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Spanish Language Schools in San Sebastian

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San Sebastian

Best Spanish schools in San Sebastian by category - student age group, leisure/fun

TOP Rated by
Students < 18 years
El Aula Azul
Students < 18 years
4.6

Rating: 4.6

(5)
TOP Rated by
Students 18-30 years
El Aula Azul
Students 18-30 years
4.8

Rating: 4.8

(19)
TOP Rated by
Students 31-49 years
El Aula Azul
Students 31-49 years
4.8

Rating: 4.8

(11)
TOP Rated by
Students 50+ years
El Aula Azul
Students 50+ years
4.8

Rating: 4.8

(34)
TOP Rated by
Students all ages
El Aula Azul
Students all ages
4.8

Rating: 4.8

(69)
TOP Rated by
Quality of teaching
#1 Tandem
Tandem
Quality of teaching
4.3

Rating: 4.3

(14)
TOP Rated by
leisure/fun
El Aula Azul
leisure/fun
4.6

Rating: 4.6

(63)
TOP Rated by
Value for money
El Aula Azul
Value for money
4.7

Rating: 4.7

(64)
TOP Rated by
Location of school
El Aula Azul
Location of school
4.9

Rating: 4.9

(66)

5 language schools in San Sebastian from 216€ for a 1 week Spanish course

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Lowest price
El Aula Azul, San Sebastian
El Aula Azul, San Sebastian
San Sebastián Escuela Internacional, San Sebastian
San Sebastián Escuela Internacional, San Sebastian
Study & Live in your Teacher's Home, San Sebastian
Study & Live in your Teacher's Home, San Sebastian
Influent, San Sebastian
Influent, San Sebastian
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Map with location of Spanish schools in San Sebastian

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San Sebastian ratings & opinions

How our students rated their experience in San Sebastian

4.8

Rating: 4.8/5.0

Overall attractiveness of San Sebastian
183 authentic ratings from students who reserved a course with us in San Sebastian
Nightlife
4.4

Rating: 4.4/5.0

Friendliness of locals
4.5

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Interesing things to do
4.6

Rating: 4.6/5.0

Geographic setting
4.8

Rating: 4.8/5.0

Public transport
4.4

Rating: 4.4/5.0

Climate
4.2

Rating: 4.2/5.0

Cleanliness
4.7

Rating: 4.7/5.0

Affordability
4.1

Rating: 4.1/5.0

Shopping
4.3

Rating: 4.3/5.0

Safety
4.7

Rating: 4.7/5.0

What our students said about San Sebastian

The city is simply gorgeous! Nestled in a mountain landscape, with three beaches right in the centre. The sea offers many activities such as surfing, kayaking, stand-up paddling or swimming. The nightlife was also great, there are lots of young people and there's actually something going on every night, especially on Friday and Saturday, of course. The prices for beer and wine seemed very reasonable to me (about 1€ for a glass of beer, 1.50€ for a glass of wine), but you had to pay more for food. Overall, the locals made a very open and warm-hearted impression on me, and it was fun to talk to them once a week at the "intercambio de las lenguas".

5.0

Rating: 5/5

Leona Germany

My favourite city in Spain! It is easily walkable to the main areas, 3 beaches all walkable from each other, in summer was nice temperatures, not too hot most days but still warm enough to want to swim at the beaches (both surf and calm bay beach) (though it rained for about a week out of the 4 weeks I was there), lots of bars, beautiful city and cool old town too. Some great day trips too to France (Biarritz, San Jean de Luz, Bayonne) and along the basque country coastline. mountains nearby. Loved it!

5.0

Rating: 5/5

Rikki Spain

We had heavy rain every day. We could see the potential of the city, which is beautiful in parts but walking outside we got soaked all the time ..even with umbrellas. Very unpleasant weather and although we were very unlucky I would never again visit this part of northern Spain in November.

4.0

Rating: 4/5

David Netherlands

It’s a beautiful city, that is larger than I remembered from my college days. Next time I will choose accommodations in the city center or over by the river for the best access to activities.

5.0

Rating: 5/5

Stephanie

It’s quite a rainy city but a good size. I found a jazz club and three bars with open mike sessions to play in and a guitar school which were all within walking distance.

5.0

Rating: 5/5

Cilla Australia

Beautiful landscapes! Unfortunately, there was little on offer for vegans and I was stared at a lot because of my somewhat funky hairstyle (very conservative?).

5.0

Rating: 5/5

Ruth Austria

Great town with lots of leisure activities: Ideal for surfing, hiking, cycling; Perfect location for day trips also to France; Clean and safe city

5.0

Rating: 5/5

Ramona Germany

It's a very pleasant, chic town with very good facilities! I tried out the cinema and the theatre (very affordable prices). I love this town

5.0

Rating: 5/5

Odile Germany

What's up with the restaurant waiters? They are very rude and the service is usually quite slow and bad. :) Everybody else was very friendly.

5.0

Rating: 5/5

Anna Finland

The city is safe, secure, and quiet. Rain is frequent, so a compact umbrella is necessary. The weather is pleasant and not overly hot.

5.0

Rating: 5/5

Seigo Japan

What language school directors said about San Sebastian

Carlos Lacunza Oyarbide

Urban beaches, spectacular hills surroundings, cultural tradition (Basque culture) and long tradition gastronomy. Safe city and all in a walking distance.

Carlos Lacunza OyarbideDirector of San Sebastián Escuela Internacional, lives in San Sebastian since 1989

Most recent student reviews of language schools in San Sebastian

Tandem

Nice, patient and competent teachers, helpful and quick administrative staff, interesting lessons, varied cultural programme, possibility to book an additional surf course. For the second year in a row, it was a really great stay.
Many thanks to all involved

19 August 2024
Course: Intensive Plus Course 25 - 3 weeks
Student age: 42 years

4.4

Rating: 4.4

| 15 reviews
RamonaTandem
San Sebastián Escuela Internacional

The teachers are excellent and the location of the school is excellent as well. The city of San Sebastian is a paradise for pedestrians. I enjoyed every minute of my stay and strongly recommend it.
I had a wonderful stay.

28 May 2024
Course: Intensive Course 20 - 4 weeks
Student age: 73 years

4.4

Rating: 4.4

| 108 reviews
San Sebastián Escuela Internacional

Great school in a really nice location (in the new location). Motivated and very professional teachers! All employees are always approachable, open and helpful with questions or problems of any kind! Colorful mix of nations and ages of students. Thanks to extracurricular activities such as joint hikes Overall, extremely pleasant and very familiar atmosphere.

28 May 2024
Course: Intensive Course 20 - 2 weeks
Student age: 59 years

4.4

Rating: 4.4

| 108 reviews
Tandem

Clean classrooms Excellent classes Friendly school teachers and staff Great atmosphere
Everyone speaks Basque, so you can learn a little Basque, such as greetings.

27 May 2024
Course: Intensive Course 22 - 2 weeks
Student age: 62 years

4.4

Rating: 4.4

| 15 reviews
SeigoTandem
El Aula Azul

Great language school with nice teachers and very good organization. They are super flexible and offer lots of activities outside of class that help deepen your Spanish.

21 May 2024
Course: Intensive Course - 1 week
Student age: 30 years

4.8

Rating: 4.8

| 69 reviews

Information about San Sebastian

Why San Sebastian? The basque city of San Sebastian is located in the northeast of Spain, close to the French border. Curled around the Bahía de La Concha rests the most pintoresque of Basque cities which is also a popular beach resort. San Sebastian is known for its Basque cuisine and pintxos (tapas) and restaurant district near the port.
Population: M  186,000
Time zone: +11h. (GMT +1)
Region: Basque Country, Gipuzkoa
Currency: EUR (1 EUR = 1.0493 USD)
Name of city in Spanish: San Sebastián
Visa: Nationals from USA do not require a visa to study short term Spanish courses up to 90 days. Check visa requirements for nationals from other countries.
Visa requirements data last updated on 04 Jun. 2024 (Source)
For the most up-to-date visa information please consult with the embassy or consulate of Spain in your country. List of embassies and consulates of Spain on the official website - Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores, Union Europea y Cooperacion.
High season: July
Low season: December
Average course price per week (High season): 269 €
Average course price per week (Low season): 247 €
Cost of Living:
  • Big Mac price (Spain average): 4.55 €
    (7% cheaper than in USA)
Mains electricity:
  • Plug Type C
  • Plug Type F
  • Residential voltage: 230 V
  • Frequency: 50 Hz
Climate Table
Legend:
Midday Temperature
Night-time Temperature
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec40 °F45 °F50 °F55 °F60 °F65 °F70 °F75 °FTemperature in °F
Water Temperature
32 °F32 °F32 °F32 °F32 °F32 °F32 °F32 °F32 °F32 °F32 °F32 °F
Rainfall
148mm124mm124mm153mm130mm94mm92mm112mm115mm155mm170mm146mm
Best time to take a language course in San Sebastian
January
San Sebastian's Day
San Sebastian's Day

20 January 2025The city celebrates its eponymous saint boisterously and loudly with a Tambourrada. More than 125 companies of drummers march in uniform through the city streets, each forming its own parade.

April
Human Rights Film Festival

April 2025This thought-provoking and inspiring event brings together film-makers, activists, and audiences from around the world to celebrate and advocate for human rights through the power of cinema.

June
San Juan Day
San Juan Day

June 2025San Juan is a Spanish tradition rooted in welcoming the arrival of summer. Families and friends gather on the beaches and in the streets to enjoy bonfires, fireworks, and Basque cuisine.

July
Heineken Jazz Festival
Heineken Jazz Festival

July 2025Known as Jazzaldia, this is Spain's first and foremost jazz festival and they always have a fabulous roster of both international and national artists. It includes free and paid events, there are indoor and outdoor stages presenting a wide variety of musical styles.

August
Semana Grande
Semana Grande

August 2025Every summer, during the middle of August, San Sebastián celebrates its "Big Week" with nightly firework displays, concerts, travelling musicians, children's games and attractions, and much more!

San Telmo Museum
San Telmo Museum
Aquarium
Aquarium
La Concha Beach
La Concha Beach
Mount Igueldo
Mount Igueldo
Mount Urgull
Mount Urgull
San Sebastián (EAS) - 15 km. from San Sebastian city center

Public transportation to city center:

Every 60 minutes, 75 minutes.

Main stops: Airport Loiu Bilbao, San Sebastián

Taxi: 20 minutes drive to city center of San Sebastian

Biarritz Pays Basque (BIQ) - 40 km. from San Sebastian city center

Public transportation to city center:

Every 30 minutes, 25 minutes.

Main stops: San Sebastián Airport EAS - Irún, Gros - San Sebastián

Every 5 minutes, 70 minutes.

Main stops: Biarritz Aéroport, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Hendaye, San Sebastián

Taxi: 60 minutes drive to city center of San Sebastian

Bilbao (BIO) - 75 km. from San Sebastian city center

Public transportation to city center:

Taxi: 75 minutes drive to city center of San Sebastian

Q&A - Questions about Spanish courses and schools in San Sebastian

  • Yes, there is a relatively modern metro called "TOPO" in San Sebastián with 2 lines, 21 stops and a route length of 29.8 KM.
    Martin Zakostelecky, LanguageCourse.Net - Apr 13, 2023
  • It is important that they build basic knowledge in general Spanish courses before they can start the DELE exam preparation. The minimum level for which a DELE exam can be taken is A2. For this level you must have followed intensive Spanish lessons for about 3 months.



    A DELE exam preparation course is usually around 4 weeks. So they could do the following to get DELE A2:

    - 2 months Intensive Course 20 (on its own or combined with private lessons for faster progress, conversation, surfing, etc.)

    - 1 month Intensive Course 20 + DELE private lessons exam preparation.
    Robin R. Pietersma, LanguageCourse.Net - May 04, 2022

FAQ - Frequently asked questions about Spanish courses in San Sebastian

  • To learn how to surf, San Sebastian (Donostia in Basque) is an excellent place to combine surfing and learning Spanish! Here's why:

    - You can find renowned surf spots (such as Zurriola Beach, La Concha Bay, Ondarreta Beach...)
    - You also have very good language schools offering surfing activities
    - There is a strong surfing community, lots of surf shops, many organised competitions and events that make it a hub for surfers in Europe.

    San Sebastian offers therefore a nice mix of active learning, cultural immersion, and fun, making it our top choice for surfing and learning Spanish in Spain.
    Madly Simba, Language Travel Consultant from LanguageCourse.Net - Nov 28, 2024
  • Unfortunately not. The individual DELE lessons and the surf course take place at the same time (around 15:00 in the afternoon). The school can maybe recommend to you a surfing school who can give classes to you later in the day, or in the weekend.
    Robin R. Pietersma, Dutch Consultant from LanguageCourse.Net - May 04, 2022

Other cities often combined with Spanish courses in San Sebastian

Bilbao (city thumbnail)Bilbao
3 Spanish schools
Malaga (city thumbnail)Malaga
20 Spanish schools
Valencia (city thumbnail)Valencia
23 Spanish schools
Zaragoza (city thumbnail)Zaragoza
1 Spanish school
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