Courses in Madrid

Spanish language courses in Madrid (2025)

When making your choice, think about factors like the class size, the teaching methodology, the location within Madrid, the available cultural activities, and accommodation preferences. Don’t hesitate to contact the schools directly for the more details and to tailor the experience to your needs.

Personal Experience of a student in one of the schools in Madrid:

“My experience started in August, I took one month of intensive classes there and continued until March.

Intensive classes: THEY WILL NOT SPEAK ANY ENGLISH. I’m sure the teachers can speak English but I never heard it. It was amazing and also at first very overwhelming. Everyone in my class had taken Spanish classes before so I was definitely the slowest student in class.

The intensive classes are structured as a 4 hour class. We would learn vocabulary and grammar and then practice speaking. There were lots of activities, listening exercises. Overall, it was super fun and I made great friends. After a month, I was placed in A2.

So, I was in A2 until March. The classes I enrolled in were semi-intensive, meaning 2 days a week and 1.5hrs (I think) each lesson. The teachers really know their stuff, they really worked on the grammar, fun exercises, we even had tests and lots of homework but it was really a blast. The team really focus on speaking, and as someone who can be shy… I hated it but it was really helpful.

Which is why I prefer the classroom way of learning rather than self-teaching myself. The teachers were all so experienced. Also, being in a classroom with other students like myself was really great. We all became such great friends that we went out every week together.

I liked it so much that I am going to take a 45 week intensive course (4 hours a day, 5 days a week) with them next year. I will update this post or create a new one…when I’m done.

ALSO, I had lots of silly expectations (now looking back). My friends and I thought that me simply moving to Spain would somehow make me fluent by passive listening or something like that. That, obviously, was not true. It doesn’t quite work like that! It’s hard to have that many meaningful interactions with native speakers below a B2 level at minimum (indeed, this is part of the B2 descriptor). On the flipside, I think once you reach this upper intermediate type level you’ll really start reaping the rewards of being in country.”

Madrid Schools – Here are details for the prominent Spanish language schools in Madrid, including their courses, pricing, and other details. If your native language is similar to Spanish, and you’ll be both living in Madrid and studying Spanish as well, you’re more likely to end up fully fluent, like a C1/C2, than you are to end up A2/B1/B2. The general belief is that in an immersion setting Spanish conversational fluency can be reached in 3-6 months and near-native level proficiency within 1-2 years. You can reach A2 easily in one year just by going about your daily life in Madrid and not taking any classes. You can try to get a place with the EOI, Escuela Oficial de Idiomas. The class size will be bigger but it’s extremely cheap. EOI has set enrolment periods, so look early; all other language schools should have rolling enrolment. 

Prices – it’s always good to check the schools’ official websites for the most current information and exact start dates.

1. AIL Madrid – AIL Madrid is a highly-rated Spanish language school known for its small class sizes, immersive environment, and extensive cultural activity program. Located In the heart of Madrid, near Serrano street, a well-known shopping and cultural area. More Details:

• Consistently receives excellent reviews (e.g., 5-star Google reviews, 97.5% student satisfaction rate).
• Small class sizes (maximum 8 students, with an average of 6), ensuring personalized attention.
• Strict “Spanish only” policy in classrooms to maximize immersion.
• Offers daily free cultural activities to enhance the learning experience outside the classroom.
• Provides assistance with student visas.
• Offers various accommodation options, including host families, shared apartments, and private apartments.

• Courses:
  • Intensive Spanish Courses: Available in 20, 25, or 30 lessons per week, covering all levels from beginner to advanced. These focus on grammar, vocabulary, conversation, and cultural understanding.
  • Semi-Intensive Course: 10 lessons per week, suitable for those with less time.
  • Extensive Spanish Course: 4 lessons per week, ideal for long-term residents or those with other commitments.
  • DELE Exam Preparation: Intensive courses specifically designed to prepare students for the official DELE exams.
  • One-to-One / Private Lessons: Highly personalized instruction tailored to individual needs.
  • Specialized Courses: Including Business Spanish, Spanish for Tourists, Spanish & Internship, Spanish & Flamenco, Spanish for over 50s, and a Christmas Spanish course.
  • Online Spanish Classes: For remote learning.
• Prices per week, based on 2024/2025 data:
  • Intensive 20 Course (20 lessons/week):
    • 1 week: €215
    • 4 weeks: €760 (€190/week)
    • 12 weeks: €2100 (€175/week)
    • 24+ weeks: €145/week
  • Intensive 25 Course (25 lessons/week):
    • 1 week: €255
    • 4 weeks: €910 (€227.50/week)
  • DELE Intensive (25 lessons/week for specific exam dates): €285 per week (typically a 2-week course).
• Additional Fees:
  • Registration Fee: €50 (one-time).
  • Course Material: €35 for the first month, then €15 per additional month.
  • Accommodation (example weekly rates): Host Family (full board, single room) approx. €285/week; Shared Apartment (single room) approx. €170/week.

2. TANDEM Madrid – TANDEM is an established and highly respected language school, located in a historic setting and known for its communicative teaching approach and rich cultural program. Situated in a beautifully restored historic palace in Madrid’s charming literary quarter (Barrio de las Letras). Details:

• Accredited by the Instituto Cervantes, ensuring high quality standards.
• Teaching Spanish since 1982, with extensive experience.
• Maintains small class sizes (average 6-7 students, maximum 10), fostering active participation.
• Emphasizes a communicative approach, focusing on practical language use in real-life situations.
• Offers a diverse and engaging program of cultural activities and excursions.
• Provides accommodation services.

• Courses:
  • Intensive Course: 20 lessons per week, covering general Spanish language skills.
  • Super-Intensive Course: 30 lessons per week, combining the Intensive 20 with 10 additional lessons focused on specialized topics or conversation.
  • Combined Courses: Blend group lessons with private, one-to-one instruction for targeted learning.
  • Long-Term Courses (Gap Year Program): For students planning extended stays.
  • DELE Preparation Course: Specific training for the official DELE exams.
  • Individual Lessons / One-to-one: Tailored private classes.
  • Spanish & Culture: Courses combining language learning with themes like art, history, literature, or cuisine.
  • Spanish for Business: Focuses on Spanish for professional contexts.
  • Spanish for Specific Purposes: (e.g., tourism, health, law).
  • Online Courses: For flexible learning from anywhere.
• Prices (per week, based on 2024 data):
  • Intensive Course (20 lessons/week):
    • 1 week: €200
    • 4 weeks: €760 (€190/week)
    • 12 weeks: €2160 (€180/week)
    • 24+ weeks: €165/week
  • Super-Intensive Course (30 lessons/week):
    • 1 week: €290
    • 4 weeks: €1080 (€270/week)
  • Combined Course (20 group + 5 private lessons): €435 per week.
  • DELE Preparation (20 lessons/week): €200 per week (plus official exam fees).
• Additional Fees:
  • Enrollment Fee: €50 (one-time).
  • Course Material: €35 (per level/book).

3. Don Quijote Madrid – Don Quijote is part of a large, internationally recognized network of Spanish language schools, offering a wide array of programs and robust support services in a central Madrid location. Centrally located in Madrid, close to popular areas like Callao and Gran Vía. More Details:

• Part of a major global network of Spanish language schools, known for standardization and quality.
• Accredited by the Instituto Cervantes.
• Attracts a very diverse student body from around the world.
• Provides modern facilities and a range of learning resources.
• Offers extensive accommodation options, including host families, shared student apartments, and student residences.

• Courses Offered:
  • Intensive Spanish Courses: Standard Intensive (20 lessons/week), Super Intensive (25 or 30 lessons/week combining group and/or workshops), and Long-Term options.
  • One to One / Private Lessons: Personalized tutoring.
  • DELE Exam Preparation Course: Dedicated preparation for the official DELE proficiency exams.
  • SIELE Exam Preparation Course: Preparation for the online SIELE exam.
  • Business Spanish Course: Focuses on professional communication skills in Spanish.
  • Spanish for Teachers: Programs designed for non-native Spanish teachers.
  • Spanish & Culture Combinations: Integrates language learning with cultural activities like flamenco, cooking, art history, and more.
  • Online Spanish Classes: Flexible options for studying from anywhere.
• Sample Prices (Indicative, per week, based on a 20-lesson intensive course):
  • Intensive Course (20 lessons/week): Prices typically range from around €200 – €230 per week for shorter durations, decreasing significantly for longer programs.
  • DELE Preparation Course (20 lessons/week): Similar to intensive course rates, plus official exam fees.
• Additional Fees: Registration Fee: Approximately €60 – €75 (one-time). Course Material Fee: Approximately €35 – €45 (per level/book).
• Details: Specific course prices at Don Quijote can vary based on the intensity of the program, the duration of study, and whether it’s part of a special package. It’s best to consult their website for exact quotes.

For those of you wondering what life in Spain is like (how much you should save, etc):

• Rent can be anywhere from 400 – 650. Most of my friends are paying 400 including utilities.
• My friends brought with them at least 2K in savings, or more.