Learn Spanish abroad without sacrificing your annual leave

If you're living in Germany, you may already know about Bildungsurlaub: this concept of "educational leave" allows employees to take an additional five days of paid leave each year, specifically for educational purposes. Interestingly, fewer than 10% of eligible employees actually use this unique benefit!

But did you know that it’s also possible to study Spanish in Spain using Bildungsurlaub? It’s the perfect way to improve your language skills abroad without having to use up your annual leave! In this post, we’ll explain what Bildungsurlaub is, how it works, and how you can use it to take your Spanish to the next level.

What is Bildungsurlaub?

Bildungsurlaub, or educational leave, is a special benefit in many German states that grants employees up to five extra days of paid leave per year (part-time employees receive a pro-rated amount) to pursue educational activities. This leave can be used for a wide range of subjects, including professional skills, personal development, and language courses - even courses held abroad.

While the course doesn’t always have to be directly job-related, it must meet certain criteria to qualify for Bildungsurlaub.

Not All German States Offer Bildungsurlaub

Let’s address the exceptions upfront: Bavaria and Saxony do not offer Bildungsurlaub at all. Additionally, in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), there’s a restriction where Bildungsurlaub can only be taken within 500 kilometres of the state’s borders, which unfortunately rules out Spain as a destination.

However, if your employer values language skills, it’s worth discussing the possibility of an unofficial Bildungsurlaub arrangement. Many employers are open to such discussions, especially if they see a benefit in supporting your language development!

For residents of other states, we offer language courses throughout Spain that are certified for Bildungsurlaub, making it easy for you to embark on a language-learning adventure.

How Bildungsurlaub Works

In states that do provide Bildungsurlaub, the process is straightforward. Many of our partner schools in Spain offer state-certified courses tailored to meet Bildungsurlaub requirements. Typically, this includes a minimum of 30 lessons per week to ensure an immersive learning experience. Some states even allow you to combine two years’ worth of Bildungsurlaub (10 days), which lets you extend your time abroad without using up additional vacation days.

Key Requirements for Bildungsurlaub Courses

Since this is Germany, there are, of course, specific requirements and a bit of paperwork involved. Here are the essentials:

  1. Certification: The course must be approved for Bildungsurlaub in your state. Often, if a course is certified by one state, it may also be eligible in another. We can assist with documentation to ensure your course is certified.
  2. Course Length: The course must include at least 30 lessons over five consecutive days to meet Bildungsurlaub standards.
  3. Mandatory Participation: Attendance throughout the course is required to maintain the validity of your Bildungsurlaub. You may need to present a certificate of participation after the course to confirm attendance.

Our Bildungsurlaub Packages

For those interested in studying Spanish through a Bildungsurlaub-approved course, we offer packages tailored to your needs. Our partnerships with top language schools include 10% discounts on courses booked through our platform. View our Bildungsurlaub packages here.

With these options, you can turn your Bildungsurlaub into an unforgettable learning experience.

Tips and tricks for making the most of your Bildungsurlaub

The application process for Bildungsurlaub is straightforward, but these tips will make it even easier:

  • Plan ahead: Speak with HR or your boss as early as possible. Some states require 4-8 weeks’ notice, so make sure you allow enough time. While Bildungsurlaub is a legal right, employers can deny it under specific circumstances, such as peak business times or staff shortages.
  • Combine with annual leave: Extend your trip by using some of your annual leave. Some states even allow you to use next year’s Bildungsurlaub entitlement early, giving you the opportunity to extend your stay without cutting into holiday time.
  • Check your state’s rules: Each state may have slight differences in their requirements, especially regarding course certification and notice periods, so be sure to review your state’s rules carefully before booking.
  • Immerse yourself in the culture: Make the most of your time outside the classroom. Practice Spanish in everyday situations—order at a café, chat with locals, or explore cultural sites.

Estudia-España: The Bildungsurlaub experts

Bildungsurlaub is a fantastic opportunity to build new skills, travel, and enhance your Spanish without using up your regular vacation days. Many Estudia-España students have benefited from this program, and we’re here to help you find the right course and handle the paperwork.

With exclusive discounts and carefully designed packages, you can make the most of this unique benefit while enjoying an immersive cultural experience. So why wait? Start planning your Bildungsurlaub adventure and broaden your horizons while mastering Spanish!

Explore our packages and start your Bildungsurlaub journey today!