+1-646 503 18 10
Favorites heart icon
Favorites heart icon
X
❮ All Spanish schools in San Sebastian
00:0000:00
 

TandemSan Sebastian, Spain

4.4

Rating: 4.4/5.0

15 students - overall rating
Pasaia Kalea, 4 - 20013 San Sebastian - see on map
What we like about the school
  • Located in a trendy and lively district close to the Zurriola surfers’ beach.
  • Optional workshops about Basque language and culture.
  • Excellent rating of student apartments
    4.8

    Rating: 4.8/5.0

  • Top rated social activities
    4.3

    Rating: 4.3/5.0

What we dislike about the school
  • Younger students should consider that the average age of students at this school is significantly higher than at most other schools.
Age of students
  Percentage of students
1-18 years 17%
18-24 years 22%
25-34 years 24%
35-50 years 19%
>50 years 18%
The average age outside summer is 4 years higher than in summer.

Location: Tandem is located in the beautiful coastal city of San Sebastian, in the autonomous Basque Country of Spain. A city famed for its cuisine, beaches, quaint old town and its surfing, San Sebastian is a fantastic location for all language-lovers and students to engross themselves in their surroundings, the Spanish language and Basque culture.

The school is located a short walk from the Zurriola beach, surrounded by cafés and fine dining, in a beautiful city with a town feel. Just a short 15-minute walk from the old town, Tandem is in a trendy and lively area, within walking distance of shops, supermarkets, nighttime entertainment and all a student may need to feel comfortable whilst studying within the city.

School facilities: The school's facilities, along with its top quality tuition and student care, have, for over 30+ years, assisted in creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere throughout the school. These facilities include a computer lab, library, free after-class access to language learning software, a lounge area, a movie room and a student support desk for any questions or queries that may arise.

Social and Cultural: Tandem promotes a social and activity programme that offers students a window into the local cultural sites, happenings and activities. These activities include trips to the beach, workshops about the Basque language and culture, Pintxo tours and more!

Spanish Courses

Show details of all courses
Typical content of a language course
General Language
Intensive Course 22Most Popular Spanish course
22 lessons per week
|
8 students (max)
In high demand!
from
195€
Course Details
Super Intensive Plus Course 28Recommended Spanish course
28 lessons per week
|
8 students (max)
from
369€
Course Details
Intensive Plus Course 25
25 lessons per week
|
8 students (max)
from
282€
Course Details
Super Intensive 30 - Bildungsurlaub
30 lessons per week
|
8 students (max)
from
399€
Course Details
Spanish and Basque Culture Experience
22 lessons per week
|
15 students (max)
Only limited places left for the summer months!
from
210€
Course Details
Mini Group Lessons 10
10 lessons per week
|
4 students (max)
from
460€
Course Details
Mini Group Lessons 15
15 lessons per week
|
6 students (max)
from
690€
Course Details
Mini Group Lessons 20
20 lessons per week
|
6 students (max)
from
920€
Course Details
Mini Group Lessons 25
25 lessons per week
|
6 students (max)
from
1150€
Course Details
Spanish Course 55+
22 lessons per week
|
8 students (max)
from
359€
Course Details
Online
Online One-to-One Lessons 10
10 lessons per week
|
1 student (max)
from
270€
Course Details
Online One-to-One Lessons 15
15 lessons per week
|
1 student (max)
from
399€
Course Details
Online One-to-One Lessons 5
5 lessons per week
|
1 student (max)
from
140€
Course Details
Private
One-to-One Lessons 10
10 lessons per week
|
1 student (max)
from
380€
Course Details
One-to-One Lessons 15
15 lessons per week
|
1 student (max)
from
570€
Course Details
One-to-One Lessons 20
20 lessons per week
|
1 student (max)
from
760€
Course Details
One-to-One Lessons 25
25 lessons per week
|
1 student (max)
from
950€
Course Details
Work & Study
Spanish and Internship
22 lessons per week
|
8 students (max)
from
108€
Course Details
Exam PreparationWhy exam preparation courses are excellent for optimum progress
DELE Exam PreparationRecommended Spanish course
27 lessons per week
|
8 students (max)
from
340€
Course Details
Language Plus Activity
Spanish and Basque Gastronomy Experience 1
23 lessons per week
|
8 students (max)
from
270€
Course Details
Spanish and Basque Gastronomy Experience 2
23 lessons per week
|
8 students (max)
from
220€
Course Details
Spanish and Surf
27 lessons per week
|
8 students (max)
Only limited places left for the summer months!
from
310€
Course Details
Spanish and Yoga
24 lessons per week
|
8 students (max)
Only limited places left for the summer months!
from
240€
Course Details
Specialty Courses
Teacher Training
30 lessons per week
|
8 students (max)
from
420€
Course Details

Our prices for Tandem include

  • INCLUDED Organized activities
  • INCLUDED Internet access and use of school computers
  • INCLUDED Wireless LAN zone at school
  • INCLUDED Free certificate of course attendance
  • INCLUDED Language level placement test at first day of classes
  • INCLUDED Language level placement test before arrival
  • INCLUDED For adult courses: a minimum of one free organized leisure activity per week

Videos & Photos

  • Tandem students
    Tandem students1/11
  • Exploring San Sebastian
    Exploring San Sebastian2/11
  • Studying together
    Studying together3/11
  • Exploring San Sebastian
    Exploring San Sebastian4/11
  • Certificates
    Certificates 5/11
  • Studying
    Studying 6/11
  • Touring San Sebastian
    Touring San Sebastian7/11
  • Students exploring
    Students exploring 8/11
  • Excursions
    Excursions 9/11
  • students
    students10/11
  • lesson
    lesson11/11

Student opinions about Tandem, San Sebastian

4.4

Rating: 4.4/5.0

Overall school rating of
Tandem, San Sebastian
15 authentic ratings from students who reserved with us
School
Location of the school
4.3 

Rating: 4.3/5.0

Facilities
3.6 

Rating: 3.6/5.0

Social activities
4.3 

Rating: 4.3/5.0

Organisation
4.5 

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Course
Quality of teaching
4.5 

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Value for money
4.5 

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Accommodation
Homestay
4.5 

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Shared Flat (apartment)
4.8 

Rating: 4.8/5.0

Overall school rating by student age group
Students < 18 years (2 ratings)
4.5 

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Students 18-30 years (3 ratings)
4.3 

Rating: 4.3/5.0

Students 31-49 years (5 ratings)
4.6 

Rating: 4.6/5.0

Students 50+ years (5 ratings)
4.2 

Rating: 4.2/5.0

Verified reviews only, uncensored. All student opinions from students who booked a course at the school with LanguageCourse.net.
27 years
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
“The activities are thoughtfully designed to show you the best that San Sebastian has to offer. The staff is passionate about languages but also the city as a whole. The whole programme is well organised and I very much felt like a member of their family.”
Insider tip: “Going on the walking tour is a great way to get your bearings. The cooking class was fantastic and good value for money.”
Review details
Other comments I honestly think attending schools like Tandem is the best way to learn a language. It's fully immersive, sociable, in a beautiful location and the teaching is of a high quality.
Course: Intensive Course 20  - 1 week
Review date: 30. Oct. 2017 by Samuel Howe
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
42 years
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
“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.”
Insider tip: “Take the online placement test beforehand. You can register for the city bikes via WhatsApp and get around the beautiful city quickly and easily. ”
Review details
Quality of teaching / language progress: Ideal mix of group and individual lessons.
Other comments Many thanks to all involved
Course: Intensive Plus Course 25 - 3 weeks
Review date: 19. Aug. 2024 by Ramona Bachmann
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
41 years
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
“Friendly and motivated teachers. Great service regarding accommodation, lessons and activities. Flexibility in course scheduling.”
Insider tip: “At least 2 weeks or longer”
Review details
Quality of teaching / language progress: Surf lessons in the evening not ideal, better right after school, surf conditions were the same
Course: Spanish and Surf - 2 weeks
Review date: 21. Aug. 2023 by Ramona Bachmann
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
32 years
Overall rating
3.0

Rating: 3/5.0

Liked
“Very friendly team, and the quality of teaching was very high, with committed teachers who were dedicated and organised.”
Review details
Course: Intensive Course 20  - 2 weeks
Review date: 29. Jan. 2018 by Eoin (owen) Craven
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
62 years
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
“Clean classrooms Excellent classes Friendly school teachers and staff Great atmosphere”
Disliked
“none in particular”
Insider tip: “You can study safely and enjoyably.”
Review details
Quality of teaching / language progress: The first week until Thursday consisted of private classes, and the second week from Friday included 60% group classes. Having private classes was beneficial.
Other comments Everyone speaks Basque, so you can learn a little Basque, such as greetings.
Course: Intensive Course 22 [スペイン語] - 2 weeks
Review date: 27. May. 2024 by Seigo Ushijima
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
56 years
Overall rating
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Liked
“The lessons were good.”
Insider tip: “To give some more information about the city and festivals during the lessons.”
Review details
Other comments A little bit more information about the excursions.
Course: Intensive Course 20  - 1 week
Review date: 19. Aug. 2017 by Ria Knollema
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
41 years
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
“The instructors.”
Insider tip: “Don't miss out on spending time with your classmates.”
Review details
Other comments The overall environment is very comfortable.
Course: Intensive Course 20 [Spanish] - 4 weeks
Review date: 5. Nov. 2018 by Connell Tate
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
17 years
Overall rating
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Liked
“Teachers”
Insider tip: “Book surf lessons ”
Review details
Course: Intensive Course 20 [Spanish] - 3 weeks
Review date: 16. Jul. 2018 by Ella Sundlöf
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
See all reviews of Tandem San Sebastian

Ratings of Tandem compared to ratings of all schools in Spain

 Tandem San SebastianAverage of all other schools in Spain
Overall school rating4.4

Rating: 4.4/5.0

4.4

Rating: 4.4/5.0

Location of the school4.3

Rating: 4.3/5.0

4.7

Rating: 4.7/5.0

Facilities3.6

Rating: 3.6/5.0

3.9

Rating: 3.9/5.0

Social activities4.3

Rating: 4.3/5.0

3.7

Rating: 3.7/5.0

Organisation4.5

Rating: 4.5/5.0

4.3

Rating: 4.3/5.0

Quality of teaching4.5

Rating: 4.5/5.0

4.4

Rating: 4.4/5.0

Value for money4.5

Rating: 4.5/5.0

4.3

Rating: 4.3/5.0

Homestay4.8

Rating: 4.8/5.0

3.9

Rating: 3.9/5.0

Shared flat4.8

Rating: 4.8/5.0

3.9

Rating: 3.9/5.0

Tandem

Accreditations and Quality seals
ALTOFEDELESistema de Acreditación de Centros Instituto Cervantes (SACIC)WYSE/FIYTOTANDEM InternationalPreferential Terms in Case of Visa Refusal
Spanish teacher qualifications
100% hold a university degree
100% hold a recognised language teaching qualification
Languages spoken by school staff (cannot be guaranteed by school)
First day of course
Students should arrive at 8:45
Student gender mix
36% male / 64% female
Payment methods accepted for payments made directly to the school
Visa - logoMastercard - logoMaestro - logoBank Transfer - logo
Year of school foundation
1987
Legal name/parent company
Centro de Idiomas Donostia S.L. | Tax registration ID: ESB20611661
The school is an official exam center
The following language examinations can be taken directly at the school:

General school facilities

  • Microwave for student use

  • Computer lab

  • Library

  • Movie rental

  • Free after-class access to language learning software

  • Movie room

  • Student support desk

  • Copy machine

  • Self-study areas

  • Free WIFI

  • Free water dispenser

  • Free coffee

  • Smoking zones (outdoors)

  • Tourist information

  • Assistance with reservations for restaurants, bars, clubs

  • Assistance with organizing transportation

  • Internship placement guidance service (paid)

  • Classroom equipment

    • TV in all classrooms

    • Heating in all classrooms

    • Ample natural light in some classrooms

    • Number of classrooms: 7
    • Number of public PC workstations: 2

    Facilities for disabled students

    • Wheelchair access to classroom

    • Accessible Toilet

    • Wheelchair access to reception

Additional comment about facilities of school
The school is adapted for the disabled

Student Age / Nationality

Average number of students
In summer: 65
Throughout the year: 22
Minimum age of students
16 years
Average number of levels
Adult courses In summer: 8
Adult courses Throughout the year: 6
Average age of students
In summer: 27 years
Throughout the year: 31 years
Read our recommendations for students in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s.

Top student nationalities

Student Nationality Percentage of students
Germany 23%
England 18%
USA 15%
France 8%
Japan 8%
Italy 7%
Sweden 6%
Switzerland 5%
Netherlands 5%
Thailand 1%
Turkey 1%

Information for all courses offered by Tandem

Lesson duration
45 minutes
School's administrative fee
60.00 €
Course material
Generally course material is distributed free to students and will stay in student property.
Individual classes
Single individual lessons of tuition can be reserved at 38 €. The combination of group and individual lessons is highly recommended. Individual lessons will encourage you to actively speak the foreign language and will offer you the opportunity to discuss individual problems and weaknesses.
Days without class
In 2024 (including national and regional bank holidays):
01 Jan 2024, 06 Jan 2024, 29 Mar 2024, 01 Apr 2024, 01 May 2024, 25 Jul 2024, 15 Aug 2024, 01 Nov 2024, 06 Dec 2024, 23 Dec 2024 - 31 Dec 2024.
In 2025 (including national and regional bank holidays):
01 Jan 2025 - 06 Jan 2025, 18 Apr 2025, 21 Apr 2025, 01 May 2025, 08 Dec 2025, 22 Dec 2025 - 31 Dec 2025.
School policy regarding bank holidays:Full number of lost classes are made up
Please note that this school reserves the right to reduce the number of lessons if the minimum number of students is not reached.
Level test
A test to assess your exact language level takes place before the start of the course via email.
Lessons needed per Spanish language level
Level (CEFR) LESSONS needed per level WEEKS needed
(20 lessons per week)
A1 Beginner A1 to A2 80 4
A2 Elementary A2 to B1 160 8
B1 Intermediate B1 to B2 180 9
B2 Higher Intermediate B2 to C1 200 10
C1 Advanced C1 to C2 220 11
C2 Proficiency
Data above gives some guidance. For more details consult our page How long does it take to learn a language or reach a specific level.

Airport transfer

Bilbao Airport:
170 € one way
340 € return (both ways)
San Sebastian Airport:
75 € one way
150 € return (both ways)
Biarritz Pays Basque Airport:
130 € one way
260 € return (both ways)
More details about airports near San Sebastian and how to travel independently from the airport to the city on our San Sebastian page. For flight comparisons to San Sebastian, we recommend using skyscanner.com.

Visa Documents

Nationals from USA do not require a visa to study short term courses up to 90 days.
Check visa requirements for nationals from other countries.
Nationals from countries that require a visa will receive documents from the school, related to booking confirmation, which is required for the visa application.
Full payment of all fees required before school dispatches documents required for visa application
No
Express shipment fee (via courier)
Europe: 50 €
,
North America: 90 €
,
South America: 90 €
,
Africa: 100 €
,
Oceania: 100 €
,
Asia: 90 €
Free shipment via regular mail
Yes
Preferential cancellation terms in case of visa refusal
School agreed that students booking online on this site will benefit from preferential cancellation fees in case of visa refusal, and in this case will never exceed EUR 180.

Leisure activities

activity possibledistance from school
Cooking-
Dancing-
Diving-
Golf15 km
Horse riding5 km
Mountainbiking-1 km
Music-
Sailing1 km
Squash1 km
Swimming-
Table Tennis1 km
Tennis2 km
Volleyball1 km
Windsurfing-
Yoga-

Examples of leisure activities organized by the school

Adults - Free activities

All group courses include free of charge "Vive la cultura" package consisting of 1 Activity to experience the city, and 1 Workshop to discover the Spanish and Basque culture per week.

Adults - Paid activities

- Different visits to San Sebastián.
- Excursions to fishing villages like Zumaia, Pasajes de San Juan or Hondarribia.
- TANDEM San Sebastián Cooking Workshop.
- Projection of films on current affairs.
- Salsa & Merengue dancing lessons.
- Beach-Volley at the Zurriola Beach.
- Workshops about Basque language and culture.
- San Sebastián Pintxo-Tours in the historic part of San Sebastián.

Accommodation

Show details of all accommodations
Tip: Type of accommodation. What is best for you?
Homestay- Low Season Most Popular Accommodation
Single room, Breakfast & 1 meal
In high demand!
4.5

Rating: 4.5/5.0
2 ratings
from
270 €
Homestay - High Season
Double room (only for 2 people travelling together), Breakfast & 1 meal
Only limited places left for the summer months!
Reserve as early as possible to get the best available homestay!
from
225 €
Homestay - High Season
Single room, Breakfast & 1 meal
Only limited places left for the summer months!
Reserve as early as possible to get the best available homestay!
from
295 €
Homestay - Low Season
Double room (only for 2 people travelling together), Breakfast & 1 meal
This accommodation tends to sell out quickly!
Reserve as early as possible to get the best available homestay!
from
205 €
Apartment with Spaniards - High Season
Single room, No meals
Only limited places left for the summer months!
4.5

Rating: 4.5/5.0
2 ratings
from
210 €
Apartment with Spaniards - High Season
Double room (only for 2 people travelling together), No meals
Only limited places left for the summer months!
4.5

Rating: 4.5/5.0
2 ratings
from
161 €
Apartment with Spaniards - Low Season
Single room, No meals
This accommodation tends to sell out quickly!
5.0

Rating: 5.0/5.0
1 rating
from
180 €
Apartment with Spaniards - Low Season
Double room (only for 2 people travelling together), No meals
5.0

Rating: 5.0/5.0
1 rating
from
140 €
Student Residence - High Season
Single room, Breakfast
Only limited places left for the summer months!
from
340 €
Student Residence - High Season
Single room, Breakfast & 1 meal
Only limited places left for the summer months!
from
439 €
Student Residence - Low Season
Single room, Breakfast
5.0

Rating: 5.0/5.0
1 rating
from
295 €
Student Residence - Low Season
Single room, Breakfast & 1 meal
5.0

Rating: 5.0/5.0
1 rating
from
370 €

Map  

Loading map content
Other language schools in San Sebastian offering Spanish courses: 

FAQ about Tandem, San Sebastian

  • “If you have never studied Spanish before, you need to enrol in a beginner's course. Students who already have some knowledge of Spanish will first take a written test, which will be sent to you by email along with the course documents. The completed test must be sent back to the school no later than one week before the start of the course.”
    Maksym Sterpul, Language Travel Consultant from LanguageCourse.Net - Apr 14, 2023
  • “The course and activities are specifically designed for people aged 55+, but there may also be younger students in the class.”
    María, Student Support from TANDEM San Sebastián - Aug 16, 2023
  • “They currently (2024) offer a course "Spanish Course 55+" designed for students around 55 and above. It includes 5 activities in one week.This 1-week programme is designed for students around 55 and above. It offers the chance to combine a Spanish language course with lessons and a pleasant gastronomic and cultural holiday in San Sebastián. A tailored social programme has been created for this age group consisting of 5 activities in one week. Please note there are specific start dates for this course. ”
    Veronica Romualdi, Language Travel Consultant from LanguageCourse.Net - Sep 16, 2024
  • Yes. The school offers pickup from Bilbao Airport (170 €), San Sebastian Airport (75 €), Biarritz Pays Basque Airport (130 €)
  • Depending on the chosen course, the maximum number of students at Tandem varies from 1 students (Online One-to-One Lessons 10) to 15 students (Spanish and Basque Culture Experience)
  • 100% of teachers at Tandem hold a university degree. 100% hold a recognized language teaching certificate.
  • The highest Nationality percentage at Tandem comes from Germany with a 23% representation, followed by students from England (18%) and USA (15%).
  • Tandem offers courses from 16 years to 99. Average age is 27 during the summer and 31 for the rest of the year.

PDF brochure / price list of Tandem

Tandem SS Program 2024
Tandem SS Program 2024
Tandem SS Program 2025
Tandem SS Program 2025
Calculator | Reservation
At LanguageCourse.Net you always pay less! Guaranteed.
years
Starting date
Course available
Check-in date
Check-out date
+
Free LanguageCourse.Net VIP benefits
incl.
Course material included.
FREE cancellation
FREE changes
Share:
"Excellent" 4.8/5
1.274 reviews
* of LanguageCourse.net on Trustpilot
Data transparency: How the school data is collected and measures taken to ensure data accuracy
Travel with friends - Group Discount
Ask your friends to join & save even more with our group discount
Facebook Share Box city image
Tandem San Sebastian Spain | 15 Uncensored Reviews
https://www.languagecourse.net/school-tandem-san-sebastian.php3
Post to Facebook
Do you know someone in particular with whom you would love to explore life in San Sebastian? Just tag them in your post to Facebook or send them a link to this page in a message or email.

Not sure which course at Tandem San Sebastian is best for you?

Get free advice from our language travel experts to help you find the best course for you.

San Sebastian
San Sebastian city attractiveness rated by our students:
4.8 

Rating: 4.8/5.0

More information about San Sebastian including climate data and events on our San Sebastian page with a list of all 5 Spanish schools in San Sebastian.
Don't just take our
word for it...
Fun stats
  • 1.000.000 US$: in course fees saved.
  • Pioneers: We were among the first sites to publish uncensored reviews of language schools. Established in 1999.
  • Leaders: We are one of the most visited independent sites dedicated to language courses.
  • >20.000 facebook fans.
Terms & Conditions | Refund Policy | Privacy & Cookies | About Us | Contact Us | Imprint | Review & User Content Policies | Trust & Safety | Affiliate Programme | Add Your School
© 1999 - 2024 LanguageCourse S.L.