My Spanish Learning Journey as an American Expat in Spain 🇪🇸
Hola amigos!
I can’t believe it’s already been almost two years since I officially got my visa and moved to Spain. Time really flies! As an American expat living in Barcelona, one of my biggest goals (aside from eating all the tapas) was to fully immerse myself in the culture — and that meant learning Spanish. Not just for convenience, but out of respect for the country I now call home.
But if I’m being honest… it didn’t happen right away.
Last year, I was constantly on the move — traveling non-stop and barely spending time in Barcelona. I never found the time to take proper Spanish classes. This year, though, I finally put down roots and created a home base in the city. With a more stable routine, I was finally able to commit to learning the language.
I started with private online Spanish lessons, which were super helpful for building confidence at my own pace. A few months later, I decided to level up and enroll in in-person Spanish classes at a language school in Barcelona. I ended up choosing NL College, a Spanish school in Barcelona – located in the Gràcia neighborhood, and I attended classes twice a week for about three months.
The school also offers intensive courses (20 hours a week, from Monday to Friday 09:30-13:30 and 14:00-18:00), but that didn’t quite fit my schedule or learning style. I preferred the evening classes twice a week — it felt more manageable and less overwhelming.
I’ll admit, I was a bit nervous at first about going back to a classroom setting (it’s been a while 👀), but I ended up really enjoying it. My teacher was warm, encouraging, and made the experience way more fun than I expected. The in-person vibe was totally different from my online lessons — and yes, let’s just say I preferred this teacher 😅
Outside of classes, I also used language-learning apps like Babbel, and listened to podcasts like Coffee Break Spanish on Spotify. Having multiple ways to practice definitely helped reinforce what I was learning.
My Honest Experience Learning Spanish in Barcelona
I ended up doing about 3 months of in-person Spanish classes (because of my travel schedule) at the Spanish school in Barcelona, and I also completed 30 private lessons that I spread out over six months. Between both formats, I really started noticing improvement — especially in reading, listening comprehension, and my Spanish pronunciation.
While I’m still far from fluent, I definitely feel more confident and less intimidated when speaking. If you’re also learning Spanish, here’s your reminder that progress is progress — and even the small wins matter. Be patient with yourself – a good note for my as well. 💛
Looking for a Spanish School in Barcelona or Madrid? Here’s My Rec!
If you’re based in Barcelona or Madrid, I can 100% recommend the school I attended — NL College. I took my in-person classes at their Gràcia location in Barcelona, and had such a positive experience. My teacher was kind, patient, and super motivating (which really helps when you’re nervous about speaking out loud). The staff overall was also very friendly and supportive.
The school is affordable, offers a range of class times (I did evenings twice a week), and hosts weekly social activities to help you meet others and keep practicing your Spanish in real life. It’s a great mix of learning and community.
Want to Stay in Spain Longer? You Can Get a Student Visa Through NL College
Here’s something super helpful: if you’re looking for a way to stay in Spain longer, or need to renew your existing visa, NL College also offers long-term Spanish programs that qualify for a student visa.
Many international students have successfully gotten their visas through this route — and the school provides all the official documents you need for the process, like the invitation letter, enrollment confirmation, and course program.
✈️ Applying for a Student Visa from Outside of Spain
You’ll apply through the Spanish embassy in your home country, and requirements may vary a little depending on your nationality. In general, here’s what you’ll need:
- National Visa Application Form
- Passport + copy
- Passport-sized photo
- Proof of enrollment from NL College
- Health insurance
- Proof of financial means
- Medical certificate
- Criminal record check
- Proof of accommodation
- Visa application fee
🔄 Renewing a Student Visa Within Spain
Please note, starting from May 20, 2025, language course students will no longer be able to apply for a student visa within Spain. All students must process their visa at the Spanish Consulate in their home country or country of residence. Additionally, it is possible to extend a student visa tied to a language course only once.
If you’re already in Spain and need to renew your student visa, you’ll do this through Extranjería (immigration office). The required documents usually include:
- Application form
- Passport + copy
- Proof of enrollment from NL College
- Health insurance
- Proof of financial means
- Medical certificate
- Criminal record check
- Visa application fee
If you’re planning to stay in Spain long-term, you might also want to check out my Digital Nomad Visa blog post where I break down everything you need to know about applying.
✅ Ready to Get Started?
You can begin the process by filling out this Google Form or reach out directly to Emelie, the school’s coordinator. She’s super helpful and happy to answer any questions!
📧 emelie@nlcollege.es
📲 WhatsApp: +34 664 23 26 98
Thanks for following along with my Spanish learning journey! If you’re thinking about studying Spanish in Barcelona or Madrid — whether it’s to connect more deeply with the culture, challenge yourself, or just try something new — I say go for it. You never know how far a few classes can take you 😊💬🇪🇸
XO, Nancy
