Ok, I've been reading this board for a while and was hoping that you guys could give me some advice. I've been searching through language schools and university abroad programs and have come to the conclusion that language schools tend to be cheaper. The exception is Complutense, which offers Spanish Courses for Foreigners at a much cheaper price than anything I've found so far. Does anyone know if this is a good program? Would I learn more spanish out of a program like this or through a language school? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Kimberly

Hey Kim, glad you finally decided to join and post, don't be a stranger

I would go with the "Cursos para Extranjeros" at the Complutense, you will find that it is more of an acredited course than just going to a language school.

If you do decide to use a language school jowever, give www-elemadrid.com a good look.

The reason why the private language schools here as well as the Complutense courses are cheaper than the U.S. study abroad program is that they are either not acredited or are only partially accepted in the U.S.

So, if you just want to learn Spanish to learn Spanish, it would be better to hit the Complutense or a private language school here in Spain but if you want to have a "degree" that will get you places in the U.S. then a study abroad program via an American University is the way to go about it.

Saludos & let us know what you decide on,
jer...

Hi Jer, I will have my degree by the end of May, so that is not an issue. I just want to learn Spanish and experience a new culture. What I really wanted to know is if I will learn at Complutense. I have read past posts and a lot of people have said that classes are big and not very personal. I want to know if it would be to my advantage to go to a language school or study at Complutense. I am actually leaning toward Complutense right now because it seems to be the cheaper option. Thanks for any replies!

Hey mach5, hmmmmmmmm... have a look at the class sizes of the "Cursos para Extranjeros" at Complutense, I have never taken those classes (did my Masters here through Middlebury College study abroad) but I am sure they are much bigger than the private language schools which limit their classes to from 4-8 students (normally). So, due to the nature of the private lang. schools and their smaller classes you will get more personalized attention there.

Another option might be to do the Complutense course and then complement it with either a private one-to-one Spanish teacher (plenty yo choose form on MY CLASSIFIEDS SECTION HERE) or at a private language school.

Mix them so to speak

Saludos,
jer...

I studied at the Complutense some 14 years ago in the espa�ol para extranjeros program. The posts that you have read are correct. The classes are very large and for the most part impersonal. The advantage of the Complutense program is that you will meet many more people from all around the world. I am still in touch with a couple of the students that I studied with (most of us are now married...some with kids!)

Fortunately the study abroad program that I was on also had me enrolled at a private language school/institute where my class sizes were at the most 10 students. The nice thing about the private language schools is that they offer "intercambios" with the Spanish students that are learning English at the same place. I met some great people that way as well...true Spaniards...and found that it was the best way to learn... by practicing.

When it comes to learning a foreign language, it�s not just what you get out of going to class or "how good the class is" but also, how much effort YOU put into the learning experience. I have seen many Americans come here for their "junior year abroad" and simply pass the year partying and end up going home not knowing too much more than when they first came. I know that such isn�t your case...but just wanted to point out that you can probably learn equally well in both programs, it just depends on your learning preferences.

Good luck!

Thanks for all the information. I have narrowed down my choices to Complutense or a cheaper language school such as Eureka. I am leaning towards Complutense because of the price and maybe take some side classes like Chica suggested. I won't be going for a while, but was wondering if it would be hard to find housing. How far in advance would I need to look? Thanks again for all the information.

Kimberly

Hi Kimberly, the big question on housing

It is very hard to find a nice affordable room in a good area of Madrid.

Eureka offers a housing service as you can see in the thread on the school HERE but in my opinion it is a bit steep pricewise.

You should also consider www.cpi-vamos.com if you want a smaller school or even some private lessons (1 to 1).

Unless you set it up through the school or university, it is VERY hard to find housing while still abroad.

If you want to look on your own, the best thing to do is to roll into town and stay at an inexpensive hostel for a bit while you look for a more permanent digs.

Here are some resources:

1) www.multimadrid.com/classifieds (rooms to rent & apartments to rent/share section)
2) www.in-madrid.com/classifieds (rooms to rent & apartments to rent/share section)
3) www.secomparte.com (only in Spanish)

Also, if you are in Madrid & see that things are tough finding a decent place, go see Donald at www.welcometomadrid.org for help. He charges 50 Euros to place you but it is often WELL worth the peace of mind it brings.

Saludos,
jer...

I'm coming to study at the don Quijote school in Salamanca in September. I will be staying with a host family and have a question for y'all. I'm from Atlanta (I've noticed quite a few Southerners on the member list) and want to know what y'all miss most about Atlanta that I might bring as a gift for my hosts? Can't bring the Atlanta Braves, but maybe pecans and peaches! In all seriousness, are there American items that you find it difficult to get in Spain that might make a nice gift? CD's, DVDs,pancake mix & fabric softener sheets? (I used to send these to my aunties in UK before the items were in their supermarkets!) Thanks!