Pack your bags — and your Spanish! Spanish: Language for Travel (Online) is a practical course that helps you speak with confidence on holiday or work trips. Over two consecutive Saturdays (10:30–13:00 UK time) via Zoom, 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 (UK time), via Zoom. 

Is this course face-to-face or online? 

This is a live online course taught on Zoom. 

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. 

Do I need to install anything to join the course? 

You’ll need access to Zoom (app or browser). We’ll send joining details before the course starts. 

What do I need for the online lessons? 

A stable internet connection, and a device with a microphone and camera (headphones recommended). You may also want a notebook for quick notes. 

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 live 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. 

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

Our Online Spanish language classes take place via Zoom with a qualified, experienced teacher and fellow students. The interactive lessons emulate our face-to-face classes, and via teacher screen-sharing, students are able to experience a live classroom environment. From vocabulary activities and covering grammar points on the white board, to listening exercises, file sharing and ‘break-out rooms’ to practise speaking with classmates, students can learn without leaving the comfort of their homes. Take a look at an example of one of our online classes in this video.

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 ser, tener and llamarse 

– Personal pronouns 

– Gender – definite articles (el, la, los, las) and indefinite articles (un, una, unos, unas) 

– 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.

What do you need for an online class?

To get the most from this course you will need:

• A reliable internet connection
• A desktop computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone
• A web camera on or attached to the device you are using
• An integrated microphone in the device you are using or an attached headset
• The day before your course, you will be sent via email all the details you need to connect to the IH London Zoom classroom

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

Spanish Kickstart is a new live online course for complete beginners who want to start speaking Spanish in a short, practical format. 

In just 4 Saturday mornings, you will build confidence with the basics of everyday Spanish through live teacher-led lessons, interactive activities, and guided speaking practice. The course is designed for people who are new to the language and want a friendly, achievable introduction without committing to a long programme or following a traditional coursebook. 

Lessons focus on useful communication from the start. You will learn how to introduce yourself, ask and answer simple questions, and manage short everyday interactions in Spanish. 

Course format 

• Duration: 4 weeks 

• Schedule: Saturdays, 10.00–11.30 

• Delivery: Live online 

• Level: Complete beginners 

• Materials: Teacher-created materials, no coursebook required 

Why choose Spanish Kickstart? 

• study with a trusted and internationally recognised language school 

• learn in a live online classroom with expert teacher support 

• enjoy a short and manageable format designed for busy adults 

• build confidence through practical speaking-focused lessons 

• make clear progress in just 4 weeks 

This course is for complete beginners who want a clear and motivating introduction to Spanish. 

It is a good fit for: 

• adults who have never studied Spanish before 

• learners who studied a little Spanish a long time ago and want to start again from the beginning 

• people looking for a short course before committing to a longer programme 

• busy learners who want a focused and manageable course on Saturday mornings 

• anyone interested in learning practical Spanish for everyday situations, travel, or general interest 

This course may be especially useful if you want to: 

• try Spanish for the first time 

• build confidence speaking in a supportive group 

• learn through communication rather than a traditional coursebook 

• see quick progress in a short period of time 

This course may not be the right choice if you already have a solid foundation in Spanish and can already hold basic conversations. In that case, a higher-level course would be more suitable.

Do I need any previous knowledge of Spanish? 

No. This course is for complete beginners. 

Is there a coursebook? 

No. The course uses teacher-created materials, so you do not need to buy a coursebook. 

How are the lessons taught? 

Lessons are taught live via Zoom by a teacher and include interactive activities, guided speaking practice, and focused language input. 

How much study is expected outside class? 

We recommend short practice between lessons to help you review and remember what you learn in class. These tasks are designed to be manageable and supportive. 

Will I be speaking in class? 

Yes. The course is designed to help you start using Spanish actively from the beginning, so there will be regular speaking practice in a supportive environment. 

What will I be able to do by the end of the course? 

By the end of the 4 weeks, you will be able to introduce yourself, ask and answer simple questions, and manage short everyday interactions in Spanish with more confidence. 

What happens after Spanish Kickstart? 

Spanish Kickstart is designed as a first step. After the course, you can continue with our follow-on course, Spanish Kickstart 2, to build on what you have learnt. 

Who is the course suitable for? 

The course is aimed at adults (18+) who want a short, practical introduction to Spanish in a live online format. 

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)