Many students worry about their Spanish before an internship abroad. The good news: you do not need to be fluent to get started. With some preparation and the right habits during your stay, your Spanish will grow faster than you expect.

How much Spanish do you need?

That depends on the sector and the tasks. In an international office or a hotel, English will often get you a long way. In a kitchen, a shop or a workshop, colleagues and customers mostly speak Spanish. A basic level (A1–A2 on the European scale) helps you to greet people, follow simple instructions and ask for help.

Before you leave

Learn the basics: greetings, numbers, times, directions and polite phrases.
Build a small word list for your own field, such as kitchen tools, office tasks or customer service.
Ask your school about the European Commission’s Online Language Support (OLS), which Erasmus+ participants can often use for free.
Listen to Spanish every day, for example music, podcasts or series with subtitles.

During your stay

Take Spanish lessons at the start of your internship. At Koyot Academy, our language school in Valencia, lessons are adapted to your level and your sector.
Speak Spanish with colleagues, even if it is not perfect. People appreciate the effort.
Order your lunch in Spanish: the menú del día is a great daily exercise.
Keep a notebook with new words you hear at work and review it every evening.

Spanish and Valencian

Valencia has two official languages: Spanish and Valencian. You will see both on street signs and in public buildings. Spanish is spoken everywhere, so that is the language to focus on. Learning a few words of Valencian, such as bon dia (good morning), is a nice bonus.

Add Spanish lessons to your mobility

We can include Spanish lessons at Koyot Academy in your programme, before or alongside the internship. Tell us about your group and we will prepare a proposal.

Request a proposal