Learning Spanish is more accessible than ever. Whether you prefer the structure of traditional face-to-face classes or the flexibility of digital learning, both options have their benefits and the most important thing is to give learning a new language a go. Of course, deciding between face-to-face or online Spanish classes is a big question to consider, so let’s tackle some of the advantages and disadvantages of each right in this post.
Online Spanish classes vs in-person Spanish classes
Online and in-person classes share the same fundamental goal, which is to teach you the vocabulary, grammar and structure of the Spanish language and to support your journey towards fluency. The biggest differences lie in how the learning experience is delivered.
Online Spanish courses allow students the flexibility to join from anywhere in the world, and the ability to learn in a familiar environment such as the home or workplace. As for in-person Spanish lessons, there is, of course, a more communal environment as students and teachers gather together in the same classroom, allowing for a greater level of immersion.
Is it better to learn Spanish in person or online? That is a truly personal question and the answer will very much depend on each individual’s circumstances, learning style and language goals. To help you work out which option is better for you, let’s get into some more detailed pros and cons of face-to-face vs online classes.
Pros and cons of online Spanish classes
- The flexibility and convenience: Given that online classes allow you to log on from almost anywhere in the world, it’s possible to fit your Spanish practice around work, travel or family life without having to compromise on your usual routine. At IH Madrid, there is flexibility to choose between one-to-one online classes and group classes, with the ability to craft the exact schedule which suits you.
- The comfort and familiarity: Being able to study from home, work or wherever you have a space that lets you focus is another advantage. If you can better get into your zone in a particular environment, then you might feel more confident enrolling in online Spanish classes.
- The access to digital tools: Interactive online platforms, shared notes, session recordings and other digital resources can give you instant support and make it even easier to review, practise and reinforce your new skills.
- The personal learning plan: One factor that could be viewed as a disadvantage of online learning is that success really does rely on strong personal motivation to keep logging on. Yet, setting and completing a personal learning plan can be very satisfying. You can actually feel a strong sense of community too since at IH Madrid there are group options and even one-to-one courses allow the opportunity to build a rapport with the teacher.
- The mix of fellow students: Joining an online group often brings together motivated learners from different backgrounds and parts of the world. Many learners thrive in this kind of online community, so that’s another factor to consider. IH Madrid’s online courses prioritise a collaborative learning style, one which focuses on all four essential language skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing.
Pros and cons of in-person Spanish classes
- The immersive environment: Being physically present in a classroom where Spanish conversation is taking place is a major advantage for some learners, naturally encouraging participation. If you enrol in IH Madrid’s Spanish courses in Madrid, that immersion even extends beyond the classroom as you’ll be studying in the capital city of Spain and experiencing the language everywhere you go in the city.
- The real-time support: Having a teacher in the room means you can ask for immediate guidance, clearer explanations and personalised feedback, right when you need it. If you feel more confident learning when someone can spot misunderstandings on the spot, in-person classes really offer extra value.
- The structured learning space: A dedicated classroom helps remove distractions and puts your mind into “Spanish mode,” making it easier to focus and build strong learning habits. At IH Madrid, you can also craft the structure which best suits you since there are a wide range of Spanish courses, from three to 30 hours per week and for all levels of intensity, including exam-focused DELE preparation for levels A1 to C2.
- The commute: The time spent travelling to and from an in-person Spanish class may be viewed as a disadvantage by some. Others, however, find the journey to class useful. That time can become a helpful transition period, a moment to switch gears, review notes and maybe even listen to Spanish audio to warm up. And, in any case, those who want to avoid a long commute can make the most of IH Madrid’s student accommodation options and benefit from the fact that the school’s location in the centre of Madrid is unbeatable.
- The social connection: In-person classes offer a lively mix of human interaction and hands-on activities, from group conversations to cultural exercises. These moments can make the experience much more enjoyable for sociable learners, and the shared energy in the room can bring the language to life in a more dynamic way.
Studying Spanish: Is face-to-face learning better than online?
So, based on the above pros and cons, do you now know whether face-to-face learning or online learning would be better for your Spanish language objectives? There is no right or wrong answer, and trying both types of study early on is a good way to find out what works for you.
More important than whether you learn online or offline is that you are being taught by a quality professional. At IH Madrid, that’s certainly the case online and offline, thanks to the years of experience of the teachers who deliver both types of courses.
