In 2024, Spanish Express proudly attended the prestigious Education 2.0 Conference in Dubai. This global event brings together innovators, thought leaders, and educators to celebrate groundbreaking contributions in the education sector.
It was here that our Founder and Director, Mónica Romero, received the Visionary Award in Education for her pioneering work on the SHIP programme (Live & Study Spanish in Your Teacher’s Home in Spain).
The Award
The Visionary Award in Education recognises individuals and organisations that redefine how students learn and thrive. For over two decades, Mónica Romero has been leading Spanish Express with passion, innovation, and dedication.
Her creation, SHIP, is a unique learning model. It blends classroom teaching with cultural immersion by allowing students to live and study Spanish in their teacher’s home in Spain. This approach transforms language learning into a full cultural experience. Winning this award confirms the global impact of SHIP and highlights the commitment of the Spanish Express team.
The People
At the heart of this recognition is Mónica Romero, Visionary School Director and Founder of Spanish Express. Since 2003, she has been shaping futures through linguistic excellence and cultural immersion. Mónica has revolutionised exam preparation in both the British and Spanish education systems, making language acquisition an exciting journey instead of a challenge.
Alongside her, the Spanish Express team works tirelessly to deliver transformative, student-focused, and culture-driven education. Together, they ensure language becomes a lifestyle rather than a classroom task.
Why Were We There?
We attended the Education 2.0 Conference to share our vision and showcase SHIP as a model of immersive language learning. More than a programme, SHIP allows students to break language barriers, gain confidence, and embrace the Spanish lifestyle.
Our presence in Dubai also reflected our mission: to inspire educators, connect with global leaders, and highlight how education can blend academic growth with cultural discovery.
Reflecting on the invaluable connections and insights gained during the Education 2.0 Conference in Dubai, Mónica is compelled to express her heartfelt gratitude to the five ladies with whom she had the opportunity to engage more deeply:
Stacey Klinge, the visionary Founder & Partner behind EDU Passport—a global brand dedicated to empowering learners and educators through innovative solutions.. Her passion for creating inclusive, globally-minded educational pathways and her commitment to leadership and innovation truly enriched our discussions.
Mirjam Najjar, an inspiring educator and keynote speaker with a strong focus on gifted education and differentiation. Her dedication to creating meaningful, inclusive learning experiences and her passion for empowering students left a lasting impression on me. Our conversation was both thought-provoking and motivating, reinforcing the importance of innovation and collaboration in shaping the future of education.
Dr. Wijdan Alomaim, an accomplished Assistant Professor, Researcher, and Deputy Head of Radiography and Medical Imaging at Fatima College of Health Sciences. Her expertise in mammography, diagnostic imaging, and breast cancer research, along with her academic leadership, added a uniquely interdisciplinary and globally-minded perspective to our discussions. It was inspiring to connect with someone so dedicated to advancing both healthcare education and research.
Baraa Yousuf, Managing Director, Partner, and Co-Founder of MicroEd, a leading consultancy specialising in micro-credentials and higher education. As an expert in skilling solutions, Baraa is dedicated to empowering individuals, universities, employers, and governments to address the evolving needs of the global job market. Her insights into the future of education and workforce development were both forward-thinking and inspiring, highlighting the vital role of innovation in bridging education with employability.
Anna Suvorova, a distinguished Business Agility Consultant and Corporate Trainer at Earnest International Business Solutions—who also served as an award presenter at the event. Her expertise in driving organizational agility, coupled with her seasoned experience in cultivating leadership through corporate training, brought a dynamic and inspiring dimension to our interaction.
Mónica was genuinely thankful for the opportunity to have crossed paths with such remarkable ladies and many other amazing educators during the Education 2.0 Conference.
Who Else Was There?
The Education 2.0 Conference brought together educators, entrepreneurs, researchers, and policymakers from across the globe. From leading EdTech organisations to prestigious universities, the event was a true hub of innovation.
This unique environment allowed us to exchange knowledge, explore new collaborations, and connect with like-minded visionaries who are equally passionate about shaping the future of education.
How Did It Help Us?
Winning the Visionary Award in Education and attending this international conference has helped Spanish Express in several ways:
- ✅ Strengthened our belief that cultural immersion is the future of language learning.
- ✅ Brought us international recognition and positioned SHIP as a global benchmark.
- ✅ Opened doors to collaborations and new partnerships around the world.
- ✅ Inspired us to keep innovating for our students’ success.
This recognition is more than just an award—it is a commitment to continue breaking boundaries in education.
A Vision for the Future
At Spanish Express, we believe that language is not simply learned—it is lived. Through SHIP and our other immersive programmes, we remain dedicated to helping students unlock their potential, embrace new cultures, and thrive in an interconnected world.✨ Join Spanish Express – Where Language Becomes a Lifestyle!
