Language Programs in Western Europe

J’ai eu le plaisir de suivre le cours de Français des affaires à l’automne dernier, et j’en garde un très bon souvenir. Notre professeur, Monsieur Fesquet, était toujours respectueux et attentif. Il partageait avec nous non seulement des connaissances du language professionnel, mais aussi des éléments de la vie quotidienne en France, ce qui rendait le cours vivant et enrichissant. J’ai apprécié les exposés : ils demandaient du temps, mais permettaient d’explorer des sujets actuels et culturels, tout en améliorant l’expression orale. J’ai également trouvé très utile l’apprentissage de la rédaction de lettres formelles, un aspect essentiel de la communication en France, souvent négligé dans d’autres cours. Le cours m’a permis d’élargir mon vocabulaire et de revoir des points importants de grammaire. De plus, nous avions un groupe d’étudiants formidable, avec une ambiance bienveillante dans laquelle je me suis sentie très à l’aise. Seul point à noter : le niveau annoncé à l’inscription était B1, mais en réalité, le contenu correspond plutôt à un niveau C1. Cela peut être un défi pour certains, surtout au début.

This Easter, I had the opportunity to spend an unforgettable week in Dosrius, Barcelona, as part of the SHIP immersion programme with Spanish Express. From the first moment I arrived at Mónica’s house, I felt instantly welcomed. Her warmth, the kindness of her parents who live upstairs, and the playful company of her golden retrievers, Rumba and Samba, made me feel right at home. Sharing the experience with my classmate Paola made it even more special. We both attend David Game College in London, where Mónica is our Head of Spanish. Seeing her outside of school was a revelation — the way she balances structure with fun is inspiring. She’s strict when needed, always practical, and honestly, one of the most fun people to be around. Over the week, she truly became one of us. Our days were filled with academic focus — we revised all the key content for A-Level Spanish. We worked through our IRPs, practised Paper 3 themes, and tackled Paper 2 with a deep dive into El laberinto del fauno and Como agua para chocolate. We also sharpened our translation skills, which was a real highlight, especially with Mónica’s expertise as a qualified translator. Alongside Mónica, we were also taught by Eva and Pilar during the academic year in London, and the different teaching styles brought a great balance to the sessions. The pace was challenging but motivating, and I left feeling genuinely prepared for my exams in June. But the experience in Barcelona wasn’t just about studying. The cultural side was just as enriching. We explored the Maresme Coast, visiting quaint towns like Argentona and Mataró — the latter completely surprised us with its charming old town, beach, and port. Barcelona, of course, was a major highlight. We visited iconic landmarks like Casa Batlló, Park Güell, and the Sagrada Familia. We strolled through the Gothic Quarter, down Las Ramblas, and all the way to the port and La Barceloneta. These trips added another layer of immersion — learning the language while living the culture. Looking back, this week was so much more than a revision course. It was a chance to grow academically, explore a beautiful region of Spain, and bond with amazing people. If you're serious about your Spanish A-Levels and want an experience that goes far beyond the classroom, SHIP is the way to go.