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Complete Guide to Learning Spanish in Spain
Let us walk you through the journey of learning Spanish in Spain, from choosing a city to your first day of class and beyond.
If you’re dreaming of learning Spanish, then you’ve come to the right place. Choosing to study Spanish in Spain is the single best decision you can make to turn that dream into a reality, and our goal is to make your journey as exciting and seamless as possible.
We know that planning to study abroad can feel overwhelming. You will most likely have questions about visas, costs, housing, and finding the perfect school. This guide is your complete, friendly roadmap to answer all of those questions.
We are here to walk you through every stage of the process with simple, direct, and reliable information.
For a detailed breakdown of your logistical path based on your nationality and course length, learn more about planning your Spanish language studies in Spain.
(Last Updated: January 2026)
Key Takeaways
- For non-EU students, any course lasting longer than 90 days requires a Spanish student visa, making your course duration the most critical first step in your planning. For EU-students, no visa is necessary.
- Your monthly living costs can vary by over 50%, from around €700 in Seville to over €1,400 in Barcelona, so choosing a city that fits your budget is essential.
- To ensure a high-quality education, you should always choose a language school that is officially accredited by the Instituto Cervantes, which is a critical step in getting your visa approved.
- Studying in Spain offers complete Spanish immersion, which research shows significantly accelerates the language learning process compared to studying at home.
- By learning Spanish, you are gaining access to a language spoken by nearly 500 million native speakers worldwide, a powerful asset for any career, and great for expanding your personal development and growth.
Benefits of studying in Spain
What are the Benefits of Studying Spanish in Spain?
Spain is the most effective place for learning Spanish because it offers a unique combination of complete language immersion, rich cultural experiences, and high-quality, accredited education.
1. You Will Achieve Fluency Through Immersion
True language fluency happens when you live the language, not just study it. While some American countries are a popular consideration for students looking to immerse themselves in Spanish, Spain is perhaps the better choice for students concerned about overall safety.
Go! Go! España students often reach practical fluency within a year, gaining a skill that opens new opportunities and the flexibility to live, study, or work in Spain.
Research backs that the complete Spanish immersion offered in Spain significantly accelerates the language learning process. Every daily interaction, from ordering coffee, to reading a bus schedule, becomes a practical language lesson.
For a full breakdown of this powerful method, read our guide on why immersion learning is the best way to become fluent in Spanish.
2. You Will Experience a World-Famous Culture
Studying in Spain is a chance to dive headfirst into a culture famous for its vibrant festivals, delicious food, and 49 UNESCO World Heritage sites. It’s an adventure for all your senses that provides an unforgettable backdrop for your studies. All of this, plus you will also have easy access to travel and explore the rest of Europe!
To get more inspired, see our guide on the 10 great reasons why learning Spanish in Spain is a life-changing experience.
Don’t just take our word for it. You can read about the authentic journeys of students just like you in our collection of Student Stories from Spain.
Spain study abroad checklist
What Are the 5 Most Important Decisions to Kickstart Your Journey of Learning Spanish in Spain?
Every great Spanish learning journey begins with a clear plan. Before you pack your bags, thinking through these five key decisions will create the foundation for a successful and stress-free experience.
- Define Your Goals: What level of fluency do you want to achieve?
- Choose Your City: What cities in Spain are you most drawn to?
- Select Your School: Which program best fits your learning style?
- Determine Your Duration: How long do you plan to stay? This determines your visa needs.
- Create Your Budget: How much do you need to save?
Choosing the right city to study
How Do You Choose the Right City for Your Language Course?
The best city for you depends on your personal preferences for budget, lifestyle, weather, and location (coast vs. inland).
Spain offers a perfect match for every student’s personality. Whether you crave the non-stop energy of a major capital like Madrid, the relaxed vibe of a sunny beach town like Valencia, or the charm of a historic city like Salamanca, there is an ideal place for you to learn and live.
To find your perfect fit, explore our detailed guide on how to choose a city in Spain for your Spanish language study.
Finding Spanish language school
How Do You Find the Perfect Spanish Language School?
The best Spanish language schools in Spain are officially accredited, offer course types that match your goals, and have small class sizes with qualified, native teachers.
Spain is home to hundreds of excellent language schools. The key is finding one that aligns with your specific academic needs. Look for official accreditations from the Instituto Cervantes or accredited university programs in Spain as a guarantee of high-quality teaching. A typical intensive course will involve 20 hours of class per week, providing a strong foundation for your learning.
For detailed advice on how to evaluate your options, see our guide on how to choose the best Spanish language school in Spain.
Cost of studying in Spain
What is the Real Cost of Studying in Spain?
The total cost of your studies will depend on your chosen city and the length of your course. You will need to budget for tuition, student accommodation in Spain, and daily living expenses. Understanding your finances is a critical step in the planning process.
Key Expenses You Will Need To Consider:
- Accommodation: A room in a shared student flat can cost €270 in Salamanca, to over €600 in Barcelona.
- Tuition: A Spanish course can range from €130 per week, depending on institution, intensity and duration of the course.
- Transport: A monthly pass can fall between €20-€60, varying across each city.
- Groceries: A monthly estimate of anywhere from €250 per month is a comfortable amount to set aside.
With smart planning, studying Spanish in Spain can offer incredible value.
For a detailed breakdown and budgeting tools, read our complete budgeting guide for the real cost of studying in Spain.
Spanish student visa for language students
How Does the Spanish Student Visa Process Work for Language Students?
For international students, the visa requirements depend on two key factors: your nationality (EU or non-EU) and the length of your course.
The process for a short 4-week trip is very different from a 6-month stay. The length of the visa is always linked to the length of the Spanish course you are enrolling for.
The Spanish student visa process is the most important legal step in your journey.
Can You Work in Spain on a Spanish Student Visa?
Permission to work for students on a visa for language studies requires an additional application for work authorization, sometimes submitted by an employer. This would allow language students to legally work up to 30 hours per week, provided your work permit is accepted and that it does not interfere with your studies.
Where to Apply for Your Spanish Student Visa?
You can apply for your student visa from your home country if you are an official resident at the Consulate/Embassy of Spain. If you are looking to apply directly from Spain, you can only apply for Spanish courses taught at accredited universities. Our detailed planning guide will walk you through the correct path for your specific situation.
For all visa, housing, and financial topics, start with our essential hub: a practical guide to your Spanish language study in Spain.
For the full application steps for longer courses, see our step-by-step guide to applying for a Spanish student visa.
Daily life in Spain for Spanish students
What Can You Expect From Daily Life in Spain as a Spanish Language Student?
The student life in Spain follows a unique rhythm, with later meal times, a focus on socializing in public spaces, and a more relaxed pace of life.
Your learning journey doesn’t stop when you leave the classroom. Learning how to adapt to daily life in Spain and adjust to the Spanish lifestyle is the most exciting part of your adventure!
Embracing the local culture, where lunch is often your main meal of the day at 3 PM and dinner usually consists of something lighter, like tapas, around 10 PM, is the key to adjusting to the Spanish lifestyle.
To prepare for your new daily routine and social life, learn more about what it is like to live in Spain from a student’s perspective.
Long-term benefits of learning Spanish in Spain
What are the Long-Term Benefits of Learning Spanish in Spain?
The benefits of learning Spanish in Spain are a powerful investment in your future and personal growth, equipping you with language fluency, one of the universal “soft skills” that all employers value.
You’ll return home not only with a new language, but also with:
- A set of skills that will make your resume stand out in any industry.
- A new sense of self confidence.
- Adaptability, resilience, and cross-cultural communication.
- Ability to thrive in a global environment.
If you want to understand the long-term professional return on your investment, learn more about how studying Spanish in Spain boosts your career and personal growth.
FAQ
FAQ About Learning Spanish in Spain
- Do I need to know any Spanish before I move to Spain for a language course?
No, you don’t! The vast majority of language schools offer complete beginner courses that start from the very basics. However, learning a few simple phrases before your arrival in Spain, like “hola,” “gracias,” and “¿cuánto cuesta?” will make your first few days much easier, as will our free online Spanish course. - How long does it take to become fluent in Spanish?
This varies, depending on your native language, starting level, and how much you practice. With full immersion and an intensive course, most Go! Go! España students can reach a strong conversational level (a B1 or B2) within 4 to 6 months and become fully fluent after 12 months. Complete our Spanish level test if you are unsure what current level you sit at. - Is Spain an expensive country for students?
Compared to many other Western European countries, the US, or the UK, Spain is generally a very affordable country for students. A student can live comfortably in many cities on a budget of €700-€1,300 per month. - Can I work part-time while I am studying at a language school?
Yes, if you are a non-EU student on a student visa for a course lasting longer than 90 days, however you will need to apply for an authorization to work. If accepted then you can legally work up to 30 hours per week, as long as it does not interfere with your studies. - What is the best city in Spain for a language student?
There is no single “best” city: only the best city for you! From relaxing seaside locations like Alicante or Malaga, the mountain views and rich history of Granada, or the architecture and modern art scenes in Bilbao, Spain has a destination for everyone.
Summary
In Summary: Ready to Start Your Journey?
Planning your study abroad adventure is a big task, but with the right information, it’s an exciting and manageable process. Explore the detailed guides linked in each section, and know that our team is here to support you.
Ready to take the next step? The Go! Go! España team is here to provide personalized support to help you choose the perfect school, handle your visa, and start your adventure. Contact us today!