Jessica and Paola are two of my dedicated A-Level Spanish students at David Game College in London. Jessica, originally from China but raised in Italy, and Paola, with her Brazilian-Japanese roots, bring international flair and a genuine love for languages to every lesson.
This Easter, they took their Spanish to the next level by joining the Spanish Homestay Immersion Program (SHIP)—a week of focused revision and cultural immersion ahead of their June exams.
From exploring local markets and enjoying traditional cuisine to attending creative workshops, their experience was the perfect mix of learning, living, and connecting with Spanish culture.
Why They Chose SHIP for Revision
With A-Level exams approaching, Jessica and Paola were ready for more than just classroom revision. As my students in London, they’d already been working hard, but what they really needed was a change of scenery, personalised support, and a confidence boost.
The Spanish Homestay Immersion Program (SHIP) gave them exactly that: two-to-one tuition with a native teacher-examiner, full language immersion, and a calm, caring space to focus. A week in sunny Barcelona helped them revise deeply, speak Spanish naturally, and experience the culture—all while feeling supported every step of the way.
Living and Learning in Barcelona
From the moment Jessica and Paola arrived, they stepped into the rhythm of real Spanish life. I welcomed them into my home on the peaceful Maresme Coast, just outside Barcelona—a quiet spot perfect for focusing, but still close enough to enjoy city adventures.
Mornings began with fresh breakfasts, Spanish conversation, and tail wags from Rumba and Samba, my two golden retrievers who became their constant, furry companions. Lessons were relaxed but focused, either at home or out and about—on walks, during day trips, or over lunch. Every activity was tailored to their A-Level goals: grammar, essays, speaking, listening—all personalised, practical, and pressure-free.
But SHIP isn’t just about studying—it’s about living the language. From chatting at mealtimes to shopping locally, the girls used Spanish all day, every day. I guided them gently, correcting when needed, but always keeping it light and encouraging. They weren’t just learning—they were growing, connecting, and enjoying every moment.
A Typical Day During SHIP – Easter Edition
Jessica and Paola’s days struck the perfect balance between focused revision, local adventure, and relaxed home life. Mornings started with breakfast and easy Spanish conversation, followed by personalised A-Level lessons—grammar, essays, oral prep, and lots of practice tailored to their needs.
By their side at all times were Rumba and Samba, my two golden retrievers, always ready to offer cuddles and calm energy during study breaks or walks in the garden.
Afternoons took us out into the Montnegre i Corredor Natural Park, down to the beach, or into town for a change of scenery and spontaneous Spanish chats. We explored Dosrius, Mataró, and made a few memorable trips to Barcelona—each outing full of learning, laughter, and real-life language use.
Evenings were cosy and familiar. Whether dining together at home or chatting over dessert, mealtimes became a space for cultural exchange, stories, and plenty of Spanish practice.
By the end of the week, both girls had found their rhythm, recharged, more confident, and ready for the challenges ahead.
Focused A-Level Prep
Jessica and Paola didn’t just revise during SHIP—they transformed how they approached Spanish. With exams around the corner, we focused on exactly what they needed: precision, fluency, and confidence.
Jessica made great strides in essay structure and clarity, quickly gaining confidence through daily writing practice and feedback. Paola, already strong at planning, learned to write more concisely and effectively under timed conditions, improving both her expression and exam technique.
With tailored sessions and a calm 2:1 setting, they progressed fast, sharpening grammar, expanding vocabulary, and learning how to perform at their best strategies.
Heart of the City: Speaking Spanish in Central Barcelona
Admiring Barcelona’s Artistic Side: Casa Batlló and Casa Amatller
Before heading into the Gothic Quarter, we stopped to admire Casa Batlló and Casa Amatller on Passeig de Gràcia—two stunning examples of Catalan modernist architecture.
Jessica and Paola were fascinated by Gaudí’s dreamlike design at Casa Batlló and enjoyed describing its colours and curves in Spanish. Right next door, they explored Casa Amatller, designed by Puig i Cadafalch, and learned to spot the contrast between both styles while we talked about the Modernisme movement.
With their love of art and history, they asked great questions and practised using new vocabulary to describe what they saw. It was a perfect moment where culture and language came together, naturally and creatively.
From the Past to the Sea: A Walking Tour Through Barcelona
One of the most memorable days of Jessica and Paola’s SHIP week was our walking tour through central Barcelona, where language, history, and culture came together beautifully.
We began in the Gothic Quarter, surrounded by narrow medieval streets and the breathtaking Barcelona Cathedral. Standing beneath the Pont del Bisbe, the girls described the architecture in Spanish and reflected on the legends that bring this neighbourhood to life.
From there, we strolled down to La Barceloneta, where the city’s energy softened into sea breeze and sunlight. They loved the contrast—practising new vocabulary while walking along the coast, learning to express movement, nature, and everyday scenes in Spanish. It was a day of discovery, connection, and language in motion.
Next stop: Port Vell, Barcelona’s historic port turned modern marina. Surrounded by sailboats, palm trees, and the buzz of waterfront life, Jessica and Paola continued to engage in casual Spanish conversation, asking questions, reading signs, and learning through observation.
As we reached the bustling stretch of Las Ramblas, the city came alive in colour and sound. The girls interacted with vendors, asked for directions, and explored small shops, putting their speaking and listening skills to the test in a dynamic, real-world setting.
It was more than a city tour. It was a walking, talking, living classroom—and one they’ll remember forever.
Flavours of Catalonia: Meals That Speak Volumes
One of the most heartwarming parts of Jessica and Paola’s stay was the food—and the conversations it sparked. Every day, they shared meals prepared by my dad, from albóndigas a la catalana to fresh salads and local favourites. Each dish became a delicious gateway into Spanish culture.
But they didn’t just enjoy the food—they engaged. They asked questions, shared stories, and practised Spanish naturally around the table, improving their fluency through real, meaningful conversations. It was a perfect blend of language, culture, and connection.
A Meal to Remember: Dining at Can Culleretes
One afternoon in Barcelona, Jessica and Paola enjoyed a special lunch at Can Culleretes, the city’s oldest restaurant tucked away in the Gothic Quarter. Surrounded by historic charm, they explored traditional Catalan cuisine—a perfect fit for both cultural immersion and language learning.
They read the menu in Spanish, asked the staff for recommendations, and tried classics like escudella i carn d’olla, bacallà a la llauna, and crema catalana. The meal turned into a lively Spanish conversation about food, family, and culture—a delicious and truly immersive learning moment.
Churros, Chatting, and Sweet Moment
Of course, no SHIP experience is complete without a little sweetness—and for Jessica and Paola, that meant a stop at a local churrería in Mataró. Over cups of thick hot chocolate and crispy churros, we laughed, shared stories, and practised ordering and casual conversation—all in Spanish. These free moments for casual conversation helped Jessica and Paola practice their Spanish in a relaxed setting.
It was a simple moment, but one filled with connection. Between bites and giggles, they realised just how far they’d come. Spanish wasn’t just something they were learning—it was something they were living.
Beyond Barcelona: Discovering Catalonia’s Hidden Treasures
While Barcelona served as the vibrant centrepiece of their SHIP experience, Jessica and Paola also ventured beyond the city to explore the charm of the surrounding Catalan towns. Their host base in the Maresme region gave them access to beautiful and authentic locations like Dosrius and Mataró, each offering a unique rhythm and flavour of local life.
Travelling to different Spanish-speaking regions allowed Jessica and Paola to apply their language skills in real-world situations.
In Dosrius, they enjoyed the peaceful countryside and lush natural parks—perfect for slow walks and quiet moments of reflection (in Spanish, of course! while Mataró, the capital of the Maresme Coast, blended seaside calm with lively plazas, boutique shops, and a rich Roman history.
Each place gave them a new setting to practise their Spanish in everyday situations—ordering food at family-run cafés, asking questions in local shops, or simply chatting with me on walks through town.
These day trips helped Jessica and Paola experience a broader, more authentic side of Catalonia, far from the typical tourist routes. They returned with a deeper appreciation of Spain’s regional diversity, richer vocabulary, and the warm memories that only true immersion can offer.
Artisanal Finds at La Confianza in Mataró
While exploring Mataró’s historic centre, Jessica and Paola visited La Confianza, a charming artisan shop located in a building tied to Josep Puig i Cadafalch, the renowned modernist architect born in the town. The shop, filled with locally crafted ceramics, natural soaps, and handmade décor, reflects the artistic spirit Puig i Cadafalch helped shape in the region.
The girls chatted in Spanish with the artisan behind the counter, learning about the inspiration behind each piece and how local traditions continue to influence modern Catalan design. Among all the treasures, they were especially drawn to the beautifully wrapped boxes of artisanal chocolate, which they happily picked out as presents to take home for family and friends—a sweet memory of their cultural and linguistic adventure.
Stepping into Modernist History at Nau Gaudí
During their time in Mataró, Jessica and Paola visited Nau Gaudí, the very first building designed by Antoni Gaudí. As we walked through the elegant industrial space, we spoke about Gaudí’s early architectural style and how his work reflects Catalonia’s artistic identity.
The information about Gaudí’s early architectural style provided a deeper understanding of Catalonia’s artistic identity. The visit turned into a dynamic Spanish lesson, where the girls described shapes, textures, and concepts—all while connecting language, history, and design in one unforgettable experience.
Shopping in Mataró: Gifts, Style, and Spanish in Action
While exploring the streets of Mataró, Jessica and Paola took full advantage of the local shops, on a mission to find the perfect souvenirs and gifts to take home. They were especially drawn to souvenirs featuring el panot de flor, the famous flower tile that decorates many of Barcelona’s pavements. From keyrings to notebooks and tote bags, they loved how such a simple symbol held so much local meaning.
Their shopping adventure didn’t stop there—they also browsed artisanal chocolate shops, picked out a few elegant jewellery pieces, and explored trendy clothing stores, asking for sizes, colours, and styles—all in Spanish.
Every purchase was more than just a gift; it was a chance to practise real conversations, understand cultural references, and connect with locals. By the end of the afternoon, they’d filled their bags with beautiful finds and their minds with real-world Spanish—confident, curious, and fully immersed.
A Home Away from Home: Learning, Laughter & Language with SHIP
Between the focused revision sessions and structured learning, Jessica and Paola found time to create memories that will stay with them far beyond exam season.
They both agreed that one of the most powerful parts of SHIP was the feeling of being heard and supported. “It’s so different from school,” they said. “You’re not just revising—you’re being guided, challenged, and encouraged in every conversation.”
For me, having them at home was truly special. It felt as if I had my two nieces staying with me—we shared stories, laughter, meals, and quiet moments of connection. Watching them grow in confidence, not just with their Spanish but as young women ready to take on their exams, was one of the most rewarding parts of the entire experience.
Refreshed, Confident, and Ready for June
By the end of their SHIP week, Jessica and Paola weren’t second-guessing themselves anymore. They were relaxed, confident, and ready to face their A-Level exams with clarity and control.
Their growth wasn’t just academic—it was personal. They returned to London with renewed motivation, greater independence, and a real connection to the Spanish language. The immersive experience, personalised tuition, and meaningful daily moments helped them internalise Spanish in a way that simply isn’t possible in a traditional classroom.
Now, as June approaches, they’re not just prepared—they’re empowered.
Ready to Boost Your Spanish Like Jessica and Paola?
Whether you’re preparing for GCSEs, A-Levels, DELE, or SIELE, the Spanish Homestay Immersion Program (SHIP) offers the personalised support you need to succeed. Like Jessica and Paola, you’ll live and learn with a native teacher in Spain, gain real confidence, and return home truly inspired.
Can’t travel? SHIP also offers online courses, so you can still enjoy tailored exam prep from anywhere.
Spaces fill fast—especially during school breaks—so don’t wait.
👉 Find out more and book your SHIP experience today.
