Salamanca, home to Spain’s oldest university and a vibrant international student community, offers an exceptional environment for learning. We’ve curated a selection of the city’s top Spanish language schools.
Photo: Courtesy of Don Quijote Salamanca
Don Quijote Language School
Don Quijote is a global leader in Spanish language education, with schools in 11 Spanish speaking countries and several decades’ worth of experience. In Salamanca, the school’s prime location within the bustling university district offers easy access to iconic landmarks, restaurants, and a network of international students. Providing a diverse range of courses — from super intensive and exam preparation programs to junior courses and summer camps — Don Quijote promises immersive language learning with small classes. The school, housed in a beautifully restored 16th century monastery, features 19 classrooms, a library, and a multimedia center with laptops and study areas readily available. Beyond the classroom, you can engage in optional cultural activities such as paella and tortilla masterclasses, salsa dancing, and museum tours, as well as excursions to fascinating spots in the surrounding Castile and León region
University of Salamanca Courtyard (photo by Katie Bordner via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)
Salamanca University
Founded in 1218, Salamanca University is Spain’s oldest and one of its most prestigious institutions. The first in the country to offer Spanish language courses for foreigners, the university runs programs of varying length all year round, accommodating students of all proficiencies. Spanish classes take place in the historic Escuelas Menores building, constructed in the 16th century, and heavily influenced by the Italian Renaissance style. Its stunning courtyard is surrounded by Plateresque style arches, typical of Spain’s Golden Age. Teaching rooms, however, are all equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual facilities. On enrolment, students receive a card granting access to all university facilities (including its vast library) and are invited to join in with the various academic, cultural, and sporting activities organised outside class hours. The University is also happy to help with accommodation, offering campus residences, shared student apartments, or stays with Spanish host families.
Tía Tula Spanish School (photo by @colegiotiatula)
Tía Tula Spanish School
Tía Tula, characterised by its small study groups of up to 10 students, and highly qualified teaching staff, is a modern language school that focuses on a personalised experience. Located in Salamanca’s historical center, the school provides bright and spacious rooms with views of the city’s landmarks as well as excellent facilities (including a screening room to watch films and documentaries). The courses are intensive, with a minimum of four hours of study per day and an emphasis on oral exercises to encourage communication skills. It’s not all work and no play, however, and Tía Tula organises a range of extracurricular activities designed to enhance language learning. The school is particularly proud of its dedicated administrative and secretarial team who, it says, go the extra mile to create a friendly and family-like atmosphere for students. Accommodation, whether with a host family or in a private apartment, is also meticulously overseen by the school, with regular check-ins conducted throughout the course.