One Week Spanish Course At Your Tutor’s Home In The North Of Spain

A Friendly Look at the One Week Spanish Course at a Tutor’s Home in North Spain

If you’re considering a more personal way to learn Spanish while soaking up local culture, this one-week home-based course in Santander could be just what you need. It’s not your typical classroom experience—here, you’ll stay with a local family in their charming house, learning Spanish through everyday interactions, good food, and exploration.

What really catches our eye about this experience are the personalized instruction from a highly regarded teacher, and the opportunity to learn how to cook traditional Spanish dishes like tortilla de patatas and paella. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that transportation to attractions isn’t included, so you’ll need to plan how to get around.

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a deep dive into Spanish language and culture in a relaxed, homey environment. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to polish your skills, it offers a mix of learning and leisure that’s hard to beat.

Key Points

• Personalized learning with an award-winning language teacher in a home setting
• All-inclusive package covering meals, accommodation, and transfers
• Cultural activities like cooking Spanish dishes and exploring local sights
• Small group ensures personalized attention
• Flexible for all levels of Spanish learners
• Ideal for those craving authentic experiences rather than a typical tour

What to Expect from the Spanish Home Stay Course

This seven-day experience isn’t just about language—it’s about living like a local for a week. You’ll stay in a spacious room with an en-suite bathroom in Fernando and Merche’s traditional house, which dates back to the 1780s. The personal touch from the hosts creates a warm atmosphere where you genuinely feel part of the family. And yes, there’s full board—breakfast, lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea—making it easy to focus on your learning and exploration without worrying about logistics.

Daily Structure and Learning

Your weekdays start with Spanish lessons from Monday to Friday, tailored to your level by Fernando, an award-winning teacher. With a maximum of 10 students per group, you’ll enjoy a more intimate environment, ideal for asking questions and getting personalized feedback. The course materials, designed by Fernando’s team, make it easy to follow along and practice.

Cultural Immersion

What makes this experience stand out is its emphasis on learning through culture. You’ll get to learn how to cook traditional Spanish meals, which isn’t just fun—it helps reinforce your language skills through practical use. Merche, an excellent cook, will teach you how to make dishes like tortilla de patatas and paella, giving you the skills to impress friends back home or simply enjoy delicious, authentic food.

Exploring the Local Area

When you’re not in class or cooking, you’ll find plenty to do nearby. The Monte Castillo caves are a must-see, with ancient paintings dating back around 40,000 years. The caves are a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric art and history. For relaxation, the El Balneario de Puente Viesgo offers some of Spain’s best spa treatments, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.

Transportation and Accessibility

Your pickup from Santander Airport or the ferry/coach station is included, which smooths out your arrival and departure. However, since transportation to specific attractions isn’t included, you might want to rent a car or use local transit to explore further. The village location, just 20 km from Santander, offers a peaceful escape without feeling isolated.

The Real Deal: Who Would Love This Experience?

This course is especially suited to travelers who want a mix of language learning and culture without the typical tourist crowds. It’s perfect for those who appreciate authentic home-cooked meals and personalized attention. If you’re after a relaxed pace, an intimate setting, and an inside look at Spanish life, this will suit you well.

It’s also a good choice for those interested in local gastronomy, as Merche’s cooking lessons add a tasty and practical layer to your trip. While not specifically aimed at families, the experience can be a fantastic way for adult travelers to deepen their understanding of Spain beyond just sightseeing.

Deep Dive into the Itinerary and Experience

Arrival & Welcome: You’ll be picked up at Santander Airport or ferry terminal, easing your transition into Spanish life. Once at the house, the hosts make you feel immediately at home, with a warm welcome and a cup of tea—something you’ll likely get used to during your stay.

Monday to Friday: The core of your experience. Mornings start with focused Spanish lessons where you’ll work on grammar, vocabulary, and conversational skills at your level. The small group setting (max 10 people) keeps things personal, and you’ll find that the instructor, Fernando, makes an effort to tailor lessons to your needs.

Cooking & Cultural Activities: Afternoons could involve cooking lessons with Merche, where you’ll learn to make traditional dishes. These are not just demonstrations—they’re hands-on, practical, and super tasty. You’ll get to enjoy the fruits of your labor at dinner, adding an authentic flavor to your stay.

Free Time & Exploration: Afternoons and weekends are yours to enjoy. You might visit the prehistoric caves of Monte Castillo, renowned for their ancient art, or relax at the local spa, El Balneario de Puente Viesgo. The proximity to Santander offers additional day-trip options, from the bustling city to quiet coastal villages.

Departure & Reflection: On your last day, you’ll be transferred back to Santander. The feeling? You’ll leave with more than just language skills—you’ll carry home memories of a genuine Spanish experience, full of flavor, friendship, and new insights.

Pricing and Value

At $790.72, this experience isn’t cheap, but it offers good value when you consider the all-inclusive nature: accommodation, meals, lessons, and transfers. Comparing it to typical language courses, the personal home setting and culture add significant value. You’re paying for an authentic slice of Spanish life, not just language practice.

Given the positive reviews—like Vicki and Chris calling it “a perfect week” and Michael describing it as “more than just a language course”—it’s clear many find this experience rewarding. The small group size and personalized approach seem to be key factors in its appeal.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a more intimate, culturally-rich way to learn Spanish that goes beyond textbooks, this home-based course in Santander offers a unique blend of language, food, and local life. It’s ideal for curious travelers who want to improve their language skills while savoring authentic Spanish cuisine and exploring scenic surroundings.

The presence of a welcoming family, comfortable accommodation, and the chance to cook alongside a talented host makes it stand out. While transportation to attractions isn’t included, the proximity to caves, spas, and small villages makes for plenty of interesting day trips.

For those who value small-group learning, cultural authenticity, and warm hospitality, this experience is likely to leave a lasting impression. Just remember, it’s a week of living like a local—so come prepared to embrace the slower pace and genuine connections.

FAQ

Is transportation to attractions included?
No, transportation to attractions isn’t included. You’ll need to arrange your own travel to sites like caves or spas, but transfers to and from Santander are covered.

Can I participate if I’m a beginner in Spanish?
Yes, courses are available for all levels. The small group setting and personalized instruction make it suitable whether you’re starting out or looking to improve.

What meals are included?
All meals—breakfast, lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea—are included, giving you a chance to enjoy authentic Spanish cuisine daily.

How many people will be in my group?
A maximum of 10 people, which helps ensure personalized attention and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Is the accommodation comfortable?
Yes, you’ll stay in a spacious room with an en-suite bathroom in a charming 1780s house, providing a cozy, authentic environment.

What’s the best time to book?
The experience runs year-round, but the average booking window is about 143 days in advance, so plan early if you want to secure your spot.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, they offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start date, making it flexible if your schedule shifts.

This home-based Spanish course in Santander offers a genuine slice of life in North Spain, blending language, culture, and culinary skills into a week you’re unlikely to forget. Whether you’re a language enthusiast or simply seeking a different way to experience Spain, it’s worth considering.