5 reasons why extracurricular activities are so important when learning Spanish in Barcelona

The fastest way to learn Spanish will probably surprise you.

Sure, you need to master vocabulary. Yes, you need to understand grammar and syntax. But according to ground-breaking research into language acquisition, these two aren’t enough. 

You need to be speaking Spanish as much as possible outside of the classroom.

(More on that below.)

This is where Speakeasy BCN comes in—our teaching methodology combines high-quality teaching with extracurricular activities. We’re the only Spanish language school in Barcelona to have two dedicated activity coordinators whose job is to plan weekly trips and events for our students and join them on these.

So, what do you get out of these extracurricular activities anyway?

In this blog, you’ll learn:

• What language immersion means

• The most important factor in learning Spanish fast

• What adventures are on offer at Speakeasy BCN

5 reasons why we recommend you set time aside for extracurricular activities

1. It’s a dose of immersion-based learning

Extracurriculars create real-world immersion. And here’s why that’s important...

At Speakeasy BCN, our teaching methodology is inspired by Stephen D. Krashen’s 1982 work on second language acquisition. In his research, he makes a strong case for getting outside the classroom.

Let’s look at why.

Krashen explains there is a big difference between learning a language and acquiring it.

• "Learning" is what happens when you consciously study grammar rules for a test. 

• "Acquiring" is a subconscious process that happens naturally when you use the language for real communication.

Learning is what happens when you turn up for your Spanish classes. But acquiring happens on the street, in shops, playing sports, and making friends—and arguably, this is the best way to actually learn to speak a second language.

So, students learn faster outside the classroom?

In theory. But hold the thought. Krashen recognized that non-native students in the US were learning English much faster when dumped into regular classes, compared to students who took English as a Second Language (ESL) courses.

Here’s the key. Students in regular classes learnt English faster because it wasn't the main focus. Instead, students had to acquire English quickly just to do normal, everyday things—like make friends, fit in, join conversations, and have fun at recess.

So, students should just not take Spanish classes at all?

No. Of course not! It's incredibly difficult to just dump yourself onto Barcelona's La Rambla with zero Spanish and try to survive for 3 months—that would be stressful. Instead, at Speakeasy BCN, we enhance our high-quality Spanish teaching with as many opportunities for language immersion as possible.

How Speakeasy BCN helps you “learn” and “acquire” Spanish at the same time

One of the ways we do this is by encouraging students to only speak Spanish once they are at the school. That includes talking to your classmates, socializing, and asking the teacher questions.

Another way is by combining most of our courses—and in particular our immersive 20/week course options—with workshops on Spanish culture. This shifts the focus from learning Spanish to using Spanish as a vehicle to learn about other cool things.

But the absolute best way we do this is through our extracurricular activities…

2. Build your confidence with Spanish

Many students can memorize vocabulary and write well in class. But then they fall apart mid-sentence while speaking to locals in real situations.

Why is that?

Stephen Krashen’s "Affective Filter" theory explains that self-confidence is key to fast language acquisition. If you feel stressed or anxious, your mental "filter" goes up and blocks new language from sticking. Learners must engage freely to minimize the anxiety of making mistakes.

We’ve all been there. Fresh from learning a language, you go to order something at a bar or shop in Spanish and a thick accent throws you. You panic. You smile and laugh as if you understand, before running for the door as quickly as possible.

This is why immersion-based extracurriculars are a massive help.

Speaking Spanish in public is way less scary in a group

During our events, you are with classmates who are also learning, so the pressure is much lower. Our activity coordinators can also help when you get stuck by prompting words, clarifying meaning, and encouraging you to try again. 

You get repeated "low-stakes reps" speaking in public until it simply stops feeling scary. More confidence in public means more real conversations—and faster fluency.

3. You get to socialize with classmates (and enjoy the experience more)

Speakeasy BCN’s student mix is international and diverse.

Just take a look at our video testimonials. You'll meet students like Jess from Canada, Alicia from China, and Gustav from Sweden and Tanzania. We also have Jeremiah from South Korea, Evgenii from Russia, and Jessica from the United States.

If you want to come to Barcelona alone, it can feel daunting. Speakeasy BCN’s extracurricular activities will instantly get rid of that fear of isolation.

You’re with people in the same boat.

This makes it incredibly easy to make friends quickly. Friendships keep you motivated and make you more likely to keep practicing Spanish outside of class. Your study period becomes a real-life experience, not just "a course."

4. Get to know Barcelona in a way most schools don’t offer

Weekly activities and trips aren’t unique—many Spanish schools in Barcelona offer them. But most of them recycle the exact same neighborhood tours and standard activities each month.

Here is why Speakeasy BCN is different. Our activities are planned around what students are actually into and what is happening culturally in Barcelona right now.

You can join a beach Bachata class, visit the Medes islands, enjoy a Jazz Club, or go roller skating. We even explore further to see Barcelona light festivals and hike La Carretera de les Aigües for stunning 10km city views.

For example, at the time of publishing (February 2026) we have the following unique upcoming trips:

• Las Fallas Festival in Valencia (only on once a year in March)

• Llum Festival Barcelona (only on once a year in February)

• Fiesta de la Calcotada en Valls (only on once a year in a village 1 hour and 20 minutes away from Barcelona)

Knowing the region better means more real interactions. And that gives you more reasons to use Spanish daily.

5. Make the most of your time in Spain (even with an intensive schedule)

Every student brings a different story. Jessica worked three jobs hoping to travel the world. Luka came to Barcelona from Serbia to work as an atmospheric scientist at Barcelona’s supercomputing center.

They come from different walks of life, but both still found love and adventure in Europe.

Taking a 30-hour-per-week Spanish course from Monday to Friday is intense. It doesn’t leave loads of energy for planning weekend trips.

So it’s a good thing Speakeasy BCN’s itineraries are well-organized and entirely tailored for you.

Most activities are free (but longer trips are still affordable!)

Whether you take one of our intensive Spanish courses or our part-time Spanish courses, you won’t be stuck in a classroom at Speakeasy BCN. You’ll be guaranteed the opportunity get to meet new crowds and enjoy a margarita or two—most activities are free but our trip to Valencia, for example, is currently an affordable €45 extra.

The school plans the events and the trips. We have all the transportation and bookings completely covered. You just get to have fun!

Here is a glimpse of what you can do with us:

• Bask in the glory of coastal Tossa de Mar

• Visit Collioure and Le Barcarès in France

• Hike the foothills of the mighty Catalan Pyrenees

• Visit historic cities like Tarragona, Girona, and Zaragoza

• Have drinks in the heart of Barcelona’s old quarter

If this sounds like fun, take a look at our full activities listings.

Ready to book your Spanish course?

The real test in learning Spanish happens beyond the classroom. You have to immerse yourself in the culture and actually speak the language.

Exploring Barcelona gives you a huge head start on your goals. And speaking to locals is the only key to sounding like one.

Study with us today. Check out our Activities page to find out what you like and start your journey!