Moving to a new country can be exciting — but learning a new language while adapting to a completely different culture can feel overwhelming. That’s exactly why we created the Spanish Homestay Immersion Program (SHIP) in Barcelona (Dosrius), offering families and individuals a warm, supportive environment where Spanish is learned naturally through daily life, while experiencing and appreciating different cultures as part of the immersion. SHIP is a comprehensive family program that includes activities, accommodation, and language courses tailored for the entire family, ensuring both children and adults benefit from the experience together.
This year, I had the joy of welcoming the Zeng family — Tian, her husband Juan, and their 10-year-old daughter Jenny. The program is designed for children of all ages, making it suitable for families with kids at different stages. Jenny, as a child, enjoyed activities specifically designed to engage her in language and cultural learning. Originally from China, they recently moved to Madrid and wanted to build confidence in Spanish to settle comfortably into their new life in Spain. Spain’s rich cultural diversity and welcoming environment make it an ideal destination for international families looking to immerse themselves in a new culture.
Spain is also a top choice for a family vacation, offering families the chance to create memorable holidays together with a wide range of activities and experiences suitable for all ages.
They joined me for a full week in my home in Dosrius, Barcelona, and what unfolded was a memorable journey of learning, connection, cultural discovery, and lots of laughter (mostly thanks to Jenny and my two golden retrievers, Rumba and Samba!). Their move from China connects them to families around the world seeking similar immersive experiences. It was truly a wonderful time for the family.
Here’s a complete look at their week — a perfect example of how immersive learning truly transforms lives.
Introduction to Spanish Immersion
A family Spanish immersion program is more than just a language course—it’s a chance for the entire family to embark on a shared adventure, learning Spanish together while experiencing the vibrant culture of Spain or other Spanish-speaking destinations. Our customizable family program is designed to cater to the needs of both children and adults, offering tailored activities, accommodation and language courses for every family member. Designed with families in mind, this program blends Spanish classes, cultural activities and exciting excursions, making it the perfect way to maximize your vacation and create lasting memories.
Note: For the best experience, consider booking your family Spanish immersion program early, especially during peak travel seasons, and prepare for some cultural differences to help your family adjust smoothly.
Our Spanish immersion program ensures that every family member feels at home. From parents to children, everyone participates in engaging lessons and hands-on experiences, making language learning fun and interactive. Families can look forward to exploring local traditions, tasting delicious food and discovering the beauty of Spanish culture—all while building their Spanish skills in a natural, supportive environment.
With flexible accommodation options in some of our locations and a schedule that balances learning with leisure, this program is ideal for families seeking a meaningful, family-friendly vacation. It’s the perfect way to learn Spanish, connect with each other and immerse yourselves in the local way of life.
Choosing the Right Destination
Selecting the perfect destination is an essential part of planning your Family Spanish Immersion experience. Each of our seven Spanish locations offers a unique atmosphere, lifestyle and cultural richness. Choosing centrally located accommodations ensures your family has easy access to major attractions and can make the most of your time exploring. Whether your family prefers coastal surroundings, vibrant cities, or peaceful inland regions, you’ll find the ideal place to learn, explore and enjoy Spanish together.
Here’s a closer look at our seven destinations:
1. Barcelona – Culture, Coast & City Life
A dynamic Mediterranean city where history, modern architecture and beautiful beaches come together. Families love Barcelona for its museums, parks, lively neighbourhoods, and endless cultural activities — an inspiring setting for daily Spanish practice. Barcelona also offers a blend of culture and beach life, with attractions like Park Güell and activities on Barceloneta beach.
2. Burgos – History, Tradition & Northern Charm
Known for its medieval architecture, peaceful pace, and UNESCO-listed cathedral, Burgos is perfect for families seeking a quieter, traditional Spanish environment. A great choice for history lovers and those who enjoy a more relaxed rhythm.
3. Cádiz – Sunshine, Beaches & Andalusian Spirit
Famous for its golden coastline, warm weather, and friendly southern atmosphere, Cádiz offers a wonderful mix of relaxation and cultural immersion. Ideal for families who love the sea, food and discovering authentic Andalusian traditions.
4. Extremadura – Nature, Heritage & Rural Beauty
A region full of Roman ruins, medieval towns, forests, and natural parks. Extremadura is perfect for adventurous families who want to escape the crowds and experience the real, untouched Spain.
5. Menorca – Tranquil Island Life & Crystal Waters
A calm and stunning island in the Balearics, known for its turquoise coves, hiking paths, and family-friendly beaches. Families looking for peace, nature, and outdoor activities will fall in love with Menorca.
6. Sevilla – Flamenco, Colour & Southern Energy
The heart of Andalusia, Sevilla is vibrant, colourful, and full of passion. With its festivals, monuments, tapas culture, and warm atmosphere, it’s an unforgettable destination for families wanting both fun and immersion. Seville is also home to attractions like the Plaza de España and the Alcázar, which offer rich cultural experiences for visitors.
7. Valencia – Beaches, Science & Mediterranean Lifestyle
A bright coastal city offering a perfect balance of beach life, futuristic architecture, and delicious food (home of paella!). Valencia is ideal for active families who love cycling, exploring, and experiencing a modern, family-friendly city. Valencia also features beautiful beaches and child-friendly attractions, including the City of Arts and Sciences, which has Europe’s largest aquarium, L’Oceanogràfic.
Finding Your Perfect Fit
No matter which destination you choose, your family will enjoy:
- full daily Spanish immersion
- authentic local experiences
- warm and personalised host support
- cultural activities suited to all ages
- unforgettable memories together
From coastlines to castles, islands to inland treasures, our seven destinations offer the perfect setting for your Spanish learning adventure — each with its own personality, charm and opportunities for connection. Spain is one of the best countries to travel to with children, offering a wide range of family-friendly activities and destinations.
Trip Duration and Timing: Planning the Perfect Week
When planning your family trip to Spain, choosing the right duration is key to making the most of your adventure. Most families find that a week is the perfect amount of time to immerse themselves in Spanish culture, explore vibrant cities and enjoy some relaxing beach time. With a well-structured Spanish immersion program, your entire family can balance learning Spanish with fun activities and sightseeing.
A typical week might include a mix of Spanish classes in the morning, followed by afternoons spent wandering the winding streets of historic towns, taking day trips to nearby destinations or soaking up the sun on the beach. Parents and children alike can participate in lessons tailored to their Spanish level, ensuring everyone is engaged and making progress.
By planning your itinerary thoughtfully, your family can have an amazing time exploring Spain’s spectacular views, rich culture and lively cities. Whether you’re visiting for a week or extending your stay, the Spanish immersion program is designed to create unforgettable memories for the whole family.
Preparing for the Trip: Learning About Spain as a Family
Getting ready for your family Spanish immersion program is an exciting part of the journey. Before you set off, take some time to learn about Spain together as a family. Start by picking up a few basic Spanish phrases—this not only helps with communication but also builds confidence for both parents and children. You can make it fun by practicing greetings, ordering food or even singing simple Spanish songs at home.
To deepen your cultural immersion, try cooking traditional Spanish dishes as a family, or explore Spain’s history and customs through books, movies and documentaries. Many families enjoy attending local Spanish festivals or cultural events in their own city before the trip, which helps everyone get a sense of what to expect. Spain’s rich traditions, such as its vibrant fiestas and unique regional celebrations, offer a wonderful introduction to the country’s culture and are a highlight for many visitors. If your family is interested in adventure, consider arranging surfing lessons or other activities that match your children’s interests—these can be incorporated into your program for a truly personalized experience.
By preparing together, your family will arrive in Spain with a greater appreciation for its culture and a shared sense of excitement. This foundation makes your trip even more meaningful and ensures that every family member is ready to make the most of their Spanish immersion adventure.
Sunday: Arrival in Dosrius — A Warm Start to Our Week
When the Zeng family arrived, the first “teachers” to greet them were Rumba and Samba. Jenny immediately bonded with them, creating an instant feeling of home.
After settling into their comfortable room, which offered plenty of space and amenities perfect for families, we reviewed the schedule and enjoyed a relaxed dinner together. Saturday was full of hugs for Rumba & Samba and photos, capturing special moments that will be remembered forever. It was especially meaningful for mom, Tian, to be in the photos and create lasting memories with her family.
Monday: First Spanish Lessons & Exploring Mataró
Morning Spanish Class at Home
We focused on basic but essential vocabulary:
- greetings & introductions
- supermarket and transport language
- everyday phrases
The lessons are structured much like a school environment, making the experience familiar and comfortable for children.
Jenny practiced colors, animals, and simple dialogues — usually with a dog in her lap!
Lunch in a Traditional Catalan Masía
We met my friend Ana for lunch in a beautiful masía. The family practiced ordering food and interacting naturally with locals. Most families spend this part of their immersion enjoying local cuisine together, sharing stories, and making memories. Sharing a meal in a traditional setting like this is an experience that creates memories lasting a lifetime. Traditional Spanish cuisine also offers options even for picky eaters, ensuring everyone in the family enjoys the experience.
Conversational Walk in Mataró Port
In the afternoon, we explored Mataró’s port and beach. During our walk, we visited several interesting spots along the way. We practiced Spanish through real conversations, which made sense as learning the language in real-world settings helped us apply what we learned immediately, using the surroundings as our classroom.
Tuesday: Class on the Go & The Stunning Palau de la Música Catalana
Spanish Class on the Move
We left the classroom and practiced Spanish while walking through the town. This included:
- directions
- real dialogues
- describing places
Even in just two weeks, families can make significant progress in their Spanish skills through these immersive activities.
Lunch With Ana
The Zeng family ordered confidently and participated in Spanish small talk. During the conversation, Ana, one of my team members, a great teacher-guide, asked Jenny what aspects of Spain sparked her interest and what she was most interested in learning about.
Visiting the Palau de la Música Catalana
The family was captivated by this architectural treasure. Their visit took place in July, a popular time for families to explore Spain. It was the perfect moment to introduce vocabulary related to art, history, and culture.
Wednesday: Morning Class & A Free Afternoon in Girona
The family explored Girona independently, using Spanish to:
- ask for directions
- buy tickets
- order drinks
- communicate with locals
Girona is a city where many families stay, thanks to its family-friendly accommodations and convenient location for day trips. Spending a full day in Girona allows families to see all the highlights and enjoy everything the city has to offer.
They returned proud, excited, and full of stories — proof of how well immersion works.
Thursday: Castelldefels Castle & Conversational Route in Argentona
Morning Lesson
We practiced dialogues and role-plays for daily situations they’ll face in Madrid.
Historical Visit to Castelldefels Castle
The views, architecture, and atmosphere allowed the family to learn vocabulary related to history, culture, and the past tense.
Conversational Walk in Argentona
We focused on spontaneous conversation. By this point, their confidence grew visibly. They spoke faster, made fewer pauses, and interacted naturally.
Friday: Fluency, Friendship & A Lovely Lunch With Nanda
Final Revision Class
We reviewed everything learned during the week and prepared them for real-life interactions.
Lunch With Nanda
Nanda is cheerful and expressive — a perfect conversational partner, a great teacher-guide, who has been part of our team for over a decade. Tian and Juan communicated wonderfully, sharing stories and practicing conversation without anxiety.
A Special Evening at Home
We cooked dinner, reflected on the week and shared heartfelt conversations. It felt like hosting family, not students.
Saturday: Emotional Goodbyes
Saturday was full of hugs and photos. Jenny even made a drawing of Samba — she’s so talented. She said that next time she would be drawing Rumba.
Jenny promised Rumba and Samba that she would come back, and they watched her leave with the saddest puppy eyes.
What the Zeng Family Achieved in One Week
✔ Confidence in everyday Spanish
✔ Practical vocabulary for life in Spain
✔ Experience speaking with multiple native speakers
✔ Improved pronunciation
✔ Real-life practice in Barcelona, Mataró, Argentona & Girona
✔ Cultural immersion
✔ A warm friendship with their host family (and two very loving dogs)
Safety and Emergency Procedures
When it comes to your family’s well-being, the family Spanish immersion program leaves nothing to chance. The safety of all family members is a top priority, with comprehensive protocols and emergency procedures in place to ensure peace of mind throughout your trip. From the moment you arrive, you’ll have access to 24/7 support from the program’s dedicated staff, who are always ready to assist with any situation that may arise.
Families receive clear information on how to stay safe while traveling, including tips on local customs, keeping valuables secure, and being aware of your surroundings. The program’s team is trained to handle emergencies efficiently, so you can focus on enjoying your Spanish immersion experience without worry. With these measures in place, families can relax and make the most of their adventure, knowing that their safety is always a priority.
Participant Support and Resources
Every family is unique, and the family Spanish immersion program is designed to support each family’s individual needs and interests. The family program can be customized to include activities and excursions that match your family’s interests and preferences, ensuring a comprehensive and enjoyable experience for everyone. Spanish classes are tailored to the Spanish level of each family member, ensuring that parents, children and even younger children are engaged and challenged appropriately. The program offers a variety of activities and excursions, from surfing lessons and cooking classes to guided tours and cultural workshops, so families can choose what excites them most.
The friendly staff is always available to answer questions, provide guidance, and help arrange activities that match your family’s interests. Whether you’re curious about local food, need tips for exploring the town, or want to know more about Spanish customs, you’ll have access to helpful resources every step of the way. The program’s flexible approach means that families can create a schedule that works for them, making it easy to balance learning, fun, and relaxation.
With a focus on cultural immersion and language learning, the family Spanish immersion program ensures that every family member, regardless of age, has an amazing time, gains confidence in Spanish, and returns home with wonderful memories and new skills for life.
A Host’s Reflection
Hosting the Zeng family reminded me why I love offering immersion stays.
Spanish is not just a language — it is connection, emotion, and daily life.
Through our conversations, shared meals, cultural experiences, and endless laughter, the Zeng family didn’t just learn Spanish…
They lived it.
And I feel lucky to have been a part of their journey.
Testimonial From the Zeng Family
“Our week with Mónica was unforgettable. We arrived shy and nervous about our Spanish, but she welcomed us like family and helped us gain real confidence. The classes were practical, the cultural visits were incredible, and the conversations felt natural and fun. Our daughter fell in love with Rumba and Samba, and we all felt at home. We highly recommend Mónica’s homestay immersion — it changed our experience of living in Spain!”
— Tian Zeng & Family
A Real Spanish Immersion Experience in Dosrius, Barcelona
This summer, I had the pleasure of hosting the Zeng family — Tian, her husband Juan, and their daughter Jenny — in my Spanish Homestay Immersion Programme. Originally from China and recently relocated to Madrid, they wanted to improve their everyday Spanish to feel more confident living in Spain.
Throughout the week, we combined daily Spanish lessons with real-life practice, cultural activities, and relaxed family-style living. From morning classes at home to exploring Mataró, visiting the Palau de la Música in Barcelona city center, and discovering Girona and Castelldefels, every moment became an opportunity to learn. We also took time to explore Spain’s rich cultural and historical attractions, making the most of what the country has to offer. Some families choose to stay for several weeks to deepen their immersion and experience even more of Spain’s unique regions and traditions.
While Spanish immersion programs are also popular in destinations like Costa Rica, especially near San Jose and in towns such as Santo Domingo de Heredia, the Spain program offers a unique blend of European culture, history, and family-friendly experiences that set it apart.
The family practiced Spanish naturally through:
- conversations during meals,
- navigating public places,
- visiting local towns,
- and interacting with my friends Ana and Nanda.
Jenny immediately bonded with my two golden retrievers, Rumba and Samba, which made the house feel warm and lively every day.
By the end of the week, Tian and Juan were speaking with confidence, using new vocabulary and communicating comfortably with native speakers. Their progress was impressive, but the emotional connection we created was the most rewarding part of all.
My homestay programme offers more than language learning — it offers cultural immersion, meaningful relationships, and unforgettable experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime.
If you want to learn Spanish naturally, joyfully, and effectively, my home in Dosrius is the perfect place.
Reflections and Future Trips: Looking Ahead as a Family
After your family trip to Spain, take a moment to reflect on the incredible experiences and memories you’ve created together. Many families find that participating in a family Spanish immersion program sparks a lifelong love of language and culture in their children. The confidence gained from speaking Spanish, the friendships formed, and the cultural immersion all contribute to a sense of wonder that lasts long after you return home.
As you look ahead, consider how you can build on your family’s Spanish journey. Perhaps you’ll plan another trip to Spain to explore new regions to experience a different Spanish-speaking culture. The flexibility of the Spanish immersion program means you can tailor future adventures to your family’s interests, whether that means more language classes, cultural workshops, or outdoor activities.
By prioritizing language learning and cultural exploration, you’re giving your children a gift that will last a lifetime. Each trip adds to your family’s collection of memories and deepens your connection to the Spanish language and the wider world. Wherever your travels take you next, the sense of curiosity and adventure you’ve cultivated will continue to inspire your family for years to come.
