If you are staying in Barcelona, it's advisable to learn at least one of its two official languages, Catalan or Spanish. Most people choose to learn Spanish due to its widespread usage in Spain and abroad, but Catalan is also recommended. A good command of Catalan may open up a whole new world of friends and business contacts, especially as many Catalonians consider Spanish to be a foreign language.

For a listing of language schools, check out the Language Schools section of the City Guide.

PUBLIC LANGUAGE SCHOOLS

Both of the following language schools offer top quality instruction, with well-organized curricula and professional teachers.

Consorci per a la Normalització Lingüística: program organised by Catalan government (Generalitat de Catalunya) that provides subsidized instruction in the Catalan language. Beginners courses are free! C/ Mallorca 272, 8th floor (Eixample). +34 93 272 31 00.

Escola Oficial d'Idiomes de Barcelona: Favourable prices, courses of several months. Typically there is a waiting list for beginners classes so a lottery system is used. Courses available include Spanish and Catalan, as well as many other languages. Av. de les Drassanes 7, s/n (Raval). Tel.: +34 93 324 93 30.

UAB Idiomes Barcelona : Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Duration: courses from 2 weeks to 6 months, intensive 20 hours per week, €180 per week (for a course of 2 weeks). Other courses include individual classes, study breaks, business Spanish and theme-focused seminars). C/ Sant Antoni Maria Claret 171. Tel.: +34 93 433 50 60.

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