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50+ Senior Super Intensive Spanish and Cinema/Theatre

Lacunza International House: San Sebastian
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Course description

20 group classes + 10 mini group sessions a week with all levels.

Mini group sessions are more into culture and can be inside or outside of the classroom.

Course topics

Listening, Speaking, Pronunciation, Reading, Writing, Vocabulary, Grammar and Activities

Class schedule

Course duration
2 weeks
Start dates
15 Sep 2025
Classes per week
30 lessons per week (each lesson lasts 45 min)
Class days
Monday - Friday
School holidays
06 Jan 2025, 18 Apr 2025, 21 Apr 2025, 12 Oct 2025, 01 Nov 2025, 06 Dec 2025, 22 Dec 2025 - 02 Jan 2026

Class schedule may change depending on availability and season.

Class level

All levels, beginner to advanced
You will take a placement test on your first day to determine your class level. You may also take this test before your arrival in San Sebastián.

Class size

Average 6 students
Maximum 12 students

Student age

Age range 50 years old and older
Average 24 years old
(23 in the summer)

Certificate

A certificate of completion will be issued at the end of the course.
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school

School description

At Lacunza - Ih San Sebastian, we offer Spanish Courses and Teacher Training Courses. At Lacunza - Ih - San Sebastian we concentrate on rapidly and efficiently increasing your ability to communicate in Spanish.

We are members of the worldwide organization International House which has been dedicated to improving language teaching since 1953.

We pay careful attention to all the details that contribute to an enjoyable stay: pleasant and comfortable arrivals, carefully chosen families, varied classroom and extra-curricular activities, central flats and, above all, friendly staff who are always there to help you.

That, with the enthusiasm and backing of students who already know us, is why Lacunza has succeeded in making studying in the North of Spain, specifically in San Sebastian, the right choice. Studying with us is the key to an unforgettable stay in San Sebastian, one of the most beautiful European cities! With its beaches, mountains, architecture, lively nightlife, cultural offerings, and close proximity to France and the Pyrenees, San Sebastian can enchant just about anyone.

Year opened
1989
Number of classrooms
18

Accreditations

Facilities

  • Library
  • Social Activities
  • Cultural Trips
  • TV Room
  • Wheelchair access
  • Eating Area
  • Free Internet
  • Wireless Internet
  • Computers
  • After-Class Seminars
  • Studying Area
  • Audio Learning
  • Sports Activities

Teacher qualifications

Native Spanish speakers
All
Teachers with Spanish teaching certification
All
Teachers with college degrees
All

Nationality and age mix

The nationality and age mix at Lacunza International House: San Sebastian varies over different time periods, courses and levels. Throughout the year, the average age is 24. In the summer, the average age is 23.

Lacunza International House teaches students from all over the world, including:

USA
23%
Germany
10%
UK
7%
Sweden
6%
France
5%
Japan
5%
Netherlands
5%
Russia
5%
South Korea
5%
Switzerland
5%
Italy
4%
Ireland
3%
Austria
2%
Australia
1%
Belgium
1%
Canada
1%
China
1%
Norway
1%
Other
10%

School holidays

Open dates
Year round
School holidays
06 Jan 2025, 18 Apr 2025, 21 Apr 2025, 12 Oct 2025, 01 Nov 2025, 06 Dec 2025, 22 Dec 2025 - 02 Jan 2026

School location

San Sebastian plays host to important musical and cinematic events on the global stage such as the Jazzaldia Jazz Festival, Zinemaldia International Film Festival and Musical Fortnight as well as countless local festivals such as Semana Grande, Carnival, San Sebastian Day and Cider Day. Additionally, the city’s outstanding reputation for world-class cuisine means that your taste buds will be truly tantalized during your stay whether you’re eating a pintxo, enjoying a menu del día in a sunny terrace or a traditional dinner in a Basque Cider House.

San Sebastian at a glance:
Population: 183,000
University students: 18,000
Voted as the BEST tourist destination in Spain: 2011
European Cultural Capital: 2016
Museums: more than 12
Parks & Green Areas: more than 10

Our school premises are located next to a large park and are a 5min walk to the city center or a 10min walk to the beach. The premises are specifically built for a language school and are located in a recently furbished building. The neighborhood features a number of bars, cafes, and banks. Whether in classes, our outdoor terrace, spacious reception area or social break area, Lacunza IH is a meeting place for international students to learn and immerse themselves in Spanish.

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photos

Photos

  • Building of Lacunza International House: San Sebastian 1/31
  • Reception of Lacunza International House: San Sebastian 2/31
  • City of San Sebastián 3/31
  • City of San Sebastián 4/31
  • City of San Sebastián 5/31
  • Activities offered at Lacunza International House: San Sebastian 6/31
  • City of San Sebastián 7/31
  • Common room at Lacunza International House: San Sebastian 8/31
  • City of San Sebastián 9/31
  • City of San Sebastián 10/31
  • Classroom at Lacunza International House: San Sebastian 11/31
  • Building of Lacunza International House: San Sebastian 12/31
  • Activities offered at Lacunza International House: San Sebastian 13/31
  • Lacunza International House: San Sebastian 14/31
  • Lacunza International House: San Sebastian 15/31
  • Lacunza International House: San Sebastian 16/31
  • Lacunza International House: San Sebastian 17/31
  • Lacunza International House: San Sebastian 18/31
  • Lacunza International House: San Sebastian 19/31
  • Lacunza International House: San Sebastian 20/31
  • Lacunza International House: San Sebastian 21/31
  • Lacunza International House: San Sebastian 22/31
  • Lacunza International House: San Sebastian 23/31
  • Lacunza International House: San Sebastian 24/31
  • Lacunza International House: San Sebastian 25/31
  • Lacunza International House: San Sebastian 26/31
  • Lacunza International House: San Sebastian 27/31
  • Lacunza International House: San Sebastian 28/31
  • Lacunza International House: San Sebastian 29/31
  • Lacunza International House: San Sebastian 30/31
  • Lacunza International House: San Sebastian 31/31
reviews

Reviews

100% recommend

based on 6 reviews
5 stars
3
4 stars
3
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing

"GREAT experience on Learning Spanish with Laura- and residential housing was terriffic too."

Tim Lynch, student from USA

My experience at Lacunza International House: and the Language school in San Sebastian was top shelf... .everything including the food was 5 star .. And I found my Spanish skills improve a lot with Laura... nice.. thanks all for everything...the town of San Sebastian EXCEEDED my expectations too...very high quality all around...including excellent transportation services...even when it was really hot...ac on all buses...be advised though no AC at the Lacunza International House in the rooms...I was lucky to be there when the temps were just hot in the day 90 or so - and coastal breezed let me open window at night ...

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
School location
Housing
Date of study
1 Aug 2022 - 5 Aug 2022
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"I very much enjoyed the time spent at school and in the city"

Marie-Pascale COLPAERT, student from France

Everything was great except the outings.
I would have liked more cultural outings to be offered to us, at weekends in particular: for example; go together to Bilbao or to nearby towns and/or villages of interest.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
18 Jul 2022 - 29 Jul 2022
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"I had a lot of fun!"

Sarah Fallberg, student from Sweden

It was good I made a lot of friends and re Keene the basics in Spanish

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Date of study
4 Jul 2022 - 8 Jul 2022
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Effective"

Andrew Viniarski, student from USA

I have had a fantastic time and enriching learning experience in Lacunza. The staff was helpful and friendly, and living with the Spanish family was a great eye-opening. I will recommend this place to my friends and colleagues, and if I have an opportunity, I will go there again either alone or with my family. Thank you ever so much for your help, flexibility, and attention you have given me. Muchas gracias por todo. Un abrazo.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
1 Jul 2019 - 12 Jul 2019
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"A very good experience to renew"

Michelle Lacroze, student from France

I liked everything, the family ( super), the situation of the school, the courses. The only negative is not having four hours.Luckily I was able to speak a lot in the family that was hosting me.I think also that 8 or 9 students per class should be the norm.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
Housing
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
3 Sep 2018 - 14 Sep 2018
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Very good teaching"

Aaro Miettinen, student from Finland

I stayed for just one week, thus my experience and evaluation are limited by that. The size of the class was good (8 students), the teachers were obviously professionals and very good. The location of the house (Mundaiz 8) was not very good and the facilities were average. The personnel was good.

The beginning was a bit chaotic about the information of where to go in the beginning, and after the skill level estimation again to which Aula to go. So my wife and I apparently lost the first minigroup session. I did not get the information of it.

Otherwise everything was okay.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Date of study
3 Aug 2015 - 7 Aug 2015
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.
housing

Housing

Lacunza International House offers the following housing types:
homestay

Host Family - Double - Self Catering

NZ$ 249
weekly
Age range: 17 years old and older
Location: In the city center of San Sebastián
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: No meals
Facilities: Laundry
Distance to school: 5 - 30 minutes by walk
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
Restriction: 2 students must book together
NZ$ 249
Complement your Spanish studies by living with native speakers!

Living with a family is without a doubt the best way to get to know the Spanish culture and practise your Spanish outside of school hours. This option is perfect for those looking for a unique and memorable experience during their studies in San Sebastián.

We have a large number of extremely responsible and trustworthy families with various lifestyles to ensure you live in a situation that best suits your needs and personality.

Host Family - Double- Bed & Breakfast

NZ$ 325
weekly
Age range: 17 years old and older
Location: In the city center of San Sebastián
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: Breakfast (7 meals per week)
Facilities: Laundry
Distance to school: 5 - 30 minutes by walk
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
Restriction: 2 students must book together
NZ$ 325
Complement your Spanish studies by living with native speakers!

Living with a family is without a doubt the best way to get to know the Spanish culture and practise your Spanish outside of school hours. This option is perfect for those looking for a unique and memorable experience during their studies in San Sebastián.

We have a large number of extremely responsible and trustworthy families with various lifestyles to ensure you live in a situation that best suits your needs and personality.

Host Family - Single - Self Catering

NZ$ 363
weekly
Age range: 17 years old and older
Location: In the city center of San Sebastián
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: No meals
Facilities: Laundry
Distance to school: 1 - 30 minutes by walk
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
NZ$ 363
Complement your Spanish studies by living with native speakers!

Living with a family is without a doubt the best way to get to know the Spanish culture and practise your Spanish outside of school hours. This option is perfect for those looking for a unique and memorable experience during their studies in San Sebastián.

We have a large number of extremely responsible and trustworthy families with various lifestyles to ensure you live in a situation that best suits your needs and personality.

Host Family - Double- Half Board

NZ$ 421
weekly
Age range: 17 years old and older
Location: In the city center of San Sebastián
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner (14 meals per week)
Facilities: Laundry
Distance to school: 1 - 30 minutes by walk
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
Restriction: 2 students must book together
NZ$ 421
Complement your Spanish studies by living with native speakers!

Living with a family is without a doubt the best way to get to know the Spanish culture and practise your Spanish outside of school hours. This option is perfect for those looking for a unique and memorable experience during their studies in San Sebastián.

We have a large number of extremely responsible and trustworthy families with various lifestyles to ensure you live in a situation that best suits your needs and personality.

Host Family - Single - Bed & Breakfast

NZ$ 459
weekly
Age range: 17 years old and older
Location: In the city center of San Sebastián
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast (7 meals per week)
Facilities: Laundry
Distance to school: 1 - 30 minutes by walk
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
NZ$ 459
Complement your Spanish studies by living with native speakers!

Living with a family is without a doubt the best way to get to know the Spanish culture and practise your Spanish outside of school hours. This option is perfect for those looking for a unique and memorable experience during their studies in San Sebastián.

We have a large number of extremely responsible and trustworthy families with various lifestyles to ensure you live in a situation that best suits your needs and personality.

Host Family- Single- Half Board

NZ$ 583
weekly
Age range: 17 years old and older
Location: In the city center of San Sebastián
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner (14 meals per week)
Facilities: Laundry
Distance to school: 1 - 30 minutes by walk
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
NZ$ 583
Complement your Spanish studies by living with native speakers!

Living with a family is without a doubt the best way to get to know the Spanish culture and practise your Spanish outside of school hours. This option is perfect for those looking for a unique and memorable experience during their studies in San Sebastián.

We have a large number of extremely responsible and trustworthy families with various lifestyles to ensure you live in a situation that best suits your needs and personality.
student-residence

Student Residence - Double - Bed & Breakfast

NZ$ 516
weekly
Age range: 17 years old and older
Location: In the city center of San Sebastián
Housing type: Student residence (off-campus)
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: Breakfast (7 meals per week)
Facilities: Private bathroom, laundry, computers, wireless internet, free internet, tV room, carpet, air conditioning, heating, and sports facilities
Distance to school: 10 minutes by shuttle
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
Restriction: 2 students must book together
NZ$ 516
The student residence is located less than 4kms from the school and is serviced by public bus and a public bike lane. The individual bedroom comes fully equipped with a single bed with study desk, wardrobe, small fridge, TV, Internet and private bathroom. All rooms have a pillow, towels and sheets provided. Additional services include a recreational room, library and multimedia room.

Full board includes buffet breakfast, and a 3 course meal for lunch and dinner. Water and bread are provided at all mealtimes.

The breakfast buffet includes cereal, muesli, fruit, yoghurt, freshly baked pastries and bread rolls, biscuits and toast. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate and juice are also available.

Lunch and dinner consist of a 3 course menu:
1st course: salad or vegetable dish or starter of the day i.e. pasta or rice (choose between 3 options)
2nd course: Grilled or baked meat or fish (choice between 3 options) with a side of vegetables
Dessert: Fruit, yoghurt or the homemade dessert of the day

Student Residence - Single - Bed & Breakfast

NZ$ 583
weekly
Age range: 17 years old and older
Location: In the city center of San Sebastián
Housing type: Student residence (off-campus)
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast (7 meals per week)
Facilities: Private bathroom, laundry, computers, wireless internet, free internet, tV room, carpet, air conditioning, heating, and sports facilities
Distance to school: 10 minutes by shuttle
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
NZ$ 583
The student residence is located less than 4kms from the school and is serviced by public bus and a public bike lane. The individual bedroom comes fully equipped with a single bed with study desk, wardrobe, small fridge, TV, Internet and private bathroom. All rooms have a pillow, towels and sheets provided. Additional services include a recreational room, library and multimedia room.

Full board includes buffet breakfast, and a 3 course meal for lunch and dinner. Water and bread are provided at all mealtimes.

The breakfast buffet includes cereal, muesli, fruit, yoghurt, freshly baked pastries and bread rolls, biscuits and toast. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate and juice are also available.

Lunch and dinner consist of a 3 course menu:
1st course: salad or vegetable dish or starter of the day i.e. pasta or rice (choose between 3 options)
2nd course: Grilled or baked meat or fish (choice between 3 options) with a side of vegetables
Dessert: Fruit, yoghurt or the homemade dessert of the day

Student Residence - Double - Half Board

NZ$ 698
weekly
Age range: 17 years old and older
Location: In the city center of San Sebastián
Housing type: Student residence (off-campus)
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner (14 meals per week)
Facilities: Private bathroom, laundry, computers, wireless internet, free internet, tV room, carpet, air conditioning, heating, and sports facilities
Distance to school: 10 minutes by shuttle
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
Restriction: 2 students must book together
NZ$ 698
The student residence is located less than 4kms from the school and is serviced by public bus and a public bike lane. The individual bedroom comes fully equipped with a single bed with study desk, wardrobe, small fridge, TV, Internet and private bathroom. All rooms have a pillow, towels and sheets provided. Additional services include a recreational room, library and multimedia room.

Full board includes buffet breakfast, and a 3 course meal for lunch and dinner. Water and bread are provided at all mealtimes.

The breakfast buffet includes cereal, muesli, fruit, yoghurt, freshly baked pastries and bread rolls, biscuits and toast. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate and juice are also available.

Lunch and dinner consist of a 3 course menu:
1st course: salad or vegetable dish or starter of the day i.e. pasta or rice (choose between 3 options)
2nd course: Grilled or baked meat or fish (choice between 3 options) with a side of vegetables
Dessert: Fruit, yoghurt or the homemade dessert of the day

Student Residence - Single - Half Board

NZ$ 755
weekly
Age range: 17 years old and older
Location: In the city center of San Sebastián
Housing type: Student residence (off-campus)
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner (14 meals per week)
Facilities: Private bathroom, laundry, computers, wireless internet, free internet, tV room, carpet, air conditioning, heating, and sports facilities
Distance to school: 10 minutes by shuttle
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
NZ$ 755
The student residence is located less than 4kms from the school and is serviced by public bus and a public bike lane. The individual bedroom comes fully equipped with a single bed with study desk, wardrobe, small fridge, TV, Internet and private bathroom. All rooms have a pillow, towels and sheets provided. Additional services include a recreational room, library and multimedia room.

Full board includes buffet breakfast, and a 3 course meal for lunch and dinner. Water and bread are provided at all mealtimes.

The breakfast buffet includes cereal, muesli, fruit, yoghurt, freshly baked pastries and bread rolls, biscuits and toast. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate and juice are also available.

Lunch and dinner consist of a 3 course menu:
1st course: salad or vegetable dish or starter of the day i.e. pasta or rice (choose between 3 options)
2nd course: Grilled or baked meat or fish (choice between 3 options) with a side of vegetables
Dessert: Fruit, yoghurt or the homemade dessert of the day
apartment

Shared Apartment- Double - Self Catering

NZ$ 249
weekly
Age range: 17 years old and older
Location: In the city center of San Sebastián
Housing type: Shared apartment
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: No meals
Facilities: Kitchen and laundry
Distance to school: 1 - 30 minutes
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
Restriction: 2 students must book together
NZ$ 249
This is the most independent option. You will have your own room with a desk and amenities but will share the communal facilities (living room, kitchen, bathrooms, washing machines etc) with your flatmates. These apartments are usually small flats with basic, modest facilities.

You will either live with other students from the school or with local residents of San Sebastian. The school cannot guarantee either option, but your preference will be considered when assigning your apartment. If you have a preference, please specify it in the registration form where it says: "Other information (diets, allergies, health, requests)".

Although the school spring-cleans the communal facilities every two weeks, you will need to carry out your share of housework (cleaning, washing up, taking down the rubbish, etc).

Shared Apartment- Single - Self Catering

NZ$ 363
weekly
Age range: 17 years old and older
Location: In the city center of San Sebastián
Housing type: Shared apartment
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: No meals
Facilities: Kitchen and laundry
Distance to school: 1 - 30 minutes by walk
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
NZ$ 363
This is the most independent option. You will have your own room with a desk and amenities but will share the communal facilities (living room, kitchen, bathrooms, washing machines etc) with your flatmates. These apartments are usually small flats with basic, modest facilities.

You will either live with other students from the school or with local residents of San Sebastian. The school cannot guarantee either option, but your preference will be considered when assigning your apartment. If you have a preference, please specify it in the registration form where it says: "Other information (diets, allergies, health, requests)".

Although the school spring-cleans the communal facilities every two weeks, you will need to carry out your share of housework (cleaning, washing up, taking down the rubbish, etc).
visa

Visa support

We cannot apply for visas on behalf of students. However, the school can supply you with all the documentation you need to support your visa application.

Your letter of acceptance will be sent to your home address by regular mail at no charge to you.

Flights and airport transfer

The closest airport to the school is San Sebastián Airport (EAS).

Please note that we do not book flights for our students. If you are researching airfare costs, we recommend using Kayak.com, a search engine that lets you compare flight options from your home country to San Sebastián based on your budget, schedule and preferences.

Travel insurance

Study abroad worry-free with Language International's health and personal effects insurance coverage. When you book a course with us, you can opt to purchase an international insurance plan that covers not only your health care cost but also loss of your personal belongings. You must book your insurance in advance when you register.

Learn more about our insurance plan »

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questions

Questions and answers

Have questions? Get answers from Lacunza International House: San Sebastian staff, Language International student advisors, and past students.

Ask a question
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