On this page, you’ll discover specific ways to enhance your Spanish learning experience while in Spain. Learning Spanish in Spain offers unique advantages that can significantly improve your language acquisition.
01 of 09
Choose an Appropriate City to Learn Spanish in
There are three main factors to consider when selecting the right city to study Spanish:
- Local Language: Standard Spanish, often referred to as ‘Castilian Spanish’, is not the sole language in Spain. You’ll gain more knowledge in a city where the primary language is Castilian rather than Catalan, Basque, or Galician.
- Local Accent: Some regional accents, particularly in the south, can be challenging for beginners to understand.
- Cost of Living: If you’re operating on a tight budget, consider choosing a city with a lower cost of living.
02 of 09
Choose a Good Spanish Language School
Not all language schools offer the same quality of education. Several factors should be evaluated when choosing your school:
- Size of the school
- Diversity of student backgrounds
- Cultural activities included in the curriculum
Read about How to Choose a Language School to ensure you select the best environment for your studies.
03 of 09
Do a Little Pre-Learning
Beginner Spanish classes may progress slowly, often due to the varying pace of students. Many peers might be enrolled in short taster courses, realizing Spanish might not suit them.
To maximize your learning, consider getting a solid audio language course (like the Michel Thomas course) to cover the basics quickly. This preparation allows you to advance further when you start formal classes.
04 of 09
Learn Spanish in More than One City
One excellent strategy for mastering Spanish is to study in multiple cities. This approach exposes you to different accents.
I recommend starting in a city like Madrid, which has a clearer accent, and then progressing to a city with a more challenging accent, such as Seville.
It’s most effective to enroll in a school that has branches in both locations, allowing for coordinated learning.
05 of 09
Get an Intercambio
The level of English education in Spanish schools can be relatively low. Consequently, many individuals seek language exchange partners, or ‘intercambio’ partners, to practice and enhance their language skills.
Most schools have noticeboards where students can connect with others looking for intercambio partners.
06 of 09
Go to an Intercambio Night
In many large cities across Spain, ‘intercambio nights’ are available. These events provide a venue for locals and foreigners to practice languages together. While sometimes these might devolve into social gatherings, they can serve as an excellent opportunity to practice your Spanish.
Intercambio nights are frequently hosted in local pubs, notably Irish pubs.
07 of 09
Watch TV With Subtitles
Tuning into Spanish television with subtitles can significantly aid your learning experience. Although it may appear confusing initially, this method helps you connect written words with their spoken counterparts and improves your overall understanding of pronunciation.
08 of 09
Learn from Other Foreigners
Engaging with fellow language learners who possess a slightly higher proficiency in Spanish can be invaluable. Their slower speech and simplified structures will complement your learning process.
Limiting your interactions exclusively to native speakers might hinder your initial learning phase. Your peers may make occasional mistakes, but they are unlikely to share the same errors, allowing you to learn effectively.
09 of 09
Read What You Would Read at Home
Reading in Spanish can tremendously enhance your language skills. In Spain, you have access to a variety of resources, including comic books, magazines, and newspapers, many of which are free.
If you’re not inclined to read novels in your native language, there is no need to force yourself into reading them in Spanish.
