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Jeff Young 2026
Of all the Spanish courses I have attended Lightspeed Spanish immersion is without doubt the best.
The principal tutors,Cynthia and Gordon, have an unparalelled wealth of experience knowledge and expertise in formulating and delivering Spanish language courses. They are both totally fluent in Spanish and English so any queries or doubt about Spanish vocabulary or syntax can be instatntly resolved. Their explanation of Spanish grammar is always precise comprehensive and readily understood and they share a myriad of tips and shortcuts to improve conversational Spanish.
There is no set curriculum. At the outset each student is invited to highlight the topics or areas of confusion that they would like to study or revise.This ensures that everyone gains the maximum benefit from a course which is tailormade to their individual needs and preferences.
Usually all the students are native English speakers. This avoids time wasted in class when eg a German speaking student does not understand a Spanish word or syntax and the teacher has no knowledge of German.
Cynthia and Gordon have published an unrivalled set of textbooks covering all the important Spanish grammatical subjects. These can be invaluable in reinforcing or expanding what is learned during the course.
The immersion element of the course ensures that every student from breakfast to classroom to lunch to afternoon activities to dinner and afterwards speaks Spanish. Many more advanced students are always available and willing to help less fluent members improve their conversational skills.
Fun is guaranteed with a variety of other activities such as flamenco classes Escaperoom challeges and an end of course celebratory party with the opportunity for any student thespians to dance sing or display their musical instrument skills.
En resumen Me mola mogollon el curso Cynthia and Gordon son la leche.
Jeff Young el bromista
Colum Meekin 2026
I have been here four times and I hope to return in the near future. WHY? Well I have studied Spanish in other schools in Spain, both good and average, but LSS is different.
For a start you will meet other English speakers (of a certain age) who I can guarantee will become real friends for the week and more than likely, even longer. The classes are real fun with games and activities ( some which will have you in stitches!) and all the time you are speaking Spanish at your own level. ( sometimes without realizing).
The grammar is not imposed upon you, it is led by the students at the beginning of the week of what they would like to cover during that time, and of course it will depend on your level of Spanish what you choose. I can tell you from my experience there that the three excellent teachers there, Cynthia, Gordon and Ana understand the difficulties that we English speakers have in learning Spanish.
Gordon the founder of LSS is a Geordie, so he has been through the mill so to speak and has even wrote a very witty and clever song describing his early days learning Spanish . Fair to say he’s improved somewhat over the years!
Also, there are activities in the evenings ranging from Escape room, Flamenco dancing ( the fellers love it! ) and a “Fiesta” with a Spanish group singing and playing with dancing to great fun!
By the way I’m not a promotion officer for LSS, just a student who has experienced and enjoyed the whole experience of going to LSS and is looking forward to my next experience there whenever.
Clodagh Kennedy 2026
¡A fantastic week of Spanish!
This course was exactly what I imagined it to be, in my mind I was going there to learn Spanish but more importantly to speak Spanish.
The learning does not stop at 1.30pm when the classes finish, it continues throughout the day and that is what stands out most for me, that and the lovely group of people I met. We mixed well from the start, each of us eager to learn. The atmosphere was positive and fun throughout. Friendships were made and I have no doubt we will continue to keep in touch with each other.
The classes were well structured, the three teachers Gordon, Cynthia and Ana worked between the different class groups throughout the mornings.
A fantastic experience, I will definitely be back again and one I would happily recommend.
Clodagh, Dublin, Ireland.
Pedro Kenworthy 2026
Hi Gordon y Cynthia.
I would like to leave some feedback on my 3rd immersion course that I attended on Monday 21st to Friday 25th of September 2026.
As it was my third time , that alone speaks volumes does it not?
The hotel is absolutely spot on, close enough to the plaza , the school and the place we ate. All staff friendly snd approachable , rooms perfectly adequate and kept clean.
The teaching itself was fun, structured and enjoyable. Anna , Cynthia y yourselv were extremely helpful and always encouraged students at whatever level to join in or, if needed just listen and relax in a very formal atmosphere. Although challenging I believe all students (as we chatted amongst ourselves) had a fantastic experience.
The food we ate was delicious. Plenty of choices in the restaurant in the Plaza and IMO something for everyone.
The evening meal was delicious, and the Spanish speakers on hand to join us were very friendly. This time I joined in much more as I felt, since my previous visit several years ago my level y CONFIDENCE had improved considerably.. I really did have some great conversations about all sorts and actually shocked myself with my conversation that was almost an hour !!
It really was so enjoyable.
I do think it’s important to try and engage as much is possible to get the best from the course . I chatted with the waiters y waitresses and on one occasion was brought a few tapas before the lunch was served from the options Menu. Explaining my love of the food certainly did me some favour!!…
People on my course were from Australia, Canadá and New Zealand, wow ! That certainly tells you something eh ….
The party evening was great too, local people wirh local music and we were all enjoying one another’s company…
I have made many friends and memories on my courses and have LSS to thank for helping me make a very special friend who has accompanied me on three courses…
LSS has achieved what others can only dream of.
A fantastic learning resource that owes it’s success to its honesty and commitment to its students.
Best wishes.
Pedro ( Peter Kenworthy)
X
Sue Whiteing 2026
A truly immersive course starting from check-in to the Hotel until check- out. The whole, was perfectly planned with breakfast, classes, lunch and evening meal.
The Hotel
Close to public transport from Madrid central and the airport. My room was very clean and perfectly comfortable, good shower and aircon, continental breakfast, topped up regularly. Amazingly helpful staff who patiently listen to hesitant Spanish.
The Restaurant
Traditional Spanish food; lunchtime 3 courses with tapa/raciones in the evening. The food was very tasty, and the staff very helpful. They patiently explain the menu in Spanish and listen to hesitant meal choices. Evening tapa, my favourite, and sometimes soooo much to eat.
The Lessons
Ana, Cynthia, Gordón. In the advanced group all lessons were in Spanish with the emphasis on listening and speaking. We played games and quizzes and were given grammar lessons always in a calm relaxed atmosphere with the intention to stimulate and give confidence to speech and listening skills. Every teacher had their own unique style with different ideas and examples on tricky grammar concepts.
So, Spanish speaking from breakfast then lessons through almuerzar and cena. To finish off the day speaking/listening with very patient locals who sit down and chat with the group, amazing!
Only 2 negatives. 1, for me trying to invent/create imaginary stories in which to speak about. I spent my prep time trying to imagine a story instead of putting thoughts into Spanish words. 2, Hotel tea.
Would I add anything? Yes, maybe pronunciation time. The problem with us English speakers is we do so love our Oooooooooooo’s. And our difficulty with words like Europe, aeropuerto and of course agua.
An amazing experience which must be repeated and a truly, truly immersive experience. Thank you!
Sue Simpson 2026
Hola Gordon y Cynthia.
I just want to tell you how much I enjoyed the course in April. It was so much fun that I didn’t want it to end and am sure I will be back!
Thank you for great time.
Sue xx
Ann Behdarvandi – 2026
I have attended the Spanish Immersion Course on three occasions which I hope speaks for itself as I have thoroughly enjoyed it each time.
Breakfast on the first morning is always interesting as we introduce ourselves and chat. The most popular theme is that of students being anxious about not being good enough or being out of their depth. This happens especially amongst those in the ‘ Beginner’s Class ‘ who are worried about being the worst in the class or simply not understanding enough.
However, the course is designed to support and help you whatever your level. Gordon, Cynthia and Ana are excellent teachers with lots of patience and encouragement to improve your Spanish. There are challenges of course at all levels but that’s ok.
I want to improve and take everything I can from the whole experience. Even eating lunch together on the Monday after the first morning’s classes, there is a noticeable change in everyone’s mood. Students already comfortable chatting about the classes and In my experience all the students are more than happy to help each other whenever they can.
I don’t only attend for the classes, I also love being ‘dropped’ into the marvellous culture of Spain in a city where very little English is spoken together with meeting some great people I have shared the courses with. I laugh a lot while I’m there as it’s fun as well.
Kind regards,
Ann Behdarvandi
Marion Morris – 2026
I have just completed the Spanish Imersion Course with Light Speed Spanish and have to say it was one of the most positive learning experiences I have had whilst trying to learn Spanish.
I was quite apprehensive before and worried I would feel stupid, however it was quite the opposite. The teaching styles of Gordon, Cynthia and Ana is such that I never felt excluded ( which I have on other courses) and I surprised myself by how much I could understand and most importantly how much more confident I felt in being able to speak Spanish at the end. The mixture of teaching methods was great so that you never got bored – from games to more formal grammatical exercises, but always with the focus on speaking.
I also enjoyed having Spanish speakers on our tables at the evening meal on some days. I will definitely be back and have formed a WhatsApp group with some of the participants to ensure we keep up our spanish practice. Muchísimas gracias, Gordon, Cynthia and Ana. See you next year!
Carol Shea – 2026
The course was well thought out. Ana’s calm teaching style and positivity. Cynthia’s energy and fun games. And your obvious enthusiasm for grammar and for everyone to succeed.
The group were so supportive of each other. I was disappointed I didn’t get your class in subjunctive. I am hopeful the book you gifted me will help in the future.
Today, I enrolled with the escuela de idioma in Los Cristianos. I first checked that they cover subjunctive! Finally, I was pleased I understood everything been said on the course and realised I knew more Spanish than I realised. (all the hard work was worth it) Your course gave me the confidence to speak.
Thank you. Kind regards,
Carol Shea.
Ann Larsson – 2025
Hola Gordon.
Gracias por el curso de octubre 2025. Me encanta sobre todo el concepto: El curso en una ciudad pequeña sin turistas, cerca del aeropuerto. Un hotel sencillo en el centro y cerca de la estación de tren y cerca de la parada de autobuses. Todas las comidas incluidas en el precio (los almuerzos fueron siempre riquisimos). Y las cenas juntos con algunos nativos. Genial. Y por supuesto las clases contigo y con Cynthia y Ana.
Para mí fue lo más interesante hablar con los otros alumnos. Y descubrir cómo suenan nuestros diferentes acentos (de Estados Unidos, de Inglaterra, de Escocia y claro mi acento de Suecia) en el idioma español.
Estoy muy contenta.
Saludos y un abrazo de mí para ti y para Cynthia y para Ana.
Ann Larsson
Alan Fishman 2025
Antes de nada, dejame decir que el curso en abril era una experiencia de mucho valor. En realidad, más por Miriam que por yo. Quise mucho que Miriam sea reintroducido a la lengua moderna de sus padres desde quinientos años atrás cuándo, como lo entendemos, viviesen en paz con los cristianos y los mudejares. Estoy escribiendo ahora, aunque tantísima tarde, dado que llegamos en casa solo dos días atrás, después de siete semanas por España con poco tiempo allí para organice mis pensamientos y sentimientos, que puedo hacer ahora mismo. Y también por buena fortuna podemos manejar seis franjas horarias entre España y nuestra casa en Florida, con no más que un atisbo de problemas readoptando nuestros cuerpos y mentes.
Nuestro viaje largo empezó en Valencia, siguiendo una ruta por Murcia y Torrejón de Ardoz (Torrijas de Arroz😬). Entonces tres semanas gloriosas por el Norte de España y Francia, caminamos desde Biarritz hasta Hendaye y el frontera de España. San Sebastian, Bilbao, Llanes y Oviedo. El Norte es un lugar en la cara del tierra increiblemente hermoso y precioso con verdisimas paisajes, ambos en la tierra y además dònde encuentran las acantilados del mar. Y por fin, un semana en Madrid otra vez, con un día entero en Alcala de Henares y una extraordinaria visita en El Escorial y El Valle de los Caídos y Cuelgamuros.
During our final farewell I pulled Gordon aside to privately share some personal thoughts and concerns, and also wanted to adequately speak of my feelings about both of you and your professional journey. It was heartwarming to me that Gordon was so receptive to my emoting as I did. You see for me, Cynthia, this class reawakened a desire to push myself further toward competency in the language. Less as a pleasant pastime but rather as a priority for our forecasted future. At the outset of my interest in the course last June, I had mentioned that my Achilles Heel was my continued loss of hearing over the past decades.
I do believe that my oral skillset, although at times a bit tongue-tied, is sufficient to navigate the Spanish speaking world. However my aural limitations will forever be my true weakness. Even in my native language, which I have practiced for 70 years and counting, I still fail at times to understand the spoken word with any true sense of clarity, particularly in situations where ambient noise exists. Fortunately, I’ve been at it so long that most of the time, when I hear clearly enough, I can guess and discern correctly between the “p” and “t”, the ‘f” and “s”, and so on. Not nearly so in the language which we wish to adopt when we plan on moving to Spain in the latter half of 2025.
If anything, what I found most valuable about my experience in the course was identifying that my relatively extensive vocabulary in Spanish, much of it long dormant and buried, rose to the occasion, and I was often able to pull the correct (or close to correct) word from the depths of my memory banks. One example was recalling the Ferris Wheel as noría, which connected me to tiovivo, montaña rusa and parque de atracciones. This was an ongoing brain exercise during the week, and most clearly demonstrated to Blanca both in the classroom as well as several offsite conversations between we two.
I quickly realized that, for the most part, I felt outflanked by my classmates, whose skills and ease with the language relegated me to somewhat of a caboose status. And I was completely okay with that, as I probably would have not been sufficiently satisfied in the intermediate level class. In many classroom situations some bubble to the top and some bring up the rear, as it is a natural order of “just how goes”. Although I do not think that is a fair estimation of what I really offered, and doing a disservice to what my contribution was. Again, I was okay fulfilling that role.
Again, I was happiest with Miriam’s experience, she initially being a little reluctant when first discussed last year, but in the long run, gave her the desire to at the very least, begin shifting her ladino studies to castellano. As she is smarter than me, a better student and a more focused learner than I am, has a facility with foreign languages, and can hear a whole lot better than I can! I haven’t a doubt in the world that she will excel at a rapid pace. And that makes me quite happy.
Thank you,
Alan Fishman
Colum Meekin 2025
Hola Gordon, Cynthia, Ana (and whoever else.) Thoroughly enjoyed the course in Torrejón last month- a great experience and would like you to put my name down for September next year ( if it’s not too soon)
Thanks-Colum