Today, she is studying Spanish at B1 level. Her classes have given her not only the language skills to communicate confidently, but also a deeper understanding of Spanish culture and a wonderful sense of community. Best of all, she can now join every conversation around the dinner table with her boyfriend’s family.

Ida Simensen studied Spanish at school and loved every minute of it. She had always planned to continue learning the language as an adult, and when she met her Spanish boyfriend, that ambition became even stronger.

“First and foremost, I chose to learn Spanish because my boyfriend is from Spain. I think it is incredibly important that we learn each other’s languages,” says Ida.

She chose Studieskolen after hearing glowing recommendations from friends and acquaintances who had all enjoyed learning here. “I chose Studieskolen because everyone I know who is learning a language studies here, and they all had nothing but positive things to say.”

More than grammar and vocabulary

For Ida, learning a language is about much more than simply being able to hold a conversation. “Learning a language is not only about speaking to other people. It is also about understanding their culture, history and identity.”

That is why she appreciates that her Spanish classes at Studieskolen go beyond grammar and vocabulary. They also explore Spanish culture, history, traditions and society. This has given her a much deeper understanding of both her boyfriend’s background and Spain as a country. The language has also transformed the way she connects with his family and friends.

One of the biggest changes has been being able to take part in conversations. The first time she met her boyfriend’s family, she often felt left out because she could not follow what was being said. Today, just a year and a half later, things are very different. She can understand almost everything and join in naturally in conversations that once felt out of reach.

Although she still considers herself a little shy, being able to understand the language and feel part of the conversation around the dinner table means a great deal to her.

Ida Simensen is 27 years old and is studying Spanish at B1 level at Studieskolen. For her, meeting people of different ages and backgrounds is one of the things that makes learning a language together so rewarding. Here she is working with fellow student Lone Ley during a group activity.

A community across generations

One of the things Ida values most is the way the lessons are organised. New topics are introduced together with the teacher before the class works with the topics in smaller groups. There is a strong emphasis on collaboration, and students rarely work on their own. This creates plenty of opportunities to speak Spanish, discuss ideas and learn from one another.

She also enjoys the variety of activities, which include reading, listening and writing tasks, making every lesson engaging and varied. For Ida, however, one of the greatest benefits of learning Spanish is the community she has found.

Unlike school or university, where you are often surrounded by people your own age, her class brings together people from many different generations, backgrounds and walks of life. That creates friendships that might never otherwise have happened. “You build relationships with people you would probably never have met otherwise, and I think that is something really special.”

Many people in the class have been learning together for several years, creating a strong sense of community among both the students and their teacher, Beatriz Molina Alcántara.

With a smile, Ida adds that she especially enjoys the little cultural detours during lessons, such as when Beatriz teaches the class Spanish sayings or explains exactly what you should – and definitely should not – say to your mother-in-law or grandmother!

For Ida, it is this combination of language, culture and community that makes learning Spanish at Studieskolen such a rewarding experience.

Would you like to learn a language too?

Here on our website, you will find courses in more than 20 languages. Explore the following pages or browse the full range of courses here.

• Did you know...?
• Many of our language courses have five starting dates each year.
• We offer classes from beginner level (A1.1) to advanced level (C1).
• You can take a language assessment to find the right level.
• You can change class during the first three lessons if your course is too easy or too difficult.
• All our teachers have university degrees and are passionate about languages and cultures.
• Our classes focus on helping you speak as much as possible, so you quickly become confident using your new language.
• We also offer talks, debates, guided tours, excursions and many other events in foreign languages.