Job Discussion Forums

[stepfk]

Hi, I�m taking a Celta course in the UK at the moment and I�m looking to move to Madrid in Jan 06. As well as the lifestyle, I am coming over to improve my Spanish, which is pretty basic. When I am over there, I want to take Spanish evening classes and I would like to know what everyone else does, and what options there are. The classes I have seen so far have tended to be full-time and quite pricey. I am used to going to local authority run night classes at a nearby high school, but I don�t know if they have the same setup in Spain.
Also, when exactly does term time start in Jan. I ask because I am trying to tie up as much as possible before I leave and every day counts!
Thanks for the info already on the site, it�s been more than helpful.

[wildchild]

I would advise you to search for community/social centers/oranizations in the city/town where you hope to live. Normally, these kinds of places offer language classes which are low cost or free as they are designed to assist integration of immigrant populations e.g. North Africans. Hours of study will depend on student demand and funding, of course. But this may be a great way to learn Spanish for free and meet people of the community.

[stepfk]

Thanks for the information. I will probably go on a short reconnaissance mission over to Spain to check out a few more details, before I take the plunge.
All the best.

[sarahbrom]

If you go to Madrid DON'T take Spanish lessons at Club de Espanol / Club Ivy (it's the same thing). They've really fleeced me. I gave them 95 euros, they put me in completely the wrong level and when I asked to change they said there was nothing else when I was available.
I took four classes, learnt absolutely nothing and had 95 euros conned out of me.
CHOOSE YOUR SCHOOL CAREFULLY!!!

[grahamb]

Ask prospective employers about Spanish classes, as some language schools offer their staff free language tuition.

[CharlesTESOL]

In Barcelona two low cost options for learning Spanish are classes offered via the Barcelona school system's adult education program. They are offered throughout the city and are essentially free. (They ask you for 20 euros to cover the cost of copying your teacher will do.) Then there is the top-notch Escuela Oficial de Idiomas. While not free, the courses are very affordable and have a repuation for excellence. Here's a link http://www.eoibd.es/index.asp?idioma=3

This year the winter trimester begins in Spain around the 9th of January. Some classes may not start up until the 15th.

Buena suerte,

[stepfk]

Thanks for all the feedback guys, and the top tips from Charles,

Happy New Year!