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All Spanish schools in San Sebastian
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TandemSan Sebastian, Spain

From 108€ per week
4.2

Rating: 4.2/5.0

Overall school rating of Tandem, San Sebastian
Ranked #3 of 4 Spanish schools in San Sebastian
School
Location of the school
4.2 

Rating: 4.2/5.0

Facilities
3.4 

Rating: 3.4/5.0

Social activities
4.2 

Rating: 4.2/5.0

Organisation
4.3 

Rating: 4.3/5.0

Course
Quality of teaching
4.4 

Rating: 4.4/5.0

Value for money
4.4 

Rating: 4.4/5.0

Accommodation
Homestay
4.5 

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Shared Flat (apartment)
4.7 

Rating: 4.7/5.0

Overall school rating by student age group
Students < 18 years
4.5 

Rating: 4.5/5.0

(2)
Students 18-30 years
4.3 

Rating: 4.3/5.0

(3)
Students 31-49 years
4.5 

Rating: 4.5/5.0

(4)
Students 50+ years
3.7 

Rating: 3.7/5.0

(3)
What we like about the school
  • Located in a trendy and lively district close to the Zurriola surfers’ beach.
  • Optional workshops about Basque language and culture.
  • Excellent rating of student apartments (4.7/5.0)
What we dislike about the school
  • Younger students should consider that the average age of students at this school is significantly higher than at most other schools.
How we create the points regarding what we like/dislike about a school

Location: Tandem is located in the beautiful coastal city of San Sebastian, in the autonomous Basque Country of Spain. A city famed for its cuisine, beaches, quaint old town and its surfing, San Sebastian is a fantastic location for all language-lovers and students to engross themselves in their surroundings, the Spanish language and Basque culture.

The school is located a short walk from the Zurriola beach, surrounded by cafés and fine dining, in a beautiful city with a town feel. Just a short 15-minute walk from the old town, Tandem is in a trendy and lively area, within walking distance of shops, supermarkets, nighttime entertainment and all a student may need to feel comfortable whilst studying within the city.

School facilities: The school's facilities, along with its top quality tuition and student care, have, for over 30+ years, assisted in creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere throughout the school. These facilities include a computer lab, library, free after-class access to language learning software, a lounge area, a movie room and a student support desk for any questions or queries that may arise.

Social and Cultural: Tandem promotes a social and activity programme that offers students a window into the local cultural sites, happenings and activities. These activities include trips to the beach, workshops about the Basque language and culture, Pintxo tours and more!
  • The language school Tandem was founded in San Sebastian, Spain in 1987.
  • Legal name / parent company: Centro de Idiomas Donostia S.L.
  • Tax registration ID: ESB20611661

Spanish Courses

General Language
Online
Private
Work & Study
Exam Preparation
Language Plus Activity
Specialty Courses

Information for all courses offered by Tandem

Lesson duration
45 minutes
School's administrative fee
60.00 €
Course material
Generally course material is distributed free to students and will stay in student property.
Individual classes
Single individual lessons of tuition can be reserved at 38 €. The combination of group and individual lessons is highly recommended. Individual lessons will encourage you to actively speak the foreign language and will offer you the opportunity to discuss individual problems and weaknesses.
Days without class
In 2024 (including national and regional bank holidays):
01 Jan 2024, 06 Jan 2024, 29 Mar 2024, 01 Apr 2024, 01 May 2024, 25 Jul 2024, 15 Aug 2024, 01 Nov 2024, 06 Dec 2024, 23 Dec 2024, 31 Dec 2024.
School policy regarding bank holidays:Full number of lost classes are made up
Please note that this school reserves the right to reduce the number of lessons if the minimum number of students is not reached.
Level test
A test to assess your exact language level takes place before the start of the course via email.

Lessons needed per Spanish language level

Level (CEFR) LESSONS needed per level WEEKS needed
(20 lessons per week)
A1 Beginner A1 to A2 80 4
A2 Elementary A2 to B1 160 8
B1 Intermediate B1 to B2 180 9
B2 Higher Intermediate B2 to C1 200 10
C1 Advanced C1 to C2 220 11
C2 Proficiency
Data above gives some guidance. For more details consult our page How long does it take to learn a language or reach a specific level.

Our price includes

  • INCLUDED Organized activities
  • INCLUDED Internet access and use of school computers
  • INCLUDED Wireless LAN zone at school
  • INCLUDED Free certificate of course attendance
  • INCLUDED Language level placement test at first day of classes
  • INCLUDED Language level placement test before arrival
  • INCLUDED For adult courses: a minimum of one free organized leisure activity per week
Note: All courses offered by Tandem, San Sebastian can be reserved online with LanguageCourse.net. In case a course is not listed above, just let us know.

Videos & Photos

  • Tandem - General School Video1/1
  • Exploring San Sebastian
    Exploring San Sebastian1/11
  • Tandem students
    Tandem students2/11
  • Studying together
    Studying together3/11
  • Exploring San Sebastian
    Exploring San Sebastian4/11
  • Certificates
    Certificates 5/11
  • Studying
    Studying 6/11
  • Touring San Sebastian
    Touring San Sebastian7/11
  • Students exploring
    Students exploring 8/11
  • Excursions
    Excursions 9/11
  • students
    students10/11
  • lesson
    lesson11/11

Tandem

Accreditations and Quality seals
ALTOFEDELESistema de Acreditación de Centros Instituto Cervantes (SACIC)WYSE/FIYTOTANDEM InternationalPreferential Terms in Case of Visa Refusal
Spanish teacher qualifications
100% hold a university degree
100% hold a recognised language teaching qualification
Languages spoken by school staff (cannot be guaranteed by school)
First day of course
Students should arrive at 8:45
Student gender mix
36% male / 64% female
Payment methods accepted for payments made directly to the school
Visa - logoMastercard - logoMaestro - logoBank Transfer - logo

General school facilities

  • Microwave for student use

  • Computer lab

  • Library

  • Movie rental

  • Free after-class access to language learning software

  • Movie room

  • Student support desk

  • Copy machine

  • Self-study areas

  • Free coffee

  • Free WIFI

  • Smoking zones (outdoors)

  • Tourist information

  • Assistance with reservations for restaurants, bars, clubs

  • Assistance with organizing transportation

  • Internship placement guidance service (paid)

  • Classroom equipment

    • TV in most classrooms

    • Heating in all classrooms

    • Ample natural light in some classrooms

    Number of classrooms: 7
    Number of public PC workstations: 2

    Facilities for disabled students

    • Wheelchair access to classroom

    • Accessible Toilet

    • Wheelchair access to reception

Additional comment about facilities of school

The school is adapted for the disabled

Student Age / Nationality

Average number of students
In summer: 65
Throughout the year: 22
Minimum age of students
16 years
Average number of levels
Adult courses In summer: 8
Adult courses Throughout the year: 6
Average age of students
In summer: 27 years
Throughout the year: 31 years

Top student nationalities

Age of students

Airport transfer

Bilbao Airport:
170 € one way
340 € return (both ways)
San Sebastian Airport:
75 € one way
150 € return (both ways)
Biarritz Pays Basque Airport:
130 € one way
260 € return (both ways)
More information about airports around San Sebastian and how to get from the airport to San Sebastian on your own here on our San Sebastian page.

Visa Documents

Nationals from USA do not require a visa to study short term courses up to 90 days.
Check visa requirements for nationals from other countries.
Nationals from countries that require a visa will receive documents from the school, related to booking confirmation, which is required for the visa application.
Full payment of all fees required before school dispatches documents required for visa application
No
Express shipment fee (via courier)
Europe: 50 €
,
North America: 90 €
,
South America: 90 €
,
Africa: 100 €
,
Oceania: 100 €
,
Asia: 90 €
Free shipment via regular mail
Yes
Preferential cancellation terms in case of visa refusal
School agreed that students booking online on this site will benefit from preferential cancellation fees in case of visa refusal, and in this case will never exceed EUR 180.

Leisure activities

activity possibledistance from school
Cooking-
Dancing-
Diving-
Golf15 km
Horse riding5 km
Mountainbiking-1 km
Music-
Sailing1 km
Squash1 km
Swimming-
Table Tennis1 km
Tennis2 km
Volleyball1 km
Windsurfing-
Yoga-

Examples of leisure activities organized by the school

Adults - Free activities

All our group courses include free of charge "Vive la cultura" consisting of 1 Activity to experience the city, and 1 Workshop to discover the Spanish and Basque culture per week.

Adults - Paid activities

- Different visits to San Sebastián
- Excursions to fishing villages like Zumaia, Pasajes de San Juan or Hondarribia
- TANDEM San Sebastián Cooking Workshop
- Projection of films on current affairs
- Salsa & Merengue dancing lessons
- Beach-Volley at the Zurriola Beach
- Workshops about Basque language and culture
- San Sebastián Pintxo-Tours in the historic part of San Sebastián

Accommodation

Ratings of Tandem compared to ratings of all schools in Spain

 Tandem San SebastianAverage of all other schools in Spain
Overall school rating4.3

Rating: 4.3/5.0

4.4

Rating: 4.4/5.0

Location of the school4.2

Rating: 4.2/5.0

4.7

Rating: 4.7/5.0

Facilities3.4

Rating: 3.4/5.0

3.9

Rating: 3.9/5.0

Social activities4.2

Rating: 4.2/5.0

3.7

Rating: 3.7/5.0

Organisation4.3

Rating: 4.3/5.0

4.3

Rating: 4.3/5.0

Quality of teaching4.4

Rating: 4.4/5.0

4.4

Rating: 4.4/5.0

Value for money4.4

Rating: 4.4/5.0

4.3

Rating: 4.3/5.0

Homestay4.7

Rating: 4.7/5.0

4.0

Rating: 4.0/5.0

Shared flat4.7

Rating: 4.7/5.0

3.9

Rating: 3.9/5.0

Student opinions about Tandem, San Sebastian

Liked
The activities are thoughtfully designed to show you the best that San Sebastian has to offer. The staff is passionate about languages but also the city as a whole. The whole programme is well organised and I very much felt like a member of their family.
Insider tips about what future students should not miss Going on the walking tour is a great way to get your bearings. The cooking class was fantastic and good value for money.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

City/place
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Social activities
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Apartment with Spanish people
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Other comments I honestly think attending schools like Tandem is the best way to learn a language. It's fully immersive, sociable, in a beautiful location and the teaching is of a high quality.
Course: Intensive Course 20  - 1 week
30. Oct. 2017
Liked
Friendly and motivated teachers. Great service regarding accommodation, lessons and activities. Flexibility in course scheduling.
Insider tips about what future students should not miss At least 2 weeks or longer
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

City/place
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Social activities
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Apartment with Spaniards & TANDEM students
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress: Surf lessons in the evening not ideal, better right after school, surf conditions were the same
Course: Spanish and Surf - 2 weeks
21. Aug. 2023
Liked
The lessons were good.
Insider tips about what future students should not miss To give some more information about the city and festivals during the lessons.
Overall rating
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Value for money
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

City/place
3.0

Rating: 3/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)
3.0

Rating: 3/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

School organization
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Social activities
3.0

Rating: 3/5.0

Homestay- Low Season
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Other comments A little bit more information about the excursions.
Course: Intensive Course 20  - 1 week
19. Aug. 2017
Liked
The instructors.
Insider tips about what future students should not miss Don't miss out on spending time with your classmates.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

City/place
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Social activities
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Apartment with Spanish people
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Other comments The overall environment is very comfortable.
Course: Intensive Course 20 [Spanish] - 4 weeks
5. Nov. 2018
Liked
Teachers
Insider tips about what future students should not miss Book surf lessons
Overall rating
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Value for money
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

City/place
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

School organization
3.0

Rating: 3/5.0

Social activities
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Apartment with Spanish people
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Course: Intensive Course 20 [Spanish] - 3 weeks
16. Jul. 2018

Map  

Pasaia Kalea, 4 - 20013 San Sebastian
Loading map content
Map of public transport systemSan Sebastian Public Transport Map
Other language schools in San Sebastian offering Spanish courses: 
  1. El Aula Azul, Centro4.8

    Rating: 4.8/5.0

  2. Influent
  3. Spanish school in San Sebastian: San Sebastián Escuela Internacional4.3

    Rating: 4.3/5.0

  4. Study & Live in your Teacher's Home

FAQ about Tandem,

  • If you have never studied Spanish before, you need to enrol in a beginner's course. Students who already have some knowledge of Spanish will first take a written test, which will be sent to you by email along with the course documents. The completed test must be sent back to the school no later than one week before the start of the course.
    Maksym Sterpul, Language Travel Consultant from LanguageCourse.Net - Apr 14, 2023
  • The course and activities are specifically designed for people aged 55+, but there may also be younger students in the class.
    María, Student Support from TANDEM San Sebastián - Aug 16, 2023
  • Yes. The school offers pickup from Bilbao Airport (170 €), San Sebastian Airport (75 €), Biarritz Pays Basque Airport (130 €)
  • Depending on the chosen course, the maximum number of students at Tandem varies from 1 students (Online One-to-One Lessons 10) to 15 students (Spanish and Basque Culture Experience)
  • 100% of teachers at Tandem hold a university degree. 100% hold a recognized language teaching certificate.
  • The highest Nationality percentage at Tandem comes from Germany with a 23% representation, followed by students from England (18%) and USA (15%).
  • Tandem offers courses from 16 years to 99. Average age is 27 during the summer and 31 for the rest of the year.

Brochures

Tandem SS Program 2024
Tandem SS Program 2024
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San Sebastian
San Sebastian city attractiveness rated by our students:
4.8 

Rating: 4.8/5.0

More information about San Sebastian including climate data and events on our San Sebastian page with a list of all 4 Spanish schools in San Sebastian.
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