When I moved to Barcelona to begin my TEFL course, I had already committed to an experience that went far beyond teacher training. I had enrolled in a package that combined a TEFL qualification with a Spanish language course at the connected language school, meaning that from the very start, my time in Barcelona was designed around studying Spanish whilst living in Spain.

Rather than learning the language in isolation, I was fully immersed in it — in the classroom, on the streets, and in everyday life. So when the intensive TEFL training came to an end, continuing straight on to the Spanish language school felt like a natural progression and the beginning of a deeper cultural and linguistic immersion.

Starting My Spanish Journey at B2.1 (Intermediate)

When I began the Spanish course, my level was B2.1. I could communicate reasonably well, but I lacked the confidence and fluency to feel truly at ease. Conversations often required conscious effort, and expressing more complex ideas still felt frustratingly out of reach.

My goal wasn’t just to “get by” in Spanish. I wanted to live in the language — to think, connect, and express myself naturally.

An Immersive Language Learning Experience

From the outset, the language school offered a deeply immersive approach to learning Spanish. Classes focused not only on grammar and vocabulary, but on real-life communication. We debated topics, shared opinions, learned idiomatic expressions, and practised the kind of Spanish people actually use in everyday situations.

Slowly but surely, the mental barrier I had around speaking began to dissolve. The more I spoke, the less I overthought, and the more confident I became.

Learning Spanish Through Culture and History

One of the most memorable aspects of the course was the cultural immersion built into the learning experience. The guided history tours around Barcelona were far more than sightseeing. They were interactive lessons in Spanish, culture, and identity.

Walking through the Gothic Quarter while learning about Catalan history, architecture, and traditions in Spanish brought the language to life in a way no textbook ever could. Spanish stopped being something I was studying and became something I was actively participating in.

Living in Barcelona While Studying Spanish

Living in Barcelona while studying Spanish accelerated my progress in ways that felt almost effortless over time. Every interaction became practice — ordering coffee, chatting with neighbours, asking for directions, and making friends.

Mistakes were inevitable, but they stopped feeling embarrassing and instead became part of the learning process. Being surrounded by the language daily helped me build resilience, adaptability, and confidence — not just linguistically, but personally as well.

Building Friendships That Last a Lifetime

The people I met during those six months were another defining part of the experience. Students from all over the world came together with a shared goal: to learn Spanish, connect with others, and immerse themselves in a new culture.

Many of those connections quickly turned into friendships that extended far beyond the classroom. We studied together, explored the city together, and supported each other through the ups and downs of living abroad. These are friendships I know will last a lifetime.

Reaching C1 Level Spanish (Advanced)

By the end of the course, I had reached a C1 level of Spanish. More importantly, I felt genuinely comfortable in the language. I could express myself clearly, understand nuance, hold deeper conversations, and move through daily life with confidence.

Spanish no longer felt like something I had to translate in my head — it flowed naturally.

A Complete TEFL and Language Learning Experience

Looking back, continuing on to the language school after my TEFL course was one of the most valuable parts of my experience in Barcelona. It allowed me to fully integrate into life in the city rather than remain a visitor passing through.

The combination of TEFL training, Spanish language learning, and cultural immersion created a strong foundation that continues to support me today. If the TEFL course gave me the tools to teach abroad, the language course gave me the confidence to belong abroad.

Together, they transformed my time in Barcelona into a chapter of growth, connection, and self-discovery — one I’ll always be grateful for.

By Hannah Welsh