Beginners Spanish Face-to-Face Courses

Spanish Language for Travel

  • Course Overview
  • Who is this Course for
  • Course Content
  • FAQs

Pack your bags — and your Spanish! Spanish: Language for Travel is a practical course that helps you speak with confidence on holiday or work trips. Over two consecutive Saturdays (10:30–13:00) at IH London, you’ll practice the phrases that matter through role-plays, guided conversations and real travel scenarios. 

You’ll leave with a “survival Spanish” toolkit: high-frequency vocabulary, clearer pronunciation, and easy strategies to keep talking even when you can’t remember the exact word. 

Why study Spanish at IH London? 

Spanish is one of the world’s most widely spoken languages, making it an ideal choice for travel, culture and international communication. At International House London, you’ll learn with expert teachers and dynamic, interactive lessons that help you build real communication skills quickly and naturally. 

What’s included in your course? 

  • Lesson summaries, notes and learning resources  
  • Additional self-study materials  
  • Ongoing support from experienced teachers  
  • Access to exclusive IH London student workshops and events 

This course is ideal for learners who want practical Spanish for travel, including: 

  • students who have studied very little Spanish but want to use it more confidently 
  • beginners who want a focused, “holiday Spanish” boost 
  • learners who can understand basic Spanish but hesitate when speaking 
  • anyone travelling to Spain or Latin America who wants useful language for real situations 

If you’re unsure about your level, we can help you choose the best option. 

By the end of this course, you will be able to: 

Communicate confidently in common travel situations 

You’ll practice Spanish for real-life travel scenarios, such as: 

  • greetings, introductions and polite social language 
  • checking in/out at hotels and handling common requests 
  • ordering in cafés/restaurants (dietary needs, problems, paying) 
  • asking for and understanding directions and transport information 
  • shopping and making simple enquiries (prices, sizes, tickets, times) 
  • dealing with unexpected situations (lost items, delays, health/pharmacy basics) 

Speak more clearly and naturally 

You’ll also build speaking confidence through: 

  • key survival phrases and high-frequency vocabulary 
  • strategies to keep going when you don’t know the exact word (rephrasing, clarification, “buying time”) 
  • pronunciation support for clearer, more intelligible Spanish 
  • mini role-plays and speaking tasks to help you respond quickly and naturally 

Explore Spanish-speaking cultures 

Alongside the language, you’ll build cultural confidence through: 

  • polite requests and everyday etiquette 
  • typical service interactions and communication style 
  • practical tips for Spain and Spanish-speaking destinations 

Course materials: All course materials are shared via SharePoint. You will receive the access link in your welcome email, which is sent 24 hours before the course starts. 

Do I need previous knowledge of Spanish? 
Some basic Spanish is helpful, but the course is designed to support learners who want practical travel language and lots of guided speaking practice. 

Which variant of Spanish will I learn (Spain or Latin America)? 
You’ll learn Spanish that works across Spanish-speaking countries, with the option to focus more on Spain or Latin America depending on your travel plans and interests. Your teacher will also help you recognise common regional differences. 

What are the main differences between Spanish from Spain and Latin America? 
Spanish is widely understood across the Spanish-speaking world, but there are some key differences. Pronunciation can vary (for example, the way some speakers in Spain pronounce certain sounds), and there are some vocabulary differences for everyday items. You may also notice differences in forms of address (such as how “you” is used in different regions). In the course, you’ll learn practical travel Spanish and we’ll highlight the differences you’re most likely to hear and use. 

When is the course and how long is each class? 
The course runs on two consecutive Saturdays, 10:00–13:00, at IH London. 

Is this course face-to-face or online? 
This is a face-to-face course taught at our school in London. 

What level is the course? 
This course is best for beginners and near-beginners who want practical Spanish for travel. If you’re unsure, we can advise you on the best option. 

Will there be lots of speaking practice? 
Yes. The course is highly practical and includes guided speaking tasks, role-plays and realistic travel scenarios to help you build confidence quickly. 

What should I bring to class? 
Just a notebook and something to write with. Your teacher will provide materials, and digital resources are shared via SharePoint. 

Where will the class take place? 
Classes take place at IH London – 16 Stukeley Street, London WC2B 5LQ. You’ll receive full details in your welcome email. 

What if I miss a Saturday? 
Because this is a short course, it’s best to attend both sessions. If you miss a class, we’ll share key materials via SharePoint, but we can’t replicate the in-class speaking practice. 

Can I continue studying after this course? 
Yes ! Your teacher can recommend the best next step, such as a general Spanish course or a level-based programme at IH London. 

How will I receive the course materials? 
All course materials are shared via SharePoint, with access provided in your welcome email 24 hours before the course starts.  

Is there a coursebook? 
No fixed coursebook is required — your teacher will provide targeted materials and resources for the course. 

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Gentle Spanish Level 1 | Afternoons

  • Course Details
  • Who is this Course for
  • Course Content
  • FAQs

Gentle Spanish Level 1 (A1) is a face-to-face course designed for complete beginners who want to learn Spanish at a relaxed, enjoyable pace, with more time to absorb the language and more opportunities to put it into practice in real-life situations. 

Over 8 weeks, you will cover the same essential content as our Spanish Level 1 evening course, using the same coursebook and reaching the same learning outcomes. The difference is in the experience: longer sessions, a gentler rhythm, and practical activities woven into every week that bring the language to life — role-plays, cultural exploration, and real communicative tasks that make Spanish feel immediate and relevant from day one. 

Lessons are warm, interactive, and led by a qualified, experienced teacher. As with all IH London language courses, your teacher speaks in Spanish throughout, so that you begin developing your comprehension and listening skills from the very first lesson — at a pace that lets everything sink in. 

Course format 

   
Duration  8 weeks 
Schedule  Weekday afternoons – 14.15–16.00 
Delivery  Face-to-face 
Location  IH London, Covent Garden 
Level  Complete Beginner / A1 
Coursebook  Aula Internacional Plus A1 (Units 0, 1 & 2) 

 

Why choose Gentle Spanish Level 1? 

  • study with a trusted and internationally recognised language school in the heart of London 
  • learn in an immersive, face-to-face environment with a qualified, experienced teacher 
  • cover the full Spanish Level 1 syllabus at a more relaxed, sustainable pace 
  • benefit from practical activities, role-plays, and cultural moments every week 
  • build genuine confidence through more speaking practice and consolidation 
  • enjoy an afternoon format designed to fit comfortably into your week 

This course is for complete beginners who want a more relaxed and spacious introduction to Spanish — with more time to consolidate, more room to ask questions, and a richer range of practical activities alongside the coursebook content. 

It is a good fit for: 

  • adults who are completely new to Spanish and want to ease into the language comfortably 
  • learners who have tried evening courses and found the pace too fast to consolidate properly 
  • people who want more than grammar and vocabulary — who want to use Spanish in real, practical situations from the start 
  • learners who enjoy a sociable, interactive classroom environment with time for cultural exploration 
  • anyone whose schedule suits a weekday afternoon commitment rather than an evening class 

This course may be especially useful if you want to: 

  • feel genuinely secure in each topic before moving on to the next 
  • build confidence in speaking and pronunciation without feeling rushed 
  • experience Spanish culture as part of the learning process 
  • develop good language learning habits in a format that feels sustainable and enjoyable 

How does this compare to our Spanish Level 1 evening course? 

Both courses cover exactly the same content and lead to the same learning outcomes. The difference is pace and format. Gentle Spanish Level 1 runs over 8 weeks with longer sessions and practical communicative activities integrated into every lesson. The evening Level 1 covers the same material at a faster pace. Both courses are excellent — the right choice depends on how you learn best. 

This course may not be the right choice if you prefer a faster pace or want to complete Level 1 more quickly. In that case, our Spanish Level 1 evening course may be more suitable.

Gentle Spanish Level 1 

CEFR Target: A1 

Coursebook: Aula Internacional Plus A1 — Units 0, 1 & 2 

Focus: Personal identity, everyday communication, and real-world Spanish — with time to practise, consolidate, and enjoy 

Week  Theme  Communication Aims  Linguistic Aims  Practical Activity 
1  ¡Hola!  Introduce yourself; say hello and goodbye; ask and answer questions in class  The alphabet; numbers 1–10; classroom language and instructions  Icebreaker role-play: meeting your classmates entirely in Spanish 
2  ¿Cómo te llamas?  Ask for and give personal information; say where you are from  Llamarse; ser for identity; personal pronouns; nationalities and gender  A “find someone who…” speaking activity using real personal information 
3  ¿A qué te dedicas?  Talk about jobs and workplaces; describe what you do  Professions and workplaces vocabulary; gender in professions; definite and indefinite articles  Role-play: a first meeting at a professional networking event — name, nationality, job 
4  Consolidation & Speaking  Review weeks 1–3; build fluency and confidence in personal introductions  Consolidation of llamarse, ser, gender, and articles; pronunciation focus  Extended role-play: a full introduction scenario bringing together everything from weeks 1–3 
5  ¿Hablas español?  Talk about languages; describe what you do in class and in your free time  Regular -AR verbs in the presente de indicativo; languages vocabulary  Cultural moment: the Spanish-speaking world — a map activity and short discussion in Spanish 
6  ¿Qué haces?  Talk about leisure activities; describe your weekly routine  Regular -ER and -IR verbs; leisure activities vocabulary  Pair activity: describe your typical week and find things in common with a classmate 
7  ¿Por qué estudias español?  Express intentions and motivations; explain why you do things  Por, para, and porque; tener for age and basic expressions  Discussion activity: why Spanish? Students share their stories and motivations in Spanish 
8  ¡Gran Final!  Bring everything together in a fun, immersive final session  Full consolidation of all grammar and vocabulary from Units 0–2  Mini presentation + Grand Finale role-play: a Spanish language school open day — meeting new people, exchanging information, and talking about your life entirely in Spanish 

Can-do statements: By the end of the course, you will be able to: 

  • introduce yourself and others clearly and confidently 
  • ask for and give personal information including name, nationality, job, and languages 
  • say hello and goodbye appropriately in a range of everyday situations 
  • talk about what you do in your free time and explain your motivations 
  • use key verbs — ser, llamarse, tener, and regular -AR, -ER, and -IR verbs — accurately in conversation 

Learning approach 

Lessons are face-to-face, dynamic, and led by a qualified, experienced teacher who speaks in Spanish throughout. You will take part in group work, pair activities, role-plays, pronunciation practice, and a practical communicative activity each week designed to bring the language to life beyond the coursebook. 

Grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation are developed systematically alongside communicative practice, so you improve on all aspects of the language, not just conversation. 

The coursebook, Aula Internacional Plus A1, provides structure and supports your learning at home. It is available to purchase from reception from your second lesson onwards. 

Do I need any previous knowledge of Spanish? No. This course is designed for complete beginners with no previous experience of Spanish. 

Do I need to buy a coursebook? Yes. The course uses Aula Internacional Plus A1, which you will need from your second lesson onwards. The book is available to purchase from our website on the day of your second lesson, so there is nothing to organise before you start. 

How is this different from the Spanish Level 1 evening course? Both courses cover exactly the same content and lead to the same outcomes. Gentle Spanish Level 1 runs over 8 weeks with longer sessions. If you want to progress more quickly, other courses may suit you better. If you want more time to consolidate and enjoy the language, this course is the right choice. 

Why does the teacher speak in Spanish throughout? Speaking in the target language is one of the most effective ways to develop your comprehension and listening skills. Your teacher will always make sure you understand, through gesture, visual support, and careful use of language, so you will never feel lost. This approach is standard across all IH London language courses. 

What are the practical activities? Each week includes a practical communicative activity alongside the coursebook content — a role-play, a cultural moment, a speaking task, or a short presentation. These are designed to help you use Spanish in realistic, enjoyable situations and to build confidence beyond the textbook exercises. 

Will I be speaking in class? Yes. Speaking and real communication are central to every lesson. The relaxed pace means you will have more time to practise, make mistakes without pressure, and feel genuinely confident before moving on. 

What will I be able to do by the end of the course? By the end of the course, you will be able to introduce yourself, exchange personal information, talk about your daily life and leisure activities, and explain your motivations — all in Spanish. 

What happens after this course? After completing Gentle Spanish Level 1, you can continue to Gentle Spanish Level 2 to keep building your Spanish at the same pace, or move to our Spanish Level 2 evening course if you feel ready for a faster format. 

Who is the course suitable for? The course is aimed at adults (18+) who want a gentle, enjoyable, and confidence-building introduction to Spanish in a face-to-face, weekday afternoon format at our school in Covent Garden. 

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Spanish Level 1 | Evenings

  • Course Details

Spanish Level 1 is a Beginners Spanish course for students who have never studied the Spanish language before. 

Our Spanish language classes take place at our school in Covent Garden with a qualified, experienced teacher and fellow students. Evening language classes at IH London are dynamic and interactive as the emphasis is on spoken communication, which is achieved through lots of group work and role-plays. At the same time, there is systematic work on grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation, so that you can improve on all aspects of the language. Your teacher speaks in the target language throughout, so that you can refine your comprehension and listening skills. 

 

Course Content

 

Communication aims 

– Learn how to introduce yourself, ask questions in class and say hello and goodbye 

– Ask for and give personal information 

– Say hello and goodbye 

– Express intentions 

– Explain the motivations for what you do 

– Talk about what you do in different languages 

 

Linguistic aims

– Gender in nationalities and professions 

– The verbs sertener and llamarse 

– Personal pronouns 

– Gender – definite articles (el, la, los, las) and indefinite articles (un, unaunosunas) 

– The presente de indicativo: regular verbs ending in ar, -er, –ir 

– Uses of por, para and porque

– Vocabulary:

  • Numbers from 1-10
  • The alphabet 
  • Nationalities 
  • Professions 
  • Workplaces 
  • Languages 
  • Activities in language class 
  • Leisure activities

 

Sociocultural aspects

– Talk about your relationship with Spanish and Spanish culture 

 

Coursebook

Aula Internacional Plus: Libro del alumno + MP3 descargable 1 (A1)* 

Units 0, 1 & 2

* Coursebooks are to be purchased after the first lesson and are required for the course. Books will be available to purchase from reception on the day of your second lesson.

 

This language course includes

  • Access to our online platform to download lesson summaries, notes and resources
  • Support and advice from Spanish language teachers
  • Spanish language study tips
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Spanish Level 1 | Fridays

  • Course Details

Spanish Level 1 is a Beginners Spanish course for students who have never studied the Spanish language before. 

Our Spanish language classes take place at our school in Covent Garden with a qualified, experienced teacher and fellow students. Evening language classes at IH London are dynamic and interactive as the emphasis is on spoken communication, which is achieved through lots of group work and role-plays. At the same time, there is systematic work on grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation, so that you can improve on all aspects of the language. Your teacher speaks in the target language throughout, so that you can refine your comprehension and listening skills. 

 

Course Content

 

Communication aims 

– Learn how to introduce yourself, ask questions in class and say hello and goodbye 

– Ask for and give personal information 

– Say hello and goodbye 

– Express intentions 

– Explain the motivations for what you do 

– Talk about what you do in different languages 

 

Linguistic aims

– Gender in nationalities and professions 

– The verbs sertener and llamarse 

– Personal pronouns 

– Gender – definite articles (el, la, los, las) and indefinite articles (un, unaunosunas) 

– The presente de indicativo: regular verbs ending in ar, -er, –ir 

– Uses of por, para and porque

– Vocabulary:

  • Numbers from 1-10
  • The alphabet 
  • Nationalities 
  • Professions 
  • Workplaces 
  • Languages 
  • Activities in language class 
  • Leisure activities

 

Sociocultural aspects

– Talk about your relationship with Spanish and Spanish culture 

 

Coursebook

Aula Internacional Plus: Libro del alumno + MP3 descargable 1 (A1)* 

Units 0, 1 & 2

* Coursebooks are to be purchased after the first lesson and are required for the course. Books will be available to purchase from reception on the day of your second lesson.

 

This language course includes

  • Access to our online platform to download lesson summaries, notes and resources
  • Support and advice from Spanish language teachers
  • Spanish language study tips
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Spanish Level 1 | Sundays

  • Course Details

Spanish Level 1 is a Beginners Spanish course for students who have never studied the Spanish language before. 

Our Spanish language classes take place at our school in Covent Garden with a qualified, experienced teacher and fellow students. Evening language classes at IH London are dynamic and interactive as the emphasis is on spoken communication, which is achieved through lots of group work and role-plays. At the same time, there is systematic work on grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation, so that you can improve on all aspects of the language. Your teacher speaks in the target language throughout, so that you can refine your comprehension and listening skills. 

 

Important Notice

The following Sunday courses will last 5 lessons, instead of the usual 6, with 2.5 hours lessons from 10:30 to 13:00. 
 
1st April – 18th May 2025 (no lessons on 20th April, 5th May)
1st June – 29th June 2025
16th November – 14th December 2025
 
 

Course Content

Communication aims 

– Learn how to introduce yourself, ask questions in class and say hello and goodbye 

– Ask for and give personal information 

– Say hello and goodbye 

– Express intentions 

– Explain the motivations for what you do 

– Talk about what you do in different languages 

 

Linguistic aims

– Gender in nationalities and professions 

– The verbs sertener and llamarse 

– Personal pronouns 

– Gender – definite articles (el, la, los, las) and indefinite articles (un, unaunosunas) 

– The presente de indicativo: regular verbs ending in ar, -er, –ir 

– Uses of por, para and porque

– Vocabulary:

  • Numbers from 1-10
  • The alphabet 
  • Nationalities 
  • Professions 
  • Workplaces 
  • Languages 
  • Activities in language class 
  • Leisure activities

 

Sociocultural aspects

– Talk about your relationship with Spanish and Spanish culture 

 

Coursebook

Aula Internacional Plus: Libro del alumno + MP3 descargable 1 (A1)* 

Units 0, 1 & 2

* Coursebooks are to be purchased after the first lesson and are required for the course. Books will be available to purchase from reception on the day of your second lesson.

 

This language course includes

  • Access to our online platform to download lesson summaries, notes and resources
  • Support and advice from Spanish language teachers
  • Spanish language study tips
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Career Boost Spanish (A1.1)

  • Course Overview
  • Who is this Course for
  • Course Content
  • FAQs

Start your day by investing in your career. 

Career Boost: Spanish (A1.1) is designed for professionals with no previous knowledge of Spanish who want to start communicating confidently with Spanish-speaking colleagues, clients, and partners. 

In this practical and supportive course, you will learn the essential language and cultural skills needed for professional interactions in Spanish. From your very first lesson, you will begin practising how to introduce yourself, exchange basic information, and manage simple workplace conversations. 

Our 75-minute morning sessions (08:00–09:15 UK time) fit perfectly into your early routine, allowing you to develop valuable language skills before the working day begins. 

By the end of the course, you will have progressed from complete beginner to confident communicator in basic professional situations. 

Course Snapshot 

  • Level: Complete Beginner (A1.1) – no previous Spanish required 
  • Schedule: Twice a week (Mondays and Fridays) 
  • Time: 08:00–09:15 UK time (75 minutes) 
  • Format: Live online classes via Zoom 
  • Duration: 8 weeks 

Why study Professional Spanish at IH London? 

Designed for Professionals 

Lessons focus on practical workplace communication rather than textbook dialogues. 

Speak from Day One 

You will begin introducing yourself and interacting in Spanish from your very first class. 

Expert Teachers 

Learn from experienced language trainers who specialise in teaching professionals and corporate clients. 

Recognised Certification 

Receive an IH London Certificate that you can add to your CV or LinkedIn profile. 

Complete Beginners 

Professionals with little or no previous knowledge of Spanish. 

International Professionals 

Anyone working with Spanish-speaking clients, colleagues, or partners. 

Future Relocators 

Those planning to work in Spain or other Spanish-speaking regions. 

Business Networkers 

Professionals who want to manage introductions, small talk, and basic professional interactions with confidence. 

By the end of this course, you will be able to: 

Make Professional First Impressions 

  • Greet colleagues and clients confidently in Spanish 
  • Introduce yourself and describe your profession 
  • Spell names and technical terms using the Spanish alphabet 

Navigate Workplace Interactions 

  • Talk about your profession and job role 
  • Exchange contact details and handle basic personal data professionally 

Professional Networking & “Small Talk” 

  • Build rapport by discussing hobbies, interests, and family 
  • Express preferences and basic needs in a professional context 

Build Core Language Foundations 

  • Gender/number of nouns and adjective agreement 
  • The essential “Power Verbs”: Ser, Estar, Tener 
  • Regular present tense verbs (-ar, -er, -ir) 
  • Numbers for prices, dates, and times 

What happens in a typical lesson? 

Each session includes a mix of: 

  • Interactive speaking practice 
  • Practical workplace scenarios 
  • Clear explanations of key grammar 
  • Pair and small-group activities in breakout rooms 

This approach helps you build confidence step by step in a supportive environment. 

Do I need any previous knowledge? No. This is a “ground zero” course. If you have studied Spanish before, please contact us for a level assessment. 

What happens if I miss a class due to work? We understand the demands of a professional schedule. While regular attendance is recommended, lesson summaries, slides, and resources are uploaded to SharePoint within 24 hours of each class. 

Will I get a certificate? Yes. Upon successful completion and meeting the attendance requirement, you will receive an IH London Certificate of Achievement. 

I work in a global company—will I learn to communicate with people from different countries? Absolutely. We take a Global Spanish approach, introducing key cultural differences across the Spanish-speaking world so you can communicate effectively with colleagues and clients from Spain and Latin America. 

I’m nervous about speaking in front of others. Will I be forced to present? Not at all. Lessons include plenty of pair and small-group work in breakout rooms, allowing you to practise in a safe, low-pressure environment. Our teachers ensure everyone participates at their own pace. 

What if my level is slightly higher than A1.1? If you studied some Spanish previously (for example at school), we recommend contacting our academic team for a quick informal level check before booking. 

How much self-study is recommended? To get the most out of the course, we suggest around 60 minutes of review per week, such as revising lesson slides, completing short exercises, or listening to audio materials. 

Can I book this course for my team? Yes. We also offer private group courses for companies, with content tailored to your industry — whether Finance, Law, Tech, or Hospitality. Contact languages@ihlondon.com for more information. 

Is the course online or face-to-face? This course is delivered live online via Zoom. 

Do I need to install anything to join? You simply need access to Zoom (app or browser). Joining details will be sent before the course begins. 

What do I need for the lessons? A stable internet connection and a device with a microphone and camera (headphones recommended). A notebook can also be useful for quick notes. 

How will I receive course materials? All materials are shared via SharePoint, with access provided in your welcome email 24 hours before the course starts. 

Is there a coursebook? No fixed coursebook is required. Your teacher will provide targeted materials designed specifically for the course. 

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Spanish Taster Lesson | Beginners

  • Course Details

Why not try out a sample beginners Spanish lesson before signing up to a full course? These one-off sessions are aimed at students who have never studied the Spanish language before.

 

Sample Lesson Plan

  • Greeting people
  • Introducing yourself and someone else
  • Asking and giving personal details (name, nationalities, profession, age, phone number, date of birth)

 

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