Carmen Hernández
6 min 
Dear friends, students, families, partners and Spanish language dreamers,
There are moments in history when the world seems to stop. Back in March 2020, when COVID-19 began to spread across the globe, many of us felt that something profound was changing. Uncertainty, fear and concern for our health became part of daily life. But so did empathy, adaptability, responsibility and, most importantly, hope.
At the Instituto Hispánico de Murcia, we decided to face this new challenge with a clear attitude: neither fear nor panic would stop us from continuing our mission of teaching Spanish with passion and closeness. As Franklin D. Roosevelt once said: “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” We truly took that to heart during those uncertain days.
A Necessary Pause, A Quick Response
As soon as we realised that the COVID-19 situation required extraordinary measures, we knew it was time to act with both determination and compassion. The Spanish government asked for responsibility, and we responded without hesitation: as of 16 March 2020, all of our classes moved online. We temporarily closed the physical doors of our classrooms, but opened even wider the digital ones.
Was it easy? Not at all. Was it necessary? Absolutely.
We understood that protecting the health and well-being of our students, teachers, host families and staff was the priority. Our decision wasn’t based on fear, but on commitment—to our educational community and to society as a whole.
From the Classroom to the Screen: Reinventing Ourselves Overnight
Picture our teachers: used to moving around the classroom, gesturing with their hands, making jokes, looking their students in the eye. Now suddenly sitting in front of a screen, with a cup of coffee on the desk, headphones on, and that same warm smile—only digital.
The days before the big transition were intense: we trained, tested platforms, reorganised schedules, supported one another, and… jumped into the online world! We did it with excitement, with energy, and with a strong desire to stay connected with our students—no matter where in the world they were.
Because the Instituto Hispánico de Murcia is not just a place to learn Spanish. It’s an experience, a family, a network of people united by a love for languages, cultures and shared stories.
Technology with Heart: Our Online Classes
We didn’t want to offer just video calls or email exercises. We wanted the online learning experience to feel as alive, dynamic and interactive as our in-person lessons. So we designed classes filled with games, videos, challenges, conversations, laughter and surprises.
Students could log in from their bedrooms in Berlin, a sunny living room in Stockholm, a terrace in Rome, or a quiet café in Tokyo (as long as the Wi-Fi worked!). The screens lit up with accents, curious expressions, grammar doubts, and bright smiles. Because, in the end, language is also a way to resist, to connect, and to feel less alone.
For students who were in Murcia and couldn’t return home due to restrictions, we organised one-on-one tutorials, emotional support sessions and virtual social events—no one was left behind. Everyone continued learning, growing and feeling part of our community.
Behind the Scenes: Our Amazing Team
While teachers were teaching from home, our admin team adapted quickly as well. We set flexible working hours to take care of both family needs and student support. Everyone kept giving their best.
Internal meetings went online. Emails multiplied. WhatsApp became our main internal communication tool. And despite the stress and long days, one thing never faded: our sense of humour.
Because here at the Instituto Hispánico de Murcia, we are known for being warm, human and full of good vibes. And a pandemic couldn’t take that away from us—it actually made it stronger.
Taking Care of Ourselves to Take Care of Others
From day one, we shared a simple but powerful message with our students: take care of yourselves. Stay home. Be responsible. Follow health recommendations. Keep calm. We knew that difficult decisions are often the most important ones to protect what we care about the most.
Spain once again showed its resilience and adaptability, with one of the best healthcare systems in the world and a population that acted responsibly and respectfully. Murcia, our beautiful city, embraced the challenge too. The streets fell silent, but the balconies came to life with music, applause and messages of hope.
Even in the toughest moments, culture, language and human connection found a way to shine through.
What We Learned from All This
Looking back now, we can say with pride that we learned a lot during that time. We learned that learning has no borders. That technology can be a wonderful ally when used creatively. That teamwork makes us stronger. And that education, even in a global crisis, is a tool for transformation and hope.
Our students didn’t just learn Spanish during those weeks. They learned to trust themselves, to adapt to change, to express themselves in new ways. Many of them sent us messages of gratitude that still warm our hearts today. Because they felt supported, connected and accompanied—even at a distance.
Moving Forward, Stronger Than Ever
Since then, the Instituto Hispánico de Murcia has continued to grow. Today, we offer a combination of in-person and online classes, always maintaining our high standards, joyful spirit and dedication to our students.
The pandemic challenged us, but it also united us. And now, with more experience, more tools and more passion than ever, we are moving forward.
Thank you to everyone who was part of that journey. To the students who trusted us. To the teachers who adapted with creativity. To the team who kept working every single day. And to all those who, in one way or another, kept this little big family alive.
Because learning a language isn’t just about grammar—it’s about living, feeling and connecting.
And yes, even in a pandemic, that’s absolutely possible.
With warmest regards,
Felipe Espada
CEO, Instituto Hispánico de Murcia
