Spanish Exchange Program at Fundación Lengua – Valladolid, Spain

In this post, you’ll find everything you need to know about the Spanish exchange program at Fundación de la Lengua Española in Valladolid:

I hope to inspire you and/or answer your questions so you can embark on this adventure.

Let’s go!

It all started in early 2019 when I decided to learn Spanish. 

After a few months of classes, an exchange opportunity was announced by the school Planeta Idiomas , which, in partnership with Fundación de la Lengua Española, offers scholarships to its students. 

After more than 5 months of research, planning—especially financial—and waiting, the big day finally arrived. In December 2019, I embarked on my Spanish exchange program: two wonderful and intense weeks in the city of Valladolid, Spain.

Scholarship

Every year, Fundación de la Lengua Española offers scholarships to international Spanish students. The scholarship covers two weeks of language course (€510). Flights, accommodation, food, and registration fees are the student's responsibility.

How to apply for the scholarship

In my case, the first contact was made between the two partner schools. Once the scholarship was confirmed, I paid the registration fee on Fundación Lengua’s website to reserve my spot. Fundación Lengua’s website para reservar minha vaga. 

You can also apply directly through the registration page on site da Fundación Lengua’s website by writing a short text explaining why you deserve the two-week course. 

On the same page, you can simulate or select additional services like airport transfer, travel insurance, and accommodation—or just book the course and organize everything else yourself.

Accommodation

Fundación Lengua offers several accommodation options:host family, apartment, hotel, and university residence. Prices range from €440 to €780 (for two weeks).

I chose the university residence (€490) for three reasons: 1. Financial feasibility 2. To meet new people 3. Not having to worry about food or cleaning (breakfast, lunch, and dinner were included) 

The resi (as they call it there) hosts around 60 Spanish students and usually a few international exchange students. There’s a shared space with a dining hall, game room, TV lounge, library, and living area. It also has a gym, terrace, laundry room, and of course, bedrooms.

What’s the best accommodation option?

The best choice depends on your profile and priorities.

Personally, I believe the best way to learn a language and overcome the fear of speaking (which is very common during exchanges) is by speaking. In that sense, the best options are host families or university residences, where there’s direct contact with locals. It’s not only great for practice, but also a full immersion into the daily life and local culture. 

Regardless of the choice, all options are located in the city center, allowing you to walk everywhere. 

About the course

On the first day of class, there’s a placement test and a city tour—which will instantly make your eyes sparkle because Valladolid is just so beautiful! Besides the 4-hour daily classes, the school offers many afternoon programs (most are free) and two guided trips: one to Salamanca and another to Segovia (€45 each). 

Who were the students? Most students were Brazilian, but there was also an American, a Turkish girl, an Italian, and a Thai student.

Was the course worth it? Absolutely! I’d say I got 100% out of the experience.

I joined every activity and trip the school offered, talked non-stop, studied hard, and made lots of friends.

When I returned, I took a new placement test and jumped an entire level (equivalent to a full semester). Mission accomplished! 

What really helped—and here’s a tip—was being in constant contact with people at the residence and just speaking, speaking, speaking without fear of making mistakes. It started off as “Portuñol,” but the progress was fast and noticeable.

I left the Spanish exchange with many lessons, new friendships, and a heart full of memories. 

Are the trips with the school worth it???

Yes! Despite the cost, I chose to go with the school and it was incredible in every way. The trips were guided, full of stories, strategic restaurant/bar stops, conversations, and cultural insights (all in Spanish, of course).

On the other hand, many people prefer to plan the trips on their own because it's cheaper—and that’s perfectly valid too!

A little research can easily replace the guide, and let’s be honest, discovering a new place on your own is always a rewarding experience.

Read also: Car Rental in Europe: Everything You Need to Know

Check out the video from one of the trips:

Costs of the Spanish exchange program

One of the first questions that always comes up is: “How much will my exchange program cost?” Especially when converting to another currency. 

Having a cost estimate, at least for me, is crucial. That’s why I always make an initial budget plan to avoid financial stress while traveling. 

Of course, travel costs vary from person to person, but to help you out, here’s a sample budget you can consider:

Fixed Costs 

	euros
Round-trip airfare	varia
Transport from Madrid to Valladolid	+-30
Travel insurance (2 weeks, full coverage)	40
Registration fee	100
University residence (2 weeks)	490
Guided trip to Segovia	45
Guided trip to Salamanca	45

Variable Costs 

	euros
Coffee from vending machine	0,50
Lunch/dinner	20
Tapas*	10
Party entry	5
Drink at party	5
Churros with chocolate	2,5
Café (drink + snack)	5

Tapas = small Spanish appetizers served with wine or beer

Now all that’s left is to start planning and embark on this adventure!

In the meantime, here’s a reading tip to practice Spanish – A romance novel from 1878 by Spanish author Benito Pérez Galdós. Marianela