Launched just this year, the programme has already attracted 20 students studying Spanish at three different levels. The company directors say they’re aiming to recruit 100 students in the first year.

“At the moment our core markets are Cameroon, Australia and Canada, but our next plan is to reach students in Asia,” CEO of Barcelona Host, Sergio Romagosa told The PIE News. “We have a combined team with more than 30 years experience of teaching Spanish in Barcelona.”

In addition to Spanish language tuition, students are immersed in the culture and language through a licensed tour guide

In addition to Spanish language tuition, students are immersed in the culture and language through a licensed tour guide that takes them to the city’s main attractions including museums, cooking classes and a tour of the local neighbourhoods. Organised day trips on the weekends also encourage students to explore the city and surrounding areas.

Students are also able to ask language or culture-related questions in real time with a team of people “passionate about Barcelona and other cultures” on hand to assist them 24 hours a day.

The most popular course has proven to be General Spanish, but the school also offers a Language Tutor Programme and an Au-pair Programme in which students live with local families and experience daily life.

Barcelona Host is a new concept formed from parent company Trek Your Way an agency that arranges language courses, vocational training, university and employment for students mostly in Australia, New Zealand and Canada but also as far afield as Asia, South America and other European destinations.