Understand what you’re saying
You won’t just memorize isolated rules. You’ll understand how the language works and how to use it.
Online Spanish & Catalan Lessons
Spanish for the life you’re building in Spain.
Personalized online lessons for English speakers moving to or living in Spain. Learn practical Spanish for everyday life—or Catalan for a deeper connection with Barcelona and Catalonia.
- Native English & Spanish
- C2 Catalan & French
- Barcelona since 2011
- Online worldwide
A clearer way to learn
Clear explanations. Useful language. More confidence.
Because I’m a native speaker of both English and Spanish, I know where the languages connect—and where English speakers tend to get stuck.
I’ll explain the patterns clearly, then help you use them in conversations that matter to your life.
Practice real-life situations
We’ll work on the conversations you’re likely to have at home, at work, and around Spain.
Learn at your pace
Your lessons will reflect your level, interests, and reasons for learning.
Choose your language
Lessons built around real life.
Spanish lessons
Spanish for life in Spain
Learn the Spanish you need to handle everyday situations, connect with people, and feel more confident living in Spain.
We can work on conversation, grammar, pronunciation, listening, and practical language for appointments, errands, work, and social life.
Explore Spanish lessonsCatalan lessons
Catalan for life in Catalonia
Learning Catalan can help you feel more connected to Barcelona and the rest of Catalonia.
Start with everyday conversations or build on what you already know. We’ll focus on useful Catalan, clear explanations, and the situations you’re most likely to encounter.
Explore Catalan lessons
Lesson options
Choose the way you learn best.
All lessons are live, online, and personalized around the people taking them.
One-to-one
Private lessons
Get individual attention and lessons built around your level, schedule, and goals.
- Spanish or Catalan
- Personalized learning plan
- Focused speaking practice
- Clear feedback and support
Learn together
Small-group lessons
Learn with a partner, friends, or family members who have compatible levels and goals.
- Spanish or Catalan
- Shared conversation practice
- Collaborative activities
- Personalized group content
No obligation
Start with a free lesson
Your first 30-minute lesson is free. We’ll discuss what you need, explore your current level, and identify the best way forward.
There’s no obligation to continue.
Book your free lessonHow it works
A clear path from your first lesson onward.
- 1
Tell me what you need
Let me know which language you’d like to learn, what you already know, and where you’d like to feel more confident.
- 2
Try a personalized lesson
We’ll spend 30 minutes talking through your goals and trying activities suited to your current level.
- 3
Leave with a plan
I’ll recommend a practical way forward. If you’d like to continue, we’ll build your lessons around your life and priorities.
Free language guides
Useful language before you even book.
The Hello to Hola Guides answer common questions English speakers face when moving to or living in Spain.
Barcelona languages
Spanish or Catalan in Barcelona?
A practical guide to deciding which language to learn first.
Read the guideNew to Spain
Spanish for your first 30 days in Spain
Essential language for introductions, shopping, transport, appointments, and everyday life.
Read the guideHealth & everyday life
Spanish for the doctor and pharmacy
Useful phrases for explaining what’s wrong and understanding what happens next.
Read the guideMeet Carlos
A multilingual teacher who knows what learning a language feels like.
I was born in the United States, and I’m a native speaker of English and Spanish. I’ve lived in Barcelona since 2011 and hold C2 proficiency in both Catalan and French.
I hold a BA in English Literature from UCLA and an MFA in Writing from the University of San Francisco. My work has always centered on language—how it’s shaped, translated, and used to communicate meaning across cultures.
Alongside teaching, I work as a professional translator and editor, helping individuals and organizations move between English, Spanish, and Catalan with precision and clarity.
I’m also a published, award-winning writer working in English and Spanish. I write fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. That literary practice informs my teaching: I pay close attention to nuance, tone, and the choices that make language feel natural rather than mechanical.
I also learned Catalan after moving to Barcelona. I know what it’s like to build confidence in a language while trying to find your place in a new city.
More about Carlos
Student feedback
What students say about Carlos’s teaching.
“Patient, attentive, and always adapts to your level.”
“Clear, concise explanations and lessons tailored to my needs.”
“Personalized, professional, and very high quality.”
4.9/5 verified teaching rating. Read the original reviews.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about learning Spanish and Catalan online.
Can I begin before moving to Spain?
Yes. Starting before you arrive can help you prepare for introductions, transport, shopping, housing, and other everyday situations. Because the lessons are online, you can continue with the same teacher after you move.
How much Spanish do I need to live in Spain?
There’s no compulsory level, but even basic Spanish can make daily life easier and help you feel more independent. Your lessons will focus on the situations most relevant to you.
Should I learn Spanish or Catalan in Barcelona?
Spanish is useful throughout Spain and is usually the best place to start if you don’t already speak it. Catalan can help you connect more deeply with life, culture, and community in Catalonia. I can help you decide which language best suits your circumstances.
Do you offer private and small-group lessons?
Yes. You can book private lessons or learn with a partner, friends, or family members who have similar levels and goals.
What happens during the free lesson?
The free introductory lesson lasts 30 minutes. We’ll discuss your experience, goals, and priorities, try some personalized activities, and identify a useful path forward. There’s no obligation to book further lessons.
Your first lesson is free
Let’s find the right way forward.
Tell me where you are now and where you’d like your Spanish or Catalan to take you.
Book your free 30-minute lessonOnline worldwide · Spanish or Catalan · Private or small group