One of the best ways to learn a foreign language is to visit the country where it’s a native, and try to communicate with the locals. But, taking a course in advance is even better. Keep in mind that in language schools you will learn the official language, but when you get in real touch with it, you will realize that the communication is not that formal, and you will have to adapt to that.
If you are sure that you want to speak Spanish, we highly recommend visiting Spain and choose some of the relevant schools in the capital city, so you can make a progress in real-time. Many people decide to move to Spain because of the great universities and options for work and professional development. If you choose to learn this language in Madrid, you have to know that you’ve made the right decision. You will get to know the basics of the standardized Spanish language, but also you can listen to the people around you communicating, and get used to it.
Sometimes, it can be a little overwhelming, but if you want to stay in Spain, then you need to learn it. And it’s not that it’s only spoken there – it’s also an official language in so many countries in South America. It’s in the same group as French and Italian. The official version spoken in Spain is also known as Castilian (Castellano), and in different parts of the country, different dialects are spoken. Now, we hope that we finally make you at least thinking about this language, and how to learn it through services like Expanish or visit classes in Madrid.
Here are some of the things you need to pay attention to when choosing a good school for learning Spanish in Madrid.
1. Check their accreditation
Most of the Spanish schools should be accredited by the Cervantes Institute (Instituto Cervantes). That’s a guarantee that you will get quality classes, the teachers are certified to teach the language, and all the books and learning materials are meeting the highest standards. Worldwide Spanish schools are also accredited with it.
2. Do they offer online lessons
In a time of a pandemic, having an option for online classes is what makes the school an excellent choice. It’s pretty risky to visit physical classes with a group, but it’s quite possible to meet the group’s needs when organizing online lessons, they can listen to them later if they aren’t able at the particular moment.
3. Are they flexible?
Flexibility is one of the main benefits these schools have to provide, especially when it comes to individual lessons. Sometimes it’s not possible to meet the scheduled class, and most of the schools are flexible enough to reschedule. Just make sure you tell them on time (about 24-hour notice) because they have a right to charge you if you some fee if you reschedule the class.
4. The location is important
If you are new to Madrid, probably you want to find a school that will be close to your home, so you won’t need to go to the other end of the city for classes. Try to explore the schools around you, or see if the biggest ones offer online classes.
5. Check their reputation
The school’s reputation is important, not just because of the accreditation, but also for their experience and rich history. One of the best examples of reputable Spanish schools in the international chains or the trustworthy local businesses who offer more than one language in their portfolio. But, there are also schools that work with foreigners only for Spanish specifically. Check their rating before you sign up for their program, so you can be sure you will get a quality education for the price you pay.
6. Fair prices
The expensive school doesn’t mean quality lessons, just like the fact that cheap schools are sometimes even better. What makes a language school a good one? Probably you need to focus on the approach, how good the teacher is, do they teach you useful things, and how fast you will adapt to the language. Most of the licensed schools offer fair deals on their classes, especially if you plan to take them long-term. A fair price combined with a good teacher is a good way to start your journey learning Spanish. Also, the price depends on the class frequency, and if you want more classes during the week, you need to be ready to pay for that – but in this case, they will offer some discount, so they can keep you as their student.
How to recognize the best Spanish schools in Madrid?
Take your time and explore the reviews available online. You will be surprised how many people are ready to share their experience if they are extremely satisfied or extremely disappointed with some service. That’s one of the ways to recognize which schools you will have to avoid, but also not to sign up for below-average classes.
If you have a chance to visit their facilities, you will see how they work, and you will surely recognize how serious are they about their task. If there are many teachers and students who are currently present, you can be sure they are good ones. But, if the facilities look poor and no one is there, they are probably not what you need – even though they will try to blame it on the coronavirus.
Also, they will organize practical activities, so you can practice your language skills. The books and materials they would use will always meet the quality standards that the Cervantes Institute requires, no matter if the classes are online or you will visit the facilities.
In the end, we have to mention that learning the native language of some country is always the best if you choose to do it there. So, learning Spanish in Madrid is probably the best choice you can make. Just relax, because this language may seem hard, but once you adapt to it, no one will be able to stop you.
