Travelling to a foreign country, unable to speak a single word of the language, to spend a couple of weeks staying with strangers while you learn Spanish… that might all sound a bit daunting, but we are here to reassure you that you are on the verge of an experience of a lifetime! Here are some tips to help you to prepare for your language holiday.
What awaits you when you arrive, how to get around, how will you cope with all the lessons? If these are some of the questions floating around in your head, don’t worry, we are here to help make your trip as relaxing as possible by giving you an idea of what to expect when booking a course.
Before you even set off for Spain, the school will be in touch with an information pack, which will include all you need to know about your accommodation. If you are staying with a host family, you will be provided with the address and directions on how to get there. If you are staying in an apartment, you will probably be instructed to pick the keys up at the school.
If you want, you can also book transfers directly with the school: someone will pick you up at the airport and take you straight to where you need to go. This is a very expensive option though, and Spanish public transport is cheap, clean and safe. The school will provide detailed information on which train, tram or bus you need to get to your accommodation and to the school.
This information pack will also provide information about what you need to bring. In some cases, bedding and towels are not included, so you might need to bring your own.
Once you have arrived safely at your destination, you will be able to get to know your host family or flatmates in a shared apartment. You might need to pop to a supermarket and buy some supplies, especially if you are in a shared apartment and want to eat breakfast here. Other than this, your first day is yours to explore the city, find a nice bar or cafè, or simply relax before your course starts the next morning.
The next morning you can enjoy the butterflies before your first day at school ? The school will have informed you what time to be there, and, unless you are in a big city, the school is usually within walking distance of your accommodation. Try to be there in good time, in case there is any last minute paperwork to do.
As a beginner there will be no placement test on your first day. Instead you will be introduced to your fellow classmates and your teacher. And from this moment on, Spanish will be the only language spoken for the duration of your course! This might sound incredible if all you know at this point is “hola” and “gracias”, but you will soon pick up your first words and will be forming whole sentences in no time!
20 or 25 lessons per week might sound a lot, but you will be surprised at how much free time you have! Most lessons take place in the mornings, and there will be a little bit of homework. Nevertheless you will have the rest of the day to spend exploring the city, or putting those new phrases to good use in a bar or café!
The schools offer extracurricular activities, from tours of local tourist destinations, tapas tours, or even day trips to other towns and cities in the area. And your classmates will surely want to meet up to get to know each other over a glass of sangría. If you want some time to yourself, just head to the nearest café, park or beach and enjoy the sunshine!
No matter what you choose, you definitely won’t get bored! The time really will fly, so I would definitely recommend that you make the most of it.
Before you know it, and much sooner than you would like, you will reach the end of your language holiday. Whether you have been away for just one week or 6, you will be amazed at how much Spanish you have picked up!
There will no doubt be some sadness at having to return home but you can always book your next Spanish course and keep on improving!
At Estudia-España, we have plenty of experience helping people organise their language holidays to Spain. So if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. We would be happy to help!
