Victoria's journey with Spanish Express took her from the classrooms of secondary and high school education, having surpassed expectations with her Spanish IGCSE and A-Levels, to the bustling streets of Mataró, Barcelona.

As an exemplary student with a keen interest in language, culture, gastronomy, art, and Spanish fashion, Victoria decided to reward herself after completing her degree in journalism with Spanish.

This is the captivating tale of Victoria's immersive experience during the Spanish Homestay Immersion Programme (SHIP), with her host teacher, Mónica.

Dosrius, Barcelona: The Heart of the Experience

As the SHIP programme unfolded, Dosrius emerged as the central hub of Victoria's immersive journey. Dosrius, nestled in the Montnegre i el Corredor natural  of Maresme's coast, provided a unique setting for cultural exchange and language learning.

One of the highlights was the "menu of the day”, a Spanish culinary tradition that Victoria embraced wholeheartedly. This fixed-price menu, developed in the 1960s, became a communal experience where students and locals alike gathered to enjoy traditional dishes.

Victoria savoured every bite, from gazpacho to seafood paella and crema catalana, relishing the flavours of Spanish cuisine. The "menu of the day" not only filled her stomach but also enriched her understanding of Spanish culinary delights.

Mataró, with its rich history dating back to Roman times, became the backdrop for Victoria's cultural morning. The town's old centre, adorned with 16th-century walls and the Basílica of Santa María, offered a glimpse into its captivating past.

Victoria seized the opportunity to capture the essence of Mataró, immortalising its historic buildings through a series of photos and videos. Her love for Spanish culture, gastronomy, and art was evident as she explored the charming streets of this coastal town.

Afternoon of Shopping in Mataró

Mataró offered more than just historical sites; it beckoned with its dynamic avenues and vibrant shopping scene. Victoria indulged in a leisurely afternoon of shopping, exploring city centres that seamlessly blended history with commerce.

As a lover of Spanish fashion and culture, Victoria couldn't resist the charm of Mataró's commercial centre. She strolled through streets steeped in history, swiping her card at family-run stores that have been part of Mataró's commercial tradition since Roman times.

Finalising the SHIP Experience

The SHIP programme culminated with a farewell lunch, featuring a seafood casserole with rice. Cooked by her host's father, this dish encapsulated the essence of Catalan cuisine. The seafood casserole, rich in protein and flaunting the distinct flavour of saffron, bid Victoria farewell in a culinary symphony.

Reflecting on her week in Dosrius, Barcelona, Victoria's experience was a harmonious blend of cultural immersion, language learning, culinary exploration, and the warmth of Spanish hospitality.

We invite your students to visit Dosrius and Mataró in Barcelona province, and Live an Experience Like Victoria's

May we conclude with an invitation to your students to embark on a similar adventure in Dosrius, Barcelona, with us through the SHIP programme Spanish Express offers. Readers are encouraged to join this unique learning experience, exploring cities like Barcelona, Burgos, Valencia, and Madrid, amongst other destinations, while residing in the homes of knowledgeable Spanish host teachers.

Enrol your students today at Spanish Express, where students don't just learn Spanish; they become protagonists in their own diaries, experiencing a transformative journey that goes beyond traditional language education.

Guide your student to embark on a thrilling journey like Victoria’s! Each page of her story is a rollercoaster of suspense, passion, and unexpected turns – read Victoria's full story now! 

Book a Free Discovery Call

While you’re still considering whether you should send your students to us in Spain, let’s have a Free Discovery Call. One of our counsellors will reach out to you. So, what are you waiting for? Just book a call, and let’s talk. Allow us to facilitate your students' first hand experience of Spain!

¡Hasta pronto!