Madrid is not only the capital of Spain, but also one of the best places to learn Spanish. At our Spanish language school, we welcome students of all ages and from all over the world. Today we want to tell the stories of two very different people who found in our courses something more than just a class: Pete, a 22 year old young man, and Susan, a 65 year old retired woman who recently moved to Spain to start a new stage of her life.
Pete: Learning Spanish to explore the world
Pete is a young Irishman who has always dreamed of travelling and learning about new cultures. Although his mother tongue is Spanish, he decided to enrol in one of our courses to perfect his grammar and vocabulary, as he wants to work in the world of international communication. ‘Sometimes the way we speak in my country is not the same as in other places. My idea was to learn a more neutral and formal Spanish,’ says Pete.
At first, Pete was a little nervous about attending classes with people of different nationalities and ages. However, he soon discovered that this was what he valued most about the experience. ‘It’s amazing how we share our cultures through language. In one class you can hear accents from all over the world and you learn much more than just grammar rules. You also realise that Spanish has many ways of being spoken’.
In addition, Pete found in our classes the flexibility he needed to balance his time between his studies and his passion for travelling. ‘The teachers are always willing to adapt to your needs and, although the course has a clear structure, you can progress at your own pace.
For Pete, the most valuable thing about our courses has been the opportunity to improve his Spanish in a professional environment while meeting other young people with the same concerns. ‘I can now communicate more effectively and formally, which will be key to my career. In addition, I have made friends from all over the world. Madrid is the best place for this: it is a city full of opportunities and diverse cultures,’ she concludes.
Susan: A new beginning in Madrid
Susan is an American retiree who, after many years working as a nurse in Boston, decided to move to Spain to enjoy her retirement. Although she had always had an interest in the language, Susan had not had time to learn it in her professional life. Now settled in Madrid, she knew that learning Spanish would be crucial to integrating into the local community.
‘At first I thought it would be too difficult at my age, but the teachers here make everything very enjoyable and accessible. It’s not just about learning a language, it’s about understanding the culture, customs and the little things of everyday life in Spain,’ explains Susan.
What Susan values most about our courses is the practical approach. Each class is designed so that students can apply what they learn in real-life situations. ‘After the first week, I felt confident enough to go to the market and ask questions in Spanish. The teachers are very patient and always encourage you to practice what you have learnt outside of class’.
Another important aspect for Susan has been the opportunity to socialise. ‘I have made friends in the class and that has been wonderful. We are all here for different reasons, but we all share the same goal of learning. Also, the city of Madrid offers so many opportunities to continue practising outside the classroom, such as language exchange cafés and cultural activities’.
For Susan, our courses have not only helped her to improve her Spanish, but have also allowed her to feel part of the Madrid community. ‘I can now hold a basic conversation with my neighbours and that’s something that makes me feel more at home. Madrid is a warm and welcoming city, but the language is key to feeling truly integrated’.
Pete and Susan’s stories show how our Spanish courses in Madrid offer much more than just language tuition. Each student finds something different that they value: some are looking to improve their level to advance their career, while others want to integrate into everyday life in the city.
In Pete’s case, he has found that improving his Spanish is key to his professional and social development, while for Susan, learning the language has been the gateway to a new life in Madrid. Both agree that the experience has not only allowed them to learn Spanish, but has also given them a sense of community and belonging in this wonderful city.
Madrid is the perfect setting to learn the language and discover Spanish culture. At our academy, we pride ourselves on offering an experience that goes beyond the classroom, connecting people of different ages, cultures and goals in a city that has so much to offer.
