What inspired you to work for Spanish Express?
Spanish Express gave me the opportunity to do what I love most—teach Spanish through meaningful, real-world experiences. From the start, I felt aligned with the company’s mission to provide authentic cultural immersion. It’s a space where language, people, and culture come together in a powerful way, and I knew I wanted to be part of that.
Describe a typical day at work.
Every day is different. Some mornings begin with shared breakfast and informal chats in Spanish. Other days, students prepare their own meals and head out for excursions that double as language practice. Lessons happen both formally and naturally—in the kitchen, on a walk, or during cultural outings. One day a week, students explore independently, giving them a chance to apply what they’ve learned.
Port Saplaya, located in Alboraya, just north of Valencia, Spain
Why do you do what you do?
I do this because it’s deeply fulfilling to guide people as they connect with a new language and culture. Teaching Spanish isn’t just about grammar; it’s about helping someone build confidence and discover joy in communication. Each student brings a unique story, and being part of their learning journey feels incredibly meaningful.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part is seeing how students evolve during their stay. They arrive unsure, and by the end, they’re chatting confidently with locals, navigating markets, and expressing themselves with joy. I love that the learning doesn’t just stay in a notebook—it becomes part of their real life and their memories of Spain.
What challenges do you often face, and how do you overcome them?
The biggest challenge is adjusting to each student’s pace and style. No two learners are alike. Some are shy, others eager. I stay flexible, listen closely, and build a comfortable space for learning. The SHIP experience helps, because everything from excursions to meals becomes part of the lesson. That variety keeps students engaged and supported.
What advice would you give your pre-travel self?
Be open to surprises. Let go of the idea of controlling everything. Travel is messy, beautiful, and full of unexpected lessons. Talk to people, even if your Spanish isn’t perfect. Eat local food, join the celebrations, and give yourself time to absorb the culture. You’ll grow in ways you never imagined.
Port Saplaya
What makes Spanish Express special?
We design every program around the student. No two experiences are the same. Our teachers are not only professionals, but hosts—sharing daily life, culture, and genuine connection. We don’t just teach Spanish; we invite students to live it. That personal attention, along with our cultural activities and expert staff, is what truly sets us apart.
Why should someone choose your organization over competitors?
Because you’re not just signing up for Spanish lessons—you’re becoming part of someone’s home, their culture, and their routine. You’ll live and learn Spanish in your teacher's home through conversations, shared meals, and local life. Our programs adapt to your goals, your pace, and your interests. That level of personal immersion is something very few programs can offer.
Plaza del Ayuntamiento (Town Hall Square) in Valencia, Spain
What hopes do you have for the future of your organization?
I’d love to see our programs expand into even more regions while keeping the intimate, personal feel that makes them so special. More locations mean more cultural richness. I hope we continue creating experiences that help students feel not just like learners, but like part of the community. That feeling when a student sits at the kitchen table with their host, chatting about their day over café con leche it’s irreplaceable.
What makes Spanish Express easy to market to potential participants?
I hope they leave with a deeper connection to Spanish, not just as a language but as a way of seeing the world. I want them to remember the people, the flavors, and the conversations. I want them to feel proud of their progress and carry that confidence into their future travels and learning. I want our participants to carry those moments with them: the sound of local markets, the warmth of a host family, the little victories during conversation.
What is your organization's mission, and how do you continue to work toward it?
Our mission is to teach Spanish through real, lived experiences. I work toward that by creating an environment where students feel comfortable practicing, exploring, and connecting. Each day is a chance to bring Spanish to life—through laughter, stories, food, and cultural discovery. That’s where real learning happens.
Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe in Valencia, Spain
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
I hope they leave with a deeper connection to Spanish, not just as a language but as a way of seeing the world. I want them to remember the people, the flavors, and the conversations. I want them to feel proud of their progress and carry that confidence into their future travels and learning. The quiet confidence that came with ordering coffee on their own, or the joy of understanding a local joke.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Because it humbles you. It makes you curious. You learn to listen better, to see differently, and to understand that there’s more than one way to live well. Experiencing another culture firsthand changes how you relate to people, and it opens doors that books and screens never could. They soften your assumptions, spark new questions, and remind you that we’re all more connected than we think.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel is when you feel the place, not just visit it. When you share a meal, get lost in a local market, or connect with someone despite a language barrier. It’s not about ticking places off a list. It’s about being changed, even just a little. It’s about understanding life from another angle. Those are the moments that stay with you long after you’ve returned home.
