Camino Barcelona Spanish language school — Local services in Barcelona

I am a 25 year old British female. I was new to learning Spanish when I arrived. As a newcomer to Spain, I was a bit nervous about travelling there alone and I was not sure what to expect from the school. After spending 7 weeks at Camino Barcelona (beginning of July to the end of August), I can definitely say that it has been one of the most enjoyable summers of my life!

Covid-19 precautions: The school is attentive to government requirements. Adequate spacing was provided for students during class and masks/visors are worn inside the buildings. Any concerns regarding the dangers of the virus were addressed promptly.

I chose Camino because of the other Google reviews, the activities they provide and the availability of accommodation. After my stay, there are many more reasons why I would recommend Camino Barcelona. Please see below:

Activities - Camino provides activities on a daily basis, so there is always something to do. Most of the activities are free and they are good quality. Activities range from city tours where you can learn about the history of certain areas to paella which is cooked on the rooftop of the school (personal favourite!) and we also did paddle boarding to watch the sunrise. All activities are organised very well and the tutors take very good care of the students. They are appropriate for all ages.

Accommodation - One of the main reasons I chose Camino was because of the Accommodation. I believe it is the only school in BCN with on-site accommodation. This was very useful for me for both safety (I didn't know BCN very well) and social (to get to know other students). The classrooms are very close to the accommodation, and the school/accommodation are located in very safe places in the city - I never had any problems even walking at night alone as there were always cafes open late and people walking around). The accommodation itself is of a high standard - They are cleaned twice a week, are quiet and have WiFi. If anything is wrong with the apartments, the staff are very quick to help - My shower broke during my stay and they had it fixed on the same day with no extra cost for me.

Professors - The professors are incredibly friendly, funny and full of life! They make the lessons so enjoyable. During my stay I was taught by Xavier, Tamara, Laura G, Noelia, David and Marina. I had intensive, conversation and private classes. The professors put a lot of effort into shaping the lessons to the specific needs of the individuals in the class. The private classes are especially bespoke and I would highly recommend them. If you feel you need to move up or down a level, this can be adjusted. The professors are all living in Barcelona and know the area very well, many gave me suggestions on interesting things to do around the city!

Administration staff - The administration staff helped my stay go as smoothly as possible. They are very friendly and will take action as quickly as possible. All of the admin staff speak fluent English which made things a lot easier for me as a beginner!

The vibe/the students - The atmosphere here is good. I met so many students from around the world and everyone that I met here was friendly. Everyone wants to have a good time. Whether you are looking for a more relaxed trip (tasting local foods, reading on the beach) or more of a party holiday (going to bars, clubs), there will be groups of people and opportunities for whatever you want. Students come from all ages, I think the youngest person I met was 12 and that age ranged all the way up into 60+. The majority of people that I socialised with were in their 20s, but there are so many students that it isn't hard to make friends whatever age you are.

I had a truly memorable experience here and no doubt will return again soon....

If you’re thinking about learning Spanish and want to have a blast doing it, then look no further than Camino Barcelona! I can honestly say this place exceeded all my expectations and transformed my Spanish skills from a basic level to fluent, all while making learning incredibly fun and engaging. First of all, let’s talk about the teachers – they are absolute legends. From the very first lesson, I felt welcomed and supported. The teaching staff here are not just teachers, they’re language experts and passionate educators who truly care about your progress. They blend grammar and vocabulary with real-world conversations in a way that makes you feel like you're learning without even realizing it. Every lesson was dynamic, full of energy, and tailored to each student’s needs. It’s not just about memorizing words, it’s about connecting with the language on a deeper level. I went from barely understanding Spanish to comfortably chatting with locals, handling all situations, and even joking around in fluent Spanish — and I did all of that thanks to the personalized approach of the teachers. The activities at Camino Barcelona are something else! They offer a perfect balance between learning and exploring. Every week, there was a cultural activity—whether it was a fun trip to Park Güell, a cooking class where we learned to make paella, or a Spanish cinema night with discussions in Spanish afterward. These experiences were not only exciting but also gave me the perfect opportunity to practice what I had learned in class with real conversations outside of the classroom. I loved how each activity was designed to expose us to the culture of Spain while enhancing our language skills. It never felt like a typical “classroom” environment. Instead, it felt like an immersive experience where I was learning Spanish through life. And don’t get me started on the location — Barcelona is the perfect backdrop to this incredible learning experience. The school itself is in an ideal spot, close to beautiful parks, markets, and the beach, so whether you have a lunch break or a free afternoon, there’s always something to explore and practice your Spanish in real-life situations. There’s also an amazing community of students from all over the world, making the experience even richer. Whether you're chatting with fellow learners or practicing your skills in the vibrant, cosmopolitan city of Barcelona, you’re constantly surrounded by Spanish, helping you improve day by day. The school’s approach to language learning is completely immersive. The lessons are structured but interactive – no boring memorization here! We learned through games, debates, group activities, and even role-playing real-life scenarios, so I felt ready for everything from ordering at a restaurant to negotiating with a local vendor. And let’s talk about the progress: I started off with some basic Spanish skills and left after only a few months speaking at a B2 level! It’s like I unlocked a whole new world, one where I can have full conversations, express myself clearly, and even joke around in Spanish with complete confidence. One of the things I appreciated the most was the support that was always there. Whether I had a question or just needed some extra practice, the teachers were always available and eager to help. I never felt rushed or pressured, and it was clear that the whole school genuinely wants you to succeed. The positive atmosphere here really makes a difference – I’ve never had such a rewarding and encouraging learning experience. It’s clear to me that Camino Barcelona isn’t just about language; it’s about connecting with the culture, making lifelong memories, and becoming part of a...

There are pros and cons to this Language School. I think it's important to give feedback and to be honest. As a student who isn't locked in by visa, I just have a few points to make. I must admit, the webpage is impressive. Especially the reviews, however all I can do is write MY experience and how it differed, in process and reality to what I was led to believe. For my level test, I was walked upstairs, stood in front of a teacher (in an open area with two other people present) and asked three questions. I left...placed in B1. In the elevator on the way down, I even asked the Intern "How do they know with just three sentences?" She just shrugged. This was a HUGE red flag from the very second, I realised what was going on. There is no text. You can purchase the textbook, but they are expensive so when it says "all learning materials provided," it’s very, very minimal. It's a photocopied handout per class (the photocopy even includes the staple.) Nothing for you to read in depth. No grammar and no structure. Nothing to take home and review with any certainty. You miss your notes...you're in trouble. There is no structure. Objectives were not on website until a student alerted them to this. You don't seem to know what you are up to from one day to the next. This frustrates most students; you hear the murmurs and the students talk to each other. But as stated 1. They have already paid. and 2. A lot of the students are on visas. Easier to not rock the boat. The teachers vary but are overall friendly. But they are rushed. Conversation time is so closely monitored, convo for three minutes then it’s shut down. Probably due to the large number of students they are pushing through. Only three times I did approach the teachers after class, they couldn't have left the room fast enough. One of them literally nearly tripped over a chair to get out of the room! Maybe its just me lol Students provide feedback largely around activities. However, for people here with children and those kind of restrictions...this does nothing for us. Salsa classes? Tours? I didn't need them, but they inspire good reviews. Fair enough. Every week, sometimes every day, new students, new teachers and they revolve quickly. So, I chose to leave Camino. I know I will lose money but to be honest, but I am fortunate enough to take the hit and seek something a little more structured. I felt I learnt more about speaking Spanish by just being in Spain, then I have my entire month at Camino. Am I saying don't chose Camino? No. BUT...be aware of what it involves. Do a trial day first. Do a trial class before payment. Ask about class structures and objectives. Enquire about learning materials and how closely your progress will be monitored. Don't become "just another student number." AND insist on proper...