FAQ

Our group courses Intensive 20 and Intensive 30, are the most popular options. They are great for those who like to learn in small groups, practicing with their peers, and want to study in an intensive manager (20 or 30 hours per week). For those who want to focus on a particular aspect of the language or those who are unable to devote 20 hours each week, our individual private lessons are the best option. Ask our student advisors for more information regarding which of our Spanish courses is best for you!

Our levels are aligned with the Spanish Curriculum of the Cervantes Institute and adhere to the Common European Framework for languages, which distinguishes 6 different language levels (A1-C2, beginner to mastery).

All our students take a placement exam on the first day. This allows us to assign you to a class with students of the same level. Do not worry if you do not speak a word of Spanish – many of our students have no prior Spanish knowledge before they arrive. Whatever your level, you will be speaking Spanish in the classroom from your first day.

All of our teachers are native Spanish speakers and have extensive prior experience teaching Spanish to foreigners. In addition to their professional credentials, teachers are chosen for their ability to keep classes dynamic and entertaining, and to communicate effectively with all students.

Advanced Spanish classes focus on learning the finer points of grammar, such as uses of the subjunctive and idiomatic expressions, as well as conversational and written skills. Discussion topics vary according to students’ interests.

All class materials, such as textbooks, are provided by Expanish. We also include some basic supplies - including a pen and notepad - in a Welcome Pack that we’ll give you on your first day. However, it’s always a good idea to have some of your own personal study materials when you turn up for your first day of classes.

The official start date for all courses is every Monday, unless there is a national holiday and school is closed. We realize that students cannot control flight schedules and that not everyone can meet these dates. If you will be arriving later in the week, you could begin your studies with individual lessons and then join a group course the following Monday.

We recommend you take private lessons, which can be catered to the needs of the individual student. This means you can focus on business, medical or other types of Spanish content with a qualified teacher. We may be able to customize other types of content for individuals or groups upon request.

Any amount of time learning Spanish will be beneficial. However, it generally takes around four to six weeks of intensive courses (20 to 30 lessons of group classes per week), plus a homestay with a local family, for students to advance to the next Spanish level.

Yes! You will receive a course certificate stating the number of lesson hours you completed and the Spanish level. It will also include course dates and a signature by the Academic Director. You will receive it on graduation day (held every Friday afternoon for students leaving the school).

When you book a program with housing we will ask about any objections you may have (e.g. living with smokers or house pets), and if you have any special needs like dietary restrictions or allergies. We will use this information to assign students to an appropriate homestay. You can include other special requests, like living in a specific neighborhood or close to a friend - in this case we will do our best to accommodate but cannot 100% guarantee them.

As standard, students will have a shared bathroom in the private residence of our homestay families or local hosts. In some destinations, students may be able to select a Comfort Homestay, which includes a private bathroom for the exclusive use of the student (extra cost is applied).

Overnight guests in homestays and shared apartments with hosts are not allowed.  This is part of the agreement that Expanish has with its hosts and has to do with safety at homes. If you are going to want to have overnight guests, we recommend more independent housing options like certain student residencies, student apartments, or private apartments.

Expanish has taken on the challenge of creating an enriching and unforgettable experience for students seeking to study Spanish in Spain or Argentina. Each day we attempt to make Expanish synonymous with the chance to live, breath, and truly experience the Spanish language and culture. We were named ‘Star Spanish Language School’ by Study Travel magazine in 2020/21 and 2022, demonstrating our high standards and quality. We are also accredited by the Cervantes Institute and members of IALC, the International Association of Language Centers, an independent language school association with a well-respected vetting process for its members. 

You will just need to fill out a registration form with your personal information and that’s it.

Expanish has students of all ages! We welcome students who are 16 years and older; we also receive children younger than 16 as long as they are traveling with older family members. In Barcelona, we recently opened our first school exclusively for students aged 30 and over. 

Our students come from very different backgrounds in terms of age, nationality, interests, and professional background. This diverse mix of Expanish students contribute to the unique learning experience at our Spanish Language School. Students of all ages can meet other people with common interests and a shared passion for international travel.

You will begin your stay in one of our destination cities with student orientation where you will have the opportunity to meet other program participants. You will also be able to meet other students in your classes, during workshops and weekly activities, in your homestay or shared apartment, and through the local Expanish staff. You will have plenty of opportunities to socialize with other students if you wish. 

Of course! If you don’t find the answer to your question here, you can contact an advisor with any specific query you may have about our courses, housing options, our destination cities or any other issue. Please use the information listed on the Contact Us page.

Students from the US can receive official university credit for courses that last 3 weeks or more (minimum of 20 hours a week). For an additional fee we can offer a transcript for this credit from our partner university in the US. Please contact us for more information. 

Expanish hosts a variety of social and cultural activities each week that are free or low-cost. We have a range of things to do, from language exchanges at a local bar to cultural outings  such as a guided tour to a museum.

Our language schools are closed on national holidays in the destination city in Spain or Argentina. Over Christmas our schools will be closed on 25th December and 1st January (and 6th January in Spain), but otherwise we are open through the holiday season.

Expanish partially makes up group courses during weeks when the school is closed due to public holidays. For weeks with one public holiday, we make up 2 hours of missed lessons on our groups courses. For weeks with two holidays, we make up 6 hours of missed lessons on 20-lesson group courses, and students in the 30-lesson group course will also receive 2 additional private lessons as compensation. Individual lessons that fall on public holidays will be rescheduled.

All non-EU/EEA citizens will need to apply for a student visa if they intend to study in Spain for more than 90 days. This could be a short-term (type C) student visa for courses between 90 and 180 days, or a long-term (type D) visa for any course longer than 180 days. Student visas are not currently issued for Spanish language courses at a private institute like Expanish in Argentina. Our students in Buenos Aires enter Argentina on a 90-day tourist visa, which can be renewed once for a further 90 days. 

Click here for more information about how to get a student visa.