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Gap Year Program

Don Quijote: Madrid
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Course description

If you’re thinking about how to best take advantage of that time between high school graduation and college, think about coming to Spain to learn one of the most important languages both economically and culturally. There is no better way to learn a language fluently than to learn it in a relaxed way while having a great adventure, like the one you’ll have experiencing our culture first hand.

Our Gap Year Course will give you the chance to learn a language without distractions and without having to worry about studying other subjects or getting credit for study abroad courses. It will just be you and the language you want to learn.

We offer the Gap Year Course in every main city in Spain. You’ll be able to live the everyday experiences of Spaniards and Spanish society; you’ll be able to experience the best cultural and fun activities, and to do it all at the best destinations for learning about, understanding and loving Spanish culture.

Come to Spain with us and have the best year ever!

Course break/holidays: You can take up to one week off for holidays every 4 weeks of course taken; 1 week of advance notice is required.

Course topics

Listening, Speaking, Pronunciation, Reading, Writing, Vocabulary and Grammar

Class schedule

Course duration
12-40 weeks
Start dates
Every Monday
Classes per week
20 lessons per week (each lesson lasts 55 min)
Class days
Monday - Friday
School holidays
06 Dec 2024, 08 Dec 2024, 25 Dec 2024, 01 Jan 2025, 06 Jan 2025, 17 Apr 2025, 18 Apr 2025, 01 May 2025, 02 May 2025, 15 May 2025, 15 Aug 2025, 12 Oct 2025, 01 Nov 2025, 09 Nov 2025, 06 Dec 2025, 08 Dec 2025, 25 Dec 2025

Don Quijote does not hold classes on the holiday dates above. The school does not compensate for these holidays, so make sure to choose your start date accordingly.

Class schedule may change depending on availability and season.

Class level

All levels, beginner to advanced
You will take a placement test on your first day to determine your class level. You may also take this test before your arrival in Madrid.

Class size

Average 6 students
Maximum 8 students

Student age

Age range 18 years old and older

Certificate

A certificate of completion will be issued at the end of the course.
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school

School description

The capital of Spain, located in the heart of the peninsula, has a population of over three million. A cosmopolitan city, a business center, headquarters for the Public Administration, Government, Spanish Parliament and the home of the Spanish Royal Family, Madrid is characterized by intense cultural and artistic activity and a very lively nightlife. Captivating, enticing, and increasingly a hotbed of cultures and nationalities. While Madrid is a center of international tourism, it retains its unique Spanish charm. A city that is bursting with energy, the longer you spend in Madrid, the more it will enchant you. Stunning architecture and impressive monuments abound, but it is the people and personality of the capital that are most impressive. With a multitude of typical bars and cafes on every street corner, time spent in Madrid is a time of discovery, that will leave you wanting to explore its hidden depths.

Number of classrooms
38

Accreditations

Facilities

  • Cultural Trips
  • Computers
  • Studying Area
  • TV Room
  • Library
  • Wheelchair access
  • Audio Learning
  • Eating Area
  • Wireless Internet

Nationality and age mix

The nationality and age mix at Don Quijote: Madrid varies over different time periods, courses and levels.

School holidays

Don Quijote does not hold classes on the holiday dates below. The school does not compensate for these holidays, so make sure to choose your start date accordingly.

Open dates
Year round
School holidays
06 Dec 2024, 08 Dec 2024, 25 Dec 2024, 01 Jan 2025, 06 Jan 2025, 17 Apr 2025, 18 Apr 2025, 01 May 2025, 02 May 2025, 15 May 2025, 15 Aug 2025, 12 Oct 2025, 01 Nov 2025, 09 Nov 2025, 06 Dec 2025, 08 Dec 2025, 25 Dec 2025

School location

The don Quijote language school in Madrid is housed in the lower 3 floors of a historic building with its facilities spread throughout 1,800 square meters. The building was renovated to provide you with the most modern amenities, yet it still retains the charm of its typical madrileño architecture. Thirty-eight classrooms fill 1,300 square meters of the school building. The Madrid language school also offers 500 square meters of common areas, including a comfortable seating area where you can relax between classes or chat with friends while enjoying a drink or snack from the school's many vending machines. A state-of-the-art computer room offers you easy and free internet access at any of our 20 computer stations, or you can simply log onto the school's free Wi-Fi network if you have your own laptop. A fully equipped academic center housed in a vintage building, don Quijote Madrid combines all the facilities of a modern school with the charm and grace of historic architecture. In short, you will enjoy a school that is not only functional, but also a comfortable and beautiful place to learn Spanish in Madrid.

Take a video tour

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photos

Photos

  • Don Quijote: Madrid 1/14
  • Entrance to Don Quijote: Madrid 2/14
  • Building of Don Quijote: Madrid 3/14
  • Reception of Don Quijote: Madrid 4/14
  • Classroom at Don Quijote: Madrid 5/14
  • Students of Don Quijote: Madrid 6/14
  • Classes at Don Quijote: Madrid 7/14
  • Computer room at Don Quijote: Madrid 8/14
  • 1-on-1 classes at Don Quijote: Madrid 9/14
  • City of Madrid 10/14
  • Teachers and Staff at Don Quijote: Madrid 11/14
  • Activities offered at Don Quijote: Madrid 12/14
  • Corridor inside Don Quijote: Madrid 13/14
  • Common room at Don Quijote: Madrid 14/14
reviews

Reviews

100% recommend

based on 2 reviews
5 stars
1
4 stars
1
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing

"The private courses of excellent teaching quality helped me improve my Spanish level very fast."

Ségolène Bosshard, student from Switzerland

The private classes were excellent and adapted to my needs. My two teachers Alberto and Eva were very good. The school location was good.

The apartment was noisy and way too expensive for the small room. As I arrived, I got almost no information about the apartment. I also had to buy some basic stuff, such as a broom.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
3 weeks
Date of study
22 Jan 2024 - 16 Feb 2024
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Very well organised and structured"

EVELYNE HERITIER, student from Switzerland

I really enjoyed from the beginning these school. The teachers were good prepared.

As soon as all the new students had passed the placement test, we were distributed to the appropriate classes and off we went.We had different teachers. Which is very important for pronunciation and hearing.


The teachers were always punctual, well prepared and the program was varied.
I can really recommend this school !
The location is perfect. 5 minutes next to a metro station. The rooms are bright and clean and really pleasant.

So if I had anything small to complain about: It would be great if in the entrance area a machine for drinks and coffee, tea. Possible sandwiches.
You only have 5 minutes break between the lessons. Once 20 minutes but you had to take something with you.A really good school and the learning success is visible and audible. Even after only one week!!
Thank you

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Date of study
11 Nov 2019 - 15 Nov 2019
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.
housing

Housing

Don Quijote offers the following housing types:
homestay

Homestay,Double room (Bed & Breakfast)

£ 244
weekly
Age range: 18 years old and older
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: Breakfast (7 meals per week)
Facilities: Laundry and wireless internet
Distance to school: 1 - 20 minutes
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
Restriction: 2 students must book together
£ 244
Living with a host family has two major benefits. First, it's the best way to get to know Spanish culture and see what daily life is like for a native Spaniard. Secondly, our host families will speak to you in Spanish 100% of the time, helping you practice the skills you're working on in class in an authentic context.

Our host families vary from young families to one or two retired people, all Spanish speakers and are carefully selected to ensure that your stay be as pleasant as possible. We do our best to find home stays that will treat you as part of the family.

We will always try to accommodate you within 10-20 minutes - on foot or via public transportation - from our school.

If you have any allergies, special dietary requirements, dislike of particular pets or any other special requests, just let us know in advance and we'll do our best to satisfy your needs.

-80% of the host families have wifi installed at home and this is free to use. However if you wish to ensure guaranteed use of this servicve a weekly supplement is required.

Homestay, Double Room (Half Board)

£ 279
weekly
Age range: 14 years old and older
Location: In the city center of Madrid
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner (14 meals per week)
Facilities: Laundry and wireless internet
Distance to school: 1 - 20 minutes by walk
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
Restriction: 2 students must book together
£ 279
Living with a host family has two major benefits. First, it's the best way to get to know Spanish culture and see what daily life is like for a native Spaniard. Secondly, our host families will speak to you in Spanish 100% of the time, helping you practice the skills you're working on in class in an authentic context.

Our host families vary from young families to one or two retired people, all Spanish speakers and are carefully selected to ensure that your stay be as pleasant as possible. We do our best to find home stays that will treat you as part of the family.

We will always try to accommodate you within 10-30 minutes - on foot or via public transportation - fromour school.

If you have any allergies, special dietary requirements, dislike of particular pets or any other special requests, just let us know in advance and we'll do our best to satisfy your needs.

-80% of the host families have wifi installed at home anmd this is free to use. However if you wish to ensure guaranteed use of this servicve a weekly supplement is required.

Homestay, Single room (Bed & Breakfast)

£ 279
weekly
Age range: 18 years old and older
Location: In the city center of Madrid
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast (7 meals per week)
Facilities: Laundry and wireless internet
Distance to school: 1 - 20 minutes by walk
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
£ 279
Living with a host family has two major benefits. First, it's the best way to get to know Spanish culture and see what daily life is like for a native Spaniard. Secondly, our host families will speak to you in Spanish 100% of the time, helping you practice the skills you're working on in class in an authentic context.

Our host families vary from young families to one or two retired people, all Spanish speakers and are carefully selected to ensure that your stay be as pleasant as possible. We do our best to find home stays that will treat you as part of the family.

We will always try to accommodate you within 10-20 minutes - on foot or via public transportation - from our school.

If you have any allergies, special dietary requirements, dislike of particular pets or any other special requests, just let us know in advance and we'll do our best to satisfy your needs.

-80% of the host families have wifi installed at home and this is free to use. However if you wish to ensure guaranteed use of this servicve a weekly supplement is required.

Homestay, Single Room (Half Board)

£ 315
weekly
Age range: 17 years old and older
Location: In the city center of Madrid
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner (14 meals per week)
Facilities: Laundry and wireless internet
Distance to school: 1 - 20 minutes by walk
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
£ 315
Living with a host family has two major benefits. First, it's the best way to get to know Spanish culture and see what daily life is like for a native Spaniard. Secondly, our host families will speak to you in Spanish 100% of the time, helping you practice the skills you're working on in class in an authentic context.

Our host families vary from young families to one or two retired people, all Spanish speakers and are carefully selected to ensure that your stay be as pleasant as possible. We do our best to find home stays that will treat you as part of the family.

We will always try to accommodate you within 10-20 minutes - on foot or via public transportation - from our school.

If you have any allergies, special dietary requirements, dislike of particular pets or any other special requests, just let us know in advance and we'll do our best to satisfy your needs.

-80% of the host families have wifi installed at home anmd this is free to use. However if you wish to ensure guaranteed use of this servicve a weekly supplement is required.

Homestay, Double Room (Full board)

£ 315
weekly
Age range: 14 years old and older
Location: In the city center of Madrid
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (21 meals per week)
Facilities: Laundry and wireless internet
Distance to school: 1 - 20 minutes by walk
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
Restriction: 2 students must book together
£ 315
Living with a host family has two major benefits. First, it's the best way to get to know Spanish culture and see what daily life is like for a native Spaniard. Secondly, our host families will speak to you in Spanish 100% of the time, helping you practice the skills you're working on in class in an authentic context.

Our host families vary from young families to one or two retired people, all Spanish speakers and are carefully selected to ensure that your stay be as pleasant as possible. We do our best to find home stays that will treat you as part of the family.

We will always try to accommodate you within 10-20 minutes - on foot or via public transportation - from our school.

If you have any allergies, dislike of particular pets or any other special requests, just let us know in advance and we'll do our best to satisfy your needs.

-80% of the host families have wifi installed at home and this is free to use. However if you wish to ensure guaranteed use of this servicve a weekly supplement is required.

Homestay, Single Room (Full board)

£ 350
weekly
Age range: 14 years old and older
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (21 meals per week)
Facilities: Laundry and wireless internet
Distance to school: 1 - 20 minutes
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
£ 350
Living with a host family has two major benefits. First, it's the best way to get to know Spanish culture and see what daily life is like for a native Spaniard. Secondly, our host families will speak to you in Spanish 100% of the time, helping you practice the skills you're working on in class in an authentic context.

Our host families vary from young families to one or two retired people, all Spanish speakers and are carefully selected to ensure that your stay be as pleasant as possible. We do our best to find home stays that will treat you as part of the family.

We will always try to accommodate you within 10-20 minutes - on foot or via public transportation - from our school.

If you have any allergies, dislike of particular pets or any other special requests, just let us know in advance and we'll do our best to satisfy your needs.

-80% of the host families have wifi installed at home and this is free to use. However if you wish to ensure guaranteed use of this servicve a weekly supplement is required.
student-residence

Student Residence, Double room (Bed & Breakfast)

£ 274
weekly
Age range: 17 years old and older
Housing type: Student residence
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: Breakfast (7 meals per week)
Facilities: Wireless internet
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
£ 274
Our Spanish student residences are very similar to a shared apartment with the difference that you don't have to cook your own meals. In this type of residence you will share accommodation with students from all over the world, but not necessarily of don Quijote, which makes this option very interesting. We offer you half board or full board.

Student Residence, Double room (Half Board)

£ 324
weekly
Age range: 14 years old and older
Housing type: Student residence
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner (14 meals per week)
Facilities: Wireless internet
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
Restriction: 2 students must book together
£ 324
Our Spanish student residences are very similar to a shared apartment with the difference that you don't have to cook your own meals. In this type of residence you will share accommodation with students from all over the world, but not necessarily of don Quijote, which makes this option very interesting. We offer you half board or full board.

Student residence, Double room (Full Board)

£ 359
weekly
Age range: 14 years old and older
Housing type: Student residence
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (21 meals per week)
Facilities: Wireless internet
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
Restriction: 2 students must book together
£ 359
Our Spanish student residences are very similar to a shared apartment with the difference that you don't have to cook your own meals. In this type of residence you will share accommodation with students from all over the world, but not necessarily of don Quijote, which makes this option very interesting. We offer you half board or full board.

Student Residence, Single room (Bed & Breakfast)

£ 368
weekly
Age range: 17 years old and older
Housing type: Student residence
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast (7 meals per week)
Facilities: Wireless internet
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
£ 368
Our Spanish student residences are very similar to a shared apartment with the difference that you don't have to cook your own meals. In this type of residence you will share accommodation with students from all over the world, but not necessarily of don Quijote, which makes this option very interesting. We offer you half board or full board.

Student Residence Single room (Half Board)

£ 403
weekly
Age range: 17 years old and older
Housing type: Student residence
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner (14 meals per week)
Facilities: Wireless internet
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
£ 403
Our Spanish student residences are very similar to a shared apartment with the difference that you don't have to cook your own meals. In this type of residence you will share accommodation with students from all over the world, but not necessarily of don Quijote, which makes this option very interesting. We offer you half board or full board.

Student Residence, Single room ( Full Board)

£ 439
weekly
Age range: 17 years old and older
Housing type: Student residence
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (21 meals per week)
Facilities: Wireless internet
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
£ 439
Our Spanish student residences are very similar to a shared apartment with the difference that you don't have to cook your own meals. In this type of residence you will share accommodation with students from all over the world, but not necessarily of don Quijote, which makes this option very interesting. We offer you half board or full board.
apartment

Regular Shared Apartment, Double room (No meals)

£ 194
weekly
Age range: 17 years old and older
Location: In the city center of Madrid
Housing type: Apartment
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: No meals
Facilities: Kitchen, laundry, and wireless internet
Distance to school: 1 - 20 minutes by walk
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
Restriction: 2 students must book together
£ 194
Our student apartments in Madrid bring together international students from the don Quijote school in a pleasant, open atmosphere. The apartments are not luxurious, but are completely furnished and equipped. No meals are offered but each apartment has a kitchen with a microwave, pans, cutlery and everything you might need to cook your own food.

There are apartments of different sizes and characteristics, booked according to availability. Most of them are located within walking distance from the school or are accessible by a short ride on public transportation.

They include all the basic facilities: a bed, table or desk, chair and a closet wardrobe.
Each student apartment has a living room with TV, a fully equipped kitchen, a washing machine and an iron.
No telephones are available in student flats; we suggest you use public telephones or local calling centers.

Regular Shared Apartment, Single room (No meals)

£ 274
weekly
Age range: 17 years old and older
Location: In the city center of Madrid
Housing type: Shared apartment
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: No meals
Facilities: Kitchen, laundry, and wireless internet
Distance to school: 1 - 20 minutes by walk
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
£ 274
Our student apartments in Madrid bring together international students from the don Quijote school in a pleasant, open atmosphere. The apartments are not luxurious, but are completely furnished and equipped. No meals are offered but each apartment has a kitchen with a microwave, pans, cutlery and everything you might need to cook your own food.

There are apartments of different sizes and characteristics, booked according to availability. Most of them are located within walking distance from the school or are accessible by a short ride on public transportation.

They include all the basic facilities: a bed, table or desk, chair and a closet wardrobe.
Each student apartment has a living room with TV, a fully equipped kitchen, a washing machine and an iron.
No telephones are available in student flats; we suggest you use public telephones or local calling centers.
visa

Visa support

We cannot apply for visas on behalf of students. However, the school can supply you with all the documentation you need to support your visa application.

Your letter of acceptance will be sent to your home address by regular mail at no charge to you. If you wish to receive your paperwork by express mail, you will be charged 185 € when you register.

Flights and airport transfer

The closest airport to the school is Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD).

The school offers airport pickup services. If you wish to be picked up, just give us your flight details and arrival date. The price of a one-way airport transfer from Madrid-Barajas Airport is 85 €. You must book your airport transfer in advance when you register.

Please note that we do not book flights for our students. If you are researching airfare costs, we recommend using Kayak.com, a search engine that lets you compare flight options from your home country to Madrid based on your budget, schedule and preferences.

Travel insurance

Study abroad worry-free with Language International's health and personal effects insurance coverage. When you book a course with us, you can opt to purchase an international insurance plan that covers not only your health care cost but also loss of your personal belongings. You must book your insurance in advance when you register.

Learn more about our insurance plan »

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questions

Questions and answers

Have questions? Get answers from Don Quijote: Madrid staff, Language International student advisors, and past students.

Ask a question
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