Meet Satoshi from Fukuoka, a city on the north of Kyushu island in Japan, known for its ancient temples, beautiful beaches and modern shopping districts. A photographer and graphic designer, Satoshi fell in love with Barcelona from the very first visit.
“It was the people, the weather, the atmosphere… I loved everything about Barcelona.”
Inspired by the city and its culture, Satoshi decided to learn Spanish and eventually move to Barcelona with his wife and two daughters.
Why Linguaschools Barcelona?
When choosing a Spanish school in Barcelona, Satoshi was looking for more than just a course. He wanted a school with good reviews, helpful support and an atmosphere where he could feel comfortable as an international adult student starting from zero.
“I chose Linguaschools because it had great reviews, and the [Japanese speaking] staff we spoke to were incredibly friendly and helpful. That made my decision easy.”
At Linguaschools Barcelona, Spanish classes are taught in Spanish from the beginning, including at A1 level. This communicative immersion approach helps students start listening, speaking and thinking in Spanish from day one. For complete beginners, it can feel challenging at first, but Satoshi kept asking questions, stayed active in class and gradually built confidence.
“When I arrived, I couldn’t speak a word of Spanish. At first, it was really difficult to understand what the teachers were saying, and I often had to stop the lesson to ask what things meant. I felt embarrassed sometimes and under pressure, but all the teachers were so supportive and explained everything really well. My classmates were also very friendly, so I was able to relax, enjoy the lessons, and keep improving.”
What started as complete beginner Spanish gradually became real communication. Over 11 months, Satoshi followed an Intensive 20 Spanish course at our Barcelona school, learning in an international classroom environment with native teachers, and with classmates and school staff supporting his progress.
“I began at A1 level, learning the very basics, and after 11 months I reached a conversational level. I know I still have a lot to learn, but I’ve improved so much thanks to all the teachers, my classmates, and everyone at the school.”
Learning Spanish Beyond the Classroom
Satoshi fully embraced the Spanish immersion experience at Linguaschools Barcelona. Alongside his Intensive 20 course, he joined the school’s weekly cultural activities and excursions, using every opportunity to practise Spanish in real-life situations, meet other students and discover local culture beyond the classroom.
From exploring Barcelona’s historic neighbourhoods during city tours to experiencing traditions such as Correfoc and Castellers, Satoshi immersed himself in both Spanish and Catalan culture during his stay.
“They organise lots of activities every week, so you can meet people and experience the culture at the same time. I joined many activities, met new people, enjoyed Barcelona’s culture, and learned a lot.”
Would You Recommend Linguaschools?
After studying at Linguaschools Barcelona for 11 months, Satoshi highlights the teachers, classmates, staff, weekly activities and central location as important parts of his experience.
“Of course! I’d highly recommend it. The teachers are friendly, passionate, and very professional. The students are also kind and motivated to learn languages. The staff are always helpful, so you have many opportunities to practise Spanish and improve quickly. There are also lots of activities every week and the location is fantastic.”
His advice for other students thinking about studying Spanish in Spain is simple: participate, ask questions and use every opportunity to speak.
“Don’t be afraid to ask questions when you don’t understand something in class. Get involved, listen carefully, and speak as much as possible without fear or embarrassment. Try to meet lots of people, have conversations, and make friends. Most importantly, enjoy the process of learning a language — I think that’s the key.”
His experience in three words?
Fun. Progress. Community.
A New Chapter in Barcelona
Satoshi’s Spanish journey became part of a much bigger life change. His wife, Yukiko, and their two daughters have now joined him in Barcelona. We also have the pleasure of welcoming Yukiko as a student at Linguaschools Barcelona, and we truly feel part of this beautiful family’s journey.
We are proud of everything Satoshi has achieved through 11 months of dedication, courage and Spanish immersion. His story shows how consistent lessons, supportive teachers, international classmates, cultural activities and everyday life in Barcelona can come together to create real progress.
👉 Want to start your own Spanish journey in Barcelona? Discover our Spanish courses at Linguaschools Barcelona and learn Spanish through lessons, cultural activities and everyday life in the city.
