English and life in Spain

The Life in Spain category is about the language reality of the Costa del Sol. Marbella, San Pedro de Alcántara, Estepona and Puerto Banús have lived an international life for decades: British, Scandinavian and Russian-speaking families work here, and English is often the first language between neighbours — before Spanish.

For families who have just moved, that changes priorities. Children start at international schools where the curriculum runs in English; parents deal with administration, doctors, landlords and banks — again more often in English than Spanish. This section shows exactly where the language is needed in the first months and which phrases to learn first.

It also holds practical notes about coastal life: how schools and after-school activities work, how to find a teacher, how winter differs from the season, and what happens to schedules in summer. I write from the inside — I teach in person in San Pedro de Alcántara and nearby, and online with students in other countries.

These materials suit both people planning a move and those who have lived here for years and want to stop surviving on a mix of languages. The first posts arrive shortly.