Before you go about choosing your Spanish language course in Spain, it would help to identify exactly what your Spanish language needs and goals are.
This way, you would be in a better position to make the right choice of course and school;
with a program that will satisfy exactly what it is that you are looking to get out of studying Spanish in Spain.
Before making any concrete decisions, consider asking yourself the following five questions:
Why do I want to Learn Spanish?
The first and most important question which is the basis for all other questions.
Start at the source. What is your reason for wanting to learn Spanish? Are you thinking of backpacking through Latin-America? Or perhaps you are trying to reinforce your CV/Resume with an added linguistic competency. Do you already have a job that would need you to work with Hispanic clients? Do you need to pass a particular exam or certification in order to advance in an educational or career venture? Or is it a whole lot simpler than all that and you are just fascinated by Hispanic culture and would love to study Spanish in a leisurely kind of way. Whatever your reasons might be, it is good to spell it out to yourself so that you might choose a course that would align itself with this underlying reason.
How Much Time do I have?
How much time you have to study and when you will be able to dedicate time to study are extremely important factors to consider when choosing a Spanish language course that is right for you – evening classes, private lessons, group classes, seasonal courses etc.
Depending on your reasons for wanting to learn Spanish, you may have limited time or all the time in the world. Or you could be restricted to only certain types of courses based on your schedule and/or the nature of your purpose for learning Spanish. And of course, if the nature of your Spanish language studies is a bit specialized, you may be restricted to dates of when the availability of these courses are provided by certain institutes.
- If you have an exam or certification placement to take, you would need to coordinate your courses in accordance with the relevant dates or follow a program that caters specifically to the certification test in question.
- If you are a professional, an intern or an expatriate working full-time in Spain, you may only have time in the evenings or weekends to take courses, and only for the limited amount of time that you will be in Spain for based on your professional contract.
- If learning Spanish is purely sourced by leisurely interests, you may need a course that would coincide with your summer or spring vacation.
How much am I Willing to Invest?
What is your financial situation in regards to the Spanish language courses? Depending on the state of your pockets, you could be in a position to take advantage of a more intensive course for a longer duration of time. Is the company you work for financing the course? Would you be benefiting from a scholarship? Are your parents the ones in charge of all payments? Would you be paying out of pocket? It would be in your interest, whatever your financial situation, to explore the various available options of discounts, seasonal packages, one-time promotions and partnership deals offered by various language institutes in Spain. Do not hesitate to do your research and keep informed.
What is my Spanish Level?
A good number of Spanish schools in Spain put in place various Spanish fluency assessment test during the pre-registration and registration processes in order to place you in the appropriate class that would suit the strengths and weaknesses of your Spanish. It would be necessary for you to have an idea of your Spanish language level in order to choose a course that would not be too difficult or too easy for you.
For a quick estimate of your Spanish language level, take the fun UniSpain Level Assessment test(s) 1, 2, 3.
Knowing your level will also be a way to determine how much time you would need to spend studying Spanish in Spain (if your time is flexible) and the intensity of the course in order to best make the most of your time in Spain.
What is my Spanish language Goal?
After all is said and done, what are you hoping to get out of your Spanish language course in Spain? Would you like to be 
able to accurately present yourself with ease at a job interview in Spanish? Succeed at an exam? Have more linguistic facility with Hispanic clients in your professional duties? Be able to converse with your in-laws?
Depending on your reason for wanting to study Spanish in Spain and the amount of time and resources you have, be sure to choose a course that will help you to attain your goal. The representatives at the various language institutes in Spain will advise you on the realistic potential of your goal based on your level and the course options you have.
For an approximate projection of the amount of time you could need to be a step closer to Spanish language Fluency try this UniSpain calculator.
No matter your reasons for wanting to study Spanish in Spain, the nature of your Spanish language goal and the Spanish language course that you eventually choose – it is always helpful to be committed to your goal and to make the most of your experience while in Spain.
Here are a few more tips to help you choose a Spanish language course that is right for you.
