What is the best place to learn Spanish in India?

Learning a foreign language has always been an attractive profession in India, especially for those who wish to explore the world! Over the last few decades, India has transformed itself from an underdeveloped country to become what is arguably the most significant global economy. Thanks to the Indian Government’s new economic liberalization business policy, multinationals all over the world are expanding their business footprints in India. 

Spanish is one of the most obvious choices when it comes to language learning, for many in India. It is their ticket to a lucrative career and global job market. The biggest attraction that pulls people to learn Spanish in India is the excellent job opportunities it provides in the ever-growing BPO sector. The multinational corporations that set up their operations in India, require candidates who possess sound language skills in Spanish, to work for their businesses and clients from India, especially for work outsourced from the USA, which has more than 33 million speakers in the US alone!

Other than BPO, there is also a high demand for Spanish translators and interpreters due to improving and growing international business and diplomatic relationships between India and Spanish speaking countries especially Spain and Latin American countries like Venezuela, Argentina, Colombia, Peru etc.

From TCS to Satyam there are many Indian companies that have opened development centres or acquired companies all across Latin America. India also has Spanish companies setting up businesses in India including Inditex Textile Company, Agroalimen. India’s trade with Latin America increased by 45% in 2008 while India’s exports increased by 40%. India’s exports to Latin America have increased by nearly 6 times in the past 10 years.

• Delhi University (www.du.ac.in)
• Jawaharlal Nehru University (www.jnu.ac.in)
• Jamia Milia Islamia (www.jmi.nic.in)
• English and Foreign Languages University (www.efluniversity.ac.in)
• Doon University (doonuniversity.ac.in)
• Delhi University offers part-time courses in Spanish. Other diploma and advanced diploma courses are available at
• Bharatiya Vidya Bhawan, New Delhi (www.bvbdelhi.org)
• The Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture, Kolkata (www.sriramakrishna.org/lngintro.php)

Instituto Cervantes (the Cervantes Institute), a worldwide non-profit public organization, was founded by the Spanish government in 1991. It is named after Miguel de Cervantes (1547–1616), the author of Don Quixote and perhaps the most important figure in the history of Spanish literature. The Cervantes Institute aims to promote Spanish language education, teaching, 

the use of Spanish as a second language universally, to support the methods and activities that would help the process of Spanish language education, and fostering knowledge of Spanish and Hispanic American culture throughout non-Spanish-speaking countries. Currently, the Institute has 86 centres located in 45 countries. Its main headquarters are in Madrid and in Alcalá de Henares, the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes.

To study Spanish at Instituto Cervantes is much more than just learning the language. It is the opportunity to experience and become familiar with the broad range of Spanish-speaking cultures, as students are welcome to participate in the cultural activities regularly held at and organized by the Institute. Students also have access to a well-stocked library, which offers a broad selection of Spanish and Hispanic American literature, films, magazines and newspapers from the Spanish-speaking world. 

The Instituto Cervantes has its own syllabus which establishes the appropriate foundations for the teaching of universal, well-spoken Spanish while respecting the variety found among the diverse Spanish-speaking communities. Teaching is done in a flexible manner, with the aid of the most up-to-date technology. The Institute is currently adapting its courses to be consistent with the levels established by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

An initiative of the European Council, the CEFR aims to achieve a greater degree of uniformity and transparency in the study of foreign languages, among member nations of the European Union. This serves to increase mobility within member nations, facilitate mutual recognition of language certificates, and promote cooperation among educational institutions from different countries. The Framework defines the levels that determine linguistic capability in areas such as communicative proficiency, active and receptive skills, and linguistic proficiency with specific ends.

A. Basic User

 

A1 (Breakthrough)

A2 (Waystage)

B. Independent User

 

B1 (Threshold)

B2 (Vantage)

C. Proficient User

 

C1 (Effective Operational Proficiency)

C2 (Mastery)

Professors

 

Comprising both native and non-native speakers, our teaching staff specializes in modern techniques for the teaching of Spanish as a foreign language, and all professors take courses designed to perfect their skills on a yearly basis, so as to ensure quality service.

Take your pick from the very many options that could become your compelling reasons to learn Spanish:

• Foreign Language Trainer
• Translator for MNCs and Government Organizations
• Research Associate
• Interpreter
• Tourist Guide
• Air Hostess or Flight Steward
• Attendant at hotels
• Freelance Writer, Translator, Interpreter
• Public Relation Officer
• Diplomatic Service Professional

However, it’s worth a mention that the study fee of Instituto Cervantes is on the higher side as compared to all other institutes offering Spanish. Another option could be to learn Spanish by taking one on one classes with a CEFR certified trainer and then to appear for the international proficiency tests such as DELE. Instituto Cervantes conducts DELE exams twice a year. DELE is an equivalent TOEFL or IELTS for the Spanish Language.

Also, you must bear in mind, the following things while learning the Spanish Language

• A passion to learn the Spanish language is going to give you an additional boost. Do have a compelling reason before jumpstarting
• Readymade sentences are good for travellers picked from a top 100 or top 200 phrases book!. For a more serious learner its a self defeating proposition, in the long term, so learn the language from scratch and construct your own sentences. No one said it’s going to be a cakewalk, but the effort is worth the pain!
• Willingness and drive to excel are a must to build proficiency in any language!
• If you have a conversation partner right in your neighbourhood, active interact with him whenever possible, use it to maximize your language skills. No one can speak better than a native speaker so try to talk with them to enhance spoken skills,
• Various MNCs and KPOs, look for in candidates is their fluency and clarity in the language, so gain them over time