How to Learn Spanish While Studying in English in Barcelona
How do you master the Spanish language while studying abroad in Barcelona if all your classes are taught in English? At ESEI International Business School, all of our programmes are fully taught in English, but many students take extra steps outside of class to improve their Spanish.
Here are five tried and tested language learning tips to help you master Spanish while studying in English.
Take Spanish Classes in Person or Online
A great way to begin your Spanish learning journey is by taking classes at a language academy. Barcelona is full of language schools, so do your research and find the best fit based on location, price, and schedule.
One academy that stands out is Freeda, which offers Spanish (and Catalan) classes for a wide range of levels and timetables. Their programmes are tailored to your goals, whether you want everyday conversation skills or more advanced Spanish.
Freeda offers up to 20 hours of weekly lessons led by native teachers, small groups of no more than 12 students, and plenty of hands-on practice. You’ll start speaking from day one in a relaxed, supportive environment. Beyond the classroom, cultural activities, excursions and local celebrations give you the chance to immerse yourself in Spanish life and practise in real-world situations.
Join Language Exchange Meetups in Barcelona
Another highly effective way to improve your Spanish while studying in Barcelona is by attending language exchange meetups with locals and other international students. These events are often free and give you the opportunity to practise speaking Spanish with native speakers in exchange for helping them with English (or another language). It’s a true win–win, as both participants improve their language skills while also socialising and making connections.
You can easily find language exchanges through Meetup, which also hosts a variety of other social and networking events across Barcelona. Joining these meetups is not only a fun way to learn Spanish in real-life situations, but it also helps you integrate into the local community. You’ll get to meet new friends, experience the culture firsthand, and build confidence speaking in everyday situations like ordering food, shopping, or asking for directions. Regular participation in these meetups can accelerate your Spanish learning and make your study abroad experience even more rewarding.
Consume Spanish Media: Movies, TV, Podcasts and Music
One of the most effective (and fun) ways to learn Spanish is by surrounding yourself with Spanish media. The more you listen, watch, and read, the faster you’ll pick up new vocabulary, understand grammar, and learn natural expressions that aren’t always taught in the classroom.
A great way to start is by watching English-language shows with Spanish subtitles. This helps you connect spoken words with written language and gradually build comprehension. Once you feel more confident, switch to Spanish shows with English subtitles to focus on listening skills and familiarise yourself with pronunciation. As you progress, try Spanish shows with Spanish subtitles or, for a real challenge, watch without any subtitles at all.
In addition to TV and films, podcasts, radio, and music in Spanish are excellent tools to practise listening and expand your vocabulary. By making Spanish media a regular habit, you’ll accelerate your learning while enjoying entertaining content and experiencing the culture firsthand. This mix of formal and informal Spanish will help you sound more natural and pick up slang you might not learn in a traditional classroom setting.
Spanish media recommendations:
TV series: Chicas de Cable, Money Heist (La Casa del Papel), El Ministerio del Tiempo, El Gran Hotel, Los Espookys
Movies: La sociedad de la nieve, Belle Époque, Spanish Affair (Ocho Apellidos Vascos), La Casa, Volver
Podcasts: How to Spanish, Relatos: Historias de Crímenes, TED en Español, Radio Ambulante, Coffee Break Spanish
Music: Natalia Lafourcade, Guitarricadelafuente, Ed Maverick, Ana Mena, Daniela Andrade
Change Your Phone Language Settings to Spanish
A simple but powerful hack is to change your phone’s language settings to Spanish. Since most of us check our phones dozens of times a day, this trick forces you to see and use Spanish constantly. From notifications to apps, you’ll be practising without even realising it.
Remember, immersion and repetition are key to mastering any language. Over time, this small change will make Spanish vocabulary and phrases feel second nature.
Practise with Locals in Barcelona
Finally, don’t be afraid to interact with locals. While Catalan is the regional language, everyone in Barcelona also speaks Spanish and most are happy to help you practise. Ordering food, chatting in shops, or asking for directions are all simple ways to practise and build confidence.
At first it might feel daunting, but once you’ve tried a few conversations at the supermarket or café, you’ll feel more comfortable speaking Spanish in your day to day life. You might even make local friends, which is the best way to keep improving while experiencing true cultural immersion.
Learn Spanish While Studying in English at ESEI
- Take Spanish classes in person or online.
- Join language exchange meetups.
- Consume different types of Spanish media.
- Change your phone language settings to Spanish.
- Practise speaking Spanish with Barcelona locals.
Even if your programme is taught in English, living in Barcelona gives you countless opportunities to master Spanish. Whether through classes, meetups, media, or everyday interactions, each step brings you closer to fluency.
At ESEI, you will not only get a world-class business education in English but also the chance to immerse yourself in Spanish culture and language. By combining academics with real-life practise, you can enjoy the best of both worlds and gain skills to thrive internationally.
Explore ESEI’s Programmes
👉If you’re considering starting your own journey in Barcelona, explore ESEI’s Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes and see how we can support you as you settle into life here.
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