Improve your Spanish skills, faster

Based in Valencia, Survival Spanish offers small, hand’s on classes designed to help you become more comfortable understanding and speaking Spanish so you can better enjoy life here!

Gain practical, conversational skills aimed at improving daily life

Learn in small, interactive groups, not over-crowed classrooms

Have fun & meet like-minded expats going through similar experiences

Are you struggling with...

We get it- learning Spanish is frustrating!

Not speaking Spanish can be intimidating…and it makes it harder to get the most of life here in Valencia.

Survival Spanish is the answer.

For over 5 years, we’ve been delivering real world, practical Spanish instruction for English-speakers from a teacher who has walked in your shoes.

Learn exclusive, proven methods and skills to get you managing daily situations from Lesson 1.

We promise: this is not your typical Spanish class.

Esther's method has been a great. Not working through exercise books to pass exams but instead learning use of Spanish in everyday situations has kept me eager for more.

Kathryn S.

Esther has the most amazing way to make Spanish come alive. Her methods are both unique and entertaining and her passion shines through in every class. Survival Spanish has been the best way to learn for me, in all the many things I’ve tried and I look forward to my classes each week. I cannot recommend enough!

Der P

We started with essential language and have now graduated to colloquial Spanish. Esther has a lovely way of bringing out your best efforts whilst making it fun!

Hazel C.

The classes are fun, easy to understand and she makes you feel like you will get there. I have gone from a very basic Spanish to knowing that I can hold a conversation without sounding foolish or unintelligible.

Tricia B.

Omg, Esther is the best. Super flexible to my needs, practical Spanish lessons with situational phrases that accelerated my integration here.

Rob G.

Esther always tries to simplify it and you understand the frustration we go through at times! She is very flexible and, if I had more time, I would get lessons every day!

Julie M.

How it works

Survival Spanish groups range from pure beginners with zero Spanish to more intermediates with a bit of a foundation already.

You are placed with a group that corresponds to your particular level. Groups consist of 2-3 people with a maximum of 4 per session. The duration of each class is 60 minutes, normally held Monday-Thursday each week at our studio in Ruzafa: Calle Jose Maestro Serrano, 4 (Bajo).

Although some grammar is integrated into the lessons, this is NOT designed to be a grammar-driven class like you may find in typical academies around town. Instead, sessions focus more on situational-oriented vocabulary and conversation…with learning short cuts, useful tips and plenty of fun.

Pricing

Choose the membership type that best suits your needs. Click the button to make a PayPal payment (you can pay with a credit card without logging into PayPal).

NOTE: payments can also be made via Bizum to 639 370 309 or by bank transfer to the following IBAN number: ES6600810679950001840789

Monthly Membership

160 €/Month

Semester Membership (Save 20%)

768 €/Semester

Matriculation Fee (first-time students only)

In addition to the fees above, all first time Survival Spanish students are required to pay a one-time matriculation fee of 40 euros. Payment can be made using the button below. Alternatively, you can pay the matriculation fee via Bizum to 639 370 309 or by bank transfer to the following IBAN number: ES6600810679950001840789.

Frequently asked questions

I travel a lot for weeks at a time. Can I just do the month-to-month plan off and on repeatedly?

We get it but stopping and starting is disruptive both to your progress in Spanish and to the scheduled classes. You can only truly cancel once, which means you won’t be returning. Alternatively, you can choose to “hold your spot” for a particular month for a total of 60 euros that month. This ensures your place in your normally scheduled class is held. You may do choose the “hold you spot” option a maximum of twice per school year. You may also want to consider the Semester or Full Year Membership plans that include significant discounts to help offset some missed classes.

Can I just pay for classes one at a time like I do with say a fitness instructor or tutor?

The minimum commitment at Survival Spanish is one month. We operate more like a school or gym in that regard.

Can I choose the "hold you spot" option on the Semester or Yearly membership plans?

No, those plans already include discounts for committing to those time periods. The respective discounts help offset the cost on potential missed classes during those months.

What if I travel a lot, tend to oversleep, lack motivation or miss class frequently?

Like a school, this is a “use it or lose it” model. If you miss class, there are no refunds. You may want to consider the Semester or Full Year Membership plans that include significant discounts to help offset some missed classes. If you’ve missed multiple classes due to a serious illness, Esther may look to slot you into some other makeup sessions on a case-by-case basis.

Do we have classes on holidays?

No, like a school, Survival Spanish observes all Valencian and Spanish holidays and will be closed on those days. If your class falls on a holiday, Esther may look to schedule a make-up class or two for those interested.

What if I only want class once a week?

We’ve found that at least twice a week is optimal to accelerate and maintain your learning journey. Less than that is simply not as effective or ideal. Esther may make a special exception in some cases so simply contact us to further discuss and receive a custom quote for once a week classes.

What if I only want class more than twice a week?

Most Survival Spanish students choose twice a week as this effectively balances learning with free time. If you’re interested in a more intense approach with three or more classes a week, contact us to further discuss.

Is there a matriculation fee?

Yes, new students are required to pay a one-time fee for books and materials of 40 euros. This fee is waived if you begin in September, however, due to the shorter month (classes start on September 9th). Students starting in October will be required to pay the matriculation fee + their chosen membership plan (monthly, semester or yearly).

Meet your teacher

Survival Spanish is taught by Esther Navarro. As a native of Alicante married to an American (he helps with marketing stuff), Esther is fluent in English and spent nearly twenty years living in the US…with invaluable cross-cultural knowledge that will come in handy during your classes.

Esther taught Spanish at Arizona State University while doing a Master’s program there so you know you’re in good hands with an experienced teacher. She loves to travel, cook and is passionate about sharing her knowledge of Spain and the Spanish language. She has been teaching Survival Spanish in Valencia since 2019 to over 75 students.

Now open!

After several years of running classes at cafes or out of our home, the Survival Spanish studio opened its doors in Ruzafa (with a little party) in April, 2024.

Come check us out in Ruzafa at: Calle Jose Maestro Serrano, 4 (Bajo)