Learning any language always takes time and effort and often involves paying through the nose. However, this needn’t be the case, there are ways of learning Spanish or Catalan in Barcelona which are either relatively inexpensive or completely free.
So if you are keen to learn, but don’t have a large budget to spend on classes, ShBarcelona offers a few ways how to do this…
Related article: Language Bookstores
Table of Contents
Intercambios
A typical and popular way of improving your linguistic ability through conversation which is completely free. An Intercambio involves meeting up with another person who speaks the language you want to learn (Spanish or Catalan) and wants to learn your language (English).
You speak for half the time in your language and the other half in their language.
The beauty of this is that it is completely free and enjoyable if you find someone who you get on well with. It works particularly well in tandem with studying, you can learn the grammar and vocabulary and then ingrain it into your memory by using it in actual conversation.
Almost free classes
Escola Oficial d’Idiomas
The Escola Oficial d’Idiomas (EOI) has a number of schools in and around Barcelona and run language course in a variety of languages including Spanish and Catalan as well as Russian and Chinese.
The courses are subsidised by the government and are therefore only a fraction of the cost. There is a ballot for places there as the courses are so popular so a place is not guaranteed but once you get lucky you have a spot there indefinitely so long as your attendance is good and you pass their exams.
International House
Although classes at International House are normally fairly expensive, they need guinea pigs for their trainee Spanish teachers to practise on. For a small fee of €40 you can do a two-week intensive course and you even get that back if you go to every class.
The classes are generally well-organised, though the teachers might be a little nervous as they are being observed and assessed by their mentor. For classes that are effectively free, they are amazing.
Consorci per a la Normalització Linguistica
The Catalan Government are keen to protect and promote the Catalan language and therefore invest in teaching foreigners living in Catalonia how to speak it. You can, therefore, complete a course at the Consorci per a la Normalització Linguistica for next to nothing.
The first level for beginners is completely free and includes 45 hours of lessons. As you move up the levels you have to pay a little bit more – but at €13.27 for the 45-hour intermediate course, it is hardly crippling!
Centres Civics
Each neighbourhood of Barcelona has one, and each one runs a whole host of courses, not just language courses but dance, yoga and cooking classes to name just a few.
At these centres it is possible to find relatively cheap Spanish and Catalan classes and you should be able to find one close to your home.
Related article: 4 Apps to Help You Learn Spanish
Immerse yourself and don’t be shy!
After all, you are living in Spain and there are infinite opportunities to practise speaking Spanish and Catalan. Whether you are out in a bar or on the street do not be scared of making mistakes as this is the best way to learn.
One good way is to throw yourself into an activity in the language you want to learn – this could be cooking, yoga or martial art course where you will have to communicate in the language and are likely to meet lots of people to practise speaking with while doing something fun.
Living with locals is also a great way to improve quickly as you will have to converse on a daily basis in their language.
Where did you learn the Spanish language?
hi i would like to attend some spanish classes please regards karl b
According to a friend of mine, one of the best quality/well priced schools to learn Spanish in Barcelona is Barna-House, or as they call their Spanish department Centro de Estudios de español.
JAmie,
What do you recommend for work for someone who is here on a student visa?
Hi I want learn Spanish Catalina in Barcelona kindly tell me information about admition. It’s free or have fees?
I wanna do the course on Spanish Language
Hello Shahidur,
Please contact the organisation of your choice to start learning Spanish!
Regards,
Daniella
Please i want to learn Spanish so please what can I do please
Hi Francis,
Please contact one of the organisations in the article.
Regards,
Daniella
Hi Jamie, I’m incredibly interested here and would like some more information, how can I request this?