For students used to communicating in the slowed pace of a language lesson, the total immersion must come as a shock.
Lastly, Carrington Estates only deals with fully licensed and serviced plots so there are no hidden surprises.
The problem is several thousand Brits got there first.
If you want to buy property in quintessential Andalucia and want a bargain, draw a line between Malaga and Granada, and head for the halfway point, a little town called Alhama de Granada. And as one local estate agent said to me, the Brits just don't seem to realise it's there. It's a symbiotic deal, which gives English speakers the chance to trade in their native language abilities, for bed and board in a Spanish village. But as the coordinators are keen to point out, there is a big difference between classroom English and real-life-English. Fluent English speakers are invited to stay for free - with the small proviso that they share their company with Spanish residents.
"Some Irish homeowners may not even know that they are not tax-compliant, due to language barriers and unfamiliarity with Spanish legal and tax systems. Sometimes, Ms Higgins said, it can take three or four years before these bills are sent to new properties.
Foreign exchange is not a regulated industry, so check you are dealing with a reputable, well-established broker before parting with any money. Today Alhama is a mix of ancient and modern as it looks out over some of Spain's most spectacular scenery.
Today Alhama is a mix of ancient and modern as it looks out over some of Spain's most spectacular scenery. A chance hike by two participants was rewarded with a cacophony of rings and beeps as a backlog of calls finally registered on their phones.
Look for a property convenient for the local airport and attractions such as beaches and golf courses. But the keys to Alhama are the lake and its proximity to Granada. That means you need a sizeable capital gain before your investment breaks even. The local agents are few on the ground; they're part of the community and wish to stay so.
How often do I need to jump on a plane to come and check on progress and make decisions?
So meals, activities, and the accommodation aim to be highly typical of the surrounding area.
There is a huge cost saving to be realised through purchasing a plot of land and then self-building in southern Spain.
But apart from that, who says the Spanish property market is over? Representing Andalucia, there was a vibrant Flamenco Dance Show, and lessons for beginners.
A "beach" was created in the street for one day only, and luckily the sun came out.
Consider carefully how you will find your tenants.
So if the pound strengthens, you will benefit, but you won't lose much if it weakens. Resorts in Turkey, Croatia, Bulgaria and Thailand, all became popular alternatives to the Costa del Sol in the past couple of years. Part of the program is to participate in six hourly blocks of conversation a day, on a rotational basis.
By my reckoning, if you live an hour from a UK airport, door-to-door, you can go from home in the UK to Spanish lakeside house in five hours.
However, worryingly one in four property buyers are also either unaware or unconcerned about fluctuating exchange rates and how this could increase the final cost of their property.
Buying a home in Spain is easier than some might think.