Madrid has a number of options for those looking to study Spanish in the capital, from university courses and Spanish language schools to your own private teacher. There is probably no better way to learn a language than going to that country. As the Spanish are not as willing to speak English as other Europeans, mainly because their level of English is very poor, Madrid offers an abundance of opportunities to speak and learn Spanish with everyone, from the taxi driver to the barman to people in shops.

These are some language schools that I have come across in Madrid (they are not recommendations!):

International House
elemadrid
Nebrija University
Hispania Center
Enforex
Estudio Internacional Sampere
Tandem Escuela Internacional
OISE Escuela de Español

If you’re looking to learn Spanish, and get a recgonised Spanish qualification, I would suggest that you look at taking one of the exams from the Cervantes Institute. The Institute offers 3 differerent levels of exam: Beginner’s Certificate, the Intermediate Diploma and the Advanced Diploma. The organisation has centres all over the world, which means that you can continue your studies from your own city/country.

Another way to get taught Spanish is to find a private teacher. You can do this by checking out adverts in the free classifieds paper, Segundamano; in English language papers like the Broadsheet or In-Madrid or juts taking a look at classifed ads placed in Irish and English bars, which is where you’ll actually find copies of the Broadhseet and In-Madrid.

If you’re looking for a free way of developing your language skills, especially if you’re going to be spending a long time in Madrid, then you could do far worse than arrange a language exchange. This works when 2, or more, people meet up (often in a bar or other central location) to speak in the other person’s language for an agreed amount of time. I have done a few of these and found they worked very well. You must, however, make sure that you split the time equally to get the full benefit. You may want to take a look at this website – Intercambio Esaña – which offers people help in finding Intercambios.