Medellín has become a popular destination for students, travelers, remote workers, and people who want to improve their Spanish while experiencing life in Colombia. In addition to practicing the language in the classroom, studying in the city offers opportunities to use Spanish in everyday situations, learn about local culture, and meet people from different countries.
There is a wide range of Spanish schools in Medellín, and they do not all follow the same approach. Some institutions focus on intensive Spanish courses for foreigners, while others combine Spanish classes with accommodation and cultural activities. There are also university programs with a more traditional academic structure.
In this guide, we bring together some of the Spanish schools and Spanish programs for foreigners available in Medellín, including information about their courses, published prices, locations, activities, and other features that may be relevant for people planning to study Spanish in the city.
Note: Prices, schedules, and conditions may change. The prices mentioned in this article correspond to the information published by each institution at the time of consultation, so it is advisable to confirm them directly with the school before booking.
Why Learn Spanish in Medellín?
Studying Spanish in Medellín allows you to combine language classes with an immersive experience. For people arriving from another country, this means having opportunities to practice Spanish outside the classroom as well: when ordering food, using public transportation, shopping, taking part in cultural activities, or simply talking to local people.
Another interesting aspect is the variety of programs available. Some schools offer courses lasting a few weeks, while others have longer-term programs. There are also private Spanish classes, courses for professionals, and programs designed for students who need vocabulary related to specific fields.
Location can also be an important factor. Several Spanish schools are located in areas popular with foreigners, such as El Poblado, while others are based in neighborhoods such as Laureles or within university campuses.
Spanish Schools in Medellín for Foreigners
Toucan Spanish School
Toucan Spanish School has a location in El Poblado and offers group, private, and online Spanish classes. Its intensive group program runs Monday to Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with 20 hours of classes per week and groups of between 3 and 7 students. Courses are available from A1 to C2 and new groups start every week. Enrollment is completed online and includes a placement test.
An interesting feature for people traveling to Medellín is that the program is designed to combine Spanish classes with everyday life in Colombia. The school also offers study periods ranging from one week to one year, as well as private classes tailored to goals such as travel Spanish, conversation, or workplace communication.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Website | https://www.toucanspanish.com/ |
| @toucanspanishschool | |
| Location | El Poblado, Medellín |
| Format | Group, private, and online classes |
| Group intensity | 20 hours per week in the intensive program – Small groups |
| Private intensity | 1 to 4 hours of classes, with flexible schedules. The most requested time slots are 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. |
| Levels | A1 to C2 |
| Start dates | New groups every week |
| Published prices | Group classes: from 635,000 COP per week depending on the length of the course and booking option. Private classes: from 85,000 COP per hour when booking 20 hours or more. |
Blink Spanish School
Blink Spanish School offers an immersive Spanish experience that combines different types of classes with activities and experiences designed for foreigners. Options include group and private classes, programs with accommodation, and alternatives that allow students to add cultural and social activities to their learning experience. It also offers different options depending on the length of the program and the level of intensity chosen by each student.
The school publishes its rates online, which vary depending on the format, duration, and services included. For this reason, it is recommended to check the current options and prices directly with the school before booking.
For people looking for an experience where Spanish is present throughout much of the day, this type of program can be particularly interesting, as accommodation and activities are part of the study experience.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Website | https://blinkspanish.com/ |
| @blink_spanish | |
| Location | El Poblado, Medellín |
| Format | Group, private, Master Classes, and online classes |
| Group intensity | 20 hours per week in the main group packages |
| Private intensity | Private classes and Master Classes, depending on the selected program |
| Levels | Check according to the program you choose |
| Start dates | Check available dates according to the program you choose |
| Published prices | One of the most popular packages may cost from 999,000 COP per week. The school offers different options depending on the format and services included, and prices may vary according to the selected program and current rates. |
| Accommodation | Available as part of the immersion experience |
| Activities | Excursions, cultural activities, and social activities |
Centro Catalina Spanish School
Centro Catalina has a location in El Poblado, Medellín, and also operates in Cartagena. Its approach combines Spanish courses with cultural and recreational activities.
The school offers programs for different levels, with group and private options. It also provides programs adapted for people traveling together, such as couples, friends, or families. Its programs include cultural activities after classes.
Among its private class options are programs adapted to specific needs, including personalized private lessons that can focus on areas such as business Spanish, medical Spanish, or Colombian culture, as well as DELE exam preparation.
The possibility of combining group and private classes can be useful for students who want to dedicate part of their course to specific needs, such as exam preparation or professional vocabulary.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Website | https://centrocatalina.com/es/ |
| @centro_catalina | |
| Location | El Poblado, Medellín |
| Format | Group, private, and combined classes |
| Group intensity | Depending on the selected program |
| Private intensity | Depending on the student’s needs and selected program |
| Levels | Beginner to advanced |
| Start dates | Every Monday for all levels |
| Published prices 2026 (some options) | –Group classes: from USD 199 per week. -Intensive courses: from USD 259 per week. –Private classes: from USD 279 depending on the number of classes. |
| Accommodation | Accommodation options associated with its programs |
| Activities | Cultural and recreational activities |
| Special programs | Business Spanish, medical Spanish, and DELE preparation |
Nueva Lengua Medellín
Nueva Lengua has a location in the Belén La Palma neighborhood of Medellín and offers an approach that combines language learning with cultural activities.
Its intensive course includes 20 hours of group Spanish classes per week, a placement test, class materials, a certificate, and a cultural activity every afternoon from Monday to Friday. Activities mentioned by the school include visits, excursions, conferences, sports, volunteering, dance classes, and cooking classes.
The school also offers several options for students with professional interests. For example, its Spanish and Medicine program combines 20 hours of Spanish per week with 5 hours of medical vocabulary and topics taught through private classes. It also offers a Business Spanish program.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Website | https://nuevalengua.com/ |
| @nuevalengua | |
| Location | Belén La Palma, Medellín |
| Format | Group and private classes |
| Group intensity | Intensive course with 20 hours per week |
| Private intensity | Depending on the selected program |
| Levels | Check according to the student’s program and level |
| Start dates | Check available dates according to the selected program |
| Published prices 2026 | From USD 200–250 per week for one week of intensive Spanish classes or some similar programs. Weekly prices generally decrease for longer stays. |
| Accommodation | Student residence and other options |
| Activities | Cultural activities, cooking, dance, and other activities from Monday to Friday |
| Special programs | Business Spanish, Spanish for Medicine, Spanish and Music, among others |
| Particular feature | Combines intensive Spanish learning with cultural activities and immersion experiences throughout the week. |
Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana – Programa ESPEX
For those who prefer a university-based option, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana (UPB) offers ESPEX, its Spanish program for international students.
The program offers group classes with between 2 and 10 students, as well as private classes. General Spanish courses comprise 16 courses from A1 to C1, with each course lasting 40 hours. The usual intensity is 10 hours per week, although the university indicates that 20-hour-per-week courses may open depending on demand.
For 2026, UPB publishes a price of 2,141,400 COP for a group course in Medellín. Different rates are also available for private classes.
In addition to Spanish classes, ESPEX offers several opportunities that may be useful for international students, including language exchanges with Colombian students, conversation and reading clubs, academic tutoring, and guidance related to visas.
This option may be particularly interesting for students looking for an experience connected to a university environment and who want to complement their Spanish classes with activities on campus.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Website | Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana – ESPEX Program |
| @centrodelenguasupb | |
| Location | Eco Campus Laureles, Medellín |
| Format | Group and private classes |
| Group intensity | Usually 10 hours per week; may reach 20 hours per week depending on demand |
| Private intensity | Depending on the program and student’s needs |
| Levels | A1 to C1, divided into 16 courses |
| Start dates | According to the ESPEX academic calendar (new courses start every month) |
| Duration | Each group course lasts 40 hours |
| Published price 2026 | 2,141,400 COP per group course in Medellín |
| Activities and services | Language exchange with Colombian students, conversation and reading clubs, academic tutoring, and visa-related guidance |
| Particular feature | Allows students to learn Spanish in a university environment and participate in language exchange and integration activities with Colombian students. |
What Type of Spanish Course Can You Choose?
There is no single Spanish course format that works for every student. The choice mainly depends on how much time you have, your goals, and the type of experience you want to have in Medellín.
📆 If You Are Studying for One or Two Weeks
An intensive Spanish course can help you make the most of a short stay. Several schools offer programs with 20 hours of classes per week and frequent start dates, making them an option for people traveling on a fixed schedule.
🏖️ If You Want to Combine Studying and Tourism
Courses that concentrate classes in the morning leave part of the day available for exploring Medellín, taking part in activities, or practicing Spanish outside the classroom. Total Spanish, for example, structures its 20-hour program from Monday to Friday in the morning.
📝 If You Are Looking for an Immersive Experience
Some Spanish schools include cultural activities, accommodation, and opportunities to socialize as part of their programs. Blink, for example, combines classes, accommodation, meals, and activities in its immersion packages.
💼 If You Need Spanish for Work
It may be useful to look for courses or private classes focused on a specific professional field. Among the options available in Medellín are Business Spanish and Medical Spanish programs, such as those offered by Nueva Lengua and Centro Catalina.
🎓 If You Want a University Experience
UPB’s programs offer a different academic structure from that of a private language school, with programs organized by level and access to certain university activities.
What Should You Check Before Booking a Spanish School?
Before enrolling, it is worth checking a few points that can significantly affect both your experience and the final cost:
⏰ Number of Class Hours ⏰
Not every course described as “intensive” has the same number of class hours. Check how many hours of instruction are actually included in the weekly program.
🧑🧑🧒 Class Size 🧑🧑🧒
Small groups can provide more opportunities to participate and practice conversation. Some institutions specifically publish the maximum number of students per group.
📚 Spanish Level 📚
If you already have some Spanish knowledge, ask how your level will be determined. Several schools use a placement test before classes begin.
🎒 Included Activities 🎒
Cultural activities can be an important part of the experience, but this does not always mean that all expenses are included. For example, Nueva Lengua explains that it organizes the activities, but some entrance fees, food, or transportation costs must be paid by the student.
🏨 Accommodation 🏨
If you need accommodation, compare whether the school provides it directly, works with host families or student residences, and what services are included.
🗺️ Location 🗺️
Travel time is also part of the overall experience. Choosing a Spanish school close to your accommodation can be particularly convenient if you plan to attend classes every day.
💰 Final Price 💰
In addition to the cost of classes, check for possible registration fees, accommodation, materials, activities, transportation, or airport transfers.
Learning Spanish in Medellín: An Experience Beyond the Classroom
Learning Spanish in Medellín can be a way to combine language learning, travel, and everyday life. The city has private Spanish schools, university programs, and different course formats that can accommodate both short and longer stays.
Rather than looking for a single option, it is important to identify the type of experience you need: an intensive Spanish course for a few weeks, private classes, an immersion experience with accommodation, a university program, or a course focused on a specific professional field.
Before booking, always check the latest information directly with the institution, especially regarding prices, start dates, availability, accommodation, and requirements for international students. This will help you choose the program that best fits your trip and your Spanish-learning goals.