Still exercising my English teaching skills, I have often spent a summer week in Europe at an English language immersion retreat in a remote area. The groups that sponsor these sessions are not looking for teachers per se, but native English speakers that enjoy conversation. The attendees are adults from the host country that have a sufficient level of English proficiency to qualify. Their English at the end of the week always shows noticeable improvement, as does their confidence in speaking.
The first session I attended was held in the restored historic village of Valdevilla, Spain, where I became friends with a young Spanish woman and a Pamplona restaurant owner. When I signed up for another in Spain in 2014, it was at a country resort near Gredos, west of Madrid. English speakers and students were scheduled for one-on-one sessions, conversation pairs, and we often walked while speaking.
And a day in the sleepy town
The people: Activities and puzzles to solve
Some accomplished Spanish English speakers and their tutors
The language school’s charter bus route took us by the ancient walled city of Ávila. How could I let this opportunity go by when I was so close! I booked an overnight stay and arranged to be dropped off at the Ávila mirador, or lookout, on the way back to Madrid. Who could have guessed it was the weekend of Ávila’s Medieval Festival? (next post)
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Ruth Rosenfeld 
Wonderful, I love the notion of English language immersion retreats, such a great way to connect with locals in an authentic way.
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It’s an enjoyable getaway and, because it’s mostly one-on-one, a good way to get to know people, without the stresses of everyday life.
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That’s a beautiful area. And your photos are terrific.
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Thanks so much, Neil!
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What a great way for locals to get to practise their English. I love the picture of the building with the mountains reflecting on the glass.
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There are students, people sent by their companies, and individuals who just want to improve their language skills. It’s a good mix and a relaxing place for them to practice. Thank you, I loved those scenic reflections.
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This looks like a great place to hone your skills Ruth. Thanks for sharing. Allan
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Thanks for reading, Allan!
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That is a great job in an idyllic setting. The people look like they would be fun to be around.
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This was a fun group. It’s always interesting – people from different backgrounds and students.
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Your images portray all the beauty of the place and the friendliness of the people
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Thanks so much, Luisa! I appreciate your reading and comment.
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As ever, you’re more than welcome, dear Ruth ❣️
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This type of immersion retreat looks amazing. I like the idea of going abroad to mutually enhance our language skills.
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It’s a fun way to get to know people from a different culture, and always a learning experience for all of us.
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I’m a believer in this.
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What a great way to really talk to the people from a country. I haven’t really thought of this as an option before. Looks like you had a great time. Maggie
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It’s enjoyable and, since most of the week was one-on-one conversations, you got to know people and learn about their culture.
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Perfect for you especially 😊
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People look so friendly. Cool that you got to go to medieval festival in avila. Staying tuned
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Thanks, Beth!
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I’ve never heard of this language immersion retreat, but sign me up! Having taught English in Europe before (albeit in schools), it’d be nice to flex my language-exchange muscles once more! Never heard of Gredos, but what a beautiful, idyllic town! Goes to show that rural Spain has so much charm and a more laidback atmosphere than the city life!
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Rebecca, check out Vaughantown Volunteers on the net. I did 3 gigs with them in different years. They only do Spain.
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As an ESL teacher, this is right up my alley. Love the picture of the guy diving into the water. Great action shot!
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Thank you! It was a perfect moment. You would enjoy doing this.
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Ruth, I’m supposed to be catching up on blogs, but you’ve sent me down the rabbit hole of volunteer English speaking programs!!
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Check out Vaughantown Volunteers in Spain. I’ve done a couple with an Eastern European group but I wasn’t as happy with them.
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I’ve favorited several. Would you be willing to tell me the names you weren’t happy with. I’ll delete them.
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Angloville, I did then in Poland and Romania.
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Dang! The Romania one interested me the most. ☹️
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It was a nice place but sorry to say I had a terrible time with bedbugs there. Curriculum ok, not as good as the Spain group.
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Oh wow. Total deal breaker. Thanks for the warning.
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This is interesting Ruth. I’ve never heard of this kind of immersion retreats. Your photos are lovely. 🙂
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Thanks so much! It’s a fun way to travel and meet people from another culture.
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What an excellent scheme to be involved in – I can see that the ‘teachers’ would get almost as much from this as the students!
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Absolutely, it’s a great learning experience for all of us!
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I like the concept of these English language immersion retreats. It’s also a great way to visit a remote area that you otherwise wouldn’t have known about. Beautiful captures during your stay.
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Thanks so much! True, I often just hit the big cities and their sights and attractions when I travel, without taking time to explore the outer reaches and countryside.
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This looks so enjoyable and rewarding, and a great way to spend some time in Europe.
And the photo of the man diving into the water is fabulous!
Alison
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Thank you, Alison! I love that photo too, it was an opportune moment.
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Nice post
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This looks like a fun trip shared with people you might not otherwise meet. 🙂
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It was a good way to meet people from other countries. Thanks for reading and your comment!
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What a wonderful experience and region Ruth. Gredos looks lovely, with such unspoilt countryside. I really like the photo of the building with the mountains reflected in the windows. And of the seniors ladies with their inquisitive looks. This post made me think of my own summer camp days teaching Belgian students in England. That sense of camaraderie. Oh, and based on my culinary experiences, I would say a Pamplona restaurant owner would be an excellent friend to have!
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Thank you, Leighton! You would enjoy this week of immersion and I imagine you have had many such experiences. Please check out my earlier post about these sessions and visit to Pamplona: https://ruthrosenfeld.com/2020/08/14/pamplona-bulls-and-elegant-dinners/
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