At the URV we work to ensure that university students from outside the Catalan speaking areas learn Catalan culture and language, in accordance with the URV's Plan for Linguistic and Cultural Reception.
Information about languages
As in Catalonia as a whole, Catalan is the URV's first language, and Catalan and Spanish are its official languages. The university's classes may be in Catalan, Spanish or English, depending on the subject. The teaching plan for each subject indicates which language it is taught in, and this may not be changed at the request of students.
The similarlities between the Romance languages (the language family to which both Catalan and Spanish belong) means that students with knowledge of another Romance language can quickly acquire the language skills needed to follow URV classes taught in Catalan or Spanish. Moreover, the more formal variety of the language used during classes makes them even easier to understand.
With this in mind, we strongly encourage you to learn Catalan, not only because it will make it easier for you to enter academic life, but also because it will open up the door to our culture and really help you to get to know your classmates, the city and your surroundings in a much more rewarding manner.
Catalan courses
We offer our A1 (beginners) Catalan courses for free and our A2 and B1 courses at very low prices. Classes are taught at different times and in different modalities (face-to-face, blended or online). Click here to see all the couses we offer.
You can also find a language tandem partner to practice your Catalan with.
And before you arrive at the URV, you can start learning Catalan online or do pre-reception courses in your country of origin.
Linguistic reception
Are you ready to take part in the linguistic reception programme at the URV? Choose your profile to find out more information:
For native students
Experience a unique cultural exchange with the URV's Linguistic Reception Programme!
Do you want to meet people from all over the world and share your language and culture? Join the URV's Linguistic Reception Programme and experience a unique cultural exchange while you help an international student practise their Catalan and learn about Catalan culture!
Why should I become a host?
- You will get the chance to expand your network of friends while helping people from all over the world to practise their Catalan and start to feel at home.
- You can earn a credit for linguistic reception (university credit AUR) just by going for a walk, having a coffee or sunbathing on the beach with your language partner. In total, you only have to dedicate 25 hours to the course (but you'll want to spend many more!).
- You will get exclusive discounts and advantages in local shops and services.
What do you have to do as a host?
- Attend a training session (2 hours).
- Be the language partner of an international student (20 hours).
- Accompany your partner to at least one of the cultural activities that we organise for new students (3 hours).
For international students
Ask for a language partner so you can become completely immersed in Catalonia!
Are you a mobility student who wants to get to know Catalan language and culture? Through the URV's Linguistic Reception Programme, you will be given a local language partner who will help you practise Catalan and accompany you in the university's cultural activities.
What does the Linguistic Reception Programme offer me?
- You will get to know local people who will teach you about their language and customs.
- You will be able to take part in free activities to experience Catalan culture at first hand.
- You'll have a contact person who can help you if you need it.
- You will get discounts in shops and services.
Online recourses
Here you can find resources for learning more about Catalan language and culture:
- Online courses:
- Vocabulary for learners:
- Culture
- Catalonia at a click
- Catalunya i el món