Spanish Express

My experience on the immersion course at Pilar's home in Valencia was exceptional in every way. The classes went beyond what I had expected and the cultural visits were wonderful right from the very first day.Pilar is an excellent teacher. Her personalised approach and her genuine passion for teaching Spanish made the whole process feel easy and enjoyable rather than like hard work. I never felt like I was studying in the traditional sense, it just felt like I was living and learning at the same time.I would wholeheartedly recommend this immersion course to anyone and especially with Pilar as your host and teacher. She is a true professional who clearly loves what she does and that enthusiasm is completely contagious.

I stayed with Monica as part of the Spanish Homestay Immersion Program in Ciutadella de Menorca in December and it was a truly wonderful experience. I am from Texas and I love nature and the countryside and Menorca in winter turned out to be absolutely perfect for both.Monica made me feel welcome from the very first day. Living with her meant I was practising Spanish naturally all the time through daily conversations, shared meals and just the rhythm of everyday life together. I loved walking along the Cami de Cavalls which was so peaceful in winter and visiting the beaches which were quiet and beautifully unspoiled.The food was amazing, traditional Menorcan dishes made at home with fresh ingredients, and sharing meals together was honestly one of my favourite parts of the whole experience. What I appreciated most was the calmness of the island in December which made learning Spanish feel relaxed and genuinely enjoyable rather than stressful.Staying with Monica turned this programme into something truly authentic and meaningful. I would highly recommend SHIP to anyone who values nature, culture and a warm and personal homestay environment.

Pilar was a wonderful host and an even better teacher. She was incredibly accommodating with health restrictions throughout the entire stay and always made sure we had everything we needed without any fuss.Her course was genuinely the best Spanish classes I have ever taken. I learned more in three weeks here than I did in three years of high school Spanish and I left feeling genuinely confident in my ability to speak beyond a basic level and with a real understanding of how the language actually works.The location also gave me the opportunity to go on some brilliant hikes which I took full advantage of. The nature around Gilet is so different from what I am used to at home and I loved exploring and experiencing something completely new in the surrounding countryside.The cooking was wonderful throughout and the excursions Pilar organised were all fantastic. The only downside was the lack of air conditioning but honestly it is a small price to pay for such a brilliant overall experience.

I spent two weeks in Valencia and the first week was with another school entirely. The second week was with Pilar on her immersion course and honestly it brought the joy of learning Spanish completely back for me.She kept things interesting by focusing on Spanish that I would actually use in my everyday life rather than just what a textbook says you should learn. She kept things challenging by having dinners entirely in Spanish and stepping in to help whenever we got stuck. And she kept things fun by introducing us to her family and taking us all around Valencia together.She was endlessly patient with me too, repeating things again and again as I worked out what I was actually hearing. On top of all of that she is a fabulous host and a wonderful cook. Thank you for a brilliant week Pilar.

Taking part in the Spanish immersion programme at Santiago's home in Menorca was an absolute delight. From the moment I arrived I was welcomed into his warm and cosy home and that set the tone perfectly for what turned out to be a truly immersive and personalised language learning experience.The one on one lessons were tailored to my individual needs which meant steady and meaningful progress throughout my stay. Living with a native Spanish speaker on the beautiful island of Menorca was such a unique opportunity. Daily interactions in Spanish gave me constant chances to practise and improve and Santiago's patience and encouragement made the whole process enjoyable and effective. His passion for teaching and his expertise in the language were clear in every single session.Exploring Menorca's stunning landscapes and rich culture with Santiago as a guide was a real highlight. From breathtaking beaches to historic sites I gained a much deeper appreciation for the island's history and traditions. The programme gave me an authentic experience that went so far beyond language learning and allowed me to connect with the local community in a meaningful way.If you are looking for an unforgettable way to learn Spanish while enjoying the beauty of the Balearic Islands this programme is an excellent choice. I could not recommend it more highly.

I had a fabulous time staying with Pilar in Valencia. When you start using what you have learned in the classroom or online in a real Spanish environment it just comes to life and becomes genuinely fun in a way that studying alone never quite manages.We had our lessons each morning on the beautiful terrace of Pilar's home at the foot of the hills and then headed out to one of many wonderful places to put everything into practice in the real world.Valencia is a stunning city with so much history as well as some spectacular modern landmarks. The food was absolutely fantastic throughout and everyone should try horchata and a proper local fish paella at least once in their life. The old market is also a wonderful place to pick up local delicacies and souvenirs.Pilar's home is spacious, comfortable and close to Sagunto, an ancient town with fascinating Roman history. She is a brilliant host and an inspiring teacher and I would recommend this experience to anyone.

I spent a week in total immersion with Pilar, a Spanish teacher based near Valencia, and it was a genuinely excellent experience from start to finish.The lessons were outstanding. Pilar adapts perfectly to the level of her student and structures her classes around topics and themes that you actually choose yourself, always using current and relevant vocabulary that applies directly to everyday conversation. It never felt like studying in the traditional sense.The accommodation was perfect too. The house is spacious, calm and surrounded by nature. And beyond being a wonderful teacher Pilar is also a fantastic cook who introduces you to the real flavours of the region.In the afternoons I enjoyed walks and visits to the surrounding area with Pilar. I got to discover Valencia city and the beautiful beaches around Gilet. I would highly recommend this course to anyone looking to improve their Spanish in a warm, personal and genuinely effective setting.

I had such a wonderful experience with Monica and two other teachers that I genuinely feel lucky to have had the chance to work with all of them.As a woman travelling alone I felt completely at ease throughout the entire trip. Monica is brilliant at understanding what her students need right from the start and she addressed my career specific learning goals directly and thoughtfully. My time was filled with all kinds of different learning experiences and activities that reinforced what I was picking up in ways that felt completely natural and fun rather than anything like a classroom.The region around Dosrius and of course Barcelona is an incredible place for cultural immersion. One day I was in the mountains, the next I was by the sea, and then I was exploring the city, with beautiful pueblos and little local restaurants in between.By the time I left I was starting to actually think in Spanish which honestly amazed me. I only had one week off work but I wish I could have stayed for two. I will definitely be going back.

I recently got back from two phenomenal weeks in Spain with Spanish Express and I honestly cannot recommend the experience highly enough. I spent the first week with Monica in Dosrius near Barcelona and the second week with Alberto and Marisol in Burgos and both were outstanding in every way.In Dosrius I stayed with Monica, her lovely parents and their two adorable golden retrievers. In Burgos I stayed with Alberto and Marisol and their daughter. Both families had comfortable, clean rooms and both went completely out of their way to make sure I had everything I needed and more.What surprised me most was the extraordinary generosity of both families. We went out for meals and tapas, did a hop on hop off bus tour of Barcelona, visited cathedrals, went to the beach, explored monasteries, attended a concert, went to Carnaval and visited all kinds of well known and lesser known spots. Having a local family show you around gives you a perspective you simply cannot get from a traditional tour and I felt like I was genuinely living Spanish life rather than just visiting.The Spanish classes themselves were also excellent and completely tailored to what I wanted to focus on. The first week I concentrated on preparing for the SIELE exam and the second week on verb tenses. And of course the immersion means you are practising Spanish throughout the day even outside of formal class time.I left feeling like I have two new families in Spain. Both families checked on me throughout the extra week I spent travelling afterwards and made sure I got home safely. I will absolutely be doing this again.

I spent a week near Barcelona with a friend at Monica's home and it was a wonderful experience in every way. The home was immaculate and beautiful and Monica made us feel completely at home from the very first moment.We had dedicated class time but honestly spent almost the entire stay speaking Spanish which did wonders for our fluency. Monica wove us into her daily routine as well as taking us on several excursions to nearby towns and the scenery throughout was calm and gorgeous.All of our meals were home cooked by Monica's father and everything was absolutely delicious. We also had plenty of opportunities to eat out at restaurants when we felt like it which was a nice balance.We were preparing for the DELE exam and the classes provided a really solid and well structured review in the week leading up to it. Monica went above and beyond to support us in achieving our Spanish goals throughout the whole stay. I would recommend this programme one hundred percent to solo travellers and small groups alike.

Before I went to Barcelona I honestly had no idea what to expect from the experience of living and studying in my teacher's home. When I arrived I was genuinely surprised at how quickly I felt completely at home.In terms of improving my Spanish the experience was just phenomenal. I improved so much, speak more fluently and have a noticeably more sophisticated vocabulary. When you are using Spanish all the time you genuinely start to think in it. I was exposed to the language in every possible way, hearing it on the radio, watching films, speaking it to people in all kinds of real situations.Visiting the tourist landmarks of Barcelona was wonderful but I also loved exploring the small towns near Monica's house. We visited Mataro with its beautiful modernist architecture and the very first work by Gaudi. We also visited Argentona where the first tramline in Spain was built and a brilliant museum housing an extraordinary collection of jugs alongside works by Picasso.Monica's father prepared the most exquisite typical Spanish dishes for lunch and dinner throughout the week and both her parents treated me like family. Monica herself was so warm and made every single day fun and interesting.This experience is so important if you genuinely want to improve your Spanish. I cannot recommend it highly enough. It is something you will never forget.

What an experience. We celebrated Las Fallas together, shared meals with friends and family, had private classes and it was just absolutely amazing from start to finish.I highly recommend staying with Pilar Martinez in Valencia on the SHIP programme. The beach, the sunshine, the mountain views and the full immersion in Spanish make it unlike anything else.When I arrived at the airport there was a billboard that said you survived your flight, now survive Las Fallas! And they were not wrong. I jumped about half a meter in the air the first time the fireworks went off in the streets right next to me.Pilar is a professional and experienced teacher and her passion for what she does comes through in everything. There were no downsides to this experience at all. Just go.

Spending time living and studying in your teacher's home and being surrounded by locals for 24 hours a day is genuinely one of the best decisions you can make when it comes to language learning. It boosts your independence and confidence and gives you experience that is hard to replicate in any other way. This is exactly why I chose this programme and Monica helped me enormously with business Spanish which will be so useful when I start my new job in Barcelona.As an Italian speaker I can read Spanish without too much difficulty given the close relationship between the two languages but the spoken forms are another matter entirely. Monica made sure we addressed that directly and I improved so much throughout my stay.We had a wonderful social programme with plenty of excursions and activities. I love nature and animals so Monica made sure to organise plenty of walks around the Parc del Montnegre i el Corredor, Spain's first park of silence, and I spent a great deal of happy time with Rumba and Samba, Monica's two golden retrievers who will absolutely steal your heart.I would recommend this experience to anyone, especially anyone with an Italian background who wants to build on that linguistic foundation and really unlock their Spanish.

My first trip to Menorca ended up being one of the most memorable experiences of my life. I joined the SHIP program with Monica, the founder and director of Spanish Express, with the goal of improving my business Spanish and honestly I got so much more than I bargained for.Monica has a truly special way of teaching. Everything happened naturally and without any pressure, over coffee, walking through historic streets, visiting local spots, sharing meals, and just having real conversations in Spanish. There was no classroom and honestly none was needed.I came with a very specific goal since I work in the US and Spanish is becoming more and more important in my professional life. What surprised me was just how much my confidence, vocabulary and ability to express myself actually improved, and it all happened in such a relaxed and natural way.Menorca itself was absolutely stunning. The beaches, the turquoise water, the quiet coves, everything felt peaceful and unspoiled. Ciutadella, where Monica lives, is a gorgeous old town full of narrow streets, historic palaces, beautiful squares and architecture with centuries of stories behind it. Walking through it with someone who truly knows the place made all the difference.The food was fresh, local and delicious and every shared meal felt like another layer of the experience. I left more confident in my Spanish and with a genuine love for Menorca and its way of life. I really cannot recommend Monica and Spanish Express enough.

During my three weeks on the programme I received top quality organised lessons that helped me directly with my A Level course while also getting the benefit of complete Spanish immersion around the clock. The improvement to my Spanish was significant and the boost to my confidence speaking it was even more so.Beyond the language itself the course gave me the chance to make new friends from all over the world including France and the US which was something I really did not expect to value as much as I did. I was also able to do sport almost every day thanks to Pilar's daughter Esmeralda who took me along to a local CrossFit gym. Training there meant even more time practising Spanish with native speakers which was brilliant for improving my listening and picking up more natural and colloquial language.Pilar also kept us brilliantly well fed with delicious home cooked meals every day and the steaks she prepared were a particular highlight. I am genuinely grateful to have had the opportunity to stay with Pilar and my new friends in Gilet and I am confident that the time I spent there is going to help me in my exams this year and in my life communicating in Spanish long after that. Muchas gracias Pilar, ojala que pueda volver muy pronto.

My immersive Spanish experience with Monica in Dosrius, right inside the Montnegre i el Corredor Natural Park, went beyond anything I had expected. The peaceful setting surrounded by nature made it so easy to focus and truly immerse myself in both the language and the culture without any distractions.What really stood out was how well the programme balanced structured learning with real life practice. We went on trips to Barcelona city centre and Mataro, the capital of El Maresme, spent time in Dosrius and explored the Costa del Maresme which is honestly a hidden gem. Every single day helped build my confidence and my fluency.Using Spanish in everyday situations, whether at local chiringuitos or along the Mediterranean coast, made everything feel completely natural and enjoyable. Discovering El Maresme with its relaxed coastal vibe and local character was one of the highlights of the whole trip.Monica and her family made me feel completely at home from day one and that warmth made the whole experience even more special. The programme is really well thought out and offers a genuinely unique and memorable way to learn Spanish.I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a more personal and immersive way to learn the language in Spain.

This Easter I had the most wonderful week in Dosrius, Barcelona, as part of the SHIP immersion programme with Spanish Express. From the very first moment I arrived at Monica's house I felt completely 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 straight away.Sharing the experience with my classmate Paola made it even more special. We both attend David Game College in London where Monica is our Head of Spanish. Seeing her outside of school in her own environment was a real revelation. The way she balances structure with fun is genuinely inspiring and she is one of the most enjoyable people to be around. Over the week she truly became one of us.Our days were academically focused and we covered all the key content for A Level Spanish. We worked through our IRPs, practised Paper 3 themes and tackled Paper 2 with a proper deep dive into El laberinto del fauno and Como agua para chocolate. We also sharpened our translation skills which was a real highlight given Monica's expertise as a qualified translator. The pace was challenging but motivating and I left feeling genuinely prepared for my exams in June.But the experience was so much more than studying. The cultural side was just as enriching. We explored the Maresme Coast and visited towns like Argentona and Mataro which completely surprised us with its charming old town, beach and port. And Barcelona itself was a major highlight as we visited Casa Batllo, Park Guell and the Sagrada Familia, strolled through the Gothic Quarter and all the way down to La Barceloneta.Looking back this week was so much more than a revision course. It was a chance to grow academically, explore a beautiful part of Spain and bond with truly wonderful people. If you are serious about your Spanish A Levels and want an experience that goes far beyond the classroom, SHIP is absolutely the way to go.

As a recently retired professional, I was looking for an adult study abroad experience that would help me reconnect with the Spanish I had studied in school and during my semester abroad in Seville. Spanish Express exceeded every one of my expectations.Monica designed a completely customised programme tailored to my language level, my interests and my personal goals. The one to one immersion format gave me an unparalleled opportunity to improve through constant conversation and real interaction. Rather than focusing on basic tourist Spanish, our discussions covered family, travel, art, current events, Spanish culture and everything we experienced together throughout the day.What made the programme especially effective was how naturally the learning was integrated into everyday life. We practised past, present and future tenses in real conversation, with gentle corrections woven in that helped me improve without ever interrupting the flow. The daily excursions added another wonderful layer, deepening my understanding of Spain's history, culture and contemporary society, while the structured lesson time strengthened my grammar and comprehension.For anyone looking for a meaningful and genuinely authentic way to improve their Spanish while learning about Spain and its people, I highly recommend Spanish Express. It was exactly the experience I had been searching for.

Spanish and Latin American culture are woven into so many parts of life in the United States and bilingualism is a genuine advantage for so many careers. I wanted to move further in my professional life using my Spanish and had job interviews coming up with international companies with offices in Spain, which is exactly why I chose the Spanish Homestay Immersion Programme in Barcelona.Spanish Express also has an excellent online programme that works really well alongside the in person immersion experience. Monica taught me business Spanish and helped me with my CV and interview preparation for a full year before we met face to face in Spain. During my two weeks there I improved not only my Spanish but also my understanding of how business is done in Spain, the culture, the gastronomy, the art and so much more.I highly recommend this programme to anyone who wants to advance in their career through Spanish. The combination of online preparation and real life immersion is genuinely powerful and unlike anything a conventional language school can offer.

I left Valencia with noticeably stronger Spanish, real confidence in speaking and wonderful memories of my time with Pilar. More than anything, I came away feeling genuinely inspired to keep learning the language, which was exactly what I had hoped for going in.The experience exceeded my expectations in every possible way. Whether you are a complete beginner or an advanced learner, Pilar creates a genuinely personalised experience that combines excellent teaching, real cultural immersion and warm hospitality all in one.Some of my favourite moments were the day at the beach and cycling to the museums, where I got to test my Spanish by reading the exhibit displays. Those relaxed, real world opportunities to use the language were where I felt myself improving the most. I would wholeheartedly recommend Pilar to anyone looking for an authentic Spanish immersion. I am so grateful for the time we shared and I hope to return in the future.

I spent a week in Cadiz with Spanish Express, staying in Oscar's home in Puerto Real, and it was a fantastic experience from start to finish. I joined the SHIP programme to improve my Spanish for holidays and casual travel and it turned out to be the perfect environment for exactly that.Oscar made me feel completely at home throughout. We had lessons in the morning and spent the afternoons exploring the area or having conversations in Spanish together. It was relaxed but really effective and I came away feeling noticeably more confident speaking in everyday situations while travelling.I would definitely recommend this programme to anyone who wants to learn Spanish in a genuinely authentic and real way.

I really enjoyed my time in Valencia with Pilar. She is a wonderfully clear teacher and I found the lessons genuinely helpful. I felt properly challenged with the speaking and listening practice, which was exactly what I had been hoping for coming into the programme.The excursions were fantastic too. We explored Valencia and the surrounding areas and enjoyed proper paella at a traditional Spanish restaurant which was a real highlight. The food prepared at the house every day was delicious throughout and the house itself is spacious with beautiful large gardens, so there was always plenty of time to relax and enjoy the surroundings between activities.It was a lovely balance of learning, exploring and downtime, and I would absolutely recommend this experience to anyone considering it.

We completed a two week Spanish Homestay Immersion Programme in Menorca in November as a couple and found it to be a really focused and rewarding experience. Living in the teacher's home created constant exposure to Spanish which made the learning feel practical and real rather than academic.What we appreciated most was how naturally the language learning connected to cultural visits and real experiences. Spending time in Ciutadella old town, visiting the Museo Numa, exploring the Naveta des Tudons and walking sections of the Cami de Cavalls all gave us genuine opportunities to practise Spanish while also learning about Menorca's history and landscapes.The pace was calm, the teaching was personalised and the home environment was comfortable and genuinely welcoming. By the end of our two weeks we both felt noticeably more confident using Spanish in everyday conversations. A brilliant choice for couples who want meaningful immersion without any classroom feel.

I was fortunate enough to spend two brilliant weeks learning Spanish in the Valencia area with Pilar and it was a wonderful experience from start to finish. She is an animated, warm and incredibly accommodating teacher and language guide as well as a genuinely great cook.I had never been to Spain before and was only familiar with the Latin American accent so after two weeks with Pilar both my comprehension of the Spanish accent and my conversational abilities improved noticeably.We did so many things together. A wonderful bike ride to the coast, hikes around the hills right outside the house, walks through orange groves, Christmas shopping, exploring the historic old town and spending time with Pilar's lovely family over delicious paella and great conversation in Spanish.Her home is comfortable and beautifully located in the mountains just outside Valencia. What I really appreciated was how flexible she was with my personal pace and learning style and how thoughtful she was about my dietary preferences throughout the stay. I would highly recommend Spanish Express and their Valencia programme to anyone.

Taking part in the Spanish immersion programme at Ana and Raul's home in Barcelona city centre was a genuinely illuminating experience. Their warm hospitality made me feel at ease from the very first moment and their expert guidance helped me make rapid progress with my Spanish.Ana's lessons were customised to my specific needs and interests which meant every session felt both engaging and genuinely effective. She is an absolutely amazing Spanish teacher and her passion for the language is completely infectious. Living with a native speaker and qualified teacher was transformative and my confidence in speaking Spanish grew enormously as I practised in real everyday situations.Raul's deep interest in art and his knowledge of the city also enriched the experience hugely. He was an excellent guide during our excursions around Barcelona and introduced me to places and experiences I would never have found on my own.This programme combines education and cultural immersion in a way that just works. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn Spanish while actually living and breathing the city at the same time.

I chose a two week immersion course staying at Monica's home in Dosrius and it was just an incredible experience from start to finish. Her home is very comfortable and perfectly located right next to a national park. She has two amazing golden retrievers and her lovely parents live on the main floor. Her father's cooking is honestly restaurant quality and that alone was worth the trip.Every day included Spanish classes, hours of real conversation with native speakers and genuinely exciting excursions that managed to combine adventure with even more opportunities to practise the language. Monica and her entire team are fantastic, warm, professional and truly committed to helping you improve.Monica herself is personable, incredibly knowledgeable and her hospitality is in a league of its own. I cannot recommend this experience enough. Thank you Monica!

I spent a brilliant week with Pilar in late April 2026 and it is something I will not forget anytime soon. I am a recent retiree who was travelling solo and I had studied Spanish over 40 years ago before deciding to pick it up again. It has been great for keeping the brain active and Spanish is also widely spoken in my city so it just made sense.I felt completely comfortable staying at Pilar's home right from the start. Her teaching methods were genuinely invaluable. Just one week of proper immersion made such a difference to my Spanish that I honestly wish I had booked two weeks to make even more progress.Beyond the formal lessons Pilar continued teaching me informally every day as she took me around Valencia to explore and try the local food and drink. She is such a warm person with a great sense of humour and she is also a wonderful cook. She lives in a beautiful home in the mountains with an incredible garden and every day I took short hikes nearby. We even had our lessons out on the patio with the mountains right there in front of us.The accommodation was excellent and the time honestly flew by. I cannot think of a better way to learn Spanish and experience Valencia properly. I am already planning to go back.

I thoroughly recommend Monica's programme in Barcelona for anyone who loves travel, nature, art or photography. It could not have gone more smoothly and it was by far the most enjoyable Spanish programme I have ever been part of.Monica made sure the course was interesting and genuinely relevant to my personal interests throughout the whole week. Spending time with her and her two adorable golden retrievers Rumba and Samba was an unforgettable cultural experience in itself. Monica's parents live upstairs and her father is not only an incredible cook but also a remarkable artist. The whole house is filled with his vibrant paintings and the warmth of the entire family made the stay feel really special.My spoken and written Spanish improved enormously and I now feel genuinely confident about travelling around Spain and Latin America. I wholeheartedly recommend Monica's programme in the province of Barcelona.

My trip to Barcelona to stay with Monica was just fantastic. I travelled to some truly fascinating locations while making real and meaningful progress with my Spanish. Being Portuguese certainly makes learning Spanish a little more accessible but the immersion approach accelerated things far beyond what I expected.The meals were wonderful throughout and it was clear that Monica's father, who I would happily award a Michelin star, genuinely loves cooking. He is also an incredible artist and their home is decorated with the most vibrant and joyful paintings that put a smile on your face every time you walked through the rooms.Monica was a superb hostess throughout, warm, friendly and full of thoughtful little touches that made everything feel special. I chose the on the go option for my Spanish sessions rather than formal desk based lessons and it was so much more fun and effective. We went on excursions to coastal towns and natural parks close to Monica's home and I genuinely loved every moment of it.I will most definitely be repeating this experience.

Taking part in the Spanish immersion programme at Pilar's home in Valencia was an incredible experience of both language and culture. Pilar's home felt like a second home from the very first day and the comfortable and welcoming atmosphere made it such a natural environment for learning.The personalised lessons were tailored to my individual needs and learning style which meant I made genuinely significant progress during my stay. Living with a native speaker was a real advantage as I was able to practise conversational Spanish every single day and pick up valuable insights into local customs and expressions along the way.Pilar's expertise and passion for teaching were clear in every session and made the whole process engaging and enjoyable. Exploring Valencia with her as a guide opened up a whole world of authentic experiences, from discovering local food to visiting historic landmarks that I would never have found without her.This programme sharpened my language skills and gave me connections and memories that I know will last a lifetime. If you want a truly immersive and comprehensive way to learn Spanish while experiencing the culture and energy of Valencia, this programme is an absolute must.

Our 15 year old daughter spent five nights in Valencia with Pilar and absolutely loved every bit of it. The food alone was a highlight, tortilla, fish and the Spanish version of creme caramel were all big hits with her.Being able to speak Spanish every single day made a real difference and she now feels so much more confident heading into her Spanish GCSE. In the afternoons she and the other students went on interesting and fun excursions to different parts of Valencia and her personal favourite was visiting all of the beautiful churches around the city.She would happily recommend this course to any Spanish student preparing for their GCSEs or other exams. It is a genuinely brilliant way to get ready.

My experience with Spanish Express was truly incredible. I had the opportunity to live with two wonderful teachers, Monica who lives in Dosrius near Barcelona and Pilar who lives in Gilet near Valencia. Both locations were unique and a lot of fun and I learned so much that I honestly cannot wait to go back.I feel this programme helped me improve across every single skill, speaking, listening, reading and writing. The classes also motivated me to keep going with Spanish long after the programme ended which says a lot about the quality of the teaching.I also had classes with two additional teachers, Lydia and Ana, and I want to say a huge thank you to Monica, Pilar, Ana, Lydia and to both of their families. Everyone was so kind, patient and welcoming throughout. I would recommend this programme without hesitation to absolutely anyone who wants to learn Spanish.

My experience was just amazing. Pilar is a wonderfully warm person and an outstanding teacher and I learned so much during my time with her.Beyond the lessons the food was fantastic throughout my stay and Pilar was incredibly thoughtful and considerate about my gluten allergy at every single meal without making a big deal of it. She also took us to all the places we wanted to visit which made the whole experience feel personal and genuinely fun rather than like a structured programme.I am so happy I got to experience real life in Valencia while also improving my Spanish so significantly. I would absolutely recommend this course to anyone who wants to learn or improve their Spanish. It is a super enjoyable way to learn and really experience a place at the same time.

As someone who travels a lot for work and has a wide range of interests, I have had the privilege of doing Spanish homestay immersions with Spanish Express across several incredible destinations including Valencia, Barcelona, Madrid, Salamanca, Cuenca, Cadiz and Caceres. Every single immersion is thoughtfully designed and genuinely tailored to what you personally want to get out of it.Barcelona was an unforgettable highlight. The iconic architecture, the energy of the streets and the richness of the culture never stopped being inspiring. From exploring Gaudi's extraordinary work to eating incredible Catalan food, every moment felt full of discovery and Monica's warm guidance made it even more special.In Valencia I was captivated by how seamlessly the modern and the historic sit alongside each other. Wandering through the old town and eating proper paella created a real connection to Spanish traditions and Pilar's welcoming approach made everything feel personal and genuine.My time in Caceres with Richard was equally memorable. The city is a true medieval gem, almost like a living museum where ancient streets and timeless architecture bring the past to life in a way that feels completely authentic.What truly sets Spanish Express apart is the ability to create bespoke learning experiences not just across Spain but also in Latin America. The homestay element adds a unique layer of authenticity and the connections you make with your host teachers, their families and their communities stay with you long after you leave.I cannot recommend this programme highly enough.

I had an amazing week in Cadiz with Spanish Express, staying at Oscar's place in Puerto Real. Joining the SHIP programme was exactly what I needed to give my Spanish a proper boost for holidays and casual travel and the setting was just right for that.Oscar was a wonderful host who made me feel genuinely at home from day one. Our mornings were spent in lessons and the afternoons were for exploring the area or practising Spanish through real conversation. The whole experience felt laid back yet genuinely effective at the same time.I now feel so much more confident using Spanish in everyday travel situations and I would highly recommend this programme to anyone looking for authentic and immersive language learning.

This course was an incredible experience from start to finish. Pilar is such a kind and genuinely lovely person and she cooks wonderfully. She is caring and always available for everyone throughout the day and I never once got bored during the three weeks I spent there.The company of her son Max, her daughter Esmeralda and fellow student Ardi made the whole experience even more special. The place itself was beautiful and the people in the area were so warm and friendly.This is an experience I will truly never forget and I would recommend it to anyone looking to improve their Spanish in a genuine and immersive way.

Taking part in the Spanish immersion programme at Ana's home in Barcelona was a genuinely unforgettable experience. The cosy and welcoming atmosphere of her home created a relaxed and natural environment for learning from the very first day.The one on one lessons were thoughtfully structured and adapted to my pace and proficiency level which meant my language skills progressed much faster than I expected. Living with a native Spanish speaker was a complete game changer. Daily interactions in Spanish improved my fluency and confidence in a way that no traditional course ever could.Ana's passion for teaching and her deep knowledge of the language and Spanish culture came through in every single lesson. The programme also offered a wonderful balance of study and exploration. Discovering Barcelona's iconic sites and hidden gems with Ana's guidance added a really special dimension to the whole experience.This immersion programme is an excellent choice for anyone who truly wants to immerse themselves in Spanish and experience the beauty and energy of Barcelona at the same time. I would recommend it wholeheartedly.

What a week! I am writing this on the train back to Madrid and I am already wishing I had stayed longer. For anyone who wants to actually improve their Spanish I genuinely think this is the best way to do it no matter what level you are starting from.Pilar was an incredibly gracious host and a really knowledgeable teacher. Her love for the language and her deep knowledge of the city and the country made the whole experience feel special. The classes were structured around my level so I never felt overwhelmed but I was definitely being pushed in the right direction.After the lessons we got out and explored through all kinds of activities that made the immersion feel real and not just like a course. The accommodation is wonderful too, peaceful and completely away from the noise of the city.After just one week in Gilet I feel so much more confident and genuinely excited about where I am going with the language. I cannot wait to come back.

I chose Menorca for my Spanish Homestay Immersion because I wanted to improve my Spanish in a real and natural environment while also discovering the culture of the island. I came from Rome where I work as an estate agent, and being able to communicate confidently in Spanish matters to me both personally and professionally.I already had a solid B2 level when I arrived, but during my two weeks with Monica, my host teacher and the founder of Spanish Express, my Spanish became noticeably more fluent, more confident and much more natural. The experience was never just about lessons. It was about living the language every day through conversations, meals, walks, excursions and everyday life. Monica corrected my mistakes gently and practically, and I always felt encouraged to speak. I especially loved being able to discuss real topics and compare Italian and Spanish culture in meaningful conversations.Menorca itself amazed me. I loved discovering Ciutadella and Mahon, and places like Palacio Torre Saura, Sa Naveta d'Es Tudons and Lithica were unforgettable. Playa Algaiarens quickly became one of my favourite beaches. The local food was another highlight, especially sobrassada, cheese and the wonderful gin amb llimonada.Meeting Monica's childhood friends was another lovely part of the experience. They were warm, fun and welcoming and even when conversations moved quickly between Spanish, Catalan and Menorcan expressions I felt completely included. Sharing the same name as Monica gave us plenty of laughs too, and we quickly discovered a very similar sense of humour.My two weeks in Menorca were so much more than a Spanish course. They were a full cultural and personal experience and I would recommend the programme to anyone who wants to learn Spanish in a real, human and unforgettable way.

Taking part in the Spanish immersion programme at Pilar's home in Valencia was a truly enriching experience from start to finish. Pilar's warmth and hospitality made me feel like part of the family almost immediately and the personalised lessons were carefully built around my specific language goals which meant I made real and meaningful progress throughout my stay.Living with a native speaker was a genuine game changer. Having the opportunity to practise Spanish in real everyday situations made such a difference to my conversational skills in a way that traditional classes simply cannot replicate. Pilar's teaching style was engaging and interactive and made learning feel genuinely enjoyable rather than like hard work.Exploring Valencia with her guidance was a wonderful bonus too. She took me to places I would never have found on my own and I got to experience the city's culture and energy in a really authentic way. This programme deepened my understanding of Spanish and gave me connections and memories I will carry with me for a long time. I would recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone.

I am Paul from Ireland, 68 years young, and I have just got back from two weeks in Valencia with Pilar at Spanish Express and what a time it was. I had actually done a week earlier in the year with Oscar in Cadiz and he was the one who recommended Pilar to me for Valencia. She met me at the airport and I felt completely relaxed in her company from that very first moment.The house is really lovely and spacious. As it was winter we had our classes indoors but in warmer weather you can take them out on the terrace which sounds wonderful. The classes were engaging throughout and Pilar worked at a pace that suited my level perfectly.Some mornings we had lessons and in the afternoons we went out to explore places of interest around the city. The Cathedral, the Roman Ruins, the Central Market which is absolutely worth a visit, and the City of Sciences and Arts were all highlights. One evening we also went to a music recital at a beautiful theatre called the Teatro Mercantil which was a really special experience.What I love most about the immersion approach is that even when you are not in a formal lesson and you are just out and about, you are still speaking Spanish and still learning. It never stops. Pilar is also not just a brilliant teacher but a wonderful cook and the food she put on the table every day was beautiful.By the end of two weeks my confidence speaking Spanish had improved enormously and I am already looking forward to going back in the spring. Spanish Express has been an incredibly positive experience for me and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Taking part in Pilar's Spanish immersion programme in La Manga del Mar Menor in Murcia was a genuinely enriching experience in every sense. Her welcoming environment set the tone from the very beginning and the tailored lessons meant I made real and noticeable progress throughout my stay.The daily conversations with Pilar gave me natural opportunities to practise and refine my Spanish in a way that classroom learning simply cannot replicate. Exploring Murcia and Cartagena with her as a guide was also wonderful. From historic landmarks to local markets every outing gave me a deeper insight into Spanish culture and heritage.Pilar's dedication to her teaching and her genuine passion for sharing the beauty of Murcia made the whole experience feel special. My Spanish proficiency improved significantly and I came away with a much deeper appreciation for the richness of Spain. I am already planning to go back to Valencia with Pilar this year and I cannot recommend this programme highly enough.

Joining the Spanish immersion programme at Nanda's home in Castelldefels, Barcelona was a decision I will always be grateful for. From day one Nanda's warm and welcoming nature created a genuinely supportive atmosphere for learning. The one on one lessons were tailored precisely to my level which meant steady progress while keeping everything enjoyable.Living with a native speaker and professional teacher is an advantage that is genuinely hard to put a price on. My speaking and listening skills improved enormously and Nanda's patience and creative teaching methods made every session feel engaging rather than like hard work.Beyond the lessons, exploring the Barcelona area with Nanda's guidance was a real highlight. Castelldefels has beautiful long beaches and the town itself has lovely historical sites like the Castelldefels Castle. We also explored the nearby Garraf Natural Park which was truly breathtaking. And then there is Barcelona itself, the Sagrada Familia, the Gothic Quarter, Las Ramblas, Park Guell. It is just an incredible city.Nanda's cooking was also outstanding and I honestly preferred staying in for meals over going out which says everything. I cannot recommend this programme enough to anyone looking for an authentic and genuinely effective way to learn Spanish.

I am genuinely delighted with my experience on the Spanish immersion course in Murcia. I am so grateful to my teacher Raquel for being such a key part of improving my Spanish and helping me get over the fear of actually speaking the language. Her ability to build confidence in her students was absolutely crucial to the progress I made.Being able to book the course and accommodation for my partner Anna as well was a wonderful option and I want to thank Spanish Express for making it possible for us to share this experience together in La Manga del Mar Menor. It made everything feel even more special.Raquel is not only an excellent teacher but also a wonderfully warm host and a brilliant cook. I would wholeheartedly recommend this programme to anyone. I am already excited to plan my next experience in Valencia. Thank you to everyone who made this such an unforgettable time.

I genuinely cannot express how fantastic my experience with Spanish Express was. I spent roughly a week each with two separate teachers, Monica in Barcelona and Pilar in Valencia, and I noticed a real and significant improvement in my Spanish throughout. I now have so much more faith in my own language skills.Both teachers were accommodating, warm and patient throughout and the local cuisine they introduced me to was absolutely delicious.My girlfriend is from Galicia so the next time I visit her Spanish family I will absolutely be putting everything I learned to good use. I want to impress them with my Spanish when I see them in the summer and I genuinely think I can now.I am so glad I found this programme because I could never have had an experience like this at a conventional language school. The exposure to culture, history and the language itself went so far beyond anything I had expected and I would recommend it to absolutely anyone.

I spent a week in Dosrius, Barcelona living with my teacher Monica in her home and it was just an amazing experience from start to finish.Monica is an excellent teacher and spoke Spanish to me one hundred percent of the time throughout the whole week. We ate meals together every day and I had a Spanish lesson each morning. Every other day Monica took me on sightseeing and cultural excursions around the surrounding area and during my free time I explored on my own, including a really enjoyable afternoon trip by train to Girona.Monica's home is very comfortable. I had my own room and private bathroom and when I arrived we went grocery shopping together so I could help myself to food whenever I wanted. The whole setup felt natural and relaxed.My only regret is that I only had one week. I would highly recommend an immersion homestay with Spanish Express to anyone.

I stayed in Valencia with Pilar for two weeks through the SHIP immersion programme and it was a brilliant experience. Pilar made me feel completely at home from the start and is a genuinely great teacher. The lessons were really clear and well structured which I appreciated a lot.We also went on plenty of excursions and got to practise real everyday Spanish during meals which was such a natural and enjoyable way to learn. And Pilar is an absolutely amazing cook on top of everything else.My listening comprehension improved so much over those two weeks and I came away feeling genuinely more confident speaking. I now have a solid foundation in Spanish and loads of tools to keep practising. I really hope to go back soon.

I am back home after a fantastic week in Dosrius, Catalonia and I honestly cannot stop thinking about what a wonderful experience it was. I had high expectations going in and every single one of them was met.I love the whole idea of a homestay. You study, yes, but you also just learn so much from being part of a family and living their daily life. Staying with Monica, her parents and the two golden retrievers was lovely in every way. The environment was fresh and calm and beautiful, the food was good and healthy and the whole atmosphere made learning feel completely natural.We also did some really nice excursions together and I borrowed a bike to explore the surroundings on my own which I loved. Monica even took me along to her gym which has a swimming pool too. It was a genuinely brilliant week and I would recommend it to anyone.

I had an incredible experience on the Spanish immersion programme at Monica's home in Barcelona. From the moment I arrived I was welcomed warmly into her home which provided an authentic and comfortable environment for improving my Spanish.The lessons were personalised to my level and my needs which made the whole learning process engaging and genuinely effective. Living with a native Spanish speaker gave me the opportunity to practise outside of formal lesson time and this made a real difference to my conversational skills.Monica's expertise and patience were remarkable throughout and the cultural insights she shared enriched my understanding of the language and local customs in ways I had not expected. Exploring the Barcelona province with the guidance of someone who truly knows the area was a wonderful bonus and I got to experience the region in a really authentic and personal way.This immersion programme exceeded my expectations and was an invaluable opportunity to improve my Spanish in a real and meaningful setting. I would highly recommend it.

We had an absolutely fantastic two weeks with Pilar Martinez at her homestay in Gilet, Valencia. It is genuinely difficult to put into words just how wonderful the whole experience was and how much it exceeded our expectations.We are two siblings from Kenya with an Indian background and Pilar catered perfectly to our strictly vegetarian diet throughout our entire stay. She made us all kinds of meals from different cuisines and even took us out for a meal too. We had some of the best food we have ever eaten during those two weeks including homemade vegetable paella, patatas bravas, tacos and churros. We even got to share Christmas Eve dinner with Pilar's family which was such a special experience and gave us the chance to practise Spanish with a whole group of people.Pilar's home was comfortable and thought of everything. There were radiators in the rooms for the cold winter weather and a wonderful fireplace that kept everything warm during our lessons. The kitchen was well stocked, the beds were comfortable and the bathroom was modern with a great shower.We came specifically to improve our Spanish for our IB Diploma and Middle Years Programme exams and Pilar delivered exactly that. The personalised classes combining one on one and group sessions helped us master grammar and verbs and work through practice exam material. And simply speaking Spanish constantly for two weeks naturally improved our listening and speaking in a way that no classroom ever could.The excursions were another highlight entirely. Pilar's house is perfectly placed in the hills of Gilet so going on nature walks and hikes with stunning views was just part of daily life. We also visited the Roman castle complex at Sagunto which was fascinating, explored Valencia on foot and by bicycle, visited the beach and spent four brilliant hours at the Museum of Arts and Sciences.Spending time with Pilar was wonderful in every sense. She is warm, caring, endlessly patient and always smiling. We would absolutely do this again and recommend it without hesitation to anyone looking for an authentic Spanish immersion while also experiencing everything Valencia has to offer.

I arrived in Valencia genuinely excited for my immersion course and it delivered everything I had hoped for and more. Pilar's family welcomed me warmly to their lovely home in the mountains just a few minutes from the beach and I felt at ease immediately.Mornings were spent in intensive classes with Pilar and in the afternoons we explored Valencia together, from the Barrio del Carmen to the City of Arts and Sciences. Shared meals with Pilar's family became practical lessons in themselves and on weekends we visited the Albufera and tried horchata and fartons for the first time.By the end of the course my Spanish had improved noticeably but honestly the most valuable part of the whole experience was everything beyond the language itself. I said goodbye with real gratitude and came home carrying memories I know will stay with me for a long time. I highly recommend the Spanish immersion course in Valencia with Pilar.

I spent an unforgettable week with Monica in Ciutadella, the old capital of Menorca, as part of her Spanish homestay immersion programme and I really cannot recommend it highly enough. I visited in November and was not entirely sure what to expect since Menorca is so often thought of as a summer destination. What I found instead was an island full of culture, history, nature and real authenticity.Monica's homestay immersion is without question one of the most effective and enjoyable ways to learn or improve your Spanish. Staying in the teacher's home creates a completely natural learning environment where the language just becomes part of everyday life. I am a native English speaker who also speaks Italian which helped with picking up Spanish, but what truly made the difference was Monica's unique approach to teaching.She has a very special way of helping you learn without you even realising it is happening. Lessons never feel forced or academic. So much of the learning happens naturally through cultural visits, shared meals, conversations and long walks discovering beautiful and often hidden corners of Menorca. Language learning is woven seamlessly into real experiences which makes it both genuinely effective and deeply enjoyable.For anyone who loves nature, art, music and food this programme offers the perfect balance between improving your Spanish and truly connecting with Menorcan culture. I would recommend it to absolutely anyone.

The week of immersion in Barcelona at Monica's home was just incredible from start to finish. I loved all of the activities we did together, especially visiting the football club, exploring Barcelona city and visiting Rukimon, a donkey reserve in the Montnegre i Corredor Natural Park where Monica lives with her parents and her two golden retrievers Rumba and Samba who always want to play and eat.I learned so much about Spanish culture during the week and I am genuinely happy with how much my listening comprehension improved. I also feel so much more confident speaking Spanish than I did before I arrived. A brilliant experience and one I would recommend to anyone.

My full immersion Spanish programme in Spain was one of the most fun and genuinely unforgettable experiences of my life, made even more special because I got to share it with my best friend Flora. From the moment we arrived everything felt exciting and a little surreal. We were both a bit nervous but mostly just thrilled to be in a new country together ready to take on something completely different.The best part was how personal the whole experience felt. It was not a big group class with loads of people. It was just me, Flora and our teacher. We actually stayed at her house which made everything feel really comfortable and relaxed. Our teacher was so kind and easy to talk to. She spoke English which definitely helped when we got stuck, but she always encouraged us to use Spanish as much as possible and we genuinely got better every single day.We spent most of our time practising in real life situations, talking during meals, asking questions while out in town and just having everyday conversations in Spanish. It felt completely natural rather than forced which made learning so much easier and so much more fun. Flora and I made plenty of mistakes along the way but we laughed through them and learned quickly.The house was cosy and welcoming and our teacher made us feel like part of the family. Mealtimes were especially fun as we would all sit down together, talk mostly in Spanish and enjoy the food. The paella in particular was something Flora and I still talk about.We also got to the beach one afternoon and it was one of those simple, perfect moments that I know I will always remember. By the end of the programme I felt so much more confident speaking Spanish and we both came back having learned a lot not just about the language but about the culture and about ourselves. I am so glad we did it.

I am 65, I love the Spanish language and I wanted to feel more confident actually using it. After three wonderful weeks I left Spain feeling genuinely more confident and it was everything I had hoped for.Living with Pilar in Valencia was a wonderful experience. She is a fabulous teacher, a kind host, a great cook and an excellent tour guide all rolled into one. Monica, living a good distance from Barcelona, had a lovely home and a wonderful young tutor who took me to some really interesting places. And Carmen in Seville became a genuine friend. She taught me history and language in equal measure and it was just perfect.The most nerve racking part was navigating the train system on my own since I am from the States and do not do a lot of train travel at home. But Carmen, Monica and Pilar were always just a phone call away and they always picked up and were always there at the station to meet me. I ended up conquering solo train travel in a Spanish speaking country with plenty of mess ups along the way but honestly that felt like my biggest personal achievement from the whole trip.If you are considering this programme just do it. Three weeks went by far too fast.

Learning Spanish through immersion with Pilar is genuinely every student's dream. Beyond the personalised and practical lessons Pilar is always completely attentive to what you actually want and need from the experience.Add to that a wonderful living environment, excursions to discover the Valencia region and Spanish culture and sometimes even being included within the family itself as I was during the traditional Moros y Cristianos festival in the city of Elda, and you have something truly special.And for anyone who loves food, you will absolutely not be disappointed. It was just brilliant in every way and I felt genuinely privileged to have had the experience. I highly recommend Pilar and this programme to anyone.

Improving my Spanish has always been a personal goal because I would love to live in a Spanish speaking country in the future. This trip to Barcelona helped me enormously. Monica is an excellent teacher and a genuinely wonderful host and I felt completely comfortable staying at her beautiful home throughout my stay.She has two lovely dogs which made my time there even more special because I am a huge dog lover. The people, the food, the architecture, everything about the experience was just amazing.I will absolutely be repeating this on my next holiday and I would wholeheartedly recommend this programme to anyone who wants to learn or improve their Spanish in a genuinely effective and enjoyable way.

As a Portuguese speaker I can generally read Spanish without too much difficulty given the close relationship between the two languages. But the spoken forms are a different matter and that is exactly what I wanted to work on before my next trip to Barcelona, my favourite city in Spain.Spending two weeks at Monica's home was just amazing. I made more progress in those two weeks than I had in an entire academic year at my language school back home. Mixing with Monica's friends and family and learning about the gastronomy and culture of the region also broadened my horizons in ways I had not expected.We had a wonderful social programme with plenty of excursions. I love nature and animals so my favourite visits were to the Parc del Montnegre i el Corredor, Spain's first park of silence, and to Rukimon, the donkey reserve where all the donkey breeds of the Peninsula live together. I loved feeding and petting them. They absolutely adore cuddles and carrots.We also visited Can Gel, a cow farm where you can interact with the animals and learn all about their care. I even got to bottle feed a baby cow which was just a magical moment.All in all it was an incredible experience that I would recommend to any travel lover who wants to experience Spain in a real and meaningful way.

My experience of this style of learning was outstanding. I spent two weeks in Valencia with Pilar Martinez and she has a real gift for building a tailor made programme around each student's starting level, which meant my learning curve was as steep as it could be.I loved the fact that we spoke only Spanish throughout. As a beginner it was difficult and sometimes exhausting, but it was also incredibly rewarding. Every single person we met, whether family or friends, and every museum and tour we did, became another natural chance to practise speaking and listening. Cycling around Valencia was one of the highlights I did not see coming.Pilar is the perfect teacher and a wonderful host. Her home is beautiful, the region is stunning and the whole experience was one I would recommend without any hesitation.

First of all I want to thank Pilar for making this such a special experience. The way she teaches is just excellent. I already knew some Spanish before I arrived but my boyfriend who came with me had none at all. By the end of our stay he was holding genuinely interesting conversations with people we had met there which still amazes me.We stayed for over two weeks in Valencia. Every morning started with a lesson after a fantastic breakfast that Pilar prepared for us. After classes she took us around Valencia to explore everything the city has to offer. We visited the beautiful Barrio del Carmen with all its history, the Micalet, the Torres de Serrano and Quart, the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias and its exhibitions. The visit to the Albufera was one of the highlights of the whole trip. We watched the sunset there and it was honestly one of the most beautiful I have ever seen.Pilar introduced us to so many people and to this day I am still in touch with some of them and practising my Spanish through those friendships. This was an unforgettable experience and we will absolutely be going back.

This was such a great experience and the week flew by so fast I genuinely could not believe it when it ended. The whole thing felt incredibly personalised from the very start. Pilar asked me what I wanted to work on and when I told her I needed help with listening and speaking she built everything around that. We did a lot of conversation work and also covered some grammar during our daily classes.We went on excursions into Valencia too which was so exciting. Having a native there to walk you through the local history and culture makes such a difference. The food was fantastic throughout and paella day was a real highlight for me. Watching proper paella being made outdoors was something I will not forget.Pilar cooked all of my meals for the entire week which was such a lovely thing and honestly a nice change from always being the one doing the cooking at home. If you are on the fence about this programme just go ahead and do it. I highly recommend it without any reservation.

We joined the Spanish Homestay Immersion Programme as a family of four with our two daughters aged 16 and 18, travelling in October. We spent one week in Dosrius near Barcelona followed by one week in Menorca and the whole experience was wonderful.Staying in Monica's home made Spanish a natural part of everyday life which worked really well for our teenagers. In the Barcelona area we explored Dosrius and nearby towns as well as the city itself including the Gothic Quarter, Las Ramblas, Park Guell and the Sagrada Familia, all of which gave our daughters plenty of real chances to practise their Spanish.In Menorca what we loved most was the balance between history and everyday island life. Visiting Ciutadella old town, the Museo Can Saura, the Naveta des Tudons, Mahon and watching the sunset at Faro d'Artruix were genuine highlights for the whole family.The environment felt safe, structured and welcoming throughout and both girls came home more confident and motivated to keep learning Spanish. This is an excellent immersion option for families travelling with teenagers and I would recommend it without hesitation.

I stayed with my two daughters in Gilet, a lovely small town near Valencia, and it was a truly excellent experience in every way. Pilar Martinez, our teacher and host for the ten days we were in Spain, gave us an outstanding opportunity to learn Spanish, practise the language in real situations and genuinely get to know the Spanish way of life.Beyond the daily lessons Pilar took us on excursions to explore Valencia, visit the coast and try authentic local food. We even went to the famous Tomatina festival in the town of Bunol which was an absolute blast and something none of us will ever forget.This is a genuinely brilliant way to learn and practise Spanish while also experiencing real life in the country. I would recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone.

My Spanish immersion experience in Girona was absolutely incredible, especially with the brilliant duo of Monicas hosting us. From the very start the whole vibe was relaxed and warm and both Monicas were just wonderful.Monica 1 was not just a teacher but a genuine language guru. Her style was laid back yet seriously effective, mixing structured lessons with easy casual conversation. She really understood us as learners and tailored everything to fit our actual travel plans and goals. We improved our Spanish in what felt like record time.And Monica 2 is simply on another level. An amazing entertainer, a fantastic local guide and genuinely one of the funniest people I have ever spent time with. We laughed so much our faces hurt.The location was stunning too, nestled in the beautiful Girona province in the charming coastal town of Sant Feliu de Guixols just a short walk from the beach. It was the perfect spot for our group to learn and have a wonderful time together. We also explored Girona city which was full of history, narrow ancient streets and incredible atmosphere.Our time with the two Monicas went so far beyond just learning Spanish. Every single moment was a joy and we are already planning a two week follow up, one week in Barcelona and one in Valencia. Cannot wait.

Alberto and Marisol are truly outstanding hosts. My visit was planned around my interests and my level of Spanish and it was packed with fun, memorable experiences and things I never would have found on my own. The way they work together as a team is impressive and each day had a different focus which gave the whole experience a real depth and variety I had not expected.I was welcomed into their home like a friend rather than a guest and that warmth made such a difference. Alberto and Marisol clearly understand how tiring it can be to sustain conversation in another language for hours at a time. They were always supportive while still keeping the level of challenge high enough to actually push me forward.Every day started with new information linked to whatever we were doing that day, history, culture, background context, and there was always time to focus on specific grammar points that helped me make sense of things I had learned elsewhere but never quite understood.This was a fabulous experience and I would recommend it without any hesitation to anyone who wants to improve their Spanish in a meaningful and genuinely enjoyable way.

I am currently studying for a Spanish degree in London and I can say with complete honesty that I learned more in one week in Cadiz with my host teacher than I had in a comparable stretch of formal study back home. It was just an incredible experience.From the moment I arrived I was fully immersed. I lived and breathed Spanish, got deep into the food culture, the history and the everyday rhythms of life in Spain. I genuinely felt like part of the family the whole time I was there.The complete immersion approach is unlike anything I had done before and the results really do speak for themselves. I will be booking another immersion with Spanish Express as soon as I possibly can.If you are a student or at university and you are thinking about doing this, just go. You are genuinely missing out if you do not.

My husband and I had such a great time staying in Valencia with Pilar for a week. What made it especially brilliant is that we are at completely different levels of Spanish, I am very much a beginner while my husband has been studying for a few years, and Pilar handled that perfectly and made it work wonderfully for both of us.She is a fantastic teacher and I feel genuinely lucky to have spent a week learning with her. Alongside the daily lessons there was so much to see and do in Valencia and we loved every bit of it. My favourite part of everything though was honestly just sitting at the table during meals and talking with Pilar. I really felt at home with her and that warmth made the whole experience feel very special. I hope to do this programme again someday.

We came to the program as a family of three including our 11 year old daughter and it was a wonderful experience for all of us. I was looking for something that would work for the whole family and Monica made that happen in a way that felt completely natural.Our Spanish was pretty basic when we arrived but we got through the entire week without speaking English which honestly still amazes me. In such a relaxed and welcoming environment I felt comfortable using Spanish for the first time without worrying too much about making mistakes. I just used the words I had and somehow it worked.We also explored a lot and visited small towns that we never would have found on our own. We came back having learned so much and genuinely had a brilliant time as a family. Highly recommend it.

My stay with Pilar was just incredible. I got to really get to know the beautiful city of Valencia and its amazing variety, from the Old Town all the way to the City of Sciences and Arts.One of my favourite moments was drinking horchata on the beach and having a picnic by the wall but honestly it is hard to pick a favourite when every single excursion was so good. I also loved spending time with the family, especially having lunch with the neighbours and eating proper traditional Spanish food. The boat ride was another highlight and I loved learning about the rice fields along the way.The classes themselves were really well structured and detailed and the homework kept things moving so I never got bored. My Spanish improved so much during my time there and I genuinely feel ready to sit my advanced level exams now. The total immersion was without doubt the most beneficial part of the whole experience and I am so grateful to Pilar for everything. Thank you so much, I had the most amazing time!

My immersion course staying with Raquel and Pilar was truly marvellous. In just three weeks I saw a remarkable improvement in my spoken Spanish that honestly surprised me. Before booking I had underestimated just how much this kind of programme could deliver and I am so grateful to Raquel and Pilar for their professionalism and for guiding me through some of the most beautiful places in Murcia and Cartagena during my time in La Manga del Mar Menor.I am already looking forward to doing this again in another city in Spain and next time I want to bring my closest friends along. Maybe even La Tomatina de Valencia!I recommend this experience one hundred percent. It has the perfect combination of quality teaching, genuine professionalism and exceptional human warmth. Just do it.

My 16 year old daughter spent a week on the Spanish home immersion programme with Monica in October 2022 and she had the most wonderful time. Her confidence in speaking Spanish just blossomed throughout the week in a way I had not quite expected.It was her first long stay away from home so we were all a little nervous going in but she felt instantly at home with Monica, her lovely parents who live upstairs and the gorgeous dogs. She had her own bedroom and bathroom which she loved.She thoroughly enjoyed her daily language lessons and also got to study the film Volver as part of the programme. Excursions included a trip to the Nou Camp, a day in Barcelona and of course the donkey sanctuary, as well as more local outings including a trip to the supermarket for some brilliant real life language practice.Monica also introduced her to the daughter of a friend who she is still in touch with now. It was a fantastic all round experience and I would recommend it wholeheartedly.

I had a fantastic experience during my immersion course in Valencia with Pilar Martinez. I had let a lot of my Spanish slip because I had not been practising enough and I thought there was no better way to get it back than a proper immersive course. I was absolutely right.From the very beginning I found myself immersed in the culture and thoroughly enjoying every part of the experience. Pilar took me around Valencia which is a beautiful city and I had so many opportunities to practise my Spanish with locals in real everyday situations.I left with a completely renewed confidence in my language abilities and I am already looking forward to going back on my own to keep developing my fluency. I would recommend this course to anyone.

My daughter spent three weeks with Pilar over Easter and the experience went beyond anything we had hoped for. Pilar took care of absolutely everything and she is a brilliant teacher and by all accounts a fantastic cook too!The accommodation was comfortable and Pilar made our daughter feel completely at home from the very first day. The daily rhythm of lessons in the morning and activities in the afternoon was a great balance between proper language learning and genuinely experiencing the country.Our daughter came back having made incredible progress. She had the skills and the confidence to sit her A2 DELE exam and pass it. I would wholeheartedly recommend Pilar and Spanish Express to anyone who is looking for a truly five star Spanish immersion experience. Thank you so much Pilar!

I had the most incredible time during my stay at Monica's home in the province of Barcelona. Exploring the hiking trails of the Montnegre i Corredor Natural Park, Spain's first park of silence, was a genuinely special adventure. Despite the serene atmosphere of the park Monica made sure our time there was full of laughter and engaging Spanish conversation which made the whole experience feel refreshing and inspiring.One memorable afternoon I had the pleasure of strolling through Mataro with Josefina, Monica's mother, having Spanish conversations with locals along the way. It was a fantastic opportunity to practise the language in a completely natural and enjoyable setting.Listening to Spanish music turned out to be one of the most effective and fun ways to pick up new vocabulary, idioms and expressions. As someone who loves to sing and dance a night out with Monica's wonderful group of friends was an absolute highlight of the trip.To round off the visit I was treated to a beautiful Sunday family meal featuring a seafood casserole with rice prepared by Juan, Monica's father. It was the perfect farewell to a truly unforgettable experience. The only thing I would change is staying longer.

I came to Menorca because I wanted to improve my Spanish in a more natural way, not just by sitting in a classroom. I already had a good level, around B2, but I often felt that I needed more confidence when speaking, especially in real situations.From the beginning, the experience felt very personal. The lessons were adapted to my level and to the things I needed to improve. We worked on grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and conversation, but always in a very practical way. I also liked that I could ask questions freely and focus on the areas where I felt less secure.What I enjoyed most was that Spanish was not limited to the lesson time. We spoke Spanish during meals, while walking around Ciutadella, visiting places, and doing normal everyday things. This helped me a lot because I had to use the language naturally, without preparing every sentence in advance.Menorca was a beautiful place for this kind of immersion. I really enjoyed discovering Ciutadella, the old streets, the port, and some of the island’s cultural and historical places. Visiting sites like the Naveta d’Es Tudons and Can Saura Museum made the experience more interesting because I was learning Spanish while also learning about Menorcan history and culture.Mónica made me feel very comfortable. I did not feel judged when I made mistakes, and that helped me speak more. Little by little, I noticed that I was reacting faster in Spanish and not translating so much in my head.For me, this experience was useful, warm, and motivating. It gave me more confidence and helped me see Spanish as something I can use in real life, not only study from a book. I would recommend the Menorca SHIP experience to anyone who wants to improve their Spanish in a personal and authentic way.

I had a fantastic time in Dosrius in the province of Barcelona with Monica, her parents and her two golden retrievers Rumba and Samba. Monica is warm, fun, kind and generous and I genuinely had such a good time with her. She went completely out of her way to make sure I was looked after and having a great experience throughout.She also worked hard to make sure my lessons were relevant to my specific needs. I am preparing to take the SIELE exam and will be sitting it remotely through Spanish Express as an accredited centre. Monica is a wonderful teacher and examiner and I feel more than ready for it now.Monica's home is situated in the Parc del Montnegre i el Corredor, the first urban quiet park in Spain, which is just a beautiful and special place to be. I feel extremely lucky to have had this opportunity. It was the perfect chance to spend time with a lovely person and her family, practise my Spanish and see so many stunning places in the area. Absolutely amazing. Highly recommended.

Spending the Easter holidays at Monica's home in Dosrius was honestly one of the best decisions I have ever made for my A Level Spanish preparation. From the moment I arrived I felt completely at home. Monica, her lovely parents who live upstairs and her two adorable golden retrievers Rumba and Samba welcomed me so warmly.I shared the experience with my classmate and friend Jessica. We both study A Levels at David Game College in London where Monica is also our Head of Spanish. As an Edexcel examiner she knows exactly how to guide students through the speaking exam and her insights throughout the week were incredibly helpful.We focused on revising our IRPs and all the key themes for Paper 3 Speaking, reviewed Paper 2 in depth covering the film El laberinto del fauno and the novel Como agua para chocolate, and also worked extensively on translation skills which was especially useful given that Monica is a qualified translator.The lessons were dynamic and intensive and the blend of academic rigour with real life immersion made such a difference. From personalised feedback to everyday conversations in Spanish I came away feeling genuinely confident and ready for the June exams.On the cultural side we explored the stunning Maresme Coast, visiting Dosrius, Argentona and Mataro which completely surprised us with its charming old town, beach and port. Barcelona itself was of course a major highlight with visits to Casa Batllo, Park Guell, the Sagrada Familia, the Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas.Seeing Monica outside of the classroom made everything even more special. She is the perfect blend of structured and fun and it was lovely to see her become one of us during the trip. This week improved my Spanish and gave me memories I will carry for life. I cannot recommend the SHIP programme enough.

Pilar not only made me feel completely at home from the very minute she picked me up at the train station but she fed me like a king throughout my entire stay and showed me just how special Valencia and the surrounding area truly is, including an extraordinary trip to Teruel that I will never forget.Her patience with me given my age of 86 and my dyslexia while teaching me beginner Spanish was something I cannot overstate how much I appreciated. She never made me feel rushed or embarrassed and that made all the difference in the world.I would without any hesitation recommend studying with Pilar through an immersion programme. The only drawback I can think of is that I ate far too well! Please feel free to pass on my details to anyone considering the programme who would like a reference.

In October 2022 I spent a week in Barcelona on the homestay programme with Monica to help me with my A Level Spanish and I had the most wonderful time.Monica and her parents were incredibly welcoming from the very first moment, as were the gorgeous dogs! I enjoyed my daily lessons with Monica so much and learned a great deal both linguistically and in terms of literature. In the afternoons we went on all kinds of fun trips that Monica organised around my interests which made the whole experience feel really personal.Monica also introduced me to the daughter of a friend who I have stayed in touch with ever since. I would recommend this experience to absolutely anyone without any hesitation.

I had the most amazing time with Spanish Express. I spent three weeks learning Spanish through their Homestay Immersion Program and it genuinely could not have been better.I started in Barcelona with Monica, then moved on to Valencia with Pilar and finished up in Cadiz with Oscar. Every single teacher was fantastic and each one made me feel completely at home while helping me improve my Spanish in their own brilliant way.The best part of the whole experience was living with the teachers. It truly immerses you in the language and the culture in a way that no classroom ever could. From exploring incredible cities to enjoying local food and just living everyday life in Spanish, it was an unforgettable experience from start to finish. I would highly recommend it to absolutely anyone looking to learn Spanish in a genuinely fun and effective way.

Taking part in the Spanish immersion programme at Pilar's home in Valencia was a genuinely eye opening adventure. From the moment I walked through the door I felt like part of her family and that warmth set the tone for everything that followed.The lessons were personalised to my specific needs and Pilar's patience and expertise made learning feel enjoyable rather than like hard work. Living with a native speaker was an invaluable opportunity. It pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best possible way and helped me develop conversational skills I honestly did not think I was capable of.Pilar's passion for teaching came through in every single session and her creative and engaging approach kept things interesting throughout. Exploring Valencia with her guidance added a wonderful layer of authenticity to the whole experience. I got to connect with locals and discover hidden corners of the city that I would never have found on my own.This programme improved my Spanish and let me fully immerse myself in the vibrant culture of Valencia at the same time. If you are looking for a truly immersive and rewarding way to learn Spanish then look no further.

Joining the Spanish immersion programme at Pilar's home in Valencia was one of the best decisions I have made. Pilar's warm and inviting home provided the perfect backdrop for a genuinely immersive language learning experience and the customised lessons were tailored to my goals while still pushing me in the right direction throughout.Living with a native speaker was a complete game changer. I found myself having meaningful conversations and picking up colloquial expressions that you simply never encounter in a textbook. Pilar's teaching style was both informative and genuinely enjoyable and every lesson felt like a valuable step forward.Exploring Valencia with her local knowledge and insight was a highlight in itself. I got to experience the city's culture and history in a way that only someone who truly lives and breathes the place can show you.This programme improved my Spanish, gave me lasting memories and connections I will carry with me for years. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for an authentic and immersive way to learn Spanish while discovering the beauty of Valencia.

I had stopped learning Spanish back in 2014 when I finished secondary school. After my brother did a French immersion programme in Paris I thought it would be a brilliant idea to do something similar in Spain and so in June 2023 I did exactly that, living at my teacher's home just outside Valencia for two weeks.The experience was genuinely excellent. I had daily morning classes but the learning went far beyond the classroom. I practised Spanish in real life situations throughout every single day, whether shopping, eating out at restaurants or sightseeing around the city.The hospitality was wonderful, the food was delicious and the homemade paella in particular was something else entirely. Valencia itself is a beautiful city with amazing people and incredible weather. I would recommend this programme wholeheartedly to anyone thinking about picking up or returning to Spanish.

I had been studying for the DELE C1 exam through regular virtual lessons with Monica and decided to take the leap and do the SHIP course in person. I have absolutely zero regrets. The immersion experience was exactly what I needed to truly understand, speak and live like a native Spanish speaker.I was a little nervous going in as I had never done anything like it before but Monica was so accommodating and thoughtful throughout. We did a brilliant range of activities together including city visits, museums and exploring nature reserves, not to mention all of the incredible food. The classes were intensive but never overwhelming because Monica tailored everything to my specific needs, particularly around the subjunctive which was my main focus.The improvement in my Spanish has been enormous and I feel genuinely confident that I can pass the DELE C1 exam which I need for work. I am so grateful for Monica's support and guidance throughout. Thank you Spanish Express!

My adult daughter and I recently had the most wonderful week with Pilar at her home in Gilet just outside Valencia. Pilar cooked us delicious meals every day, set aside proper structured time for our lessons and even had the energy to let me practise my Spanish conversation skills just one more time late in the evenings when I was not quite ready to stop.The small cultural excursions were a lovely part of the experience too but the real highlight was when Pilar included us in her family's celebration of the San Juan Festival. This festival happens once a year on the beach and it is a time for families and friends to come together with food and music. The beach was lined with little bonfires that individual families had built and then at the stroke of midnight everyone goes into the sea and jumps over seven waves while making seven wishes.What a beautiful tradition to be part of. My daughter and I will never forget it. Pilar is a truly wonderful host and teacher and I would recommend this experience without any hesitation.

Taking part in Pilar's Spanish immersion programme in Valencia was genuinely life changing. Her warm hospitality and professional guidance created the ideal atmosphere for learning from day one. The lessons were tailored to my level and Pilar's patient teaching style helped me understand concepts I had previously found quite tricky.Living with a qualified native Spanish teacher meant I could practise and improve through daily conversations while also being able to ask grammar questions in the moment, exactly when they came up. This made a huge difference to my confidence. Pilar's enthusiasm for teaching and her deep understanding of the language and culture added so much richness to every lesson.I was also incredibly lucky to have her as a guide to the hidden treasures and history of Valencia. This programme did not just improve my language skills. It let me genuinely experience the lifestyle and culture of the area in a way that no classroom course ever could. I would recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone.

I recently completed a Spanish Homestay Immersion with Spanish Express and it was a truly unforgettable experience from start to finish.I spent the first week in Valencia with Pilar learning alongside Christine from the US. We had lessons on Pilar's beautiful terrace, explored Valencia's historic centre and the Albufera and ate the most authentic paella I have ever had.The following three weeks were in Barcelona with Monica, her parents and their two golden retrievers. My lessons there combined formal sessions with on the go learning as we visited iconic sites like the Sagrada Familia, Park Guell and Casa Mila. We also used workbooks and played Spanish games which made everything feel fun and genuinely immersive. The experience ended with a surprise flamenco show that Monica arranged which was just the most perfect way to finish.This programme improved my Spanish enormously and deepened my understanding of Spanish culture, history and food in ways I did not expect. I will treasure this experience as I continue learning. A heartfelt thank you to Monica and Pilar for making it all so special.

I spent one week in Barcelona with the goal of boosting my Spanish before returning to university where I study the language. From the very moment I enrolled Monica was nothing but helpful, enthusiastic and genuinely supportive.The week was a perfect mix of Spanish classes tailored specifically to what I wanted to practise, and immersion activities including exciting excursions to beautiful parts of Barcelona, kayaking and walks with Monica's gorgeous dogs in the scenic mountains. Monica truly shared her culture with me and exposed me to the Spanish way of life, from mealtimes to actually meeting some of her close family and friends.What I loved most about the course was that I was not just there to study. I was there to enjoy myself and Monica made that completely possible. We talked about real things, things I was genuinely passionate about. Conversation never felt forced or uncomfortable for a single moment. It was effortless and natural throughout.I will absolutely be going back. It had not even been a week since I got home before I was already planning my return. Thank you so much to Spanish Express for such a wonderful time.

My stay with Monica was just wonderful from start to finish. The food was superb and Monica's dad, who lives upstairs with her mum, is an incredible cook. The accommodation is lovely too with your own room and bathroom which makes everything feel comfortable and personal.Dosrius itself has so much to offer. The picturesque town, the Parc del Montnegre i el Corredor, the Enchanted Forest and a beautiful port and beach all within about a 20 minute drive make it a genuinely special place to spend a week.Monica is a fantastic teacher and I genuinely feel my Spanish improved significantly throughout the week I spent with her. I will be continuing with online classes until I am ready to take the SIELE exam remotely through Spanish Express as an accredited centre. The fact that I can do it all remotely makes the whole process so much more manageable and stress free. I cannot recommend this experience highly enough.

My one week course with Oscar and his brother Fernando was without any doubt the best course I have ever attended. Every single one of my goals was achieved and then some.Learning Spanish is about so much more than practising grammar and doing exercises at home. You have to actually experience it and that is exactly what this programme gives you.I will admit I was a little surprised when Oscar picked me up from the bus stop and took me to his flat. I had somehow imagined a big house with a private annexe but honestly the accommodation was absolutely perfect for what I wanted to achieve. By the end of the week saying goodbye felt like saying farewell to family rather than a teacher and that really says it all.If you are thinking about doing this programme just go ahead and book it. And if you can, book two weeks rather than one because one week will not feel like enough.

I cannot thank Monica and her wonderful family enough for their hospitality during my stay. I had decided in 2022 that I was going to learn Spanish and was approaching 2023 without a single word under my belt, so I decided to just jump straight in at the deep end with an immersion course. It was absolutely the right call.Sitting in a classroom reading books for hours is my idea of a nightmare so Monica made sure the learning was engaging, interactive and genuinely fun throughout. The highlight for me was visiting a local nature reserve with a donkey sanctuary where I got to practise asking a donkey what its favourite colour was and whether it liked carrots. It turns out they do.I also loved seeing Barcelona but equally loved having the chance to explore smaller towns like Argentona which are full of real local culture and character. Before the trip Monica arranged a video call with me to break the ice and ask about my interests and hobbies which made me feel immediately comfortable and confident that the experience was going to be tailored specifically for me.I only wish I had booked a longer trip. I will absolutely be going back.

I have had the most amazing time with Pilar in Valencia for Las Fallas 2026. I experienced so much more than I could ever have imagined going in. Las Fallas is actually my A Level speaking project and this experience taught me more than any book or website ever could. Pilar's enthusiasm for her city and her incredible hospitality are things I will never forget.I came back with a whole new level of confidence and comprehension in Spanish and a much deeper understanding of Spanish culture and values. The immersion programme is just outstanding. Pilar you are an absolute superstar!I will be honest, as a mature student who works full time and has two children, doing this was well outside my comfort zone and I had not travelled on my own for about 20 years. But Pilar put me completely at ease and I just fell into the Spanish way of living. I also got on brilliantly with the other student who was there and we shared a lot of laughs and some genuinely memorable experiences together. Lifetime memories really were made on this trip.

Over the two weeks I spent in Valencia I learned so much from my Spanish teacher Pilar Martinez. She made every lesson interesting and genuinely enjoyable throughout and I never felt like I was just going through the motions.I was also able to practise my Spanish with people my own age which made me so much keener to keep learning and really helped develop my ability to hold a normal everyday conversation. Pilar also took me around Valencia and shared its history with me. We visited the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, a flamenco performance, the city centre and so many other wonderful places.I genuinely tend to struggle with learning new languages but being in the country where it is actually spoken made such a difference because you are using it every single day whether you want to or not. I would recommend this immersion to anyone interested in learning Spanish and especially in Valencia which is a stunning city with incredible food, beautiful places to visit and wonderful weather.

When my son was 14 it became clear he needed some extra support with his Spanish but we wanted something different from a weekly tutoring session. We wanted something that would challenge him, help him grow as an individual and of course improve his Spanish. And we absolutely found it.Last year he went from the UK to Valencia for a week and this year Barcelona, both as homestays, and it has honestly been the making of him. Not only did he get to experience growing up in a safe, nurturing and fun environment away from mum and dad but he got to practise his Spanish in real Spanish homes, schools and shops every single day. He loved travelling independently, trying new foods and meeting new people and every day was a genuine learning day whether through structured lessons or just being out and about.I would recommend this without any hesitation to any parent thinking about it. And honestly I think he would recommend it even more enthusiastically than I would. He is sitting his GCSEs as I write this and I have no doubt his Spanish mark will reflect everything he gained from these trips. He is even considering taking it for A Level which says it all really.

Spanish Express is the real thing. They went above and beyond to support me in my goal of learning Spanish through genuine interaction with the people and the culture and I could not be happier with my two week immersion experience.My stay was with Oscar in Cadiz and he is a fantastic teacher. Good hearted, sharp and incredibly patient. I will always have a soft spot for him after everything he did to make my time there so special.I am already planning my next adventure with Spanish Express next year and I am thinking about Burgos or Seville or maybe even trying a different country altogether. I know I still have so much more to learn and immersion is without question both the most effective and the most enjoyable way to do it. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Our Spanish immersion journey in Girona was absolutely fantastic and it was all down to the most wonderful dynamic duo, the two Monicas! One Monica was not only an exceptional teacher but a true master of language learning, blending structured lessons with personalised conversations in a way that felt completely natural. And then there was the other Monica, a brilliant entertainer and knowledgeable local guide who had us laughing at every opportunity.In the charming town of Sant Feliu de Guixols we enjoyed the most lovely moments just steps from the beach. We also explored the historic streets of Girona city which completely captivated us with its ancient atmosphere and rich culture.Our experience with the two Monicas was so much more than just learning Spanish. It was a genuine deep dive into Spanish life that left all of us enriched and inspired. I love travelling with a group of friends who share the same passion for Spanish language and culture and this was the perfect setting for exactly that. We are already planning our next immersion programme with Spanish Express in Barcelona and Valencia.

I really enjoyed my stay in Valencia with Pilar. She was a fantastic host from start to finish, the food was delicious and the excursions were both informative and genuinely fun.Pilar taught in a way that worked perfectly for me and I learned so much in just one week. Verbs, phrases, vocabulary, it all came together in a way that felt relevant and useful for everyday life rather than just textbook learning. It left me genuinely keen to keep going and I am planning to speak Spanish every day as I continue travelling around Spain over the coming weeks.This experience has also made me excited about visiting another homestay in South America next year. Thank you so much Pilar, it was a brilliant week.

I was looking for a different kind of solo trip, something that would let me explore a new culture in a meaningful way, and I stumbled across immersion courses with Spanish Express. I had never had a single Spanish lesson in my life before this and I am genuinely shocked at how much I learned in just seven days.The SHIP experience taught me so much about the culture of Cataluna and I feel a real connection to the place now. I cannot wait to go back. Monica is a fantastic teacher with a beautiful home and I felt genuinely welcome from the very first moment.If you are looking for a different kind of escape that actually gives you something lasting to take home, I cannot recommend this enough.

I had a fantastic two weeks in Spain on the Spanish Express homestay immersion programme. A week in Dosrius near Barcelona followed by a week in Gilet near Valencia left me with a much stronger foundation in Spanish and genuinely excited to keep learning.Both Monica's and Pilar's homes were lovely and welcoming and both hosts opened their doors and shared their lives and knowledge with real generosity. I had an amazing time learning from their teaching but also from the cultural experiences and activities we did together several times each week.What I really appreciated was how learning was woven through everything, not just formal class time. Whether we were preparing meals, spending time with their families and friends or exploring the beautiful cities of Barcelona and Valencia, there was always a natural opportunity to practise Spanish. It was a truly wonderful experience and I would recommend it without hesitation.

Throughout my life I have spent many weeks travelling in Spain, alone and with friends and family. But the immersion programme, living with my teacher, gave me a completely new and very special perspective that I had never experienced before.I have always visited Spain as a tourist, looking at places and people from the outside. With the immersion programme I felt genuinely part of the host family and part of the whole Spanish speaking community of Valencia.I stayed with Pilar and her son along with a group of four other guests in her beautiful home in Gilet, a small village in the foothills of the mountains near Sagunto. For one week that village was our home. The house has plenty of space to study, share meals and relax both indoors and outdoors. The rooms are clean, the beds comfortable and the food Pilar provided was excellent throughout, always with plenty of fresh local ingredients and dishes I had never tried before.As a Valenciana, Pilar has a deep knowledge of the local area and is genuinely passionate about sharing everything from religious festivals to local history, culture, music, food and travel. She is a dedicated and enthusiastic teacher who adapts brilliantly to the different needs of each student.The garden opens onto beautiful woodland paths leading into the surrounding mountains which I loved exploring. My favourite excursion was climbing a steep and spectacular mountain called Las Cadenas del Garbi with a picnic and some friends, chatting in Spanish the whole way up. Reaching the summit with its stunning views of the Valencian coast was absolutely exhilarating.We also spent a wonderful day walking along the shoreline near Sagunto and a day exploring Valencia city itself. If you ever get the chance to attend the annual Moros y Cristianos festival in Elda do not miss it. It is an incredible four day celebration with parades, live bands, horses, free food and dancing through the night.I cannot recommend spending time with Pilar and her family highly enough. It is a truly special experience.

I found this way of learning so much more effective than sitting in a classroom. Most of our time was spent doing real things together, visiting little towns, going to markets, museums, cafes and restaurants, and spending time with Maria's friends. My conversational Spanish improved more in one week than it had in months of traditional study.The study materials were useful for practice but they were very much secondary to the actual lived experience. Maria really went the extra mile to make sure I had a great time. She sorted out gym access for me, organised a padel game with her friends and cooked some truly outstanding local food. Her apartment was spotless, comfortable and perfectly located for everything you could need.If you want to actually improve your Spanish in a way that sticks, this is the program for you. I would absolutely recommend it.

My experience with Monica in Ciutadella, Menorca has been truly amazing. I decided to sign up for this programme as a way to celebrate a milestone and build more confidence speaking the language and it delivered on both fronts completely.From the moment I arrived I felt right at home and absolutely loved the calm atmosphere of the island. Throughout my stay Monica went above and beyond to put together a programme that was completely tailored to my goals around becoming more fluent.Some days we had a more formal lesson at home, usually around two hours, covering grammar, verbs and so on. Monica was wonderfully patient when explaining things and I could always ask questions to clarify anything I was not sure about. Afterwards I had the chance to practice everything in real life situations like at the cinema, grocery shopping and on excursions around the island.I got to visit so many incredible places in Menorca including World Heritage sites like the Naveta des Tudons and Son Catlar which are stunning examples of Talayotic settlements, as well as the two mountains of Santa Agueda and Monte Toro. My favourite excursion was to Lithica, an old quarry that has been transformed into the most beautiful gardens, a labyrinth and an outdoor event space.The house itself is very comfortable and has everything you could need. My favourite spot was what we called the cave where we had most of our classes and meals. Monica was also incredibly thoughtful about food and prepared vegetarian meals for me throughout my stay.I would recommend the SHIP programme with Monica to absolutely anyone. For me it has been a once in a lifetime experience.

Our week with Pilar in Valencia was so much more than a language course. It was a genuine deep dive into Spanish culture and the Spanish way of life. From the very first moment Pilar took care of every single detail with such warmth and professionalism that we felt like guests in a friend's home rather than students on a programme.The structure of the course is brilliant. We learned so much because the language was woven into real everyday experiences rather than kept inside a classroom. Pilar's cooking is absolutely outstanding, authentic, fresh and utterly delicious, and it provided the perfect setting for natural conversation to just happen.Pilar has a real gift for creating an atmosphere where you feel confident and encouraged, which made it so easy to practise and improve quickly. For anyone looking for a high quality, heartfelt and genuinely professional immersion programme, this is the gold standard. We left Valencia with noticeably better Spanish and memories we will carry for a long time. Muchísimas gracias Pilar por una semana inolvidable!

My wife Joan and I had a wonderful and genuinely beneficial week of language immersion with Pilar Martinez at her lovely home outside Valencia. We are both retirees who wanted to recover and build on the Spanish we studied at school so we could chat more comfortably with friends from Latin America and get more out of travelling in Spanish speaking countries.We were looking for an in country programme that would give us a strong start but also feel more like a holiday than a classroom. We are so glad we found the Spanish Express home immersion programme because the combination of small group learning, daily excursions to cultural and historic sites and constant interaction with Pilar outside of formal lessons was exactly what we needed.Pilar did everything possible to make the experience a great one. Before we even arrived she provided online lessons to help us relearn vocabulary and grammar we had long forgotten. During the immersion she connected the formal teaching to our personal interests which gave us real motivation to keep pushing forward. The conversations over the delicious meals she prepared and on all of our daily excursions gave us so many extra opportunities to practise in a relaxed and natural way. She was a warm and genuinely gracious host who made us feel at home throughout.There is only so much you can cover in a week but we left feeling confident that we could reach our Spanish goals and we are continuing to study with Pilar through weekly online lessons. It has been a brilliant experience.

What a superb week. Staying with Pilar and her family in their beautiful home in the foothills of the mountains near Gilet, Valencia was everything I could have hoped for and more.The food was authentic and home cooked, the rooms were spotlessly clean and comfortable and the range of cultural activities was just outstanding. Highlights included a three day local festival, a visit to Valencia city, walking along the beach and trekking in the mountains with Pilar's son as our guide.All of this was happening alongside constantly improving written and spoken Spanish through Pilar's carefully structured teaching and the informal conversations that arose so naturally throughout every single activity. It was an amazing experience in every sense and I would recommend it without hesitation.

My son Tom spent two weeks staying at Pilar's beautiful home near Valencia and it was just a wonderful experience for him. He had not spoken much Spanish for a little while but he was soon right back into it, loving the language and genuinely enjoying socialising and speaking with all of Pilar's friends and family.There were plenty of visits into the city and to nearby attractions over the two weeks as well as barbecues and paella making evenings which Tom absolutely loved. He came back having made some fabulous memories and Pilar was an outstanding host throughout.Tom will definitely be keeping in touch with her and we really hope to visit again soon. The only downside was the heat but honestly that just comes with the territory and is a small price to pay for such a wonderful experience!

Taking part in Arancha's Spanish immersion programme in Menorca was an incredible experience from start to finish. Her welcoming home in Mahon, the island's capital, provided the perfect environment for deepening my Spanish and the personalised lessons tailored to my level and goals made the learning genuinely effective throughout.Living with a native Spanish speaker and qualified teacher was everything I had hoped for. Daily interactions kept me immersed in the language constantly and Arancha's patient and encouraging approach made even the more complex topics feel approachable and enjoyable.I also had the wonderful opportunity to spend a weekend with Santiago from Argentina, another Spanish Express teacher who was visiting for a reunion. It was fascinating to experience different accents and I found it genuinely enriching. I also got to meet Monica, the founder and director of Spanish Express, who was incredibly generous with her time and invited me to join extra weekend activities beyond what the programme included.Exploring Menorca with Arancha, Santiago, Monica and several of her childhood friends was a real highlight. From historic sites to authentic local cuisine it was a beautiful and immersive experience. This programme surpassed all my expectations and I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn Spanish while enjoying the beauty of Menorca.

I genuinely struggle to put my experience into words. I was honestly a little sceptical before I went about travelling abroad for a week and staying in someone else's home but Monica and her home completely changed my perspective on that from the moment I arrived.Everything about it felt like family. Her pets greeted me with so much warmth and the whole atmosphere of the house was welcoming and relaxed. My Spanish fluency improved significantly over the course of the week through all the conversations I had with Monica and her family. Her parents were especially wonderful and played a huge role in the immersion process, helping me practise at breakfast, lunch, dinner, evening tea and pretty much all the time in between.We went shopping, visited historical sites and even had a party night at Monica's house which was such a fun and unexpected highlight. Overall it was a genuinely joyous week in Barcelona with Spanish Express and one I will not forget.

This trip was amazing and so incredibly useful. I was looking for a way to prepare for my Masters programme in Spain and this was absolutely perfect for what I needed. I have to be at a confident B1 level to attend university and Monica even built in specific vocabulary around psychology to help me prepare better for my course.The reviews do not lie. The course is intensive but Monica was always checking in to make sure the pace was right and whether we needed to revisit anything. I never felt overwhelmed because she was so attentive and supportive throughout.I really enjoyed the cultural activities too and genuinely cannot wait to visit Dosrius again. Thank you Monica for such an unforgettable experience.

I spent two weeks at Pilar's house in Valencia and overall it was a really good experience. There were activities every day alongside classes where Pilar covered a good variety of topics across the two weeks and the teaching itself was solid and engaging.A couple of things are worth knowing before you book. The house is not in the centre of Valencia and is quite a distance from the city, around 35 minutes by car, so if being close to the action is important to you it is worth factoring that in. The fridge is always stocked which is great, though some of the food served is ready made rather than home cooked from scratch.That said the overall experience was genuinely positive and I would still recommend it to anyone looking for a structured immersion programme with daily activities and good class time.

Spanish and Latin American culture are everywhere in the US right now and being bilingual is a real advantage for so many careers. I wanted to level up my Spanish for professional reasons and had been preparing for interviews with international companies with offices in Barcelona, which is exactly why I signed up for the Spanish Homestay Immersion Programme in Barcelona.Monica had already been helping me with business Spanish for a whole year through the online programme, helping me fine tune my CV and prepare for interviews. Meeting her in person in Spain for two weeks took everything to another level entirely. Not only did my Spanish improve but I also gained a real understanding of how business works in Spain, got to soak up the culture, explore the art scene and so much more.If you are looking to advance your career using Spanish this programme is the real deal. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

My experience with the Spanish Express Language Immersion Programme in Dosrius, Spain exceeded every single expectation I had going in. My friend and I participated together and the accommodation was exceptional. Comfortable rooms, everything we needed and the most beautiful artwork on every wall created by Monica's father which added such a special atmosphere to the whole stay. And his cooking was just as impressive as his art. Every single meal was delicious and felt like a work of art in itself.Dosrius is nestled in the beautiful Catalan countryside about 45 minutes from Barcelona and the surroundings are genuinely breathtaking. But what really sets this programme apart is Monica herself. She is a phenomenal teacher who made sure every lesson was crafted to be practical, engaging and entertaining. We laughed a lot. Whether we were in the lesson, exploring local markets or trying traditional Catalan food the focus was always on real world use and genuine interaction.This programme did so much more than improve my Spanish. It let me embrace and understand a completely different way of life. For anyone looking for a truly immersive and unforgettable language learning experience this is without question the one. Muchas gracias por todo!

I have always had a passion for language learning and from my very first steps into Spanish I knew it was the language I wanted to develop properly. Bilingualism is a real advantage in many European roles and I have been focused on being linguistically ready for a potential career move into the architecture and construction sectors in Europe.I chose the Spanish Homestay Immersion Programme in Barcelona with Monica because it gave me the chance to focus on technical vocabulary and immerse myself completely in a Spanish speaking environment. Spanish Express also has an excellent online programme that works brilliantly alongside the immersion experience. For a full year before my visit Monica gave me a bespoke programme covering the technical vocabulary needed for construction professionals as well as helping me with my CV and job interview preparation.When we finally met face to face in Spain I spent two weeks improving not only my Spanish but also my understanding of how business works in Spain, the culture, the gastronomy, the art and so much more.As a keen cyclist I also loved the fact that Monica's home in Dosrius is perfectly located with fantastic gravel trails right from the doorstep and access to explore the Natural Park of Montnegre y el Corredor. I would highly recommend this programme to anyone looking to advance their career through Spanish.

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!

I had the most incredible experience at Mónica's house on the El Maresme coast in the province of Barcelona. Walking the peaceful trails of Montnegre i Corredor Natural Park with her golden retrievers, Rumba and Samba, was a true highlight—their joyful energy made every moment special. Chatting with other dog walkers along the way gave me a wonderful chance to practice my Spanish. A stroll through Mataró with Mónica and her mom, Josefina, deepened my immersion as I practiced Spanish with locals and embraced the culture. As a music lover, learning Spanish through song lyrics was both fun and effective, and a lively night out with Mónica's friends added even more unforgettable memories. The trip ended with a delicious seafood casserole lovingly prepared by Juan, Mónica's father—a perfect conclusion to a truly enriching experience!

My experience with Spanish Express has been absolutely incredible! Over the past three weeks, I participated in their Homestay Immersion Program, and it exceeded all my expectations. I began my journey in Barcelona with Mónica, then continued to Valencia with Pilar, and wrapped up in Cádiz with Óscar. Each teacher was amazing, providing a welcoming environment and helping me significantly improve my Spanish. The opportunity to live with my teachers was truly the highlight—it immersed me in both the language and the local culture. From discovering new cities to savoring traditional dishes, every moment was unforgettable. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to learn Spanish in a fun and engaging way!

I had the most incredible experience during my stay at Mónica's house in the province of Barcelona. Exploring the hiking trails of Montnegre I Corredor Natural Park, Spain's first park of silence, was truly an adventure to cherish. Despite the park's serene atmosphere, Mónica made sure to infuse our time with laughter and engaging Spanish conversations. It was a refreshing and inspiring environment that truly enhanced my language learning experience. One memorable afternoon, I had the pleasure of strolling through Mataró with Josefina, Mónica's mother, engaging in Spanish conversations with locals along the way. It was a fantastic opportunity to immerse myself in the language and culture, proving that Spanish classes can be both educational and enjoyable. Listening to Spanish music proved to be an effective and enjoyable method of language learning. Instead of tedious textbook exercises, studying song lyrics allowed me to grasp new vocabulary, idioms, and colloquial phrases effortlessly. As someone who loves to sing and dance, a night out was a highlight of my trip. Sharing the experience with Mónica's vibrant group of friends made it even more memorable. To cap off my visit, I was treated to a delicious Sunday family meal featuring a seafood casserole with rice, expertly prepared by Juan, Mónica's father. It was the perfect farewell to a truly unforgettable experience.

I had such an incredible time on my immersion programme in Valencia. I really enjoyed spending time with Pilar and immersing myself in the Spanish culture. I have learnt so much about the Spanish way of life. I believe my verbal Spanish has improved and it has seriously renewed my love of learning languages.

Exploring Mataró was a highlight of my time with Spanish Express. As someone passionate about history and architecture, I was thrilled to walk through the old town, learning about its Roman roots and admiring the 17th-century architecture. Speaking Spanish with locals during the tour helped me practice in a real-world setting, enhancing both my language skills and my understanding of Catalan culture. It was a perfect blend of education and immersion.

As a lifelong artist and sculptor, my journey through Valencia with Spanish Express wasn't just about learning Spanish—it was about absorbing every ounce of culture and history this vibrant city has to offer. Pilar, my host and guide, was exceptional, introducing me to the local art scene that truly resonated with my passions. From the bustling streets to the serene gardens, every day was a new canvas, a new lesson, and a newfound appreciation for Spain’s artistic legacy.

I had an incredible Spanish immersion experience with Spanish Express in Valencia. Living with my teacher, Pilar, turned everyday interactions into practical lessons, accelerating my language skills. We explored historic sites like Valencia’s monuments and the City of Arts and Sciences. Cooking paella and savoring horchata added cultural richness to my learning. Daily conversations and engaging activities, such as visiting local markets and festivals, made Spanish come alive. This immersive experience was not only educational but also deeply enriching. I highly recommend it for anyone looking to truly master Spanish and immerse themselves in the culture.

During my two-week immersion program with Spanish Express in Burgos, my Spanish skills improved significantly. Guided by Alberto and Marisol, I explored historic sites, enjoyed cultural festivals, and engaged in daily conversations. Highlights included the Cathedral of Burgos, the Curpillos Festival, and scenic routes like the Camino de Santiago. Living with my hosts, I felt at home. This immersive experience not only boosted my confidence in speaking Spanish but also deepened my appreciation for Spanish culture.

I spent an incredible week with Spanish Express in Barcelona, guided by Monica. The program combined structured Spanish lessons with real-life interactions. We explored Mataró, practiced daily conversations, and enjoyed cooking traditional dishes. Living with Monica and her family, including her two Golden Retrievers, Rumba and Samba, felt like home. My Spanish improved significantly, and I now feel more confident speaking Spanish during my travels. Highly recommended for anyone looking to enhance their language skills and immerse in Spanish culture!

Spanish Express in Valencia offers an unparalleled immersion program. During my two-week stay, I lived with my teacher Pilar, making daily language practice natural and effective. We explored the historic core of Valencia, including La Lonja and the Almoina Museum, enhancing my vocabulary in context. Attending regional dance performances and cooking traditional Valencian paella provided cultural insights. The City of Arts and Sciences and the serene La Malvarrosa Beach were unique classrooms where I learned to describe modern architecture and natural beauty in Spanish. This experience significantly improved my Spanish skills and deepened my appreciation for Spanish culture.

I had an incredible week in Barcelona with Mónica through Spanish Express, tailored for my A-Level Spanish revision. The private lessons and daily interactions with locals significantly boosted my confidence and fluency. We explored cultural sites, cooked traditional dishes, and visited museums, all of which enriched my learning experience. By the end of the program, I felt well-prepared for my exams and capable of communicating effectively in Spanish.

I recently spent an incredible week with Spanish Express, guided by Mónica in Barcelona. The personalized lessons and cultural immersion were perfect for enhancing my Spanish. From exploring the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell to cooking traditional dishes and practicing with locals, every activity was enriching. Monica's family, including her two Golden Retrievers, made me feel at home. My Spanish improved significantly, and I left with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for Spanish culture.

At 70, I took a two-week Spanish immersion program with Spanish Express. I spent one week in Valencia with Pilar and another week in Barcelona with Monica. Both teachers made the lessons interesting and relevant to my interests in art and culture. We explored medieval streets, enjoyed delicious local cuisine, and experienced vibrant Easter traditions. Living with Monica's family, including their two Golden Retrievers, felt like home. My Spanish improved a lot, and I now feel confident traveling in Spain and Latin America. This program was a fantastic experience. Highly recommended!

Joining the Spanish immersion program at Pilar's house in Valencia was an incredible experience. Pilar's welcoming home felt like a second home, offering a comfortable and immersive learning environment. The personalized lessons were tailored to my needs, ensuring significant progress. Living with a native speaker allowed for daily practice and insights into local customs. Pilar's passion for teaching made every session enjoyable. Exploring Valencia with her revealed authentic experiences, from local cuisine to historic landmarks. This program enhanced my language skills and created lasting memories. For a comprehensive and immersive Spanish learning experience in Valencia, this program is a must.

When I stayed with Monica in Girona, it felt like a dream. From day one, her home, shared with her lovely parents and two Golden Retrievers, felt like my own. We spent mornings exploring the medieval streets and afternoons in personalized Spanish lessons. Evenings were filled with delicious local cuisine and lively conversations. Monica’s passion for teaching and warm hospitality made my stay both educational and unforgettable.

I thoroughly recommend Mónica's program in Barcelona for travel lovers. It couldn't have gone more smoothly! By far the most enjoyable Spanish program I've ever experienced. Mónica provided knowledge and confidence, making the course interesting and relevant to my interests in nature, photography, and art. A week with Mónica and her two adorable Golden Retrievers, Rumba and Samba, was an unforgettable cultural experience. Mónica's parents live upstairs, and her father, an incredible cook and artist, added to the charm. The house is adorned with vibrant paintings, and the family was friendly and welcoming. The food was delicious, and my spoken and written Spanish has greatly improved. I now feel confident traveling around Spain and Latin America. I wholeheartedly recommend Mónica's program in the province of Barcelona.

Staying with Monica in Barcelona was unforgettable. Her warm home made me feel at ease instantly. The personalized Spanish lessons were tailored to my level, ensuring quick progress. Living with Monica provided daily practice and insights into local customs. Her passion for teaching made every session enjoyable. Exploring Barcelona with her, we visited places like Park Güell, La Sagrada Família, and the Gothic Quarter, experiencing the city’s hidden gems and authentic culture. This program not only improved my Spanish but also created lasting memories. For an immersive and enriching Spanish learning experience in Barcelona, I highly recommend this program.

I recently spent two amazing weeks in Spain with Spanish Express. One week was with Monica in Barcelona and the other with Alberto and Marisol in Burgos. Both families were incredibly welcoming and made sure I was comfortable. In Barcelona, I stayed with Monica’s family and their Golden Retrievers, and in Burgos, I stayed with Alberto’s family. Both places were clean and comfortable. The families went above and beyond, taking me on tours, to meals, and local events. The Spanish classes were excellent, focusing on the SIELE exam and verb tenses, with plenty of practice. Beyond the classes, I got to experience real Spanish life, which made the program special. I highly recommend Spanish Express for its immersive and enriching experience. I plan to join their program again!

I had a superb week with Pilar, the teacher, and her family in a beautiful house situated in the foothills near Gilet, Valencia. The authentic home-cooked food, spotlessly clean and comfortable bedrooms, and a range of amazing cultural activities made it an unforgettable experience. We enjoyed a three-day festival, visited Valencia, walked the beach, and trekked in the mountains with Pilar's son as our guide. It was an amazing experience, and I constantly improved my written and spoken Spanish through Pilar's carefully structured teaching and the informal conversations that arose during the many activities.

Portuguese and Spanish look very similar so we can generally read the other language without too much struggle. But when it comes to the spoken forms things get a bit more complicated. There’s an almost 90% lexical similarity between the two, which means that 90% of Spanish words have a cognate (equivalent) in Portuguese. Being a Portuguese speaker and already having an advanced level in Spanish has been a great help to improve my Spanish for my next job in Barcelona. The opportunity to be in the teacher’s house for 2 weeks have been amazing. I made more progress in 2 weeks than in a whole academic year at my language school back home. Also to mix Mónica’s friends and family, learn about gastronomy and culture has broadened my horizons in general. We had a varied social programme with plenty of excursions and things to do. I love nature and animals so my favourite excursions were all the visits we did around the Parc del Montnegre i el Corredor, the first 'park of silence' in Spain; the Donkey Reserve: Rukimon, a park where all the donkey breeds of the Peninsula live together. I really enjoyed petting and feeding them. They love cuddles and carrots! But the contact with nature was not only limited to the Montnegre i Corredor park and our furry friends; we also visited Can Gel, a cow farm that allows you to interact with the animals and learn many relevant facts about their care. I even got the amazing opportunity to bottle feed a baby cow. All in all it was an amazing experience that I would recommend to any travel lover wanting to experience Spain at first hand!

Throughout my life, I have spent many weeks traveling in Spain, alone and with friends or family. However, the immersion program, living with my teacher, has given me a completely new and very special perspective. I have always visited Spain as a tourist, seeing places and people from an outsider's viewpoint. But with the immersion program, I felt like a part of the host family and the Spanish-speaking community of Valencia. I stayed with Pilar and her son, along with four other guests, in her beautiful home in Gilet, Valencia. We were all studying Spanish at very different levels. For one week, Gilet, a small village in the foothills near Sagunto, was our home. There is plenty of space in the house to study, share meals, and relax, both indoors and outdoors. The WiFi connection is very good. The rooms are clean, the beds are comfortable, and there is a super bath as well as a shower in the shared bathroom.

I spent a week in Dosrius, Barcelona, living with my teacher in her home. It was an amazing experience! My teacher, Monica, is an excellent instructor and spoke Spanish to me 100% of the time. We ate meals together, and I had a Spanish lesson each morning. Monica took me on sightseeing and cultural excursions every other day in the surrounding area. During my free time, I did my own sightseeing and even took the train to Girona for an afternoon. Monica's home is very comfortable. I had my own room and private bathroom. We went grocery shopping when I arrived so I could help myself to food when I wanted. My only regret is that I only had one week. I would highly recommend an immersion homestay with Spanish Express!! Pros: Excellent instruction Comfortable living arrangement Experience new culture and sightseeing

The trip to Barcelona was fantastic. I traveled to several fascinating locations while drastically improving my Spanish. The meals were fantastic, and you could see that Monica's father, a Michelin-starred chef (in my eyes), enjoyed making them. He is also a fantastic artist; their home is decorated with vibrant paintings that are sure to make anyone smile. With many thoughtful touches, Monica made a superb hostess. She is very friendly and sweet. Although learning a language at my age is difficult, being Portuguese makes it a lot simpler. The Spanish sessions were on the go (I chose this option, and it was so much more fun than sitting formally at a desk with a book). We had excursions to a variety of locations, including coastal towns and natural parks close to Monica's home. I will most definitely repeat the experience!

This trip was amazing and so informative. Thank you, Mónica, for such an unforgettable experience. I was looking for a way to prepare for my Masters programme in Spain, and this was perfect. I need to be confident at a B1 level to attend university, and Mónica even built in specific vocabulary around psychology to help me prepare better for my programme. The reviews don’t lie; the course is intense, but Mónica always asked if the pace was too fast or if we needed to review any lessons. I really enjoyed the cultural activities too and can’t wait to visit Dosrius again.

In October 2022, I spent a week in Barcelona on the homestay program with Monica to help me with my A Level Spanish. I had a wonderful time. Monica and her parents were incredibly welcoming, as were their gorgeous dogs! I enjoyed my daily lessons with Monica and learned so much about the language and literature. In the afternoons, we went on lots of fun trips that Monica organized to suit my interests. Monica introduced me to the daughter of a friend, and we have stayed in touch. I would recommend this experience to anyone!

I can't thank Mónica and her kind family enough for their hospitality during my stay. Having decided in 2022 that I was going to learn Spanish, and approaching 2023 without a single word under my belt... I decided to jump in at the deep end with an immersion course. I had the best time, and Mónica made sure the lessons were challenging but not too difficult, and of course, fun! Sitting in a classroom reading books for hours is my idea of hell, so Mónica ensured the learning was engaging and interactive. My highlight was visiting a local nature reserve with a donkey sanctuary. I felt super impressed that I could ask a donkey what its favorite color was and if they liked carrots (and yes, they do!). I loved seeing Barcelona, but also having the opportunity to see little towns like Argentona, which are full of local culture. Before the trip, I had a Zoom call with Mónica, which broke the ice, and she asked me lots of questions about my interests and hobbies. This really helped me feel comfortable and assured that my experience would be tailored for me.

I can't express how fantastic my experience with Spanish Express was. I spent about a week each with two separate teachers: Mónica in Barcelona and Pilar in Valencia. I noticed a significant improvement in my Spanish, and I now have greater faith in my language skills. They provided delicious local cuisine and were accommodating, courteous, and patient. My girlfriend is from Galicia, so next time I visit my Spanish family (future in-laws), I can absolutely use this experience to my advantage. When I see them in summer, I really want to impress them with my Spanish. I look forward to seeing their faces! I'm very glad I found this programme, as I could not have produced such an experience on my own with a conventional language school. The exposure to culture, history, and language I gained was beyond my expectations.

My stay with Mónica was wonderful. The food was superb. Mónica's dad, who lives upstairs with her mum, is an amazing chef. The accommodation is lovely – you have your own room and bathroom. Dosrius has many popular attractions, including the picturesque town itself, the Parc del Montnegre i el Corredor, the Enchanted Forest, and the port and beach within a 20-minute drive, making it well worth a visit. Mónica is a fantastic teacher, and I believe that throughout the week I spent with her, my Spanish really improved. Until I'm prepared to take the remote exam with Mónica, I'll continue taking classes with her online. The fact that Spanish Express is an accredited SIELE centre makes everything stress-free, and I absolutely love the opportunity to take the SIELE exam remotely.

I stayed with my two daughters in Gilet, a lovely small town near Valencia. Pilar, our teacher and host during the 10 days we stayed in Spain, gave us an excellent experience to learn Spanish, practice the language, and get to know the Spanish way of life. Besides the lessons, Pilar took us on various excursions to explore Valencia, the coast, try local food, and even attend the famous Tomatina festival in Buñol. We had an absolute blast at the festival, which is held annually.

My stay with Mónica was wonderful. The food was superb. Mónica's dad, who lives upstairs with her mum, is an amazing chef. The accommodation is lovely – you have your own room and bathroom. Dosrius has many popular attractions, including the picturesque town itself, the Parc del Montnegre i el Corredor, the Enchanted Forest, and the port and beach within a 20-minute drive, making it well worth a visit. Mónica is a fantastic teacher, and I believe that throughout the week I spent with her, my Spanish really improved. Until I'm prepared to take the remote exam with Mónica, I'll continue taking classes with her online. The fact that Spanish Express is an accredited SIELE centre makes everything stress-free, and I absolutely love the opportunity to be able to take the SIELE exam remotely.

First of all, I would like to thank Pilar, our Spanish teacher, for this experience. The way she teaches is excellent. I already knew a bit of Spanish, but my boyfriend, who came with me to Valencia, didn't know any. Surprisingly, he went back home able to have really interesting conversations with some friends we met there. We stayed for over two weeks in Valencia. Each morning we started with a lesson after a fantastic breakfast that Pilar made for us. Once we finished the classes, Pilar took us around Valencia. We visited many places, like "el Barrio del Carmen," which is beautiful and full of history. Pilar showed us each of its charms and accompanied us to the most beautiful monuments in Valencia, such as the Micalet and the Torres de Serrano and Quart. We also saw the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, where we enjoyed some exhibitions. The visit to the Albufera was amazing; we saw one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen. In short, I highly recommend this experience. Pilar is an incredible teacher. We learned a lot from her, and she introduced us to many people. I still maintain relationships with some of them and practice my Spanish, which is super important to me. Certainly, an unforgettable experience, and we will repeat it soon.

I was looking for a unique solo trip to explore a new culture and stumbled across immersion courses with Spanish Express. I had never had a Spanish lesson in my life, but I’m genuinely shocked at how much I learned in just 7 days. The SHIP experience taught me so much about the culture of Cataluña. I feel really connected to the place and can’t wait to come back. Mónica is a fantastic teacher with a beautiful home, and I felt truly welcome. I cannot recommend this enough if you’re looking for a different kind of escape.

I had been studying for the DELE C1 exam with regular virtual lessons with Mónica and decided to bite the bullet and take advantage of the SHIP course. I have absolutely zero regrets; an immersion course was exactly what I needed to understand, speak, and live like a native Spaniard. I was a bit nervous at first, as I’d never done anything like this, but Mónica was so accommodating. We did a range of activities, from city visits and museums to exploring nature reserves and enjoying amazing food. The classes were intense but not overwhelming, as Mónica tailored the course to my needs (mainly the subjunctive!). I can notice a huge improvement in my Spanish and feel very confident that I can pass the DELE exam, which I need for work. I am so thankful for Mónica’s support. Thank you, SpanishExpress!

I've always had a passion for language learning, and my first steps into Spanish convinced me that it's the language I want to master. Bilingualism is a major advantage for many roles in Europe, and I aim to be linguistically prepared for a potential career move into the European architecture and construction sectors. I realized that to seize such an opportunity, I needed to improve my speaking fluency for both day-to-day conversation and the technical dialogue required in my profession. This led me to choose the Spanish Homestay Immersion Programme (SHIP) in Barcelona with Mónica. It provided the chance to focus on technical vocabulary and immerse myself in a Spanish-speaking environment. Spanish Express also offers an excellent online program that complements the immersion program. For a year, Mónica provided me with a bespoke program focused on the technical vocabulary needed for construction professionals, as well as assistance with my CV and job interview preparation. We then met face-to-face in Spain, where I spent two weeks improving my Spanish and learning about doing business in Spain, its culture, gastronomy, art, and more. This program is highly recommended for anyone looking to advance their career by learning Spanish. I'm also an avid cyclist, and Mónica’s home in Dosrius is ideally located with plenty of gravel trails leading to the Natural Park of Montnegre y el Corredor.

Over the two weeks I stayed in Valencia, I learned a lot from my Spanish teacher, Pilar. She made the lessons interesting and enjoyable. I was also able to practice my Spanish with people my age, which made me more eager to learn and improved my ability to maintain a normal conversation. Pilar took me around Valencia and taught me about its history. We visited the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, watched a flamenco performance, explored the city centre, and much more. I really enjoyed it. I usually have trouble learning new languages, but being in a country where it's spoken helped me improve, as you are forced to use it daily. I would recommend this immersion to anyone interested in learning Spanish, particularly in Valencia. It is a beautiful city with fantastic places to visit and delicious food. Plus, you can enjoy the sun and nice weather at the beach.

Spanish and Latin American cultures are embedded in many parts of the United States. Bilingualism is a plus for many jobs, and I want to advance my career using my advanced Spanish. I had some job interviews with international companies that have offices in Spain. That’s why I chose the Spanish Homestay Immersion Programme (SHIP) in Barcelona. It gave me the chance to practice everything I learned during the year. Spanish Express also has an excellent online program that combines well with SHIP in Spain. Mónica taught me Spanish for business, helped me with my CV, and prepared me for job interviews for a year. Then we met face-to-face in Spain, where I spent two weeks improving my Spanish and learning about doing business in Spain, its culture, gastronomy, art, and more. I highly recommend this program for anyone looking to progress in their career using the Spanish language.

I wanted to get more fluent in Spanish for my next job in Barcelona. On an educational holiday, you’ll improve your language skills and engage in the local culture even more by living and studying in your teacher’s home, spending 24 hours among locals. Spending time in another country boosts your independence and confidence, providing invaluable experience that makes you stand out to future employers. That’s why I chose this unique opportunity. Mónica helped me greatly with Spanish for business, which will be handy when I start my next job in Barcelona. Although Italian and Spanish seem similar, and we can generally read the other language without difficulty, spoken forms are more complicated. The two have nearly 80% lexical similarity, meaning 80% of Spanish words have an Italian equivalent. We had a varied social schedule with many excursions and activities. I love nature and animals, so Mónica organized plenty of walks around the Parc del Montnegre i el Corredor, Spain’s first 'park of silence.' I also spent a lot of time playing with Rumba and Samba, two female Golden Retrievers that will steal anyone's heart.