Spain | San Sebastian | Intensive Spanish Course

Location

San Sebastián, nestled on Spain’s northern coast in the heart of the Basque Country, is a city that seamlessly blends cultural prestige with laid-back charm. Named the European Capital of Culture in 2016, it’s a place where locals proudly share their traditions, and people of all ages gather to enjoy its lively streets and seaside views. Known worldwide for hosting the San Sebastián International Film Festival, the city is also a haven for surfers drawn to its rolling waves and beach lifestyle. Food lovers flock here to experience pintxos, the Basque take on tapas, and to dine in a city that boasts second most Michelin stars per capita after Kyoto in Japan. With its warm atmosphere and unique mix of culture, cuisine, and coastal energy, San Sebastián is a destination that captures the heart of every visitor.

Language Course

The core course comprises of 20 lessons taught during the mornings across Monday-Friday.

In addition, there is the option to add ten or five individual 1:1 lessons which take place during the afternoon with a private tutor, these enable you to work on a specific topic or practice a particular language skill.
You also have the option to boost your learning with 10 mini group afternoon sessions, each of 45 minutes length (groups of 3-8 students.

Why not learn Spanish in the morning and surf in the afternoon? Take an option to add 5 hours of Surf per week.

You will be given a written assessment before you travel and an online speaking assessment before your course begins.

Once your level of Spanish and class have been established you will be invited to purchase the text for your lessons. From B1 onwards, the textbook is included but for levels below this will be invited to buy a textbook for 30€. There is also an option to borrow these textbooks with a 50€ cash deposit.

Optional Social and Cultural Programme

The school offers a range of activities during the week and longer full-day excursions at weekends. Depending on the activity, these are available for free or a small charge and can booked at reception during your stay. The activities are introduced during the induction session on the first day of the course. While the programme varies from week to week, a typical week might include:

• Walking tours of the Monte Ulia along the Camino de Santiago routes
• Cultural exchange meetings at a local cafe
• Walking tour in San Sebastian
• Pintxos tour
• Barbecue on the school Terrace
• Visit to the San Telmo Museum
• Excursions to Zarautz, Victoria, Bilbao, Pamplona, Biarritz and many more

Accommodation

For students wanting to immerse themselves in the Spanish language and culture we recommend a stay in host accommodation with one of our carefully selected Spanish hosts. They not only introduce the Spanish way of life and help practise the Spanish language, but also give a taste of local and delicious regional specialities. Host accommodation is situated within 30 minutes’ journey time of the school. Half-board accommodation is provided (breakfast & evening meal) from the Sunday before the course starts to the Saturday after it finishes. Subject to availability, an extra day on one end of the trip may be available on request to facilitate flight dates.

Students aged 18 or older also have the option of staying in one of the school’s self catering shared apartments with either other students from the language school or other spanish students. This accommodation has a communal bathroom and kitchen. Occupancy may range from one to four students, depending on the season.

Transfers

San Sebastián is well connected to the rest of Spain and beyond via public transport. You can use bus and train links to major cities allow you to travel to the city easily from anywhere! Regular public buses also run from the local airports to San Sebastián.

Private transfers can also be arranged for a fee from Bilbao, Biarritz or San Sebastián airports or Irun / Hendaye train stations direct to your accommodation.

Availability

Language courses

Monday–Friday all year (closed over Christmas)

Accommodation

Sunday–Saturday

School Closures 2025

School Closures 2026

Insurance

Travel and Medical Insurance is available as an optional extra with this package. For more details please see our Insurance page.