Learning Spanish in the Evening: How Two Nights a Week Can Change Your Life in Spain
Living or working in Spain? Evening Spanish classes can transform the expat experience. Flexible enough to fit around a working day, they can help you improve your language skills but also connect you with a community of like-minded people navigating the same journey. We spoke to three students at three Expanish destinations in Spain about their experience with us.
Moving to Spain is one thing. Truly living there is another.
For many expats, the early months in a new Spanish city can be a little overwhelming. You're dealing with studies or work, sorting a new home, finding your feet in a different city and getting used to a new culture. And then the bigger question: how do you find new friends and really integrate into the community?
Sure, you can probably find some other expats and tourists in the city's English-friendly bars. But that's not enough, and will eventually leave you with a nagging sense that the authentic Spain, the one you came for, is still not quite in reach.
Ultimately, what really takes the expat experience to another level is learning the local language. This is how you really become part of the city you now call home, forging a deeper connection with its culture and people.
Our evening classes are designed for those building a life in one of our thriving Spanish city destinations like Barcelona, Madrid or Malaga. With a flexible schedule that can fit around a busy working day, taking lessons a couple of nights a week can change everything, opening doors to new conversations, opportunities and connections. What's more, our free cultural activities for students will give you a greater understanding of the city through authentic, immersive experiences.
We spoke to three students taking evening Spanish classes at Expanish to see what they can share about their experiences.
Hear from students taking evening classes with Expanish
BCN: John from NYC
MLG: Jan from Norway
MAD: Csilla from Hungary
John, from New York City (USA) — Expanish Barcelona
"There are a lot of language schools in Barcelona, but there was something about Expanish — it was more of a community."
I've been to Barcelona a few times and I realised I wanted to retire here because of the climate, the culture, the diversity, the atmosphere — everything is great here. This is as close to perfect as you can get.
There are a lot of language schools in Barcelona, but there was something about Expanish that I noticed straight away — it was more of a community as well. I love it. It was the best decision I ever made. I love the lesson plans, the textbooks we use are great, and the location is very central. The teachers and staff are also amazing.
I feel like I've really accomplished a lot of my goals and I'm continuing on.
Csilla, from Hungary — Expanish Madrid
"You don't need to overthink it: just start doing it and you will learn in the long run."
I chose the evening course because I have to work in the mornings and the afternoons, so it fits perfectly around my schedule. I also like that at Expanish you can book courses weekly — it's more flexible that way. And when I found out there were afternoon cultural activities too, I knew I was choosing the right school. We've had a range of activities like flamenco classes, yoga, beer and wine tasting. I've also learned a lot about the history of Madrid through these activities.
My level is still basic, but I have seen real progress. I can understand much of what I hear now. Speaking is still the most challenging part — that and the irregular verbs! My goal is to keep improving so that when I try to speak Spanish at the shops or government offices, people stop switching to English.
My advice? You are in a very good place to study here. Don't overthink it: just start, and you will learn in the long run.
Jan, from Norway — Expanish Malaga
"I would like to integrate more into local life, and learning a new language is also a real mental challenge, which is really positive."
I'm studying on Tuesday and Thursday evenings here in Malaga. The first thing that surprised me when I arrived was the kindness of the people. The malagueños are really warm and open, and the pace of life is relaxed and easy. I love the vibe.
What I like most about studying at Expanish is that it forces me to practise. The learning environment — the teachers, the other students — is really friendly, and that makes everything more fun. Above all, I want to integrate more into local life here.
The biggest challenge is feeling like I don't yet have my own personality in Spanish — it's like a reduced version of me comes out. It can be frustrating at times, but I joke about it and just keep practising. That's really all you can do.
I would say that you should come willing to learn and without fear of making mistakes. Malaga is a great place to be, and this is a really pleasant way to learn Spanish.
The Best Time to Start Is Now
Learning Spanish in the evenings won't turn your existing routine upside down. Just two hours, two nights a week can gradually and meaningfully transform how you experience the place you've chosen to call home.
This is all it takes to start having more conversations with your neighbours, to navigate day-to-day situations with confidence, to start feeling like you belong. And along the way, you'll find a community of people who are going through a similar experience and eager to make connections.
Already living in Spain? Contact us and find out more about how our flexible evening Spanish classes could work for you.
