Language Learning Abroad: School vs Private Teacher
- Helery Homutov
- Jun 8
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 10
When I moved to Spain, my goal was clear: learn to speak Spanish and find a job.
My first step was an intensive Spanish course for beginners - 20 hours a week, Monday to Friday, at a local language school in Seville.
As I had no previous experience with intensive language courses, my expectations were old-school.
I imagined we'd follow a structured curriculum, start with lesson number 1, have a proper textbook, and everyone would take studying seriously….
But it wasn’t exactly like that...
What to Expect From Language Schools in Europe
Most language schools in European tourist cities work on a weekly enrollment system. You can start any Monday (absolute beginners might have different dates) and stay as long as you like.
They usually include cultural activities, and some offer visa support or host family options. There are different groups for every level, and paying upfront for a longer period typically lowers the price.
👉 TIP 1 - Try a free class first. Visit a few schools to get a feel for the vibe and teaching style.
👉 TIP 2 - When reading the reviews, check what the lowest ones are saying — sometimes the truth is hidden there.
It seems to me that these weekly-enrollment schools mainly target tourists and Erasmus students. They have great reviews, but if you dig into them, many only stayed for a week.
The whole idea seems to be about creating a fun experience. But at the same time it doesn't come at a cheap cost.
Are Intensive Language Courses Worth it?
It's a bit of a lottery - depending on the school and teacher.
What stood out most for me was the lack of classmates with the SAME MOTIVATION that I had.
For many, it was just a temporary thing — a couple of weeks studying Spanish while on Erasmus or vacation. They were more interested in the cultural experience than in committing to serious study, and most didn’t bother with homework.
Although we were all placed in the same beginner group, it quickly became obvious that some nationalities like Italians, French, and Romanians progressed much faster. As a first-time Latin language learner, I was often left with unresolved doubts.
Sure, the school was a good opportunity to socialize, but at the same time, my classmates' priorities and the daily rhythm were completely different from mine.
I wasn’t a tourist, I lived there full-time.
Why I Quit Language School
Eventually, I started questioning the ROI (return on investment) of my money and time. Back in 2017, my intensive course cost 80€/week (now it’s 175€/week at the same school).
Despite the hours, I didn't feel like I was building a strong foundation. For me, the course lacked structure, and I wanted a more serious approach. I figured out that I could spend less time but advance faster if I would have a private teacher.
So, after two months I left.
Although the school offered private classes, I had my doubts. Especially after one teacher casually mentioned that most of them didn’t have teaching background or long experience.
Alternatives for "Touristic" Language Schools
👉 TIP 3 - For more structured courses, check out local universities, cultural organizations or ask your embassy or expats group on Facebook.
Schools with a structured curriculum often follow semester systems, so research early to not miss enrollment.
You might even get a certificate - though whether it helps with job hunting depends on the school.
👉 TIP 4 - Check local youth centers or churches. They might offer free classes, and it’s a great way to meet people from different backgrounds.
Finding the Right Private Teacher
After I quit my school in Seville, I wanted an experienced teacher who was a philologist. That person appeared to me via a yellow paper ad, pinned to a wall near my home.
Her name was Laura.
Our first trial class didn’t go as planned. One of her cats 🐈⬛ had escaped just as I arrived, so we had to reschedule. But I remember how she had prepared the study room - with books and a sheet of white paper with my name written on it. I felt welcomed.
📚Before Covid, private classes often took place at the teacher’s home.
Laura was friendly and patient. She emphasized on writing, saying it was the best way to get the grammar to stick. I liked it, because writing is something I’ve always enjoyed.
We studied in a room facing an old church. Until today I remember that view because, when we started, I struggled to make eye contact while speaking. It was easier to form my thoughts while looking out the window.
We met three times a week for 1,5 hours sessions. Sadly, after four months Laura moved away, just as I was reaching intermediate level.
👉TIP 5 - If you change teachers, ask your previous one to write down all what you’ve studied. It’ll help the next teacher pick up where you left.
Using Platforms to Find a Private Teacher
To find my next teacher, I used a Spanish platform tusclasesparticulares.com.
I actually returned to it recently to find an Italian teacher. Some things have changed and now there is a fee to contact teachers. But compared to italki or Preply, it doesn't tie me to any paid subscriptions or credit packages.
You find a teacher, exchange contacts, schedule the trial lesson and pay the teacher directly.
On tusclasesparticulares.com, experienced Spanish teachers usually start at 20€/h, but some offer lessons for as little as 6€/h.
However, I have a story to tell, related to low price...
A Lesson Learned From the 10€/h Offer
While searching for a new teacher, I contacted about 5 of them. Although I knew what I was looking for, I was still tempted to see what I’d get for a cheaper price. So, I booked a free trial with a woman who charged only 10€/hour.
Madre mia! I still remember that..
I rang the doorbell and a man answered. I thought I was at the wrong place or even worse, that it was a scam😁. He turned out to be the teacher’s boyfriend.
If my previous experience had been peaceful and private at Laura’s, this was the complete opposite. I was sitting in an open kitchen living room, where the boyfriend was cooking at the same time while we had class.
The teacher seemed younger than me and started explaining her teaching methods on a small blackboard. I remember she eagerly recommended that I'd watch “La Casa de Papel” on Netflix.
It wasn’t the experience I was looking for. I messaged her the next day saying I wasn’t interested. She replied with a bunch of surprised emojis 😮😮 and lots of question marks: “Y eso???????????” ("how come?")
Amongst the 5 teachers I had contacted, there was one called Ana, who replied to my message differently than anyone else. She first complimented my Spanish, explained the dynamics of her class and invited me to a free trial lesson.
👉TIP 6 - Always try a free trial class and ask about teaching methods, study material, how & when the homework will be corrected.
My Teacher Shares Her Best Tips on Language Learning
My experience with Ana was something different - I not only studied Spanish but also learned so much about women in history. Today, she runs the only language school in Spain that teaches Spanish through feminism.
She was a teacher who helped me find confidence in speaking and prepared me successfully for DELE B2 exam.
I decided to interview her, so you could also get an expert view and best tips on language learning.
Stay tuned to my next blog post...
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