Studying Spanish in Madrid: A Guide for International Students

Learning Spanish in Madrid means living the language every day: hearing it in the street, ordering in it at the bakery and practising it with friends. If you’re thinking about studying Spanish here, this guide covers what you need to decide: which course, how long, visas, where to live and what life is like in the city.

Why learn Spanish in Madrid?

Madrid is a lively, welcoming capital where you can practise Spanish in every part of your day. It’s full of culture, from world-class museums to neighbourhood festivals, and it’s one of the best-connected cities in Europe for weekend trips. Most importantly, everything happens in Spanish, so what you learn in class you use straight away outside it.

Choosing the right course

Spanish schools usually offer several formats. At Jaleo Madrid, our courses cover levels from beginner (A1) to advanced (C1), in small groups:

• Intensive: 20 hours a week, for fast progress. Up to intermediate levels, each level usually takes about five weeks.
• Semi-intensive: 10 hours a week, Monday to Friday mornings.
• Part-time: 3 hours a week in the evenings, ideal if you work.
• Conversation classes: to focus on speaking.
• One-to-one: fully tailored to you.
• Exam preparation: for the DELE und SIELE.

Not sure which to choose? Read intensive or part-time Spanish course.

How long will you need?

It depends on your starting point and goals, but be wary of courses that promise fluency in a few weeks. As a guide, we find that reaching a B1.2 level, enough to handle daily life with confidence, takes about 20 weeks of intensive study. Read more in how long it takes to learn Spanish.

Do you need a visa?

If you come from outside the EU and want to study for more than three months, you’ll usually need a student visa. Long-term courses for a student visa typically last between 24 and 52 weeks, with 20 hours of classes a week. Our Spain student visa guide explains each step.

Where to live

There are several options, from living with a Spanish host family, the most immersive way to practise every day, to rooms and studios in student residences or short-term rentals. At Jaleo, our student services work with partners to help you find accommodation, insurance and airport transfers.

Settling in

The first weeks bring new routines: late dinners, two kisses as a greeting and a lot of metro. Our guide to culture shocks in Madrid tells you what to expect. Our visa students also get help with the paperwork: registering with the padrón, getting your TIE, opening a bank account and getting a transport card.

Life outside class

Learning doesn’t stop when class ends. Explore the free things to do in Madrid, find the hidden gems locals love and take day trips by train. At Jaleo, free weekly cultural activities, our book club and a monthly social event at typical markets help you practise and make friends.

Learn Spanish at Jaleo Madrid

Jaleo Madrid is a Spanish school founded by teachers and accredited by the Instituto Cervantes, in the Salamanca neighbourhood near Manuel Becerra and Diego de León metro stations. Classes have 4 to 8 students, with native teachers, interactive whiteboards and weekly written feedback through our app. Read our story, see what your first day looks like and take our free level test to get started.