After living in Zaragoza for six months, I wanted to systematically learn Spanish but didn’t know where to start. Over these past months, I’ve attended trial classes at several language schools in the city, and now I’m sharing my experience to help friends who want to learn Spanish.
Overview of Main Language Schools in Zaragoza
There are quite a few language training institutions in Zaragoza, but quality varies. I mainly researched several schools in the city center, including the official EOI language school, the private International House, and some smaller training centers. EOI is a public school with the most affordable prices—around 200-300 euros per year—but language school options in Zaragoza have limited spots and require early registration. International House is a chain brand with stable teaching staff and small class sizes, with intensive monthly courses costing around 300-400 euros.
I ultimately chose International House’s evening course, which meets three times a week for two hours each session. The teacher, Ana, is very patient and adjusts the teaching pace according to students’ levels. The class includes students from China, Japan, and Morocco, all at similar levels, making communication pressure-free. The only downside is the tuition is indeed expensive—the three-month course cost nearly 900 euros.
Comparison of Different Course Types
| Course Type | Suitable For | Price Range | Pros and Cons |
|---|
| Intensive Course | Short-term visitors, those needing certificates urgently | 800-1200 euros/month | Fast progress but high pressure |
| Regular Course | Long-term residents, working professionals | 250-400 euros/month | Moderate pace, good value |
| One-on-One Tutoring | Learners with special needs | 25-40 euros/hour | Flexible but expensive |
| Online Course | Those with irregular schedules | 150-300 euros/month | Convenient but lacks interaction |
Honestly, if your Spanish foundation is zero, I recommend enrolling in an in-person course. I’ve tried online courses, but for [language learning in the Aragon region], pronunciation correction and real-time interaction are far less effective. Plus, in a classroom setting, you can practice conversations with classmates after class—something online courses can’t provide.
A special reminder: the University of Zaragoza also offers Spanish courses for foreigners. If you have student status, you might want to check out the University of Zaragoza language courses, which are much cheaper than outside training institutions. A friend of mine takes classes there and says the teaching quality is good, though classes are larger and teachers can’t give as much individual attention.
My Learning Recommendations
After several months of study, I believe the most important thing is to keep speaking. Many Chinese friends master grammar well but are afraid to speak. Here in Zaragoza, locals are actually very friendly and will listen patiently even if you don’t speak well. I now attend language exchange events near Plaza del Pilar every weekend, where I’ve met many Spanish friends and my speaking has improved significantly.
I also recommend downloading several learning apps to use alongside your studies, such as Duolingo for vocabulary, SpanishDict for grammar, and Tandem to find language exchange partners. These tools, combined with classroom learning, yield better results. Of course, the most important thing is patience—language learning is a long-term process, so don’t expect to speak fluently after just a few months.
If you’re also learning Spanish in Zaragoza, feel free to share your experiences!
