Language Programs in Western Europe

This Easter, I had the opportunity to spend an unforgettable week in Dosrius, Barcelona, as part of the SHIP immersion programme with Spanish Express. From the first moment I arrived at Mónica’s house, I felt instantly welcomed. Her warmth, the kindness of her parents who live upstairs, and the playful company of her golden retrievers, Rumba and Samba, made me feel right at home. Sharing the experience with my classmate Paola made it even more special. We both attend David Game College in London, where Mónica is our Head of Spanish. Seeing her outside of school was a revelation — the way she balances structure with fun is inspiring. She’s strict when needed, always practical, and honestly, one of the most fun people to be around. Over the week, she truly became one of us. Our days were filled with academic focus — we revised all the key content for A-Level Spanish. We worked through our IRPs, practised Paper 3 themes, and tackled Paper 2 with a deep dive into El laberinto del fauno and Como agua para chocolate. We also sharpened our translation skills, which was a real highlight, especially with Mónica’s expertise as a qualified translator. Alongside Mónica, we were also taught by Eva and Pilar during the academic year in London, and the different teaching styles brought a great balance to the sessions. The pace was challenging but motivating, and I left feeling genuinely prepared for my exams in June. But the experience in Barcelona wasn’t just about studying. The cultural side was just as enriching. We explored the Maresme Coast, visiting quaint towns like Argentona and Mataró — the latter completely surprised us with its charming old town, beach, and port. Barcelona, of course, was a major highlight. We visited iconic landmarks like Casa Batlló, Park Güell, and the Sagrada Familia. We strolled through the Gothic Quarter, down Las Ramblas, and all the way to the port and La Barceloneta. These trips added another layer of immersion — learning the language while living the culture. Looking back, this week was so much more than a revision course. It was a chance to grow academically, explore a beautiful region of Spain, and bond with amazing people. If you're serious about your Spanish A-Levels and want an experience that goes far beyond the classroom, SHIP is the way to go.

Spending the Easter holidays at Mónica’s home in Dosrius, Barcelona, has been one of the best decisions I’ve made for my A-Level Spanish preparation. From the moment I arrived, I felt completely at home. Mónica, her lovely parents who live upstairs, and her two adorable golden retrievers, Rumba and Samba, welcomed me with open arms (and paws). I shared the experience with my classmate and friend Jessica — we both study A Levels at David Game College in London, where Mónica is also our Head of Spanish. As an Edexcel examiner, she knows exactly how to guide us through the speaking exam, and her insights during the week were incredibly helpful. Throughout the week, we focused on revising our IRPs and all the key themes for Paper 3 Speaking. We also reviewed Paper 2 in depth, covering the film El laberinto del fauno and the novel Como agua para chocolate. On top of that, we worked extensively on translation skills, which was especially useful since Mónica is also a qualified translator. Our lessons were dynamic and intensive, with Eva and Pilar also contributing to our learning during the academic year in London. The blend of academic rigour and real-life immersion made a huge difference. From personalised feedback to everyday conversations in Spanish, I feel way more confident and fully prepared for the June exams!!! On the cultural side, we’ve been beyond busy with multiple excursions around Mónica’s area, the stunning Maresme Coast. From Dosrius and Argentona to Mataró, we explored it all. Mataró, in particular, took us by surprise — a lovely coastal town with a charming town centre, a lively beach, and a picturesque port. And of course, no visit to Catalonia would be complete without exploring Barcelona city centre. We visited iconic landmarks like Casa Batlló, Park Güell, and the breathtaking Sagrada Familia. We also wandered through the Gothic Quarter, strolled along Las Ramblas, and followed the route all the way to the port and the beaches of La Barceloneta. What made this experience even more special was seeing Mónica outside of the classroom. She’s a perfect blend of being structured and practical, but also incredibly fun. It was lovely to see her become one of us during this trip — sharing stories, laughing with us, and making the whole experience unforgettable. This week has not only improved my Spanish skills but also given me lifelong memories. I can’t recommend the SHIP programme enough!