From its sun-kissed beach to its mouth-watering tapas bars, Barcelona is a city full of temptation. But a number of people come here with more studious intentions, driven by the promise of learning to speak Spanish.
Barcelona (Photo: D Jonez / Unsplash)
Barcelona has a huge number of language schools that teach Spanish, with all kinds of courses available, including evening courses, fast-track courses and even specialised courses for children. We’ve dug deep and picked out five of the best language schools the city has to offer.
Camino Barcelona
(Photo: Camino Barcelona)
Located in the city centre, Camino Barcelona claims to be the only language school in Barcelona with on-site accommodation. Certified by the Instituto Cervantes, the school that offers a wide range of Spanish language courses, all taught by fully qualified native-speaking teachers in classes with an average of 7 students per group. Facilities include 20 spacious, air-conditioned classrooms and there are also three student relaxation rooms, an Internet café, large patios and extensive roof-top sun terraces. Extra-curricular activities are provided by an Afternoon Club and include movie screenings, Spanish games and get-togethers, and a daily programme of cultural activities, including excursions to local sites and attractions.
More info at caminobarcelona.com
Olé Languages
(Photo: Ole Languages)
Olé Languages is centrally located in the vibrant neighbourhood Eixample, a few minutes away from the famous Passeig the Gracia. The school is devoted to offering students a truly immersive Spanish experience. They have a wide variety of Spanish courses suitable for all abilities, from total beginners to fluent Spanish speakers. Courses are offered in the morning, afternoon and evening, so even if you’re working you can still attend. You can borrow books or movies from the school’s library and there’s a cosy recreation area for students to relax and chat in between or after classes. WiFi is available throughout and there are four computers for students to use. All courses are taught by dedicated, highly qualified native Spanish speakers. Classes are kept small with an average number of 5 students (maximum 9) per class, allowing teachers to focus on individual needs. The school arranges cultural activities, language exchanges, weekend excursions and evening programmes to help students improve their Spanish by interacting and communicating with each other and with local people. After completing your course, each student obtains a certificate that states the exact level of Spanish that they’ve reached.
Academia Contaco
Certified by Instituto Cervantes, the Academia Contaco language school (which also has a partner school in Madrid) is located in a beautiful 19th-century house in the city centre, a short walk from the iconic La Rambla boulevard. A large choice of group and one-to-one courses are available, with lessons taking place across twelve spacious and modern classrooms, each fitted with interactive technology. Other amenities at the school include a terrace, WiFi access, a library, computers and a comfy sitting room with sofas where students can relax and socialise together. The school also arranges local accommodation for students, with either Spanish families or shared flats, and runs a regular programme of events, activities and excursions such as wine-tasting, guided bike tours and theatre trips.
More info at academiacontacto.com
Expanish
Photo: Courtesy of Expanish
Expanish’s Barcelona language school is located in the heart of the city, close to some of its best cultural and entertainment spots. Staff are typically from the Barcelona area and so are able help immerse students in the local culture and traditions, augmented by experiential learning through various social activities. The school offers a wide choice of holistic Spanish courses, accommodation options, and interactive cultural classes of varying lengths and intensities. Lessons take place across 8 spacious classrooms, with an average of 7 students per class ensuring all students receive the attention they require to thrive. Facilities include free high-speed WiFi, a library, cosy common areas, and easy access to local transport.
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Another Barcelona university that runs language school classes is Universitat Autònoma da Barcelona, which has over 25 years of experience teaching Spanish to foreign students. Located around 20km north of the city centre, the university offers a wide range of intensive courses and holds the CertAcles quality seal awarded by the Association of Higher Education Language Centres (ACLES), which is officially recognised by a number of important institutions across Spain, including the Catalan Employment Service. Students are required to take a level test, which is free of charge, to determine which course to take. As well as Castilian Spanish, the university also offers courses in Catalan.