When I booked my first Spanish course a few years ago, the most difficult decision - after picking the destination - was answering the question: "How many hours should I actually study?"
It is a question we hear from almost every student. Having completed both types of courses myself (and having booked hundreds of them for our clients), I can guide you through the decision-making process.
The First Rule: More is Not Always Better
The natural assumption is that you will learn 50% more Spanish in a 30-lesson course than in a 20-lesson course.
While you will certainly have more exposure to the language, language acquisition does not always work in a straight line. Progress depends heavily on your stamina, commitment and your existing level of Spanish.
How the Courses are Structured
To understand the difference, it helps to look at a typical day:
The Standard “Intensive 20”
Schedule: Typically 09:00 - 13:00 (4 lessons).
Content: These lessons cover the four pillars of language learning: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
After Class: You finish by lunch. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city, go to the beach, take a siesta, and complete your homework.
The "Intensive 30" (The Powerhouse)
Schedule: 09:00 – 13:00 plus 14:30 – 16:30 (6 lessons).
Content: You usually attend the exact same morning class as the Intensive 20 students. The difference arises after the lunch break, when you return for two additional lessons.
Focus: Depending on the school, these afternoon sessions can be specialised modules, such as Business Spanish or exam preparation. However, if you book the standard general Spanish course, these extra lessons are usually conversation-based.
The Reality: There is a practical reason for this focus on conversation: after four hours of concentration in the morning, your brain is usually too "fried" (but in the best sense possible!) to absorb any more complex grammar. The afternoon is therefore used to practice what you have already learned, rather than introducing new rules.
The Trade-off: Finishing at 16:00 leaves significantly less time for socialising or sightseeing.
Which is Better? My Personal Experience
There is no single "correct" answer, but here is my honest take based on my experience and student feedback.
The Intensive 20: The Student Favourite
This is the choice for approximately 90% of our students, and it is generally what I recommend. It offers the perfect balance for a "study holiday." Four hours of tuition per day is enough to make significant improvements, but it leaves you with enough mental energy to actually enjoy being in Spain - and practice some of those new phrases in real-life situations.
The Intensive 30: The Bootcamp
This option is usually best for students with specific, urgent goals - for example, professionals who need Spanish for their job, or students who only have one week to spare and need to maximise exposure.
My Experience: I found this course very demanding. By the afternoon sessions, I struggled to maintain concentration. I certainly had less energy left in the evenings and missed out on a lot of tapas!
My Advice: I would recommend this for a maximum duration of two weeks. If you’re planning on a longer stay, you can take up an Intensive 20 course from week three.
A Possible Compromise: The "20 + 5"
There is a third option which is often overlooked: The Intensive 20 combined with 5 private lessons (one per day).
In my opinion, this is often more effective than the Intensive 30.
Why? You get the group dynamic in the morning, followed by one hour of hyper-focused private tuition.
Benefit: If you didn't quite grasp the subjunctive in the morning, you can use this hour to fix it. Or spend a whole hour discussing one of your passions. It builds confidence rapidly without the exhaustion of a six-hour day.
Summary Comparison
| Feature | Intensive 20 | Intensive 30 | Intensive 20 + 5 Private |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lessons per day | 4 | 6 | 5 (4 group, 1 private) |
| Fatigue Level | Low | High | Medium |
| Free Time | High (Entire afternoon*) | Low (Late afternoon only) | Medium |
| Best For... | 90% of students; Study holidays | Urgent goals; Short stays (1-2 weeks) | Fixing specific weaknesses; Exam prep |
A Final Tip for the Undecided
If you are still unsure, my advice is to start with the Intensive 20.
It is almost always possible to "upgrade" your course once you are at the school. If you finish your first week and feel you have extra energy, you can usually add afternoon classes or private lessons on the spot. However, if you book the Intensive 30 in advance and find it too heavy, it is often difficult to get a refund for the unused hours.
Want to check the price difference? Here are some of our most popular cities:
Language schools in Málaga
Language schools in Sevilla
Language schools in Barcelona
Or simply send us a message - we will be happy to help find the best course for you.
