While there are many approaches to learning a second language, nothing can beat visiting and studying in the country where that language is spoken. Daily immersion in language and culture is the key to gaining real proficiency in any language. So where better to learn the Spanish language than in Spain itself! Spain is a fascinating and diverse country with friendly people, fantastic food and an astonishingly rich cultural heritage.
Spanish is the third most widely spoken language in the world after English and Chinese, and is the official language of around 30 different nations, the majority of which are located in Central and South America. While good language schools are found in most Spanish-speaking countries, Spain is an excellent choice for anyone wishing to learn Spanish. The original home of the language and culture, Spain is a country of distinct regions each very different from the other. Learning Spanish in Spain is by far the most effective and enjoyable way to truly master the language.
Learning any language in the country where it is spoken is easier and more efficient, any invariably results in better outcomes. You get to know a people and a culture, as well as a language. Language learning involves much more than simply learning grammatical structures - real fluency involves learning to communicate with the people that speak the language. By speaking and listening to native Spanish speakers in real-life situations every day, you learn how to think and behave in Spanish.
Spanish language schools are located throughout Spain, from world-famous Barcelona in the north-east to Granada in the south. Choice of location is one of the most important factors in deciding which language school to attend. In the process of acquiring real language proficiency, time spent outside the language classroom is as important as time spent in class. In larger cities, language programs frequently emphasise amenities and activities but, depending on class sizes, may neglect individual student learning needs. While there may be no shortage of cultural activities and museum visits in large cities such as Madrid, Barcelona or Seville, more intimate cultural experiences are far more likely to be found in smaller towns and villages. It is also much easier to fall back on speaking English in the larger cities, which of course defeats your original purpose entirely!
Throughout Spain, English is less commonly spoken in smaller towns and villages than in cities. In such locations, it is almost impossible not to speak the language you're there to study. Generally, people in the more rural areas of Spain will be quite honored that you've chosen to learn Spanish in their home town and will tend to be more welcoming, making it easier to establish lasting friendships and feel at home.
The type of Spanish language program you opt for will of be determined partly by your specific needs. There are many different types of program offered by language schools in Spain, including general Spanish, Spanish for business, Spanish for academic studies, and Spanish for art courses, music, design and culinary arts.
Whichever program you choose, there are several features to look for which are shared by all good programs: flexible, communicative instruction methodologies, a friendly atmosphere, personal attention, enthusiastic and qualified teachers, small groups. Depending on your requirements, the program should also provide a language qualification recognised by national and international colleges and universities.
In summary, to get the most out of an Spanish language program in Spain, seek out language schools with qualified native-speaking teachers, small groups and programs providing opportunity for individual student attention. Excursions and other extra-curricular activities are important elements in any cultural program, but they should not crowd out real language learning which always occurs best in smaller, more intimate contexts. Whatever happens during your time in Spain, the most important thing is of course that you thoroughly enjoy your language learning adventure! At the end of the day, you will learn much more much faster if you are happy with your program and enjoying yourself!