I wanted to take a break from my usual university routine but at the same time do something meaningful for myself and take a language I love to the next level. As we all know, the best way to learn a language is to live it – so I decided to head for a language course to Málaga, Spain.
I’m currently finishing my bachelor’s degree at the Faculty of Social Studies, where I study Security and Strategic Studies combined with International Relations. Because I extended my studies to take part in the Erasmus+ programme, I wanted to make the most of this extra semester – not only by working on my bachelor’s thesis, but also by improving my Spanish. My dream is to spend part of my master’s studies in a Spanish-speaking country, and I want to be ready for that opportunity.
Since my first year at university, I’ve been studying Spanish at a language school in Brno. I knew that besides English, I should have at least a B2 level in another world language by the time I finish my degree and start looking for a job. While I studied German at secondary school, it never really clicked with me, so I was excited to choose from a much wider range of language options once I enrolled at university. And I knew that there’s no better way to learn a language than to go and experience it in the country itself.
Two- to three-week language courses
Last year, on my teacher’s recommendation, I flew to sunny Málaga in Andalusia for a two-week course at a family-run language school called Debla. I loved it so much that I decided to come back this year – this time for three weeks, which is the usual length needed to complete one language level. After all, what could be better than spending a few weeks by the sea while autumn starts creeping in back home?
Courses always start on Mondays, so it’s worth planning your flights accordingly. (Occasionally, if a public holiday falls on a Monday, classes begin on Tuesday – that’s what happened during my second stay, meaning I could fly in on Monday and save some money on the ticket.) Both stays turned out great. Each time I chose the super-intensive option, which includes four regular group lessons a day plus one additional class with fewer students.
During both stays, I was lucky enough to have the extra class all to myself – without paying the higher price of private lessons. The schedule changed every week; sometimes I had group lessons in the morning, other times in the afternoon. The school also organised various activities, such as cooking paella, Spanish dance classes, beach volleyball, and tapas dinners. On top of that, there were excursions to some of Andalusia’s most famous sites – Caminito del Rey, Seville, Granada, Córdoba and several charming nearby villages.
In just three weeks, you could truly soak up the Spanish atmosphere. Personally, I would recommend renting a car with other students and visiting the little town of Ronda – it’s well worth the trip. Marbella, on the other hand, didn’t impress me as much.
Accommodation: with a family or in student housing?
During my stays, I tried both types of accommodation and feel I can weigh up the pros and cons of sharing a student flat in the city centre versus staying with a Spanish family – for the latter, you fill out a questionnaire a few weeks before your arrival. If any serious issues arise, the school arranges a change of accommodation – I experienced this myself and everyone was very helpful and accommodating.
Spanish family: an opportunity to practise Spanish outside of class and expand your vocabulary, meals provided, often a convenient location near the beach, a quieter environment, and you can get your laundry done once a week.
Shared student flat: right in the centre of Málaga, your own kitchen where you can cook, visitors can stay with you by prior arrangement (around €40 per night, with cheap flights from Brno), more likely to have a private bathroom, and laundry facilities available anytime (don’t forget your detergent sheets!).
So much more than just lessons
This language course helped me consolidate my current level of Spanish and motivated me to continue improving in my free time. Even my Spanish teacher in Brno praised the progress I made – and that’s the greatest reward of all. Thanks to the stay, I feel more confident in everyday communication in Spanish and have a better understanding of the local culture and customs. I also had the chance to meet new people that I am still in touch with. I now have a friend in Taiwan who, after quitting her job, spent two months in Málaga learning Spanish – and I’m looking forward to going over for a visit one day.
These experiences showed me that a language stay is far more than just lessons – it’s an investment in yourself, in openness, courage and cultural awareness. I can wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who is hesitating.
After my two trips, I can confidently say that both Málaga and Debla have a special place in my heart, and I would be happy to return for another language course – perhaps one focused on preparing for the DELE certificate. Next, I’m off for another three-week language stay, this time in Valencia, and after that, it’s all about preparing for my final exams and thesis defence!
¡Hasta pronto, Málaga!
If you have any other questions or want specific tips on good restaurants or accommodation, you can contact me through the IS system or on Instagram.
TIP 1: Every year, many students from Germany and the Benelux countries take the opportunity to spend three-weeks at a language course thanks to state scholarship programmes. During my first stay, I met some amazing girls from Germany, and I was sad we couldn’t spend the whole time together because I left earlier. If you enjoy socialising, I highly recommend planning your stay so that you arrive at the same time as one of these larger scholarship groups. The best times are either the last week of August, allowing for a full three-week stay, or from mid-September onwards. However, these weeks are when the school is at its busiest. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, I’d suggest going around late January or early February, between the end of the exam period and the start of the new semester.
TIP 2: Avoid the summer months, when the heat and humidity can be unbearable, tourist numbers are high, prices are inflated, and flights are more expensive.