Language immersion has long been recognized as one of the most effective methods for mastering a second language. At Spanish Express, our flagship Spanish Homestay Immersion Program (SHIP) combines language learning with authentic cultural experiences by placing students in the homes of native Spanish speakers across Spain.
To understand the impact of our program and continue improving its quality, we conducted a comprehensive academic survey among 100 former SHIP participants. The purpose was to evaluate key aspects such as student satisfaction, language progress, cultural integration and personal development.
The findings are both inspiring and insightful, showing how true immersion fosters not only fluency but also confidence, connection and cultural empathy.
Key Highlights
- 97% of participants reported overall satisfaction with the SHIP experience.
- 94% felt their Spanish-speaking confidence improved significantly.
- 9 out of 10 students would recommend the program to a friend or relative.
- 85% rated their host family experience as “excellent.”
- The most commonly mentioned benefit: “real-life practice with native speakers.”
Living Inside Your Host Teacher’s Home Experience
For most participants, the homestay component was the heart of their learning journey.
Students emphasized how living with a Spanish host teacher transformed their understanding of both the language and the culture.
According to survey data:
- 88% of respondents said their host teacher made them feel “like part of the family.”
- 92% were encouraged to speak Spanish daily at home.
- 76% took part in regular cultural activities with their hosts, such as cooking traditional meals, attending local festivals or exploring nearby cities.
This direct exposure to daily Spanish life accelerated their linguistic confidence and broadened their intercultural awareness.
Program Support & Structure
The organizational side of SHIP also earned strong praise:
- 95% of respondents found the orientation and local support “clear and helpful.”
- 89% appreciated the balance between structured activities and free time, allowing them to explore and practice independently.
- 91% rated the safety and logistical arrangements as “excellent.”
These findings validate Spanish Express’s continuous commitment to providing a supportive and safe environment for international learners.
Language Progress and Confidence
A major focus of the research was language development, and the results were remarkable.
Before joining SHIP, only 28% of students described themselves as “confident” Spanish speakers. After completing the program, that number rose to 94%.
Participants noted marked improvement in:
- Speaking: 4.7 / 5 average rating
- Listening comprehension: 4.6 / 5 average rating
- Reading: 4.3 / 5 average rating
- Writing: 4.2 / 5 average rating
Many participants reported that living the language — rather than studying it in isolation — helped them internalize vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation naturally.
| “It was the first time I stopped translating in my head and just spoke.” – Survey respondent, Intermediate Level |
Overall Satisfaction
When asked to rate their overall experience, 97% of students selected either “Satisfied” or “Very Satisfied.”
Top reasons for satisfaction included:
- Personalized attention from coordinators and teachers
- Genuine cultural immersion
- Meaningful connections with host families
- Improved fluency and confidence
Several respondents mentioned that SHIP “exceeded expectations,” particularly because of its human touch — something they felt larger academic programs often lack.
Academic Implications
From an academic perspective, the SHIP findings reinforce existing research in applied linguistics: Immersion-based learning accelerates language acquisition through contextualized communication and emotional engagement.
Key takeaways for researchers and educators:
- Social interaction in natural settings enhances retention and pronunciation.
- Cultural belonging fosters motivation and deeper learning.
- Daily exposure in family environments promotes real-world fluency faster than classroom-only instruction.
These insights position SHIP as a model of best practice in experiential language education.
Looking Ahead
Based on the survey insights, Spanish Express plans to:
- Expand host family training programs to enhance cultural exchange further.
- Introduce additional academic support for advanced learners.
- Publish longitudinal data to track participants’ long-term language retention.
By combining qualitative feedback with quantitative data, the SHIP team aims to continue leading the way in evidence-based language immersion.
Conclusion
The 97% satisfaction rate among SHIP participants highlights more than just program success — it underscores the profound power of human connection in language learning.
Through immersive experiences, cultural authenticity, and personalized care, Spanish Express continues to prove that the best classroom is a home in Spain.
| “SHIP doesn’t just teach Spanish — it changes how you experience the world.” |
Measuring Real Progress Through Immersion with SHIP
The results of our SHIP Alumni Survey confirm what we see every day: real language confidence grows when learning happens through daily life, inside your teacher’s home, not only in a classroom.
This is exactly how our Spanish Homestay Immersion Program (SHIP) is designed.
With SHIP, you live with your native Spanish host teacher, speak Spanish all day in real situations, and follow personalised one-to-one lessons adapted to your level and goals. Language, culture, and human connection work together to create lasting progress and confidence.
You can explore more real immersion experiences here:
👉 SHIP Stories of Our Previous Students
For personalised guidance and programme details, you can contact our founder directly:
Mónica Romero
Founder and Director, Spanish Express
📞 Phone / WhatsApp: +44 7903 867 894
📧 Email: monicaromero@spanishexpress.co.uk
