Learn Spanish in Madrid: Teaching

• Language Courses
• Teaching
• Accommodation
• Map
• Social life
• Dates & Prices
• Student Reviews

Language levels & rate of progress

The curriculum is structured on seven theoretical language levels, with a natural duration of between 4 & 8 weeks at each level. There are classes in grammar, oral and written exercises, practice with video and audio material and conversation on subjects of general, social and cultural interest. The methodology is the result of years of experience in the intensive teaching of Spanish. Special importance is given to the communicative aspect of the language and its use in everyday life. For this reason, the school encourages students to speak Spanish in class, and whenever possible out of class as well.

* Student progress usually depends on each individual student/group dynamic, so the number of weeks quoted apply to an average student is prepared to work hard and consistently both in and out of class on their Spanish. The school will assess the students at the end of each level an exam is held, and only students who pass are allowed to progress to the next level. See the Chart of Language levels/ability for further information.

First Day

You will be asked to take an online test prior to arrival.
On the first day you will need to be at school at 8:45 hrs in the morning (08.00 if you haven’t taken a test in advance).
Students are assigned to different classes according to their language level.
A first day event is also arranged so new students can meet each other and explore local neighbourhoods. This is a great way to find your feet, get to know the other students and settle in to your Spanish course experience!

Spanish Class Schedules

Full timetables for the Standard and Languages for Life courses are held in either morning or afternoon schedules. If you have booked private lessons the Director of Studies will inform you of schedule, once you are in Madrid. The class schedule are generally arranged on your arrival, as class timings will depend on your level and class place availability.
Do check the bulletin board at the language school, for classroom allocation and activity information each week.

Students may change levels during the first few days or afterwards, if the student has made more progress than the rest of the group.
At least once a month, a test is given in class to evaluate the student’s progress.

Spanish Course Methodology

All classes are given in Spanish.
The maximum number of students per class is 12 and each class lasts for 50 minutes.  The programme is also aimed at familiarising students with and integrating students into Spanish culture. Visits to cultural centres, museums, cities, etc. are arranged, to provide opportunities for students to become fully immersed in Spanish life.

The majority of students follow the Standard and Languages for Life Courses (20 lessons of Spanish language per week) which aim to develop and improve listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in general Spanish skills across all language levels, throughout the year. The school’s teaching methods are modern, communicative and uses leading course books and authentic materials in different media. The school director is always available to help and solve problems as quickly as possible. Students learn Spanish grammar and practise it in real-life communicative situations, using newspapers, magazines, audio-visual materials and course books. The school in Madrid uses a range of materials and books taking into account the needs of each student/group. Punctuality, classroom attendance & participation and homework completion are essential to your over all success.

Your progress is monitored constantly to ensure you gain the most benefit from your Spanish course in Madrid;

1/ Individual attention in provided to each student in very small classes,
2/ The Spanish school provides a professional teaching in a friendly environment,
3/ The school in Madrid uses up-to-date materials and modern facilities with free internet access,
4/ There are lots of opportunities to socialise and explore local culture.

In reality students chose to attend a short course or a longer “Languages for Life” programme according to their linguistic goals, personal wishes and time constraints.

Course Material

The Spanish school include the cost of a text book in the course fees for the first level studied. Subsequently students will need to purchase a new book, as they progress through the course levels. These books provide a solid foundation for further language learning through conversation, audio visual and real life material.

End of Course Certificate

At the end of their course, assuming at least 90% attendance of classes, students are given an attendance certificate indicating the course taken, the number of hours of study and the level reached.

Spanish Teachers in Madrid

All of the teachers at the language school in Madrid are native speakers, hold a college degree or diploma, and are chosen for their enthusiasm, commitment and team spirit. Creating a family atmosphere is important to the School Directors. The School Director organizes the groups and supervises your individual progress.

Spanish language students in Madrid

The student body is made up from a wide variety of nationalities and age groups and language abilities. There is no such thing as an average student but we’ve provided some statistics for you, to give you a flavour of the range of students the language school in Madrid caters for.

Foreign students present: Approximately 50/60 per week
Nationalities: Approx 25+ nationalities present each year (mainly American, Brazilian, German, Swiss, British, Dutch, French, Italian)
Age range: 16-17 yrs (3%), 18-24 yrs (30%), 25-29 yrs (17%), 30-39 yrs (25%), 40-49 yrs (11%), 50 yrs+ (14%)