When I first arrived in Zaragoza, my Spanish level was basically zero, and daily communication was a real challenge. After trying out several language schools, I finally found a course that suited me. Here I’m sharing my experience with everyone, hoping it will help friends who have just arrived or are planning to come to Zaragoza to study the language.
Main Language Schools in Zaragoza
There are several well-known language schools in the city center. I mainly compared Escuela Oficial de Idiomas, Centro de Lenguas Modernas, and a few private institutions. The advantage of official language schools is their affordable pricing—around 200-300 euros per year—but spots are limited and require advance registration. Private schools offer more flexibility, allowing you to join classes anytime with small group teaching, though fees are higher, typically ranging from 150-250 euros per month.
Course Types and Schedule
Most schools offer two options: intensive courses and regular courses. Intensive courses usually involve 15-20 hours per week, suitable for students wanting rapid improvement. Regular courses generally run 4-6 hours per week, more appropriate for those already working or with other commitments. I chose evening regular classes, three times a week, two hours each session, allowing me to do other things during the day.
Teaching styles vary considerably between schools. Some focus on grammar training, while others emphasize conversational practice. I recommend booking trial classes first to experience the teacher’s teaching methods and classroom atmosphere. I tried three schools and ultimately chose one with more interactive classes, as I felt speaking practice was more important for me.
Fees and Exam Preparation
Below is the basic information I compiled for several schools for your reference:
| School Type | Monthly Fee | Hours/Week | Class Size |
|---|
| Official Language School | 25-30€ | 4-6 hours | 20-30 students |
| Private Small Group | 150-250€ | 6-10 hours | 5-10 students |
| One-on-One Tutoring | 25-35€/hour | Flexible | 1 student |
If you’re preparing for the DELE exam, I suggest finding schools with specialized exam preparation courses. A friend of mine took the DELE B2 prep class at Centro de Lenguas Modernas and said it was highly targeted with plenty of mock exam opportunities. Exam fees are separate, around 190 euros for B2 level.
Important reminder: Before enrolling, make sure to confirm whether the school has official certification, especially for friends who need attendance certificates for residence permits or university applications. Some small private institutions, while offering good teaching, cannot issue officially recognized documents.
After studying for about half a year, I’ve noticed significant progress. Basic daily communication is no longer a problem, and I can handle doctor visits and administrative procedures on my own. Language learning does take time, but learning Spanish in Zaragoza has its advantages—unlike Madrid where you can find English speakers everywhere, here you must speak Spanish most of the time, which actually forces you to improve faster. Keep going, everyone!
