One of the countries that most supports learning new languages is Germany. German workers have a great advantage: the Bildungsurlaub (Bildungstudy in Spain), a special permit for continuing education that allows them to improve their skills without having to use vacation days.
According to data from the Federal Ministry for Bildung and Research (BMBF), more than 80% of German workers consider it important to continue their training throughout their working lives, especially through Spanish language courses.
In this article, we’ll tell you how to take advantage of this opportunity to study in Spain and how Proyecto Español can help you live this enriching experience.
What is Bildungsurlaub?
We can translate Bildungsurlaub as “training leave.” This means that employees in Germany have up to five working days per year (or 10 if accumulated over two years) to complete recognized training courses without losing any of their pay.
The purpose of this right, regulated in Germany, is to enable employees to access ongoing training and improve their professional and personal skills.
Approximately 60% of German employees are legally entitled to take a Bildungsurlaub course in Alicante.
Who is eligible for the Bildungsurlaub?
All workers (employees and, in some cases, civil servants) in the German states where the law provides for this right are eligible.
These are: Berlin, Hamburg, Bremen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Hesse, and Lower Saxony.
Each of these states has its own requirements. However, the employee must be employed by the company for at least six months.
How does it promote professional and personal development?
The Bildungsurlaub promotes both personal and professional development. It focuses on improving critical thinking, problem-solving, and intercultural communication.
This right helps motivate Germans to continue learning and training, improving their work environment.
Why take Spanish courses as part of the Bildungsurlaub?
More and more companies are investing in Spanish and value having this language on their resumes. But why?
Spanish as a valuable skill in the workplace
With more than 500 million native speakers, Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world by number of native speakers. Knowledge of this language opens countless career opportunities and will allow you to establish business relationships with Spanish-speaking companies.
Improve communication with international clients and colleagues
Many companies already have Spanish speakers in their international client portfolios. Having a good command of Spanish will allow you to speak directly with them, without language barriers and with greater confidence.
Combining learning with cultural immersion in Spain
Learning Spanish goes far beyond knowing and mastering the language; it’s immersing yourself in a unique culture. It means experiencing its cuisine, its traditions, and enjoying its local customs. Learning Spanish in Alicante, or any other Spanish city, is a unique experience, where you’ll learn the language both inside and outside the classroom.
Requirements for Spanish courses to be recognized as Bildungsurlaub
For a course abroad to be recognized as a Bildungsurlaub, it must meet certain requirements:
Minimum hours per week
The course must offer a minimum of 30 hours of in-person training per week. These hours cannot include independent work or tourist activities.
Accredited language schools and official certificates
Schools must be officially accredited and recognized. It is also important that they issue a certificate of attendance and achievement at the end of the course, detailing the hours, level, and content covered.
Approval by German state authorities
Once the Spanish course is completed, it must be approved by the corresponding Federal State. Proyecto Español is responsible for submitting all the necessary documentation for the course to be validated.
Spanish courses at Proyecto Español approved for Bildungsurlaub
At Proyecto Español we offer Spanish courses specially designed to meet the requirements of the German Bildungsurlaub programme, an excellent opportunity to combine professional training with a language immersion experience in Spain. Our programmes have been approved by different federal states (Bundesländer), although it is important to bear in mind that the requirements vary depending on the region in which the participant works.
Depending on the state, a minimum course load of 30 or 35 lessons per week is required. We have therefore adapted our range of courses to ensure that every student can benefit from the Bildungsurlaub in accordance with the specific requirements of his or her Bundesland.
- Courses with 30 lessons per week: accredited for employees working in Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Rheinland-Pfalz, Saarland, and Sachsen-Anhalt.
- Courses of 35 lessons per week: required for employees working in Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Hessen, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Niedersachsen, Rheinland-Pfalz, Sachsen-Anhalt, Saarland and Schleswig-Holstein.
Thinking about taking advantage of your Bildungsurlaub to learn Spanish in Spain? At Proyecto Español, we help you grow professionally and in your career. We look forward to seeing you!
