Are you looking for a Spanish institute to embark on an enthralling journey to fluency?
With endless options, which one is the right for you?
Here’s a first-of-its-kind review of Instituto Hispania for anyone looking to pick up Spanish in India.
Whatever the reason, learning Spanish opens a whole world of opportunities. It enriches both your personal and professional trajectory uniquely.
Spanish is a relatively easy language for English speakers and Indians to learn the language of the upside-down question and exclamation marks.
Although I have written over 100 articles, this is the first time I am writing a review. But you may wonder why I chose Instituto Hispania.
Firstly, it ticked all the right boxes and gave me a perfect choice of a high-quality Spanish language school in India. Secondly, my vivid memories of when I was learning Spanish there.
Here’s more about my personal experience and a bit of a review about studying with Instituto Hispania.
Table of Contents
- About Instituto Hispania
- Why Choose Instituto Hispania of all the Options?
- 1. Track Record and Brand — 10/10
- 2. Location and accessibility — 10/10
- 3. Infrastructure and Facilities — 9/10
- 4. Accreditations and Recognition — 9/10
- 5. Experienced and Native Trainers — 10/10
- 6. Teaching Method and Approaches— 10/10
- 7. Spanish Courses at Instituto Hispania — 10/10
- 8. Study Material and Effective Content — 9/10
- 9. Job Placement and post-study Guidance — 9/10
- 10. Fee Structure — 10/10
- Recommendations and Ratings (4.8/5)
About Instituto Hispania
Instituto Hispania’s story began in 1997.
Realizing the great future of the Spanish language in India, Ms. Laura Benito, the founder, started Instituto Hispania to impart quality Spanish teaching in India.
This Spanish woman has spent over 30 years in India and established a practical foreign language education model to master effective communication and connect cultures and communities.
They were thereby enabling thousands of people in India to expand their opportunities.
For over 22 years, the institute has offered courses and career-focused training in Spanish across India.
Instituto Hispania teaches an average of 3500 students annually, from beginners to advanced proficiency levels, with a multi-city presence.
Instituto Hispania is in 8 locations scattered around SIX different cities — New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Pune- and is now expanding to other places like Kerala and Patna.
With over 30 classrooms and a dynamic team of around 130 people, this iconic institute has become synonymous with its expertise in offering quality Spanish training.
Why Choose Instituto Hispania of all the Options?
In 2006, When the opportunity came up for me to learn some Spanish, I jumped at it, even if it was a bit of a fun activity. At that time, there weren’t many options in Delhi.
Tucked away in a small corner of Hauz Khas, I found Instituto Hispania to be the best one of all available options. So, I enrolled in the Certificado Basico (now they call Hispania Uno).
The two years I spent at the center completing all the levels were some of my best memories from my extended language learning journey.
I doubt my Spanish would be at its current level. My understanding of grammar, Spanish dialects, and South American culture won’t be the same–without the Instituto Hispania’s help.
Plus, I had an opportunity to meet some impressive people, including Ms. Laura Benito and my Colombian Spanish teacher.
A disclaimer is that this review gives me honest, genuine, and unbiased feedback while I have studied there.
I have studied various languages at prestigious institutions like L’Alliance Française, Max Mueller, MOSAI, and more.
I consider everything the same until proven otherwise.
My views and recommendations are based on research, first-hand experience, recent personal visit, and interaction and feedback with many other students.
I’ve had quite a positive experience overall. Here is my first comprehensive review of the Instituto Hispania, a Spanish learning institute in India.
1. Track Record and Brand — 10/10
The founder members, Ms. Laura Benito Herraiz and Mr. Augustine K. Mathew, have begun to impart quality teaching of the Spanish language in India.
The Instituto Hispania started in New Delhi in 1997 but has since expanded to Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, and Chennai and planning to increase its footprints to other cities.
While plenty of Spanish learning institutes across the country, every institution claims to be the best.
There is only a handful that has made a mark in this field. Instituto Hispania is undoubtedly one of them.
Throughout the past two decades, they have been able to help more than 75,000 students with learning Spanish.
Instituto Hispania, the pioneering institute specializing in the Spanish language, has designed and developed its methodology focused on the communicative approach.
It conducts eight Spanish learning levels, from beginners (A1) to advanced (C1).
The center has an exemplary track record of providing top-notch Spanish classes.
2. Location and accessibility — 10/10
Instituto Hispania is headquartered in New Delhi and is presently located in Building 14, 3rd Floor, Kaushalya Park, Hauz Khas, New Delhi.
I like that the center is convenient and central — in the heart of South Delhi. While Instituto Hispania’s New Delhi center is bustling and overwhelmingly filled with young students, it’s undoubtedly cosmopolitan and well-equipped.
It’s a two-minute walk from the nearest metro station (yellow line).
In Mumbai, Instituto Hispania is situated in the easy-to-reach area of Mulund (Thane).
All the centers are easily accessible within easy routes and located in the respective cities’ established neighborhoods.
Similarly, Instituto Hispania Chennai has its main center in an easy-to-reach location while also running a few batches in the online mode.
3. Infrastructure and Facilities — 9/10
Every classroom has state-of-the-art whiteboards, screens, air-conditioning, and audiovisual multimedia facilities.
The center also utilizes the latest digital platform to impart E-learning courses for online learners. In addition, teachers are encouraged to integrate and use technology in the classroom.
Complete with an aesthetically pleasing infrastructure, multimedia resources, and a student area; it’s easy to pass an entire day pursuing flawless Español.
The cultural aspect is an essential component of language learning.
And to get involved and explore Hispanic culture, Instituto Hispania encourages students to participate in various cultural and interactive activities throughout the year.
The cultural programs organized at the institute bring the mesmerizing flavor of Spanish-speaking countries.
It involves the participants knowing more about the historical significance and multitude of cultures that the Spanish language represents.
4. Accreditations and Recognition — 9/10
The courses are structured into eight competence levels, covering the study programs per international standards (CEFR).
The Spanish curricula are designed to fulfill an academic and pedagogical function.
Each course meets instruction requirements so that teaching Spanish as a foreign language, including the components of grammar, written expression, listening, reading comprehension, and oral exercises, is covered thoroughly.
Instituto Hispania is an affiliated center of F.I.D.E.S.C.U (Fundación Internacional para la Investigación y Desarrollo de la Cultura Española) under the Ministry of Education, Spain. Therefore, it conducts the D.I.E. exam (Diploma Internacional de Español).
Becoming an authorized test center of D.I.E. is possible only when the institute fulfills quality requirements to reach business excellence.
Like the DIE and DELE, the SIELE is also one of the most widely recognized International Spanish language Diplomas worldwide.
Since all the branches of Instituto Hispania adhere to the same pattern concerning the guidelines, certification, education system, and quality control. Thus, all centers have been accredited as official SIELE exam centers in India.
5. Experienced and Native Trainers — 10/10
Being face-to-face with a teacher is an invaluable experience.
Other than skilled and qualified Indian Spanish trainers, Instituto Hispania employs native Spanish speakers from Spain or Latin America.
It offers a more real-world look at how Spanish is used instead of purely book learning.
They have been specially selected to provide the most memorable experience for you. The teachers are incredible and very supportive.
Most students I met praise their friendly and competent Spanish teachers. Moreover, continuous teacher training programs guarantee consistency in teaching quality.
Each new lesson is like a further step into the Hispanic culture.
Thanks to teachers worldwide, it is a perfect place to experience the rich Hispanic culture, with breathtaking vignettes from South and Central American countries in unison with Spain.
6. Teaching Method and Approaches— 10/10
Instituto Hispania offers unparalleled Spanish language instruction with a specialized focus on speaking, listening, grammar, reading, and writing to students of all levels and needs.
Following a communicative approach, all their courses aim to equip students with conversation competence while prioritizing a robust grammatical foundation.
The Spanish language teaching approaches are super engaging and interactive, and you can practice diverse conversation topics.
Teachers use engaging mediums such as games and group activities to practice and learn while having fun.
You will fall in love with the overall learning experience you will get here.
The trainers use various colloquial terminology and commonly used expressions in countries where the tongue is widespread.
Thus, it prepares the learner with a realistic and culturally accurate context and enhances linguistic competence across situations.
7. Spanish Courses at Instituto Hispania — 10/10
It divides the Spanish program into eight levels — Hispania Uno (A1) to Hispania Ocho (C1).
The study period varies from two to three months for each course, depending on your choice of weekday or weekend courses.
Weekday courses can be completed within 5 to 6 weeks, typically from Mondays to Thursdays. In contrast, weekend courses take about ten weeks to complete.
Instituto Hispania conducts a level test to determine your Spanish proficiency for new students who might have some Spanish background already,
And guide you on which level to place you. The level test consists of a written exam followed by a short oral examination.
It also conducts individual classes and custom courses with flexible scheduling, ranging from Spanish for kids and E-Learning.
All their sessions are held in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere — where they strive for joy, interaction, and professionalism.
The class size ranges from 10-15 pax on average. Still, it can reach 22 to 25 students in one batch, usually for elementary levels.
There typically are fewer students for the higher level you take, averaging 8 to 10 pax.
With a focus on teaching a small group of students, this institute believes in each student’s personal attention.
8. Study Material and Effective Content — 9/10
The study materials play an essential role in Spanish teaching and learning.
Over the past 22 years, Instituto Hispania has designed and developed productive, complete, and successful study materials for various levels matching the linguistic requirements of the Indians.
The “Hispania” is a series of textbooks of International Standards of quality and is ideal for teaching Spanish to students of all levels.
These books cover every Spanish aspect, comprising grammatical rules, vocabulary, various dialogues, speaking and listening modules, and practice exercises, all within a creative context.
Additional material produced by the institute also supplements them. Sometimes individual teachers give extra notes on top of all this.
9. Job Placement and post-study Guidance — 9/10
Most Spanish students who learn Spanish up to the B2 level seek jobs. Thus, most students at Instituto Hispania are college students and young working professionals.
Therefore, many aim to find work as a Spanish expert/linguist support after achieving a certain proficiency level.
With the current landscape of increasing globalization, foreign companies are setting up offices in India. Others are outsourcing processes to India.
There is a higher demand than the supply of Spanish-speaking support–precisely the gap that Instituto Hispania is trying to bridge.
Thousands of students who successfully attain higher levels (minimum B2) at Instituto Hispania have been selected to work in various MNCs nationwide.
Instituto Hispania occasionally organizes campus placement drives at its centers to recruit and select candidates.
The last recruitment drive was conducted in 2019 for Metlife and Amazon India. In New Delhi, Over 80% of the candidates were selected by the respective companies (45 students).
10. Fee Structure — 10/10
If you’re looking for the best Spanish institute with an affordable fee structure, visit Instituto Hispania now.
Suppose you wish to achieve DELE C1 from scratch. It will cost close to 3 Lakhs at Instituto Cervantes, New Delhi, by completing 16 individual levels for around three years.
Granted, that quality comes at a price, and Cervantes is a reputed name.
But what if I tell you that you can attain the same quality and Spanish proficiency at a one-third price, along with personal attention?
The fee at Instituto Hispania is quite affordable.
The price for each level at Rs. 15,300 inclusive of taxes. It is one of the more pocket-friendly Spanish institutes in Delhi and other parts of India.
Not to forget, it still offers quality Spanish learning.
They understand that students are looking to invest in themselves by learning a new skill they can use for a lifetime, both personally and professionally.
That is why their prices are cost-effective to help young people reach that goal. However, it’s not just their prices that are attractive.
With a high rating, it’s got excellent recommendations from former students, including me.
Recommendations and Ratings (4.8/5)
Instituto Hispania Review
Summary
Ticking all the right boxes, I highly recommend this place to anyone who shares a love and passion for the Spanish language and Hispanic world culture!
The best way to learn Spanish is to combine your Spanish study course with a cultural aspect.
Of course, Instituto Hispania is not the only institute available for you to learn Spanish. However, plenty of great reasons are available for you that make Instituto Hispania stand out from the crowd.
Considering everything, I am giving 96/100, i.e., A Rating of 4.8/5.
If you’re after the Idioma of El Amor, look no further than Instituto Hispania — the place to be when looking for a Spanish institute in India.
Currently, Instituto Hispania is giving a limited-time offer to new students. They offer a 10% discount for the 1st level (Hispania Uno). Enjoy this fantastic offer, valid only until 31st December 2024. You can refer to this page if required.
Best Spanish classes I’ve come through, cooperative management team Shilpi ma’am and each one of them. Sofia ma’am, dimple ma’am are the best tutors, thanks a ton for your guidance and patientful teaching. 🙂
Sir, I am working in the accounts and finance department. I want to learn Spanish. Could you kindly guide me or provide the fee structure and duration of each level completion and timings.
The fee is 16,000 per level, and it lasts usually 60 hours. And there are a total of 8 levels.
Hello Sir, My age is 49 yrs. Is it worth learning spanish at this age? There is a break in my career. I want to work as a Spanish teacher in CBSE schools. So should I join Instituto Hispania? How long approximately will it take to complete the B2 level in IH?
Yes, Instituto Hispania is a good option. You can cover and pass DELE/SIELE B2 in 2 years provided that you are consistent with the practice and follow the right learning approach. You can get some opportunities in School and age won’t make any difference.
Sir,
I don’t know how I fell in love with Espanol. Now I want to learn and master it. Is there a branch for IH in Thiruvananthapuram? Is it open now?
Yes, they have one in Trivandrum. Get in touch with them for more information.
How about Spanish certificate courses offered by many local universities/colleges on weekends as compared to online classes for working personal?
As long as the teaching quality is good, and you’re able to learn correctly, it’s all ok.
How much time have to give if i want to learn Spanish to work in an mnc?
Instead of duration, aim for at least an upper-intermediate level, i.e., B2. Usually, it takes 2 years, but a lot depends on your learning approach.
Hi,
Your blog was very informative. Thank you. I would like to know between Instituto Hispania and Inlingua, which is a better option. Also, why does the A2 level have A2.1 and A2? Thanks
For Spanish, Instituto Hispania is a better choice. The syllabus of A2 is a bit lengthy and challenging to cover in 60 hours like A1. That’s why they have divided A2 into two levels — A2.1 and A2, and the same is with B1 and B2. It is as per CEFR guidelines and DELE/SIELE exam.
Hello Sir,
I’m in Bcom 3rd year and living in Delhi, and I want to learn Spanish and complete b1 in 1 year. Should I go with Instituto Cervantes or Hispania? Does Instituto Hispania conduct classes on weekends?
You can go with Instituto Hispania. Their course is the value of money, and it ticks all the right boxes. They will be able to complete DELE B1 in a year, and they do offer the weekend classes. You can also ask for a limited period discount of 10%, valid for a limited period.
Hello sir!
Thank you for the review. Very helpful! Can you also please review Academia de Espanol? I am eager to join there due to the flexible timings and branches across Mumbai.
I’m glad you liked it. 🙂 Maybe I’ll write in the future about AE. As of now, You can check Learn Spanish in Mumbai.
Sir, please give your review on Hispanic horizons, Bandra, Mumbai.
It is a good institute. You can also try Instituto Hispania in Khar West or Mulund West.
Sir, Which is better, Hispania or Cervantes? And would we get any certificate as proof after completing the course?
Well, between these two options, my recommendation is Instituto Hispania. Yes, the center will provide a certificate after successfully completing each level. Wherever you enroll, do take DELE or SIELE to assess your Spanish level and obtain an International Diploma.
Hi, I have a doubt regarding the level b2. My question is how long it will take to complete the b2 level? Because at Cervantes it will take almost a year.
B2 in 1 year is not possible at Cervantes since B2 is divided into 12 levels (from A1.1 to B2.4). Duration of each level is 60 hours (On average two months) (Check HERE).
Thus, it takes almost 2.5 to 3 years to complete B2 (adjusting gap between 2 levels, holidays, not able to clear the internal test, break, etc.). On the other hand, you can attain Hispania 7 (knowledge-wise equivalent to B2) at Instituto Hispania in almost half of the time, and the overall fee is also half vis-à-vis Cervantes. Good Luck!
Sir, I have studied two levels from Cervantes, and I am considering joining Instituto Hispania. Do they take admission directly in the third level?
Yes. If you have any prior knowledge, you can appear for the level test. As per your competency level, Instituto Hispania will guide you toward an adequate course. I’d suggest getting in touch with them. LINK
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I’ll update you shortly.
Hello sir,
Cervantes provides Diplomas de Español (DELE). Does Instituto Hispania also give such Diploma after completing each level?
No Neha, Cervantes does not offer DELE Diplomas after completing a level. They are just the authorized test center in Delhi. Anyone can appear for the test irrespective of where you have studied, and Instituto Hispania Spanish program adheres to DELE curricula.
I am confused. What to opt either Hispania or Cervantes?
Cervantes fee is expensive, and it does not offer anything unique or better compared to other famous Spanish Institutes like Hispania. Irrespective of your choice, you still need to appear for DELE or SIELE test. Go with Instituto Hispania. They will prepare you for the International Spanish exam as well as the job market. Besides, it is the value of money.
Sir, I am working in a Bank and want to learn Spanish. I have contacted the Instituto Hispania, Patna, but I got confused after reading very negative reviews about this institute. Please advise.
Don’t believe everything you read on the internet. Visit the institute and check on your own. Plus, there isn’t any other good option for learning Spanish in Patna.
Sir I’m a 3rd yr student of ancient history. But i want a job that allows me to travel and i also want to study Spanish. So should I do my MA in travel and tourism? Please help me. I am very confused.
Well, you can do both together. A full-time MBA, and a part-time Spanish course in evening or weekend!