I’ve seen a lot of discussion on forums recently about children’s schooling, especially regarding international schools, and the information can be a bit overwhelming. I’ve chatted with some of my expat neighbors and done some research of my own, so I’m writing this post to share what I’ve learned about the languages of instruction in Spanish international schools. I hope it can help parents who are struggling with this decision.
International School ≠ Purely English Taught
One of the most common misconceptions is that international schools must be taught entirely in English. That’s not necessarily true! Spain’s international school system is quite diverse and can be broadly divided into several categories, each with a different linguistic focus. Simply put, the main types are purely British/American, English-Spanish bilingual, and schools that incorporate a third language. Therefore, before choosing a school, the first step is to understand its educational system and [the language of instruction in international schools], as this directly affects your child’s future language environment and university prospects.
Main Models for Language of Instruction
To make it easier to understand, here’s a simple table comparing the features of the common models you’ll find when researching [Spanish language schools]:
| School Type | Primary Language of Instruction | Role of Spanish/Catalan | Best Suited For |
|---|
| British/American International School | English | As a second foreign language | Students aiming for UK/US universities, may not stay in Spain long-term |
| Bilingual International School | English + Spanish | On par with English as a main language of instruction | Children who want to master both languages and integrate locally |
| Trilingual or Multilingual School | English + Spanish + Third language | Includes courses in French/German, etc., besides English and Spanish | Students with specific language needs or family backgrounds |
As you can see from the table, even in purely British or American schools, Spanish is a compulsory subject; only the number of hours and depth of study differ. Bilingual schools, on the other hand, place a strong emphasis on the balanced development of both languages, with many classes taught alternately or in groups in both languages. So, sending your child to an international school doesn’t mean they’ll be ‘cut off’ from Spanish. In fact, many schools leverage the local environment to strengthen students’ Spanish skills.
How to Choose the Right Language Environment for Your Child?
So, how do you make the right choice? I think the key is to consider your family’s long-term plans. If you’re just using Spain as a stepping stone and your child is definitely heading to a university in the UK or the US, choosing a purely British or American school that follows the A-Level or IB curriculum is the most straightforward path. If you plan to live in Spain long-term and want your child to integrate better into the local society, then a bilingual school, which you can find among many great [Spanish language schools], is a fantastic option, allowing for a seamless switch between two cultures and languages. My neighbors, who are from the UK, chose a bilingual school for their child precisely for this reason. They believe that since they live in Spain, fluency in Spanish is an essential skill that can only benefit their child’s future. So, remember, there is no ‘best’ school, only the ‘most suitable’ one for you. When choosing a school, be sure to attend an Open Day, talk to teachers and current students, and get a firsthand feel for the school’s language atmosphere.
