Education in language schools in Spain

As you know, if you constantly hear a foreign speech around you, over time you will involuntarily begin to understand individual words, and then phrases. Therefore, learning Spanish will be more effective and easier if you are in the kingdom itself. Language schools are being created in Spain especially for foreigners. Education in them is combined with cultural and entertainment programs, which allows you to master the Spanish language dozens of times more productively than in regular courses: full immersion in the language environment plus an excellent opportunity to relax in a sunny country.

Benefits of studying in Spain

Choosing to study a language in Spain is worth it for several reasons:

• there is a large selection of various courses for foreigners to study Spanish - both in metropolitan areas and in cozy resort towns;
• teaching Spanish and other foreign languages ​​in Spain is on average 25 percent cheaper than in neighboring European countries;
• Spanish, which is studied here, is standard (español estándar), understood by all Spaniards, regardless of the region of residence; its standards are approved by the Royal Academy and the Spanish Language Association.

An additional plus of training is the opportunity to live in a country with a pleasant mild climate, good ecology, beautiful nature and luxurious beaches. That is, attending classes can be combined with interesting excursions and recreation.

Overview of language courses in Spain

There are many different types of courses to be found in Spain, depending on the goals, the study time and the age of the candidate:

• General (cursos generales de español) - give knowledge for full communication in Spain.
• Special (cursos especiales) - they are developed taking into account the interests and needs of students, for example:
  • history of Spain;
  • speaking courses;
  • to obtain Spanish citizenship;
  • Spanish for business (business language);
  • for traveling;
  • studying Spanish cuisine and others.
• Online courses (cursos online) are a great solution for busy people or those living outside the school's location.
• Long courses (cursos extensivos) - take about a year, suitable for those foreign citizens who come to study or work in Spain. Language acquisition takes place gradually, regular classes (3 times a week) contribute to the effective assimilation of knowledge. Usually, this course is offered to be used to prepare for official exams and obtain a certificate.
• Specialized - designed for specialists in narrow fields: doctors, lawyers, teachers, lawyers, architects.
• By age of students:
  • children - up to 18 years old;
  • youth - 18-25 years old;
  • for adults;
  • for seniors - 50+.
• Academic preparation of applicants from abroad for admission to a Spanish university.
• Family courses - provide an opportunity to travel to Spain for teenagers and their parents to learn Spanish. Suitable in cases where parents do not want to let their child go alone to a foreign country. Possible options for separate or joint residence of children and parents.
• Language year (the so-called gap year, an annual break in studies) - such courses are intended for those foreigners who graduated from school in their homeland and intend to enter a Spanish university. Between these two events, they can attend language courses in Spain for a whole year in order to be fluent in the language by the time they enter the university.
• Preparatory examinations DELE (Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera), SIELE (Servicio Internacional de Evaluación de la Lengua Española). Obtaining a DELE certificate is necessary so that a foreign applicant can be enrolled in a Spanish university (level B2), transferred to graduate school (C1), as well as for employment (B2) or teaching in Spanish (C2). SIELE is taken in order to prove your knowledge of Spanish for academic institutions, public or private companies.

Spanish courses at universities in Spain

Spanish higher education institutions willingly accept students from other countries to study. The main requirement is sufficient knowledge of the Spanish language (at least B2). This means that the student can communicate quite fluently with native speakers, compose clear and detailed texts on various topics, as well as express their point of view on general issues, while indicating the advantages and disadvantages of different options.

In order for foreign applicants to have the opportunity to "tighten" their level of language proficiency, most Spanish universities - both private and public - operate their own language centers.

Their programs provide for the development of the most important aspects of learning Spanish: speaking skills, reading, grammar, writing, listening.

Language centers at universities usually offer the following types of courses:

• intensive - designed for 4 months;
• long - for a year, for example, one-year study courses at the University of Alicante;
• summer;
• online.

At the end of the training, the student is issued an official diploma of completion of language courses or a certificate confirming the level of knowledge of the language - subject to passing the DELE test and completing the curriculum by at least 80%.

Choosing a language school in Spain

Despite the large number and variety of language schools in Spain, choosing the most suitable one is not so easy, especially if a person has never been to the country. Therefore, you should start by defining your goals, answering the question: "Why do I need Spanish?"

Depending on the answer, a suitable course is selected:

• for work - business Spanish, professional development, specialized courses;
• for study - preparatory programs, courses at universities;
• learning from scratch - general course or intensive programs.

For those who want to combine classes and relaxation on the beach, it is better to choose a school on the coast: in Malaga, Valencia, Marbella, Cadiz. Fans of big cities can go to Barcelona or Madrid.

Popular language schools in Barcelona

In Barcelona, ​​you can easily choose a language course based on your goals and wishes. However, pay attention to the fact that the institution is accredited by the Instituto Cervantes and has a license. The most popular schools in Barcelona:

1. Linguaschools - courses are designed for a variety of students, from beginners to Spanish speakers. Age - from 16 years old, cost - from 135 euros. Address: Passatge Permanyer, 17.
2. BCN Languages ​​are small groups, well-equipped classrooms, Spanish-speaking teachers and a personalized service. Training is combined with city tours and fun Friday activities. There are 5 centers in Barcelona, ​​located at the following addresses:
   • Gracia Center, pl. Gal-la Placidia 22, ent. 1a,
   • Rambla Catalunya Center, Rbla. Catalunya 22, pral 1a,
   • Les Corts Center, Travessera de les Corts 173 bajos,
   • Sagrada Familia Center, València 385,
   • Joanic Center, Carrer Escorial 32 baixos.

Age - from 15 years old, cost - from 120 euros.

1. Enforex is the largest training center in the city. The 3-storey building has all the facilities for students, including a gym, library, computer room and even a solarium. Address: Diputación 92. Age - from 14 years old, cost - from 129 euros plus 60 euros registration fee.
2. EOIBD is the official language school in Barcelona. The only public school for adults. Address: Av. de les Drassanes, 14. Age - from 14 years old, cost - from 305 euros, including the fee.
3. EOI Vall D'Hebron - the school uses a methodology focused on basic language skills: comprehension (oral speech, texts) and expression (ability to communicate and write). There are conversational classes and a self-study center for students. Address: Avinguda Jordà, 18. Age - from 14 years old, cost - from 275 euros, discounts are provided for certain categories of students. There is a summer program and 5 official courses:
   • basic level - 1, 2 courses;
   • intermediate level - 3 course;
   • advanced level - 4, 5 courses;
4. Don Quijote is a school of the highest level, which is confirmed by numerous accreditations, has more than 200 partner universities. The center is equipped with everything necessary for students, cultural classes are offered. Address: Calle de Mallorca, 27. Age - from 18 years old (summer and special courses - up to 18 years old), cost - from 215 euros.
5. IH (International House) Barcelona is a prestigious language school accredited by numerous organizations. She has extensive experience in working with students, provides high-quality language teaching and attention to each student. Address: Trafalgar, 14. Age - from 16 years old, cost - from 210 euros.
6. Olé languages ​​is a professional language school for foreigners. Friendly atmosphere, personal approach, training by highly qualified teachers. Address: Carrer Mallorca, 201. Age - from 18 years old, cost - from 79 euros (the price decreases with each subsequent week of study).
7. FreeDa Language Space is a young but already very popular accredited language school. Classes are combined with thematic activities, so that theory is immediately reinforced by practice, which contributes to more successful and effective learning. Address: Carrer de Cabanes, 40. Age - from 18 years old, cost - from 70 euros (the first trial lesson is free, there are registration fees, discount and bonus programs).
8. UAB Idiomes is a language school based on the Autonomous University. Offers a communicative approach, personalized assessment of knowledge, effective development of language skills, emphasis on autonomous student learning. Address: C / Sant Antoni M. Claret, 171. Age - from 18 years old, cost - from 215 euros.

Spanish schools in Malaga

For those who want to visit the homeland of Pablo Picasso and Antonio Banderas, and at the same time learn Spanish, we recommend paying attention to the most popular language schools in Malaga:

1. Malaca Instituto is considered one of the best language schools for foreigners. Has the necessary accreditation and 5 victories in the international competition as the best Spanish language school in the world. The training center is equipped with modern equipment, there is a library. There are all conditions for high-quality education of foreign students and their cultural pastime: swimming pool, dance and sports clubs, bar. Address: C / Rodeo, 5. Age - from 16 years old, cost - from 400 euros.
2. Instituto Picasso - the school was founded in 1982 and is one of the oldest in Malaga. Has many accreditations. Located in the city center at Plaza de la Merced: 20. Plaza de la Merced. Offers year-round courses for all levels and ages. Age - from 16 years old, cost - from 170 euros.
3. Courses at the University of Malaga Universidad de Malaga. Foreign students have been taught Spanish here since 1947. The center is highly qualified, actively introduces innovative approaches to language learning, guarantees high-quality and successful training. de Cervantes, 2. Age - from 16 years old, cost - from 420 euros.
4. Alhambra Instituto is a school in Malaga, located a stone's throw from the coast. For 30 years he has been teaching Spanish to foreigners - both individuals and corporate clients. The center employs experienced Spanish speakers who present material to students of all skill levels in an interesting and accessible way. Students study in small groups, upon completion they receive a certificate with the specified level of Spanish proficiency. Juan Sebastián Eclano, 78. Age - from 18 years old, cost - from 155 euros.
5. Lexis Instituto del Idioma SL is a language school in the center of Malaga. Nearby - parks, bars, entertainment venues and the main sights of the city. Classes are held in modern spacious classrooms with air conditioners, video projectors, and the Internet. There is a library, lounges. For better assimilation of the material, social and cultural events are included in the program: seminars, excursions, flamenco lessons, visits to cinemas and tasting of local cuisine. Address: Paseo de la Farole, 3. Age - from 16 years old, cost - from 185 euros.
6. Academia Debla is located in a picturesque area in the mountains, so lessons are often held outdoors. While studying, students can simultaneously enjoy a magnificent view of the Mediterranean Sea. The school offers: small group lessons, individual approach, accommodation, excursions in Malaga, quality Spanish language training by qualified teachers. Address: Camino del Monte, 23. Age - from 14 years old, cost - from 189 euros.

Also in Malaga there is a division of the Enforex language school (address in Malaga: Calle Carreteria, 84), which was already mentioned above.

Spanish courses in the capital of Spain

Madrid is the largest city in Spain, the economic, political and cultural center of the country. Studying Spanish in one of the most beautiful cities in the world with a rich artistic heritage - what could be better!

The following language schools deserve special attention in Madrid:

1. Sprachcaffe - The center offers a variety of Spanish courses, depending on the preferences and wishes of the students. Classrooms are equipped with first-class facilities, and experienced teachers make classes as rich, interesting and effective as possible. Address: Calle del Arenal, 21. Age - from 18 years old, cost - from 85 euros.
2. All Madrid is one of the leading language schools in Madrid. Accredited by the Cervantes Institute, it offers 24 different Spanish courses. The advantages of the school: small classes (maximum 8 people, most often 5), competitive prices, friendly atmosphere, full service for students, fast and easy learning process. Address: Calle O'Donnell, 27. Age - from 17 years old, cost - from 170 euros.
3. Estudio Sampere - quality Spanish courses since 1956. Here you can study in various programs - from classical to intensive individual lessons. Thanks to small classes, the teacher has time to pay attention to everyone present, which increases the effectiveness of the lessons. A variety of extracurricular activities are offered to practice pronunciation and improve language comprehension. Address: Calle de Don Ramón de la Cruz, 83. Age - from 18 years old, cost - from 200 euros.

Also in Madrid there are divisions of the above-mentioned language schools: Enforex (address: Calle Baltasar Gracián, 4, 28015, Madrid), IH (Calle de Zurbano, 8, 28010, Madrid), Don quijote (address: Calle Duque de Liria, 6 , 28015, Madrid).

List of language schools for foreigners in Valencia

Large language schools - Enforex (Paseo de Facultades, 3, 46021, Valencia), IH (Pizarro, 10, 46004, Valencia), Don Quixote (Carrer dels Cadirers, 5) - have branches in Valencia, a sunny Spanish city stretching across the seashore. Among the accredited institutions in which you can quickly and efficiently learn Spanish, stand out:

1. Taronja Spanish School - Offers a variety of Spanish courses. All programs are carefully designed and aimed at making the classroom fun and interesting for students. After lessons, recreational and cultural activities are held to consolidate language skills. The equipment of the classrooms meets the most modern requirements: interactive whiteboards, audio and video materials, internet, air conditioners, coffee machines. Address: Carrer del Convent de Santa Clara, 10. Age - from 18 years old, cost - from 180 euros.
2. Hispania Valencia is a relatively new establishment that opened in 2002. Uses advanced teaching methods, due to which it attracts more and more clients from year to year. The main principles are positive, patience, a philosophical approach. Offers fun extracurricular activities. Located in a picturesque setting, language lessons are often held on the beach. Address: Calle Florista, 157. Age - from 18 years old, cost - from 110 euros.

1. AIP idiomas - escuela de idiomas en Valencia. This school is the only official preparation center for Cambridge exams, as well as the GESE and ISE exams. Located in a spacious building, there is a computer lab, library, recreation areas. There is a possibility of exchange of students from other countries, participation in educational events to improve the level of knowledge of the language. Active, dynamic activities are encouraged. Many extracurricular activities and courses have been developed. Address: Carrer del Batxiller, 7b. Age - from 16 years old, cost - from 190 euros.

What other cities in Spain can you study Spanish in?

There are a lot of language schools in Spain. In addition to Barcelona, ​​Madrid, Malaga and Valencia, you can study Spanish:

• in Alicante,
• in Mallorca,
• in Marbella,
• in Tenerife,
• in Seville,
• in Granada,
• in Cadiz,
• in Ibiza,
• in Salamanca,
• in San Sebastian.

When choosing a school, it is important to pay attention to the presence of the Cervantes Institute accreditation, the number of groups, the provision of housing and, of course, the pricing policy of the educational institution.

Living conditions while studying in Spain

The best option if the language school has its own apartment, which students can use during their studies.Of course, this is very convenient, since it excludes unnecessary trips around an unfamiliar city. However, many schools that do not have their own housing offer students various housing options by prior arrangement.

Homestay

Students are offered only carefully selected and verified Spanish families, most of whom have been cooperating with schools for a long time, so the entire service is not only well thought out, but also experienced many times by the residents.

Place students in separate rooms. Often hosts offer additional services:

• nutrition;
• use of a separate bathroom;
• laundry;
• ironing;
• cleaning or others.

The advantages of such a residence are constant language practice with native speakers, immersion in the real life of Spanish residents. As for costs, the cost of living for 1 person with breakfast ranges from 150 euros per week and more.

Rental apartment

If renting a separate apartment on your own is expensive in terms of money, you can always count on joint rental housing with another 1-4 students of language courses. It is quite possible to find such accommodation via the Internet or with the help of agencies. Cost - from 130 euros per week and more.

By renting an apartment, the student gets more freedom, but less language practice, in addition, there is a need to get to school on their own.

Student residences

Some language schools have their own student accommodation. Such residences are usually located on the territory of the educational institution itself or nearby, within walking distance. Only students of the courses live here. The room usually accommodates at least 2 people, so in their free time, students have the opportunity to practice speaking by communicating with their roommate and other residents of the residence. Cost - from 180 euros per week.

Hotels and hotels

Since it is more expensive to rent a hotel room than previous options, most often this type of accommodation is preferred by those who attend intensive courses designed for 1-2 weeks. Often the school itself will book a place for the student in the nearest hotel. The cost of staying at the hotel starts from 60 euros per day.

Summer language camps for children

Sending a child to an educational camp in Spain is an unforgettable experience. In the summer camp, children not only learn foreign languages, but also have fun. The extracurricular program includes a variety of recreational activities: competitions, discos, relay races, water procedures, tennis, boating, horse riding and much more.

Most of the children staying in the camp are foreigners, so the theory learned in the classroom is imperceptibly supported by practical skills in the process of communication.

Parents should keep in mind that there are 2 types of camps for children in Spain:

• providing housing - students spend the entire period of study on the territory of the camp;
• with a daytime program - the child is brought in in the morning and taken away in the evening.

You should also pay attention to the training program: camps can be focused on learning not Spanish, but English. Well-known camps with an excellent reputation include:

1. Enforex Summer Camp is the perfect balance of educational activities, fun workshops, sports activities and excursions that will satisfy any child's taste, allowing him to develop effectively mentally and physically. There are branches in 7 major cities in Spain. The duration of the shift is 2-7 weeks, the age of the students is 5-18 years. Accommodation at the camp. The cost of 2 weeks is from 1500 euros.
2. Top School is an international summer camp (for children from 8 to 15 years old) located in Valverde, near Alicante. Students are provided with a unique opportunity for linguistic immersion, cultural interaction, and communication at the international level. English and Spanish are studied (optional). The evening program is replete with sporting events, theatrical performances and excursions. Price - from 1135 euros for 2 weeks.
3. English Summer S.A. International Schools is the largest center for organizing summer educational and entertainment programs for foreign children 5-16 years old. The shift lasts 1-3 weeks, the cost of 7 days - from 500 euros. Accommodation is provided. Branches are open in 5 cities of Spain. Experienced teachers skillfully combine the process of learning foreign languages ​​with sports and fun activities. Each student is given special attention, so 60% of them return to camp the next year.
4. Calanova - international summer camp. Language camp in Mallorca for children 10-15 years old. Located on the seashore in a closed port where the national sailing school is located. The main principle is full, round-the-clock immersion in the language. Children are offered an intensive educational program that takes place in a playful way and makes it easy and quick to learn the material. Sports and leisure activities are held daily. Accommodation on site. Price - from 950 euros per week.

Preparation of documents before traveling to a language school in Spain

The package of documents for a trip to Spain for language courses for Russians will differ depending on the duration of the program. Those who plan to stay in Spain for no more than 90 days apply for a short-term Schengen visa. To do this, the following documents must be submitted to the Spanish Visa Application Center:

• a completed and signed questionnaire of the appropriate sample;
• passport - original and copies of all completed pages;
• civil passport - copies of active pages or birth certificate - for minors, as well as parental permission for the child to leave or a copy of a Schengen visa if the parent travels with the child;
• photo (3.5 x 4.5 cm);
• a receipt for payment of the consular fee;
• medical insurance;
• an invitation from a Spanish language school with a detailed description of the chosen course (duration, confirmation of payment, accommodation booking).

Before going with the documents to the visa center in Moscow, you need to make an appointment on the official website. The notification about the issuance of a visa should come in 5-10 (sometimes up to 30) business days.

If you plan to attend long-term courses in Spain (more than 90 days), a long-term national visa is issued. The documents are submitted by the applicant in person, and no later than 30 days before the trip.

In this case, you will need to add to the above securities:

• a document stating that the student has booked accommodation in Spain for the entire period of study;
• confirmation of the availability of sufficient funds (532.5 euros per month for 1 person);
• apostilled and translated into Spanish certificate of no criminal record;
• a medical certificate of health in Spanish certified by the Consulate of Spain in Moscow.

How much will a trip to a language course in Spain cost

In addition to paying the cost of the courses themselves and accommodation (for approximate prices, see above and on the official websites of language schools), it is worthwhile to provide for some additional costs.

Type of expenses	Price
minimum amount, euro	average price, euro
Fee at the Consulate General of Spain in Moscow for visa processing	35 (Schengen)	60 (national), 70 (urgent)
Flight from Moscow to Madrid and back	150	300
Medical insurance for a week	8	15
Study materials (often included in course fees)	10	15
Mail delivery of invitations to courses	65	85
Meeting at the airport	55	65
Supplement for housing in summer courses per week	20	35

Those who go to courses using the services of an intermediary agency will also have to pay extra for his help. On average, this will cost about 170 euros; visa processing services are paid separately - 70-165 euros.

The possibility of part-time work while studying in language courses

Language school students studying in Spain are prohibited from formal employment during the course. This is done in order to maximize the concentration of the student on the training program, since it will be rather difficult to combine the two types of classes, and even in a foreign country.

Of course, there is always the opportunity to find a temporary job as a waiter or nurse, but you need to be aware that illegal part-time work can cost a visa.

Summarizing the above

The main advantage of learning Spanish in Spain is full immersion in a Spanish-speaking environment. In such conditions, any foreigner begins to speak Spanish.

Given the highest quality of teaching in Spanish language schools and an individual approach to each student, progress is observed in all students without exception. Therefore, if you are not afraid of the cost of training, the need for paperwork to obtain a visa and, in general, a trip to a foreign country, then language courses in Spain will definitely become a useful and fruitful event for you.