If your goal is to speak Spanish with confidence, fluency, and ease, the best decision you can make is to learn it in a country where it’s spoken every day. This way, you’ll start improving your level from day one.
Studying Spanish in Spain isn’t just about attending classes—it’s about living the language in markets, cafés, on public transport, or during a walk along the beach. This constant exposure allows you to learn in an organic way, fully adapting to the local lifestyle. A great starting point is this article on how to speak Spanish in Spain, where you’ll find real-life expressions and language use. Plus, Spain is the perfect place to truly live the language, thanks to its diversity, warmth, and friendly way of life. What more could you ask for?
If you’re looking for the best way to learn Spanish, keep reading! In this article, we’ll explain why studying in Spain can transform the way you communicate and take your Spanish to the next level.
What’s the best way to learn Spanish?
The truth is, there are many different paths you can take to learn Spanish. The key is to find the one that fits your pace and goals.
- Self-taught learning: This can be helpful at the beginning, but it may become limiting if you don’t have real opportunities to practice with native speakers or someone to correct your mistakes as you advance.
- Structured classes: These are led by professionals and usually combine theory with practical activities. That’s why they provide a solid foundation in the language.
- Methods involving active participation in real-life situations: These allow you to learn by using the language in everyday settings, pushing you to interact in Spanish and speeding up your progress. For this reason, this is often considered the best way to learn Spanish for those who want to improve quickly and speak with confidence.
What are the best cities to learn Spanish in Spain?
Spain is a diverse country, and each city offers a unique way to connect with the language and culture. Here are our top recommendations:
Madrid
Modern, vibrant, and full of life. Spain’s capital offers an incredible variety of schools, events, concerts, and social life. Madrid immerses you in Spanish in every context, making it ideal for students who want to be constantly challenged and stimulated. For many, studying here is the best way to learn Spanish while staying engaged with everything the city has to offer.
Barcelona
An international and creative city. While Catalan is also spoken here, Barcelona’s focus on educational innovation and its cosmopolitan atmosphere make it a dynamic place to learn Spanish. It’s perfect for those who want to study in a modern, culturally rich environment—and it might just be the best way to learn Spanish if you’re seeking inspiration and diversity.
Valencia
This Mediterranean city is perfect for learners who prefer a more relaxed environment. With fewer tourists than other major cities, you’ll have more chances to practice Spanish with locals. Its manageable size, pleasant climate, and affordable cost of living make Valencia a well-balanced option for students—and for some, the best way to learn Spanish in Spain.
Want a taste of the culture? Don’t miss the Battle of the Flowers in Valencia, one of the most vibrant and traditional festivals that reflects the city’s festive spirit and offers a perfect occasion to mingle with locals while improving your Spanish.
Recommended read: 10 reasons why you should learn Spanish in Valencia
Seville
Rich in tradition, Seville lets you experience the Spanish language in a truly authentic way. Daily life revolves around the streets, lively plazas, flamenco, festivals, and tapas bars. It’s also an excellent city to get used to different southern Spanish accents, which can broaden your listening and speaking skills. For many, immersing yourself in this vibrant setting is the best way to learn Spanish while soaking up the cultural essence of Spain.
Granada
A university city with a historic soul. Granada blends a youthful vibe with an affordable cost of living. Living there gives you the chance to improve your Spanish while being surrounded by both local residents and fellow students in every aspect of daily life. It’s an ideal setting for anyone searching for the best way to learn Spanish in a dynamic and student-friendly environment.
What are the best schools to learn Spanish?
Spanish language schools
Accredited schools offer a range of benefits: qualified teachers, customized learning materials, personal progress tracking, and a community of students who share your same goal. You can choose from a wide variety of programs, such as intensive and semi-intensive courses, or preparation classes for official Spanish exams.
A great example is Españolé IH Valencia. Our school, located in the heart of Valencia, follows a hands-on methodology that emphasizes real-life language practice and offers a very active cultural agenda. It’s designed for those who believe that full immersion is the best way to learn Spanish.
Instituto Cervantes and other official centers
Studying at official institutions gives you access to recognized certifications like the DELE or SIELE—qualifications highly valued by universities and companies around the world, helping you objectively demonstrate your command of the Spanish language.
You might be interested in: SIELE preparation at Españolé
Complementary activities to learn Spanish quickly
Combining structured classes with cultural activities and environments where the language is used daily is undoubtedly the best way to learn Spanish effectively. After all, mastering a language isn’t just about grammar and vocabulary—it’s about using it in real-life situations.
Conversation classes and speaking techniques
Practicing with native speakers is essential and often one of the most challenging skills to develop. To improve, you can join conversation-focused classes, language exchange groups, or use apps like Tandem to chat online.
Participating in cultural and leisure activities
Attending events, exhibitions, theater performances, book clubs, or even concerts can boost your language comprehension and help you get used to different contexts—all while having fun. You can also learn a lot through Spanish music or movies.
For food lovers, nothing beats exploring Spanish cuisine firsthand—especially discovering the best Spanish tortillas in Valencia, a delicious (and educational!) way to dive deeper into local culture and vocabulary.
Volunteer work and exchange programs
Volunteering with local organizations or joining programs like Workaway or Erasmus+ lets you combine social impact with language practice. It’s a great option if you’re socially engaged and want to contribute to meaningful projects while learning Spanish.
With Españolé’s volunteer programs, you can complement your Spanish course with a solidarity-based activity that matches your interests.
Au Pair programs: learning through daily life
Caring for children while living with a Spanish-speaking family is one of the most authentic and effective ways to learn the language. It fosters both cultural understanding and language development through everyday situations—helping with homework, joining kids’ daily activities, and more.
At Españolé, we offer the Demi Pair program in collaboration with trusted local families.
Combining studies with living in a host family
This is an excellent option if you want to fully integrate Spanish learning into your daily routine. Sharing meals, conversations, and traditions helps you improve naturally by applying everything you learn in class to real-life interactions.
Learn more in: The Great Spanish Family: What is a Host Family?
Options for studying abroad
If you want to know more about studying in Spain as an international student, don’t miss our guide: How to Study in Spain as a Foreign Student. In it, you’ll find everything you need to know about the requirements, necessary documentation, practical tips, and answers to frequently asked questions.
And if you’re planning to stay for an extended period, understanding how to handle official paperwork is key. Our step-by-step guide to applying for the TIE in Spain will help you navigate the process with ease so you can focus on learning Spanish.
It may interest you: Studying Spanish Abroad: 10 Key tips to make the most of your experience
Españolé: The best way to learn Spanish in Spain
At Españolé IH Valencia, we combine high-quality education with total language immersion through a wide range of cultural activities and the opportunity to live in Spain.
Our approach is based on active participation, daily interaction with native speakers, and a rich social and cultural life. From traditional cooking classes to excursions and hands-on workshops, you’ll learn Spanish while experiencing everything the country has to offer.
With a wide variety of courses, our experienced teachers will guide you every step of the way. You’ll be part of an international student community that shares the same goal: to speak Spanish naturally and confidently.
By now, it’s clear that spending time in Spain is the best way to learn Spanish. If you need more information to make your decision, or if you’d like help choosing the most suitable option for you, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll be happy to help!
