After “which city?” and “which course?”, the next question almost everyone asks is: where am I going to live? It matters more than you might think. Your accommodation shapes how much Spanish you speak after class, how much you spend, and honestly how much you enjoy the trip.
All our partner schools offer a few different options. Here’s how we’d think about each one, what students tend to love, what can be a little annoying, and what changes if you’re staying for months rather than weeks.
The short version
| Best for | Meals | Privacy | Example price per week | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homestay | Soaking up Spanish, first-timers, solo travellers | Half or full board | Lower | €360 (single room, half board) |
| Shared flat | Independence and a smaller budget | You cook | Medium | €360 (single room) · €255 (double room, per person) |
| Student residence | Your own room, a bit of student life | Often available | Medium to high | €550 (single room, self-catering) |
| Private apartment | Couples, families, maximum privacy | You cook | High | On request |
Example prices are for one week at Expanish Madrid, checked 21 October 2026. Other schools and cities differ, and the weekly price falls the longer you stay.
Homestay: the most Spanish you’ll get
If you want your Spanish to improve quickly, a homestay is hard to beat. Your host family is asked to speak Spanish with you wherever possible, so the lesson doesn’t end at one o’clock. It carries on over lunch, in the kitchen and in front of the television, in a relaxed setting where nobody is marking you. You’ll pick up the things no classroom teaches: how Spanish families actually talk, what’s for dinner, why everyone is still awake at midnight.
Most homestays include half board, with full board sometimes available. You eat with the family at their usual times, and Spanish dinner is usually later than you’re used to. You also get a bit of looking-after built in: hosts know the neighbourhood and can tell you where to buy a SIM card or which bus actually goes to school.
The honest part: you’re a guest in someone else’s home, and that takes some adapting. It’s absolutely fine to miss a meal or come home late, but have the courtesy to let your hosts know in advance. It can sometimes be frustrating to miss a spontaneous plan with your class because dinner is waiting for you at home. You’ll usually share the bathroom, and you won’t have much privacy. And if you’re a complete beginner, the first few days can feel tiring, with Spanish all day, every day. But don’t worry: this passes faster than you expect.
Our take: if immersion is your priority, or it’s your first time travelling alone, this is the one we’d choose.
More in What to expect when staying with a host family.
Shared flat: freedom, and a ready-made group of friends
A room in a furnished flat, shared with other students from your school. You might share with anything from a couple of people to five, and they won’t all be on the same course. Everyone has a fully equipped kitchen to cook in.
This is usually the cheapest option, and it’s the one students choose when they want independence. No mealtimes, no one to tell if your plans change, and always someone up for tapas or a walk into town. Because everyone is learning Spanish, it often becomes the language you use at home, even when nobody’s first language is Spanish.
The honest part: you’re in charge of your own meals, so your first job on arrival is to find the nearest supermarket. And shared living means a bit of give and take over the cleaning rota and the bathroom queue in the morning. A bit of give and take usually sorts it out. If you’re someone who really needs quiet and order, ask yourself how you’d feel about it.
Our take: a great choice if you’re confident, social and budget-conscious. It works especially well if you’ve already got a little Spanish and want to practise with people your own age.
Student residence: your own space, with company nearby
Some schools offer a hall of residence. You get your own well-furnished room, sometimes with a private bathroom, and often up to three meals a day. It sits comfortably between the other two options: more privacy than a homestay, more structure than a shared flat.
Residences can cost more again, and availability is the catch: many are only open in the holidays, when the city’s own students are away. If this appeals, book early and ask us what’s available for your dates.
Other options
Some schools can arrange a private apartment, which is by far the most expensive route. It’s lovely for couples, families or anyone who needs complete peace, but for a long course you’ll often find better value elsewhere. Hotels and hostels are fine for a night or two before or after your course, less so for weeks.
Be aware that finding a long-term rental on your own, independently of what the school offers, can be difficult. For a longer stay we’d suggest starting with the school’s options and looking around once you’re there.
If you’re staying three months or more
For two weeks, almost any option works. For a few months, the small things start to matter, so it’s worth planning a bit more.
You don’t have to pick once. Many long-stay students start in a homestay or residence to settle in, then move to a shared flat when they know the city and have made friends. Others do the opposite. Accommodation can usually be changed, but give the school plenty of notice.
Ask about long-stay rates and deposits. Weekly prices are often lower for longer stays, and you’ll want to know how much the deposit is and when you get it back. Ask us and we’ll check the conditions for your school.
Check what’s included. Wifi, electricity and heating are the usual surprises. Spanish winters can be colder than visitors expect, and homes aren’t always well heated. We wrote about it in Exploring the warmth of Spanish homes.
Plan your arrival and departure. Accommodation usually runs from the Sunday before your course starts to the Saturday after it ends. You can sometimes add extra nights for a fee, so check this before you book flights.
So how do you choose?
Ask yourself three questions:
- How much Spanish do I want to speak outside class? A lot: homestay. Some: flat or residence.
- How much do I need my own space and freedom? A lot: flat, residence or private apartment.
- What’s my budget? Tightest: shared flat. A homestay costs more, but you don’t need to budget separately for most meals.
If you have special dietary needs, tell us when you book, not on arrival. In a homestay it helps your hosts plan; in a flat you simply cook what you like.
Frequently asked questions
Can I book accommodation for only part of my course?
Yes, accommodation can be booked for just part of your stay.
What happens on the first and last day?
The school contacts you one to two weeks before you arrive with instructions. In a homestay you’ll receive directions to the house. In a shared flat you usually collect the keys at the school first.
Can I travel with a friend or partner and stay together?
Yes, double rooms are available if you’re travelling with a partner or friend.
Not sure which is right for you?
Tell us your city, how long you’re staying and what matters most, and we’ll suggest the options that suit you. We’ve helped plenty of students decide.
Also read: What does a Spanish course in Spain cost? · What to expect when staying with a host family · Long-term Spanish courses
