The Perks of Learning-Language Holidays

What are you planning to do over the summer holidays? Lounge around at home? Head for some exotic beach? Or work at a summer job to get some cash together for next year at uni?

Well instead of, or maybe as well as, any of these, why not dedicate at least some of your time off to either learn Spanish or polish up your skills in the language? It’s a great way to combine a useful addition to your CV with some fun in the sun – and maybe make a few new friends in the process.

Just as there are English language schools all over the UK, with the focus on London, the same’s true for Spanish language schools in Spain. And, while you could head for Madrid for your summer school, there are far better places to go if you want to avoid the summer heat that can be quite stifling in the capital.

One of the most popular destinations is Malaga on the Costa del Sol. It’s Spain’s sixth-largest city with a population of nearly a million people, with many more visiting in the summer months.

“Málaga” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Asier Solana Bermejo

In recent years it’s become one of the most popular centres for learning Spanish and every year around 17,000 students from all round the world enrol at its many first-class language schools.

One of the great things about it is that you can choose a length of course that suits you perfectly from a week up to two months. There are also courses for every level of learner from the complete beginner to the nearly fluent who just want to perfect their language skills. Most of the schools will also arrange accommodation, generally in shared apartments, but with prices from around £100 a week it can work out as being cheaper than a holiday flat or hotel.

While the teaching will be intensive you’ll also get plenty of time off to go to the beach or explore the Andalusian countryside. Car hire at Malaga airport is very reasonably priced so driving round in a smaller car like a Fiat 500 shouldn’t dent your budget too much.

As to where to visit, you’ll be spoilt for choice. For example, around an hour’s drive along the coast road will take you to Marbella and neighbouring Puerto Banus. This is where the rich and famous head for on the coast so there may even be some celeb spotting to enjoy while you’re there. For a more low key experience, choose any of the beautiful sandy beaches that line the coast and where it’s easy to escape the crowds even in high season.

“Málaga” (CC BY 2.0) by Pinkitt

Culture vultures will also have plenty to enjoy in Malaga itself with highlights including the Picasso Museum and the Gibralfaro castle, which rewards the climb to reach it with amazing views of the city.

So why not think about a break in the sun that could be a real education too. Try it and we think your verdict will be “muy bien”!

Tags: languages, traveling

Category: Travel