Celebrating continued excellence in immersive Spanish learning.
In 2023, Spanish Express proudly received the Go Overseas Community Choice Award in the Language Schools category. That achievement was a milestone for us, marking years of dedication to high-quality teaching and cultural immersion through our Spanish Homestay Immersion Program (SHIP).
We are delighted to announce that in 2024, we have done it again — earning this prestigious award for the second consecutive year. This back-to-back recognition reinforces what our students already know: that SHIP is one of the best Spanish immersion programs in Spain, consistently delivering transformative learning experiences.
About the Go Overseas Community Choice Awards
The Go Overseas Awards are unique because winners are chosen entirely by verified student reviews. There are no judging panels, no marketing-based decisions — just the real experiences of people who participated in the program.
For the Language Schools category, students rate their experience in:
- Quality of instruction
- Cultural immersion
- Program support
- Accommodation & meals
- Value for money
In both 2023 and 2024, Spanish Express achieved near-perfect ratings, with students praising not only the Spanish they learned but also the friendships, memories, and confidence they gained.
Building on Our 2023 Success
Our 2023 award was a celebration of the high standards we had achieved. But resting on our laurels was never an option. The 2024 award reflects the ways we’ve enhanced SHIP even further.
Key improvements in 2024:
- Expanded destinations — In addition to established locations like Barcelona, Valencia, and Cádiz, we introduced more rural and coastal options to match different learning preferences.
- Specialised lesson tracks — Students can now choose professional Spanish, advanced grammar workshops, or exam-focused training alongside general conversation practice.
- Enhanced cultural partnerships — Collaborations with local guides, artisan workshops, and event organisers have enriched our cultural excursions.
- Stronger alumni community — Graduates of SHIP now connect with new students online before arrival, providing advice and creating instant friendships.
What Students Are Saying in 2024
The power of the Go Overseas Community Choice Awards is in the words of students themselves. Here’s a sample of what they said in 2024:
Ardi – UK
“Every day felt like an authentic Spanish experience. From shopping at the market to cooking paella together, I was learning without even realising it. Pilar also prepared me step-by-step for my SIELE exam, so by the end of the week I felt confident not only in everyday conversations but also in tackling the test itself.”
Fallon – US
“The lessons were as much about understanding the culture as the language. Between exploring local boutiques, browsing colourful markets, and practising Spanish with shop owners, I felt completely immersed. I left not only speaking better Spanish but also feeling like I had a second home.”
Laura – UK
“I chose SHIP because of its 2023 award, and I wasn’t disappointed. Mónica was amazing — warm, professional, and full of local knowledge. I loved going shopping with her mum, practising Spanish as we browsed the stalls and picked out local treats. This year’s programme built on everything I’d read in past reviews, and somehow it was even better in person.”
Why Consecutive Wins Matter
When a program wins once, it’s a sign of excellence. When it wins twice in a row, it’s a proof of sustained quality.
For future students looking to study Spanish in Spain, consecutive awards mean:
- The program has been tested by students in different years and still delivers exceptional results.
- The quality of teaching and cultural experiences remains consistently high.
- Improvements are made each year based on student feedback.
The SHIP Experience in 2024: A Week in Detail
In 2024, we fine-tuned our schedule to provide the right balance between structured lessons, cultural activities, and personal downtime.
| Time of Day | Activity Description |
| Morning | Flexible breakfast, sometimes shared with the teacher for natural conversation, followed by tailored lessons indoors or in real-life settings. Lessons may include grammar, vocabulary, cultural topics, and practical speaking tasks. |
| Midday | Shared lunch with your host teacher, often joined by family or friends, with guided conversation to reinforce learning. After lunch, free time to rest, review, or explore. |
| Afternoon | Cultural excursions three times a week, including heritage tours, artisan workshops, local festivals, and guided market visits. |
| Evening | Relaxed dinner with the host teacher, followed by optional activities such as Spanish films, games, or evening walks. |
| Weekly Total | Approximately 25–35 hours of guided Spanish interaction. |
This structure ensures that learning happens in real contexts, making it easier to remember and apply.
- Cultural Immersion Highlights from 2024
While lessons are the core of SHIP, cultural immersion is what makes Spanish truly come alive. In 2024, students enjoyed:
- Barcelona – Guided walks through Gaudí landmarks, the Gothic Quarter, and bustling markets, practicing Spanish with locals.
- Menorca – Serene hikes along hidden coves, ancient talayotic sites, and charming harbors, practicing Spanish with welcoming islanders. (Monica Romero)
- Valencia – Shopping for fresh produce, cooking authentic paella, and visiting the City of Arts and Sciences.
- Cádiz – Experiencing traditional ferias filled with music, dance, and Andalusian culture.
- Sevilla – Strolling past flamenco stages, Moorish palaces, and lively tapas bars, practicing Spanish with passionate Andalusians.
- Burgos – Joining artisan workshops and exploring historic neighborhoods with local guides.
- Extremadura and Andalusia – Tasting locally produced olive oils and learning related vocabulary.
These activities are more than leisure; they create natural opportunities to absorb vocabulary, idioms, and cultural context that no classroom can replicate.
Linking the 2023 and 2024 Stories
Our 2023 blog celebrated our first award and introduced many students to the SHIP programme for the first time. In 2024, some of those same students returned — and their repeat participation speaks volumes.
Many said they chose us initially because of the 2023 award, and then recommended us to friends who joined in 2024. This kind of trust and loyalty is exactly what we aim for.
Why Students Choose Spanish Express Again and Again
From retirees fulfilling a lifelong dream to young professionals preparing for careers in Spanish-speaking environments, SHIP offers something for everyone. In 2024, students particularly appreciated:
- The personal attention from teachers
- The comfort and warmth of living in a real Spanish home
- The practical learning that makes them confident speaking Spanish outside the classroom
- The cultural depth that comes from genuine integration into local life
Our Commitment Moving Forward
Winning in 2023 was a proud moment. Winning again in 2024 proves our dedication. But our journey doesn’t stop here.
Looking ahead, we plan to:
- Expand our destination network even further
- Develop new lesson modules on Spanish business culture, regional dialects, and advanced conversation
- Strengthen our alumni network to support students before, during, and after their SHIP experience
Join the Award-Winning Spanish Homestay Immersion Programme
If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to learn Spanish in Spain, this is it. With two consecutive Go Overseas Community Choice Awards, Spanish Express is proven, trusted, and loved by students from around the world.
Imagine starting your day with a conversation over coffee in a sunlit Spanish kitchen, learning new expressions during a walk through the market, and sharing laughter with your teacher over a homemade dinner. This isn’t just studying Spanish — it’s living it.
Whether you discovered us through our 2023 win or this year’s 2024 award, we invite you to join SHIP and experience why students choose us again and again.
