Language schools in Barcelona have capitalized on its fame among travelers by opening up on just about every corner of town. You’ll have no shortage of options for language study in Barcelona, but quality, inclusions, and prices do vary greatly from program to program.

Intensive Language Programs. There are many traditional language study abroad programs in Barcelona that offer language courses at local universities. The Universidad de Barcelona (UB) and Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona (UAB) are two quality institutions that partner with many study abroad program providers. University-based language courses in Barcelona are typically part of all inclusive, intensive language programs offered during the summer months. Students should expect four to six weeks of 20 hour/week classes with some excursions on the weekends in these programs. Language learners who choose this option will receive a transcript for language classes with academic credit that will easily transfer back to their home university.

Language Schools. If you’re looking for language programs in Barcelona without the credit or cost of an intensive study abroad program at a university, then courses at a language school in Barcelona may be what you’re looking for. Spanish language schools in Barcelona are plentiful and class sizes range from three to 12 people. Language school students should expect to be in class 20 hours per week for intensive classes, which are available year round; however, summer is the busiest time of year for languages in Barcelona. For students who want a quieter learning environment with more immersion opportunities, it is best to enroll in language courses between September and April. There are also Catalan language schools located in Barcelona, but these are less common. If you are very interested in learning the beloved language of this region, the Catalonia government also offers free classes quarterly.

The Spanish have plenty of national holidays and Catalonia has some more regional holidays added on to the nation’s already vacation-packed calendar. It is not unusual to have a Monday or Friday off of school here or there in addition to traditional Catholic holiday weeks, like Easter and Christmas. Most Spaniards also have the month of August off work, so some language schools in Barcelona may not offer classes during this time period.