Why should someone choose Spanish Express over competitors?
Because we actually teach. You live with someone who knows how to explain things clearly, not just someone offering a spare room. Everything is in Spanish. You speak during lessons, meals, walks, even when asking where the salt is. It’s constant practice. Big schools can’t give you that. They have too many people, too many levels, and not enough time to focus on one student. Here, you get attention. And that’s what makes the difference.
What is your organization's mission, and how do you continue to work toward it?
The mission is to help people speak Spanish through real immersion. That means using the language in everyday life, not just during class. I teach, I guide, and I correct, but students also spend time on their own—exploring, meeting locals, trying things in Spanish. They learn by living, making mistakes, and figuring things out. My job is to create the space for that, support it, and keep it focused. No tricks, no shortcuts. Just useful, consistent Spanish in real situations.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
I want them to speak better, yes, but mostly I want them to feel more confident. If they leave and can order food, ask for directions, or have a short conversation without panicking, that’s already a success. It’s not about perfect grammar. It’s about using Spanish when it matters. Buying a ticket, chatting with a waiter, understanding signs or locals—that’s the real goal. They should leave knowing they can survive in Spanish, not just study it. That’s the kind of progress that sticks.
Oscar with Monica and Pilar
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Because it shows you there are other ways of living, thinking, and communicating. You stop assuming your way is the only one that makes sense. You learn how others solve problems, what they value, how they speak, eat, and live. It puts things in perspective. You might not agree with everything, but you start to understand more. That kind of awareness makes you more flexible, more tolerant, and a better learner. It’s not just good for you—it’s good for everyone around you too.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
It means you didn’t just take pictures and walk through places with a guidebook. You talked to people. You listened to what they had to say. You tried to understand how they live and why things are done differently. Maybe you got lost. Maybe you ordered the wrong thing. But you learned from it. That’s what makes travel meaningful. You leave with more than photos—you leave with perspective. The rest, the souvenirs and schedules, is just extra.
