Spanish lessons abroad
Spanish lessons abroad
Spanish lessons abroad

Useful information

We offer a wide range of Spanish courses to suit all levels and expectations. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, and whether you want to learn a new language for professional or academic reasons, we have an option to suit your needs.

By choosing Realstep and its trusted partners, you benefit from high-quality, enriching immersion in various Spanish speaking countries aligned with your personal and professional goals. The expertise of Realstep and its partners ensures rapid progress and an authentic cultural experience.

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IN SHORT

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From
2
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52
weeks

Beginner Spanish

Description

Program description

We offer a variety of Spanish courses adapted to different levels, so that you can have an enriching experience on one of our projects abroad.

These courses are available in destinations such as Argentina, Colombia, Spain and Ecuador. Our language programs offer flexible packages, ranging from 7 to 30 hours per week, to suit your specific needs. What’s more, some packages include cultural activities to fully immerse you in the local culture from the moment you arrive. Additional private lessons can also be arranged for even more personalized learning.

Argentina

  • Córdoba

Course :

Group courses for students who want to take part in rapid language learning, combined with social and cultural activities that allow them to practice the language at the same time. The aim is to improve language acquisition through continuous use in real-life situations and contexts. This course includes 4 hours of daily group Spanish lessons (20 hours per week). The course starts every Monday.

One-to-one lessons that are fully personalized and scheduled according to the time you have available. The teacher’s personalized attention will enable you to include not only the general aspects of the language, but also the subjects that interest you most on an individual level. You’ll also benefit from the cultural and social activities on offer, so you’ll be in touch with the customs and habits of the Argentinian people. These courses are available for all levels; they can start any day of the week and last as long as you wish.

Accommodation :

Two youth hostels are available in the center of Córdoba. They are located in strategic areas of the city, close to business areas, shopping centers, bars and restaurants. The hostel is fully equipped, with hot shower, TV and Wi-Fi access. We don’t offer meals, but there’s a fully equipped kitchen for cooking. Alternatively, you may prefer to buy food in one of the nearby low-cost restaurants and bars. Supermarkets are open from 8 to 10 a.m.

Staying with a host family gives you the chance to get to know Argentine customs and way of life better, and above all to practice the language 24 hours a day. Our students gain a personal life experience in addition to their learning experiences, making them feel at home and establishing bonds that will last over time. Students have their own private room and shared bathroom.

The school is just a 15-minute walk from the accommodation.

  • Buenos Aires

Course :

Group courses are available for periods of 1 to 4 weeks, with packages ranging from 20 to 80 hours per month.

Private lessons are also available for periods of 1 to 4 weeks, with flexible timetables to suit your needs, ranging from 7 to 30 hours a week.

Accommodation :

You’ll be staying in a hostel with a range of room types: single, double, triple and quadruple rooms with private bathroom, or mixed dormitories for 4 to 8 people with shared bathroom facilities. It’s also possible to book a women-only room with private bathroom and air-conditioning at an additional cost.

Activities such as tours of Buenos Aires and the surrounding area can be booked with the on-site manager.

The school is just a 15-minute walk from the accommodation.

Colombia

  • Cartagena

Course :

Spanish courses start from a minimum duration of one week and can be extended to the desired length of time. Whether you want to perfect your language skills for a short period or commit to a longer, more in-depth learning experience, we have flexible options to suit your needs.

Housing :

Your stay will take place in a homestay, offering you an authentic immersion in local life. Breakfast is included in your stay. For an even more complete experience, you have the option of adding additional meals such as lunch and dinner, at extra cost.

Ecuador

  • Banos

Course :

Spanish courses in Banos are available on flexible dates. The minimum duration is one week and can be extended to any length of time. Whether you want to perfect your language skills for a short period or commit to a longer, more in-depth learning experience, we have flexible options to suit your needs.

Accommodation :

Your stay will be in a shared room with a shared bathroom. You can add extra nights and weeks to your stay to extend your rainforest experience.

  • Montañita

Course :

Spanish courses in Montañita are available on flexible dates. The minimum duration is one week, and can be extended for as long as you wish. Whether you want to perfect your language skills for a short period or commit to a longer, more in-depth learning experience, we have flexible options to suit your needs.

Housing :

Your stay will be in a shared room with a shared bathroom. You can add extra nights and weeks to your stay to extend your experience. The accommodation is close to the beach, ideal for surfing and yoga.

Spain

  • Barcelona

Course :

Our small group courses of 7 students per class, with a minimum of 20 hours per week, start every Monday. A 30-hour-per-week option is also available. You can choose private tuition, either individually or in combination with group courses. We also offer long-term programs, from 3 to 12 months. Our premises are ideally located, within walking distance of public transport. Evening classes are offered two evenings a week (50 minutes each), and online courses are also available. Programs can vary in length from 1 to 40 weeks or more.

For young adults (aged 16 to 20), we also offer a complete language program combining immersive Spanish courses and cultural activities in Barcelona. This program is designed to promote language immersion while discovering the local culture through excursions and supervised activities. Participants stay with a host family or in a residence, with specific supervision to ensure their safety and well-being. This is an excellent opportunity to learn Spanish while experiencing an enriching cultural adventure.

Housing :

Take advantage of our homestay option to discover Spanish culture by living with locals, with daily practice of Spanish. You’ll have a private room, a shared bathroom (or private bathroom as an option), and breakfast and dinner included. Accommodation is located 20-35 minutes from the school, in safe areas close to public transport.

For more independence, choose a shared student apartment, where you’ll have a private room and a shared bathroom (or private bathroom as an option). If you choose self-catering, you’ll have access to a shared kitchen. Apartments are located 20-40 minutes from the school, in secure areas close to transport links.

Finally, our student residence offers single, double or studio rooms with private bathrooms. For self-catering, meal plans are available online. The residences are also located 20-40 minutes from the school, in secure areas close to public transport.

  • Malaga

Course :

Our small group courses, with an average of 7 students per class, are available for a minimum of 20 hours per week, starting every Monday. A 30-hour-per-week option is also available. You can choose private tuition, either individually or in combination with group courses. We also offer long-term programs, from 3 to 12 months. Our premises are ideally located, within walking distance of public transport. Evening classes are offered two evenings a week (2 hours each), and online courses are also available. Program duration can vary from 1 to 40 weeks or more.

Accommodation :

For your accommodation, we offer several options to suit your needs. Opt for a homestay and immerse yourself in Spanish culture by living with locals and practicing Spanish on a daily basis. You’ll enjoy a private room with shared bathroom (or private bathroom as an option), as well as breakfast and dinner included. Accommodation is located 20-35 minutes from the school, in safe areas close to public transport.

If you prefer more independence, choose a shared student apartment. You’ll have a private room with a shared bathroom (or private bathroom as an option) and access to a shared self-catering kitchen. These apartments are located 20-40 minutes from the school, in secure areas close to public transport.

For even greater comfort, opt for a student residence. You can choose between a single or double room, or a studio with private bathroom. For self-catering, you can consult meal plans available online. The residences are located 20-40 minutes from the school, in secure areas close to public transport.

 

You can take Spanish courses in a variety of destinations, and even stay with a local teacher. All teachers hold a recognized teaching diploma and have been rigorously selected after a thorough inspection. You’ll share three meals a day, benefit from individual language lessons and live the language experience in total immersion with your teacher’s family. This approach allows you to practice the language continuously, before, during and after lessons, guaranteeing rapid progress and effective language acquisition.

If you would like more information on this subject, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Read more

Host organization

Realstep has been working for many years with trusted partners to offer you an enriching and authentic language immersion experience. Schools are carefully selected, and all contact details and brochures will be provided at the time of registration.

Read more

Strong points

Vetted and certified partner schools
Improve your Spanish rapidly from cultural immersion
Spanish diploma (DELE) preparation and exam available in most learning centers
Meet young travellers from all over the world

Included

Airport pick up and orientation
Intensive or semi intensive Spanish courses
Accommodation in host family or student residence
Supervision by experienced instructors
24/7 support

Not included

Airline tickets
Travel and repatriation insurance

Program description

This program is available all year round.

Available durations

Please contact us for rates and availability.

I'm interested :

Project information

Your accommodation

Housing is allocated by local NGOs, not by Freepackers - the descriptions are there to give you an idea of the type of accommodation, as it is very likely that conditions will vary on site depending on the number of volunteers, weather conditions, availability, etc. Each volunteer will be accommodated according to the stated conditions, but it is possible that the accommodation may not match the description or images shown on this site word for word, for example, in the case of annexed housing, renovations, relocations, etc.

Each destination offers a variety of solutions to ensure that your stay is comfortable, rewarding and tailored to your personal needs.

Meals​

Depending on your destination and the type of accommodation you choose, meals may or may not be included. For detailed information, please contact us.

Once there

Taking a language course in another country is a rich and multidimensional experience. By immersing yourself in local life, you don't just learn a language, you also experience a cultural adventure that transforms you profoundly. On arrival, you'll be greeted by a dedicated local team who will help you settle in, providing security, supervision, guidance and assistance throughout your stay.

Organise your trip

Visa​

Please contact the embassy or immigration website of the country you wish to enter.

Vaccines

You can find all ressources on the World Organization Website, in the Travel Advice section A vaccine vial.

Travel, repatriation and civil liability insurance

For all international projects, Realstep requires participants to take out travel insurance covering accidents, illness, and repatriation, as well as civil liability for professional activities abroad.

For complete protection while studying or interning abroad, you can take out Cap Student insurance online by following this link Student insurance abroad | Chapka Assurances, which will give you a 5% discount.

If you take out another insurance policy, we will ask you to send us a copy of your certificate in English.

Online language courses

Achieve the language level required for your international project with tailored support. The Clic-campus method Free Packers X Clic Campus foreign language training courses combines videoconference lessons and an innovative e-learning platform, offering complete flexibility from the comfort of your own home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hello, I am an FAQ

A gap year is a period (often 6 to 12 months) during which you temporarily pause your studies or work to have a meaningful, structured experience: travel, volunteering, internship, job, personal project

It can be done at any time, for the duration you choose, and in the field you want. The goal is to help you explore new possibilities for your personal and/or professional path.

Real Step offers a wide range of gap year programs abroad in various fields.

Anyone! A gap year can be taken at any age and is not limited to 18–25-year-olds. It can be done at any stage of life—whether for a career change, a lifestyle change, to explore different options, or to refine a professional project.

A gap year allows you to:

  • Gain maturity
  • Improve your language skills
  • Discover a country, its culture, and its people
  • Develop transferable skills (soft skills, independence, organization)
  • Clarify your academic, professional, or personal goals

It depends on the country and your project. Make sure to budget for:

  • Flights
  • Health and repatriation insurance
  • Visa and administrative fees
  • Accommodation and food (depending on what’s included)
  • Local transport + activities
  • An emergency buffer (very important)

Internships during a gap year are varied, and you have a wide choice of fields:

  • Environmental protection
  • Animal welfare and conservation
  • Humanitarian internships
  • Internships in the medical sector
  • Communication and marketing (business)
  • Engineering internships
  • Hospitality and catering

Interns are accommodated in shared houses, hostels, or sometimes with local host families. You will have access to all essential amenities and are often close to shops so you can easily find what you need.

Departure dates are flexible; it is possible to leave every week. Please contact us to find out about program availability.

This depends on the missions. Local coordinators are on site to facilitate communication, but a minimum B1 level is often recommended to communicate locally. Some technical or research placements may require a higher level.

You can take language classes before you leave for your project.
The participation requirements are listed on each program page.

Yes, you will have a local coordinator on site as your main point of contact to answer your questions, ensure your safety, and support you if needed. You will always have an orientation upon arrival, including: an introduction to the project, the local team, your missions, and the rules to follow. The team also explains safety guidelines (recommended behavior, areas to avoid).

Local emergency assistance is available 24/7. We remain reachable throughout the entire project.

In addition, the projects we offer are carefully selected with reliable partners and in suitable destinations.

Internship schedules may vary depending on your program. In general, you will work between 30 and 40 hours per week. We specify these conditions on the program pages or in the downloadable brochures.

Yes, absolutely! Real Step internships are open to solo travelers, pairs, or groups. Many schools and students even organize group departures through our programs.

There are many diverse destinations: Asia, Europe, Africa, and Latin America—all around the world!

  • Valid passport and visa.
  • Proof of health insurance and liability insurance.
  • A planned budget (meals, transport, activities).
  • Professional clothing suitable for the country’s climate and the field conditions.
  • Personal equipment: laptop, notebook, technical clothing depending on the project.
  • Learn about the missions you will carry out on site.

By joining a project with us, you are supported at every step.

  1. Reach out to us and tell us about your expectations and goals (call, email, WhatsApp).
  2. We will share a selection of programs that match your criteria.
  3. Once the project is confirmed, we send you all the logistical information to help you prepare for your departure.
  4. Head into the field and enjoy a unique experience, supervised by our local partners.
  5. We are available at any time if you need us.
  6. Share your feedback with us so we can improve our support.

You can contact us to explain your situation. If you have valid reasons to request a new placement, we will send you a request form. You will be informed as soon as a spot becomes available. You will then be able to change location, subject to availability.

There are different ways to finance part of your project. We have several resources to help you find funding support, whether through student mobility scholarships, Erasmus+ funding for projects in Europe, or regional grants. Some volunteers have also organized group fundraising initiatives.

For young people aged 18 to 30, it is possible to go abroad with a Working Holiday Visa (WHV) and work on site to finance part of the project.

Even without financial aid, a well-prepared project can be made accessible through a mix of “savings + fundraising + a job on site”.

Find all the information on funding your internship in this article.

The price covers accommodation, supervision, part of the local organization (meals, orientation), Freepackers’ expertise, and support for the projects. Part of the project fee is used to help develop the project on site. Our teams visit the projects to ensure they are safe, useful, and reliable.

Yes, you will have free time and you can go out, visit places, and travel, especially on weekends. You just need to respect the program’s organization (schedule, mission days) and follow the safety guidelines given by the local team. In some destinations, the team can also recommend places to explore.

Here are the essential mandatory steps to complete:

  • An internship agreement signed between your school, the host organization, and you.
  • Liability insurance covering the duration of your stay.
  • Depending on the country you choose, a student or internship visa and health coverage may be required.

 

Other steps may be necessary depending on the type of internship, the country, or other factors.

Our team will provide you with all the information you need.

No, most of the internships we offer are unpaid, but this can vary depending on the host organization, the duration, and the country.

Yes, many students have validated their internship through Real Step projects. Our placements meet schools’ academic requirements.

A wide range of internships is available, and our programs are suitable for many engineering fields, such as:

 

Feel free to contact us to learn about all our internship opportunities.

See our Ultimate Guide to Succeeding in Your Engineering Internship.

This can vary depending on your school and your year of study, but in general you can go for 4 to 16 weeks.

Three months is often the duration required by schools to help you develop skills. To learn more about 3-month engineering internships.

Your missions can vary greatly depending on your specialty and your level of study and commitment, but overall you will be asked to take part in:

  • Carrying out a specific project (construction, sustainable development, IT, etc.)
  • Providing technical support to a team
  • Conducting field studies

 

The goal is to encourage the practical application of the knowledge you have gained during your studies—skills you will be able to highlight later on.

Yes, many students have validated their internship through Real Step projects. Our placements meet schools’ academic requirements.

We offer many internships in a wide range of areas, such as:

  • Nursing
  • Medicine
  • Allied health
  • Physiotherapy
  • Physical therapy

Even though some details vary depending on the country, here are the main steps:

  • Check your eligibility
  • Create an online account on the destination country’s official portal
  • Prepare the required documents (passport, insurance, CV, etc.)
  • Pay the visa fees
  • Wait for confirmation or the lottery draw
  • Receive your visa

 

To understand the exact process, we recommend reading this article in detail.

You can go on a WHV to the following destinations:

  • Canada
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • South Korea
  • Japan
  • Argentina

 

Check our website to make sure you don’t miss a program—or contact us!

The budget needed for a WHV depends on the country you choose, your lifestyle, and the length of your stay.

Expenses to plan for:

  • Visa fees
  • International flights
  • Accommodation
  • Daily expenses
  • Health insurance

Yes. You can take English or Spanish courses before you leave, or even during your project.

Course schedules are flexible depending on your goal. You can choose to take a few hours per week, or fully focus on your language courses over a longer period to prepare for a project such as a WHV or a job abroad.

View our language courses.

Les Français n’ont pas besoin de visa pour aller au Japon pour des séjours de moins de 3 mois, le passeport suffit. En revanche, un business visa ou un visa vacances travail (working holiday visa) sont indispensables pour rester plus de 3 mois, par exemple si vous prévoyez de travailler ou de faire un stage au Japon. Il faut alors faire la démarche à la section consulaire de l’Ambassade.

Il est de votre responsabilité de choisir le bon visa pour votre projet.

Les conditions de visa peuvent changer et le visa dépend de la nature de votre projet. Veuillez toujours vérifier sur France Diplomatie avant de réserver votre billet et de partir pour un programme et de vous y prendre en avance.

Traditionally, Japanese dress codes are formal: a dark suit, white shirt, and dark tie. However, foreign businesspeople can dress as they normally would in their home country. It is also often customary to remove your shoes (at home, in some restaurants, etc.).

The yen is Japan’s official currency.

The cost of living in Japan is 2.6% higher than in France.

When traveling, plan for an on-site budget of at least €80 per day per person (¥11,595 per day).

Most dietary requirements (kosher, vegetarian, halal, etc.) can be accommodated, provided you request it well in advance.

Our local partners in Tokyo arrange airport pick-up at the international airport every Friday. For students enrolled in internships outside the city, instructions for reaching the final destinations will be provided in advance or upon arrival.

Either in the main residence in Tokyo, at the internship location when it is remote (natural reserves, for example), or with a host family. This sea turtle conservation internship in Japan includes accommodation. Japan’s housing shortage has triggered an unprecedented surge in prices, so it is strongly recommended to have accommodation arranged in advance for at least the first month of your stay.

Working holiday and internship programs include free time every weekend so participants can explore the surrounding area. Project coordinators and local organizations are always happy to share advice on places to visit and the excursions available on weekends.

It depends on the program you choose. For those who want to stay for 1 year on a Working Holiday Visa on projects involving a paid job like this one, it is strongly recommended to take Japanese classes upon arrival (4 weeks of intensive courses) to broaden your job search options.

In fact, most jobs in retail, services, or the hospitality industry require an intermediate level of Japanese. For 3-month internships, these can be done in tourism organizations that only require English. Farm work does not require a high level of Japanese either.

To travel to Japan, spring—especially April/May—is the recommended period. Summer in Japan is the rainy season. June and July are particularly wet, and the heat starts to build. Temperatures range between 25°C and 30°C.

Currently, people who are allowed to travel to Japan are not required to be vaccinated. For real-time updates, we invite you to consult the Institut Pasteur website.

The local partner provides 24/7 assistance. Participants receive the coordinators’ contact details in advance, as well as an emergency number to call. The coordinators are available at all times, during the week and on weekends.

Look into official channels to find opportunities. It is also important to adapt your application to the country’s norms (the CV and cover letter are different).

Finally, Real Step offers internships in Japan in various fields that may interest you! In ecology or even IT, communication, marketing, etc.

It depends on the company and the length of the internship. In Japan, working conditions are different, so it’s important to focus above all on learning and cultural immersion.

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