New Year’s Resolutions 2023

At the beginning of each year, we set ourselves many goals(some of them unattainable). Both personally and professionally, we seek to write the wrongs of the past and achieve a new balance in our lives. 😀

Yes: the January slope is here. We feel a mixture of anxiety and hope for all future projects. We start to break out in cold sweats when we see what is abounding in the media: gyms, nutrition clinics, language academies, driving schools. These are good resolutions, hopes to regain control of our lives, physically and emotionally, and to be ready for the next thing: operation bikini! 😆

Because of all this, at Spanish Express we know how important it is to start 2023 on the right foot. That’s why today we’re going to explain how to achieve your goal of learning Spanish without giving up, in a fun and effective way. 🤓

Join us for a look at these interesting ideas for the New Year!  💡

Learning Spanish

Spanish is a global and rapidly expanding language. In terms of number of speakers, countries in which it is an official language and geographical scope, Spanish is one of the top five languages in the world. It is the official language of the United Nations and a language of reference in international relations.

Choosing to study or learn Spanish and obtain an official qualification has the added advantage of allowing you to communicate with around 500 million native speakers worldwide, which is ideal if you are preparing for your studies, your next travel adventure or looking to increase your international job prospects.

Which Spanish exam is best for me?

There are many Spanish exams, but the truth is that only the official ones are worth taking. Also, if you are going to spend money on them, make sure that the certificate you get is valid for working and/or studying at an international university.

Here are the four most common official Spanish exams. Take a look at each one and choose whichever is most suitable for your needs..

DELE

Diploma of Spanish language level-mastery according to the CEFR (A1-C2)

The first thing you should know is that the DELE Spanish diplomas are diplomas awarded by the Spanish Ministry of Education and Vocational Training.

The exams on offer range from level A1 to C2, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. The candidate has the option of deciding which exam he/she wishes to take.

Each exam consists of four parts. They are taken on paper, in a previously scheduled center and according to the fixed dates set by the Instituto Cervantes.

The results are made public after approximately two months. Candidates can find out their results by accessing the Diplomas de Español website and print out their official certificate of marks.

Candidates considered successful will subsequently receive an official diploma printed by the Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre (Real Casa de la Moneda).

A very important aspect is that the DELE exams are valid indefinitely and are internationally recognised. These exams are administered at the Cervantes Institute centers.

Here you can consult the dates of the process.

SIELE

Certificate of proficiency in Spanish on a point-scale equivalent to the A1-C1 CEFR levels

The SIELE serves to accredit the proficiency of the Spanish language for people who have Spanish as a foreign or mother tongue.

It is endorsed by prestigious institutions, including the Instituto Cervantes, the National Autonomous University of Mexico and the University of Buenos Aires. This guarantees a strong presence of different linguistic varieties of Spanish.

An advantage of SIELE is that it allows the candidate to take a complete examination or, if he/she wishes, only some of the partial competences of Spanish.

Both the registration and the presentation of the tests are done online, and the date is chosen by the candidate.

The deadline for receiving the results is a maximum of three weeks. The candidate can print out their certificate, which is valid for five years.

Spanish Express is one of seven accredited centers in the UK. Whether you take the exam in person or online, we encourage you to take the exam with us!  Simply contact our team to arrange an exam session.

SPANISH IGCSE

GCSE stands for General Certificate of Secondary Education

This is a subject-based qualification aimed at students aged 14-16 in the UK.

They are usually studied over one or two years and are considered for admission to higher education institutions both in the UK and abroad.

Many adult students take a GCSE in Spanish in order to enhance their professional profile, as they are highly valued by many employers and institutions.

Of course, you can also prepare and sit this exam with Spanish Express, as we are a division of the prestigious David Game College, a recognised examination center since 1974.

For prices and timetables, click here.

SPANISH A LEVEL

A-Levels (Advanced Level Qualifications)

Finally, there are A-level qualifications for students aged 16 and over in the UK.

The average study time is one to two years. These qualifications are recognised and taken into account for admission to higher education institutions in the UK and other countries.

Career progression or university admission are the most common aspirations for students who opt for A-levels.

Spanish Express can help you learn spanish and take the exam. For prices and timetables, click here.

Don’t feel like preparing for any exams?

How about an immersion trip to Spain with our SHIP?

At Spanish Express we know that everyone has a different way of learning and, therefore, we strive to offer courses adapted to all types of students.

Based on this philosophy, we designed the Spanish Homestay Immersion Programme, a course focused on allowing students to live and learn Spanish in the home of one of our teachers. In this way you will experience a high level cultural and linguistic adventure.

Below you can take a look at the cities that are part of the programme.

Barcelona

Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia and the second largest city in Spain. It is located on the east coast of Spain and boasts an amazing mix of landscapes including incredible beaches and large green spaces.

If you want to learn Spanish in this beautiful city, we have three study options in the municipality of Dosrius and one in Castelldefels to help you achieve your goals.

Valencia

Valencia is located on the east coast of Spain and is the third largest city, behind Madrid and Barcelona.

Its lively atmosphere is softened by the sea, making it a unique blend of city life and quiet beach life, a visual masterpiece and a great place to learn Spanish.

Discover the offer available to learn Spanish in the home of one of our teachers in Gilet, Valencia.

Cádiz

Our Cádiz & Beyond Spanish Hotel Immersion Programme (SHIP) will take you on an unforgettable journey through several important destinations while staying in a beautiful hotel in this colourful city.

We will start in the province of Cádiz, visiting the beautiful city of Algeciras, enjoying the impressive Paco de Lucia Route, the breathtaking landscapes of Bolonia and Tarifa, the historic areas of Castellar and Jimena, and then culminating in the green lands of Ceuta and Gibraltar.

Final tips for learning Spanish

Learning a new language is not an easy task that can be achieved overnight. On the contrary: you have to invest a lot of time and effort to achieve this longed-for and, at the same time, rewarding goal. That’s why we didn’t want to let this article pass without giving you some tips that will help you when learning Spanish.

Change your devices language to Spanish 📱

It sounds silly, but setting up all your devices in Spanish will help you to immerse yourself in learning this beautiful language. You can start with your smartphone, and then set up your computer and tablet as well.

Watch a series on Netflix 🎬

The Netflix catalogue has many interesting Spanish-language series. From the celebrated La casa de papel, to Las chicas del cable and Entrevías, any Hispanic production will help you hone your listening skills.

Depending on your level of Spanish, you can turn English subtitles on and then turn them off.

Listen to music in Spanish 🎵

Are you someone who can’t live without music? Use your hobby to learn spanish. It’s simple: just add some Spanish songs to your playlist and play them more and more. Listen to them over and over again and you will see how your comprehension capacity increases and your vocabulary expands.

Don’t let 2023 end without reaching your goal of learning Spanish! 🇪🇸

Mónica Romero