Frequently Asked Questions
Want to learn more? Here are some answers to our most common questions.
The level test is required to start a course and has two parts. The first is free and done online, from our website: you answer 33 questions that get progressively harder, they are marked automatically, and you see your result at the end. You can take it with no commitment, even if you are not going to enrol.
To start a course, you then complete the test with a short written task and a free conversation with our team, which sets your level and the module you start in. If the level does not suit you once the course begins, you can change group.
To start a course, you then complete the test with a short written task and a free conversation with our team, which sets your level and the module you start in. If the level does not suit you once the course begins, you can change group.
No. At Iberia Language Academy we have an in-house library, which means that all the books you need are provided during the class, as well as worksheets and study material to take home. You will be given a book to use during class, but the books are for all the students and should not be marked or written on. If you would your own personal book for study, you can either purchase a digital version for approximately 25€, or a physical one for 30€.
The class size varies, but typically there are around 4 to 10 students per class. The maximum permitted is 12. This allows for a dynamic and interactive learning environment.
Your classmates will be other students from diverse backgrounds and nationalities who are also studying Spanish at Iberia Language Academy. It provides a multicultural and immersive learning experience, where you are encouraged to speak only Spanish and class.
Yes. There are two, and they attest different things.
Certificate of attendance
Records the hours you attended, including the module and dates. It says nothing about your level or results. You can download it from the portal at any time, during or after the course, regardless of your attendance or marks.
Certificate of achievement
Confirms that you completed a module and reached its level. You must:
The 80% is calculated against the module's total hours, not the classes you were enrolled for. So if you join a module halfway through, you can receive its certificate of attendance, but not its certificate of achievement because there are not enough remaining hours to reach 80%. If you start the next module from the beginning, complete it and pass the exam, you can receive its certificate of achievement.
Digital certificates are free. A printed and stamped copy costs €15. Certificates of achievement are issued within nine working days of the final exam.
Neither certificate is a DELE certificate. The DELE is an official Instituto Cervantes qualification obtained by taking the separate DELE examination.
Certificate of attendance
Records the hours you attended, including the module and dates. It says nothing about your level or results. You can download it from the portal at any time, during or after the course, regardless of your attendance or marks.
Certificate of achievement
Confirms that you completed a module and reached its level. You must:
- attend at least 80% of the module's total hours
- complete the final exam
- obtain at least 60/100
The 80% is calculated against the module's total hours, not the classes you were enrolled for. So if you join a module halfway through, you can receive its certificate of attendance, but not its certificate of achievement because there are not enough remaining hours to reach 80%. If you start the next module from the beginning, complete it and pass the exam, you can receive its certificate of achievement.
Digital certificates are free. A printed and stamped copy costs €15. Certificates of achievement are issued within nine working days of the final exam.
Neither certificate is a DELE certificate. The DELE is an official Instituto Cervantes qualification obtained by taking the separate DELE examination.
To read more about our certificates, see our certificates page.
Our teachers have Spanish as a mother tongue or hold an accredited C1 or above, and they have a university degree plus specialist training in teaching Spanish as a foreign language, from a master's or a postgraduate course. You can see each person's training on the team page.
Yes. We offer all members of our student community a free monthly 15-minute one-on-one tutoring service with the academic coordinator, where you can ask questions about your course, clarify doubts about specific content (grammar, vocabulary, conversation, etc.), or receive personalised advice on how to improve your Spanish. You book it from the portal or by emailing academic coordination at coordinacion@ilabarcelona.com. If you would rather talk to your teacher, ask them directly.
Schedule changes are subject to availability. Please contact the coordination team as soon as possible to discuss your request and explore the available options.
Our morning classes generally happen in the morning, from 09:30 - 13:30, conversation classes from 14:00 - 15:00, and evening courses from 18:05 - 20:00
Yes, you can extend your Spanish course. Please contact the coordination team to discuss the details and available options.
Yes, you are welcome to do a trial class before you sign up.
No, our courses do not count for university credits.
Our students range from 19 to 79 years old. The median age is 33, and almost half are between 25 and 34.
Yes, if you feel that the assigned class level does not suit your proficiency, you can discuss your concerns with the coordination team. They will assess your skills and, if necessary, make arrangements to transfer you to a more appropriate level.
The duration to complete one level varies depending on several factors, including your prior knowledge, language learning abilities, and the intensity of your study. Here you have a detailed table with the number or hours of study required to pass each level: https://iberialanguageacademy.com/course-programme/
Iberia Language Academy offers different levels of Spanish courses ranging from beginner (A1) to advanced (C1). The specific levels we work with are: A1.1 - beginner 1 A1.2 - beginner 2 A2.1 - pre-intermediate 1 A2.2 - pre-intermediate 2 A2.2+ - pre-intermediate 3 B1.1 - intermediate 1 B1.1+ - intermediate 2 B1.2 - intermediate 3 B1.2+ - intermediate 4 B2.1 - upper intermediate 1 B2.1+ - upper intermediate 2 B2.2 - upper intermediate 3 B2.2+ - upper intermediate 4 C1.1 - advanced 1 C1.1+ - advanced 2 C1.2 - advanced 3 C1.2+ - advanced 4
We use the ‘Aula’ series of textbooks, but the teachers also create a variety of material tailored to each level of the course.
We use a communicative approach, focused on learning Spanish through real-life communication from day one.
Classes are mainly conducted in Spanish and supported by visual grammar techniques, clear structure, and level-based progression to ensure steady, practical progress.
Yes. You are assessed continuously throughout the course, and there is an exam at the end of each module. A module is 40 teaching hours up to B1, 60 hours at B2 and 80 hours at C1. The results and your teacher's feedback show you what you have consolidated and what still needs work.
No. Part-time courses, which meet on Mondays and Wednesdays or on Tuesdays and Thursdays, start on a Monday or a Tuesday, depending on the group; all other courses start on a Monday. That way the whole group starts on the same day.
Our Intensive courses (20 hours/week) are typically recommended for those who wish to make rapid progress in Spanish. These courses involve more hours of instruction per week, providing a concentrated and immersive learning experience.
The duration of classes required to reach a suitable level of Spanish for studying a Master's degree in a Spanish university may vary depending on your starting proficiency and the language requirements of the specific program. It is recommended to consult the language requirements of the university and the Master's program you are interested in, as they may have specific language proficiency criteria. Based on those requirements, the administration can guide you on the estimated duration of classes needed to achieve the desired level.
Reception is open Monday to Friday, from 09:30 to 18:30, in person and online. Classes run Monday to Friday between 09:30 and 20:00. The school is closed at weekends and on public holidays.
We answer any message within 24 hours on working days, and in every case within 48 hours of receiving it.
We answer any message within 24 hours on working days, and in every case within 48 hours of receiving it.
Reception, admissions and administration attend in Spanish and English, whether you come in person or write to us by email or WhatsApp.
This website is published in eight languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Turkish and Russian. The orientation video you watch when you enrol is subtitled in all eight, and the enrolment form can be completed in Spanish or in English, whichever suits your level. Classes themselves are taught in Spanish from the first day, including at A1.
This website is published in eight languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Turkish and Russian. The orientation video you watch when you enrol is subtitled in all eight, and the enrolment form can be completed in Spanish or in English, whichever suits your level. Classes themselves are taught in Spanish from the first day, including at A1.
The school observes every national, regional and local public holiday. Classes that fall on a public holiday are not taught and are not made up.
School closures work differently: those days are made up, so your course runs longer and you lose none of the hours you paid for. The school closes at Easter and at Christmas. In the 2026-2027 year, the last class before Christmas is Friday 18 December 2026 and classes resume on Monday 11 January 2027.
For the rest of 2026 there is no class on Thursday 24 September (la Mercè), Monday 12 October, Tuesday 8 December and Friday 25 December.
In 2027 there is no class on Friday 1 January, Wednesday 6 January, Friday 26 March (Good Friday), Monday 29 March (Easter Monday), Monday 17 May (Whit Monday), Thursday 24 June (Sant Joan), Friday 24 September (la Mercè), Tuesday 12 October, Monday 1 November, Monday 6 December and Wednesday 8 December. The remaining 2027 holidays fall on a Saturday.
The calendar with all the dates of your course is published in the portal from the day you enrol and, if you ask, admissions will send it to you beforehand.
School closures work differently: those days are made up, so your course runs longer and you lose none of the hours you paid for. The school closes at Easter and at Christmas. In the 2026-2027 year, the last class before Christmas is Friday 18 December 2026 and classes resume on Monday 11 January 2027.
For the rest of 2026 there is no class on Thursday 24 September (la Mercè), Monday 12 October, Tuesday 8 December and Friday 25 December.
In 2027 there is no class on Friday 1 January, Wednesday 6 January, Friday 26 March (Good Friday), Monday 29 March (Easter Monday), Monday 17 May (Whit Monday), Thursday 24 June (Sant Joan), Friday 24 September (la Mercè), Tuesday 12 October, Monday 1 November, Monday 6 December and Wednesday 8 December. The remaining 2027 holidays fall on a Saturday.
The calendar with all the dates of your course is published in the portal from the day you enrol and, if you ask, admissions will send it to you beforehand.
Come ten minutes before your first class. Reception welcomes you, introduces you to your teacher and to the rest of your group, and gives you the wifi details. After that first class, reception asks you how it went and answers anything you are unsure about. If something does not fit, your level, your timetable or your group, tell reception: it reaches academic coordination the same day.
You will already know the school before you arrive. The conversation that completes the level test, with a member of our team, is held before the course starts and outside class hours, and in it we explain how the courses are structured and what the school offers. When you pay, you receive your course details and your access to the portal, where a short orientation video shows you the building and the rooms you will be using.
You will already know the school before you arrive. The conversation that completes the level test, with a member of our team, is held before the course starts and outside class hours, and in it we explain how the courses are structured and what the school offers. When you pay, you receive your course details and your access to the portal, where a short orientation video shows you the building and the rooms you will be using.
We ask you to treat your classmates, your teachers and the staff with consideration, whatever their background, their culture or their level of Spanish; to use language that does not offend; and to take part, because a class works better when everybody contributes. Classes start on time, so arrive a few minutes early. Keep your phone on silent and use it in class only for learning, with your teacher's agreement.
Iberia Language Academy does not tolerate harassment, discrimination or intimidation of any kind. That includes offensive remarks about race, gender, sexual orientation, religion or nationality, unwanted physical contact or verbal abuse, and disruptive or aggressive behaviour in class or during school activities. Report anything of the sort to a member of staff or to the management as soon as it happens: it is treated confidentially and dealt with without delay.
Iberia Language Academy does not tolerate harassment, discrimination or intimidation of any kind. That includes offensive remarks about race, gender, sexual orientation, religion or nationality, unwanted physical contact or verbal abuse, and disruptive or aggressive behaviour in class or during school activities. Report anything of the sort to a member of staff or to the management as soon as it happens: it is treated confidentially and dealt with without delay.
You also undertake to attend your classes and to tell us when you cannot. You do that from the portal, under 'Report an absence', which reaches your teacher and leaves a record; the teacher then sends you the material for the session. Group classes cannot be made up or moved to another day. Attendance counts towards your certificate. The certificate of achievement has three requirements: attending at least 80 % of the module's hours, sitting the final exam in full, and passing it with at least 60 out of 100.
Our Spanish courses for adults are for students aged 18 and over; children and teenagers have their own separate programme. There is no academic requirement to enrol. What determines your place is the level test, which is required: its oral part, a conversation with our team, sets the group that is right for you. Groups have a maximum of twelve students, and eight on DELE preparation courses. When a group is full, new requests for that level and timetable go on a waiting list, and admissions tells you your position and how long you are likely to wait.
The school reserves the right to remove from the course and from the premises anyone whose conduct is unacceptable and affects the staff or other students. In that case the amounts paid are not refunded. This is set out in the student contract, which you read and sign when you enrol.
The school reserves the right to remove from the course and from the premises anyone whose conduct is unacceptable and affects the staff or other students. In that case the amounts paid are not refunded. This is set out in the student contract, which you read and sign when you enrol.
On the enrolment form you can say, voluntarily and in confidence, whether you need any adaptation in order to follow the classes, or whether there is a personal, emotional or cultural factor that you think may affect your learning. If you did not flag it when you enrolled, you can open the questionnaire yourself from the portal at any point in the course.
When you do, a learning-support questionnaire opens in your portal. It asks about the difficulties you are finding and the adaptations you may need, and also about how you feel speaking Spanish in front of others, how much you worry about making mistakes, how you are settling into the city, and whether you would like to talk to someone. Answering is voluntary and you can leave blank anything you would rather not answer.
The answers are read by the academic director, who decides what support to put in place and passes it to academic coordination when the arrangement requires it. They are not shared with your teacher without your consent. If the situation calls for it we can point you towards specialist services outside the school; those referrals are always voluntary and made with your explicit consent.
Every student also has access to a free fifteen-minute tutorial each month with the academic coordinator, booked from the portal, which you can use for anything to do with the course, including things you would rather not raise with your teacher.
When you do, a learning-support questionnaire opens in your portal. It asks about the difficulties you are finding and the adaptations you may need, and also about how you feel speaking Spanish in front of others, how much you worry about making mistakes, how you are settling into the city, and whether you would like to talk to someone. Answering is voluntary and you can leave blank anything you would rather not answer.
The answers are read by the academic director, who decides what support to put in place and passes it to academic coordination when the arrangement requires it. They are not shared with your teacher without your consent. If the situation calls for it we can point you towards specialist services outside the school; those referrals are always voluntary and made with your explicit consent.
Every student also has access to a free fifteen-minute tutorial each month with the academic coordinator, booked from the portal, which you can use for anything to do with the course, including things you would rather not raise with your teacher.
We ask you at four points. After your first class, reception asks how it went. At the end of your first week, admissions sends you a short follow-up message about your group, your level and your timetable. When you reach twenty taught hours, you receive a short satisfaction survey; in the last week of your course, a longer final one.
The surveys ask about the teaching and the teachers, the materials, how the course is organised, the administrative service, the state of the building and its resources, and the cultural activities and other services. Your teacher sees the results without your name attached; the academic director and the coordination team see the full answer, so that they can come back to you when a case calls for it. If you would rather we replied, sign your answer.
The academic director and the school director read the responses together each month, note what recurs, and take it to the team meetings, from which come the adjustments to the teaching programme, to the service, to the resources or to the building.
The surveys ask about the teaching and the teachers, the materials, how the course is organised, the administrative service, the state of the building and its resources, and the cultural activities and other services. Your teacher sees the results without your name attached; the academic director and the coordination team see the full answer, so that they can come back to you when a case calls for it. If you would rather we replied, sign your answer.
The academic director and the school director read the responses together each month, note what recurs, and take it to the team meetings, from which come the adjustments to the teaching programme, to the service, to the resources or to the building.
The main channel is the portal, under 'Something not right?', from which you can send any suggestion, complaint or formal claim and then follow how it is being dealt with. The noticeboard in the school carries a QR code that opens the same form without needing to log in. You can also speak to reception or administration in person during opening hours, and the official complaint and claim forms of the Generalitat de Catalunya are available at reception on request.
We confirm we have received your message within five working days and answer within one month, having looked into the case with everyone involved and keeping it confidential throughout. The first response comes from the area concerned: academic coordination if the matter is academic, administration if it is administrative, admissions if it concerns your enrolment. If it is not resolved there it goes to the academic director.
Complaints are dealt with respectfully, impartially and promptly, and nobody is treated differently for having made one. If we cannot reach an agreement, you can take the case to the out-of-court dispute resolution procedure of the European Consumer Centre, through the form at cec.consumo.gob.es.
We confirm we have received your message within five working days and answer within one month, having looked into the case with everyone involved and keeping it confidential throughout. The first response comes from the area concerned: academic coordination if the matter is academic, administration if it is administrative, admissions if it concerns your enrolment. If it is not resolved there it goes to the academic director.
Complaints are dealt with respectfully, impartially and promptly, and nobody is treated differently for having made one. If we cannot reach an agreement, you can take the case to the out-of-court dispute resolution procedure of the European Consumer Centre, through the form at cec.consumo.gob.es.
Many of them are free. Others have a small cost that covers the food, the drinks or the entrance ticket, and the price is always shown when we announce the activity. Taking part is always voluntary.
Yes. They run in class time with your whole group, so they take none of your own time and there is nothing extra to pay. Your teacher adapts the tasks to your group's level.
Through the ILA portal, which manages the places and, when the activity needs it, the payment. You can also sign up at reception. We announce every activity in class, in the portal and on the noticeboards in the school.
In most cases yes. Ask when you sign up.
Each activity needs a minimum of three people. If we do not reach it we cancel the activity, tell you at least 24 hours in advance and refund you in full. If you have signed up and then cannot come, let us know at least 24 hours before and we refund you. For the day trips run with an outside provider the deadline is 7 days, because the coach and the tickets are booked in advance; with less notice we cannot refund you.
You’ll be in a shared apartment with other students, ex-students or locals, with all the facilities you’d expect from a modern flat: a fully equipped kitchen, a washing machine and wifi. You will have your own single bedroom with clean bedding, a desk and full use of the common areas. As soon as your accommodation is confirmed, our coordinator sends you the address, the journey to the school and everything you need before you travel.
Within 40 minutes of the school on foot or by public transport. Barcelona’s public transport is very good and cheap, so you’ll usually be within a ten-minute walk of a metro station.
You will be housed with other students or ex-students living in Barcelona. If you’re keen on practising your Spanish, then you can also request to be housed with a local. Living with people who already know the city is a great way to get to know the neighbourhood and meet a few people too.
While the school provides accommodation options, if you prefer to look for your own accommodation, you are free to do so and we can share useful links and information with you to help you in your search.
Yes, all utility bills are included. Electricity, water, gas, internet, etc. Food, meals and public transport are not included.
It may be possible. Email us at alojamiento@ilabarcelona.com with your dates and who you would be sharing with, and we will look at what is available.
Yes. Our accommodation is for students aged 18 and over, both in shared flats and with a host. We are not able to host children, and our courses for children and teenagers do not include accommodation.
Your room is available from the Sunday before your course starts, and you leave by 11:00 on the last day of your booking. If you wish to arrive earlier we can share some hotel or hostel recommendations. You can extend your stay by a month or more once your course finishes, depending on availability.
Clean bedding and towels are ready for when you arrive. You are responsible for changing your sheets and washing your clothes during your stay. There is a spare set of sheets for every room in all of the school-managed student flats.
If you are not satisfied with your accommodation, it is recommended to discuss your concerns with the accommodation coordinator. They will do their best to address your issues and, if you have a legitimate reason, we can make arrangements for a change of accommodation, subject to availability.
A bi-weekly cleaning service is included in the price, to clean the common areas (bathroom, kitchen, living room). You will be expected to clean your own room and take care of day-to-day cleaning, washing the dishes, taking out the rubbish, etc.
Yes, all our flats have a washing machine and space to dry your clothes.
The availability of air conditioning in the accommodation can vary. Some accommodations may have air conditioning, while others may not. All of our flats have fans for summer, and heaters for the winter.
Yes. Courses are paid in full before they start: your place is confirmed once we receive the full payment. We do not offer instalments or weekly payments. On the general Spanish courses the minimum enrolment is 40 teaching hours, which is a full module at A1, A2 and B1.
When you book a course we will send you a link to pay online via credit/debit card. You can also pay via bank transfer, or cash or card at the school.
If you cancel before the course starts, the school keeps part of the price according to how much notice you give: an administrative charge of €50 31 days or more before the start date; 25% of the course price between 30 and 8 days before; 50% of the course price 7 days or less before. The rest is refunded to you. Once the course has started, refunds are not given as a general rule, except where the law requires it or in cases of force majeure. All of this applies without prejudice to the 14-day right of withdrawal recognised by Spanish law. For full details, including visa refusals, please see our terms and conditions.