Studying Spanish in Spain

According to the latest statistics, the number of international students in Spain has reached 194,743 across all higher education institutions. Many of these students choose Spain to pursue a Spanish language course or program. Studying Spanish in Spain is a great idea, especially considering the number of advantages learning a new language can bring. Spain is packed with sunshine, international students, tourist attractions, and language courses. Whether you are looking for one or the other (or all of them), you will find them all in Spain. 

Here is everything you need to know about studying Spanish in Spain:

How to Study Spanish in Spain

Studying Spanish in Spain is an excellent way to perfect the language and learn how to speak it fluently. As an international student, one of the most important steps you should take to learn Spanish in Spain is to find a suitable language course and educational institution. Depending on the country you come from, you might need a student visa to study in Spain. Ensure that the course’s starting dates align with the visa processing time (which can be 1-3 months).

Why Learn Spanish in Spain?

Spanish is an ideal destination to study/learn the Spanish language. Not only because you will get exposed to the language on a daily basis, but also because Spain’s culture, cuisine, climate, sandy beaches, and vibrant cities offer so many opportunities to thrive and have fun (all while learning the language). The cost of studying Spanish in Spain is affordable and reasonable, and its educational institutions are internationally renowned. When matched with the student experience you get to enjoy as a language-learner, you will find the cost quite worthwhile. 

Where Can I Learn Spanish in Spain?

You might be wondering where to study Spanish in Spain. One of the most important things you should consider before deciding to study Spanish in Spain is the city/region. The question you should ask is whether the region you are visiting speaks Spanish as a first language. Along with Spanish (also known as Castellano), other regional languages, such as Catalan, Galician and Basque, are also spoken in Spain. If you want to be exposed to the Spanish language daily, you should consider visiting one of the regions where they speak Spanish (Castellano).

The top two cities to study Spanish in Spain are:

1. Salamanca

The classic Castilian Spanish accent in Salamanca is one of the most easily understood. Salamanca is located in the province of Castilla, the birthplace of the original Spanish (Castilian Spanish), spoken by over 500 million people worldwide. Each year, thousands of students choose Salamanca as the city where they want to perfect their Spanish. 

Salamanca is also home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, the University of Salamanca. This city has a large number of Spanish language schools, so learning Spanish and practicing it, will not be an issue. International students might find Salamanca an ideal place to study Spanish due to its affordability, especially compared to the larger Spanish cities.

2. Madrid

As Spain’s capital, Madrid is quite popular when it comes to learning Spanish in Spain. The majority of the population speaks Castilian Spanish. Their accent is clear, easy to understand, and practice. Compared to Salamanca, Madrid is a busier city, and there is much more to do in terms of extracurricular activities. However, it is also more expensive than Salamanca. 

Madrid is a hub for linguistics, and many international decide to study and work in the city after they finish their studies. If you are wondering where to learn Spanish in Spain, Madrid is a great destination. You will get to practice your language on a daily basis, gain knowledge from one of the top language schools, and become a fluent Spanish speaker. 

Keep in mind: 

Spain has a wide range of Spanish language schools across its regions. You do not need to be surrounded by people who speak the exact same language you are learning to learn it. For example, you can still study Spanish in Barcelona (where they speak both Catalan and Castilian Spanish). Still, you will not be as exposed to Castilian Spanish as you would in Salamanca, for example. 

Best Spanish Courses in Spain

The best Spanish courses in Spain depend on your circumstances, budget, and preferences. Spanish language courses in Spain are typically held in a language school by an instructor who has an SFL (Spanish as a Foreign Language) qualification. Classes are usually no larger than 15 students who have come to Spain intending to perfect their language skills. Classes focus on both the theoretical and practical application of knowledge. 

Spanish courses are available in various educational institutions across the country. You will be able to find programs for different age groups and levels. Many educational institutions provide Spanish courses for high school students, college students, young adults, as well as adults and professionals. These courses prepare you for an international career, considering Spanish is the second most spoken language globally by the number of native speakers. 

Many Spanish universities provide language courses to international students before proceeding with undergraduate studies (where Spanish is fully/partially the instruction language). However, many international students also choose to specifically visit Spain to learn Spanish in the country where they can practice the language and, this way, perfect it sooner. 

Cost of Studying the Spanish Language in Spain

The cost of studying the Spanish language in Spain will usually set you back somewhere around €600 ($724) per week, including accommodation, school supplies, and meals. The cost depends on various factors, such as the duration of the course or the number of hours per week.  While some want to learn Spanish quickly, some students want to do so gradually.

In general, Spanish language courses in Spain are pretty comprehensive and efficient. They teach all Spanish skills, including reading, writing, speaking, and listening, all of which are essential in day-to-day life. In general, the cost of studying Spanish in Spain is reasonable, and there are plenty of budget-friendly accommodation options, so rent should not be an issue. 

Can I Study Spanish in Spain for Free?

One way you can study Spanish in Spain for free is through a scholarship. Many organizations in Spain and abroad offer scholarships to curious students eager to learn a new language. For example, the Spanish Studies Abroad: Merit-Based Scholarship provides financial assistance to students who demonstrate a dedication to learning Spanish. Spanish Studies Abroad offers four $1000 scholarships for full-semester courses and five $500 scholarships for summer courses. 

There are plenty of other scholarships and grants available in Spain for international students.