Jose’s story: from teacher to founder of Ikarus, the language school in Vienna helping expats learn German
Meet Jose, a German teacher from Spain, who founded his own language school right in the heart of Vienna.
We sat down with Jose to hear his story: how he started his school, what makes it different from the rest, and his best tips for learning German for free in Vienna. Here’s what he had to say.
expats Austria: Jose, how did you come up with the idea to open your own language school in Vienna?
Jose: You know, my friends always asked me if I’d ever thought about opening my own language school. I guess it’s something every language teacher considers at some point, but to me, it always felt like such a huge step. I mean, it requires a lot of investment, a lot of planning… I thought, “No way, I’m not doing this.”
But then, after spending six months in Vienna, I started seeing things differently. I realized that I could actually bring something fresh to the table – a different approach to teaching. I got to know my students better, understood what worked for them and what didn’t. That’s when I thought, “Okay, this could actually work.” I wanted to create a place that offered flexibility – not just in terms of schedules but also in the way we teach.
EA: How is Ikarus different from other schools?
J: What makes the school stand out? Small groups, personalized attention, and a relaxed yet effective way to learn German. Instead of overwhelming students with packed classrooms and rushed lessons, we focus on quality over quantity, making sure everyone gets the support they need to truly master the language.
And our school isn’t just a place to learn – it’s also a place to unwind. Especially in the summer, students don’t just come for German lessons; they get to relax in the cozy courtyard, right in the middle of Vienna, yet surrounded by peace and quiet.
EA: Your school has a different approach to teaching German. Can you tell us about your method?
J: Yeah! The method we use is called 30-30-30. It’s simple but super effective:
- 30 minutes of grammar explanation, so students really understand the structure.
- 30 minutes of exercises with the book, to apply what they just learned.
- 30 minutes of oral practice in real-life situations – because what’s the point of learning German if you can’t actually use it?
This balance makes sure students don’t just memorize rules but actually learn how to communicate in German.
EA: We heard that in Vienna, you can actually get your German course paid for. How does that work?
J: Oh yeah, WAFF is an absolute lifesaver if you want to learn German in Vienna. It’s a government program that covers up to 90% of your course fees. Which is pretty amazing. The only requirement is that you need to earn less than €2,000 gross per month to get the full funding. But even if you make a bit more –up to €2,500 gross – you can still get financial aid, covering 30% of the course fee. So let’s say your German course costs €1,000, WAFF would give you €300 back. That’s still a huge help!
Honestly, I think it’s one of the best support systems Vienna offers. Learning German can be expensive, and not everyone can afford it, but with WAFF, it becomes way more accessible. A lot of my students use it, and it’s really a game-changer. If you’re serious about learning German, you should definitely check it out – it’s free money for your education!
🚀 And here is the bonus from me: for all expats reading this article, we’re offering a 10% discount on our German courses – but only until March 31st! Just use the promo code EXPATS10 when signing up here: https://sprachschule-ikarus-wien.at/8-week-german-course/
Small groups, personalized attention, and a relaxed atmosphere in the heart of Vienna.
EA: We know your school offers intensive German courses. How do they work?
J: Yeah, when I first started, I basically tried to copy what all the big language schools were doing. You know, the classic intensive format—five days a week, three hours per day, for a month. Schools like Deutsch Akademie or Sprachzentrum follow that model, and it works for some people. But I quickly realized that it’s only effective if you’re not working and have a lot of time to study. And let’s be real, most people don’t have that luxury.
So after about a year, I decided to change things up. Instead of overwhelming students with daily classes, I introduced 4-week and 8-week courses that run twice a week for two hours each session. This way, students actually have time to study at home, do their homework, and absorb the material properly. Because let’s be honest – if you only study in class and don’t practice on your own, it’s not enough.
EA: What’s the best German course for someone living and working in Vienna?
For internationals who are working, I always recommend our 8-week course that runs twice a week. Other schools like Sprachzentrum or DeutschAkademie have these super intensive formats – 3 hours a day, 5 times a week… Which can work if you’re not working and have time to do homework every day. But for most people who have a job, that’s just too much.
We see learning German as a long journey, and it doesn’t have to feel like a burden. Our courses give students the time they need to actually absorb the language while still balancing work and life.
EA: Let’s say someone joins your course with zero German skills. What can they realistically achieve in four weeks?
J: That’s always a tricky question. In four weeks, someone in an A1-level course will be able to express basic ideas, use modal verbs, introduce themselves, and talk about their daily life in simple sentences. But it’s important to understand that this isn’t the whole A1 level—it’s more like A1.1.
To fully complete A1, a student would need the full 8-week course. Some schools advertise things like “Learn German in 6 months and reach C1!” – which, honestly, I find misleading. It’s just not realistic. Intensive learning for two months straight is already a lot, and most people get overwhelmed. That’s why at my school, we focus on eight-week courses instead of pushing unrealistic promises like “Master German in three months.” Learning a language takes time, especially if you’re working alongside studying.
EA: Where do your students come from?
J: Mostly from Turkey and Latin America—a lot from Spain, but really, my students come from all over the world. I try to keep the groups diverse because it makes learning more interesting.
EA: So, students not only learn German but also from each other?
J: Exactly! I always encourage my students to connect, because learning a language is not just about grammar and vocabulary – it’s about communication, interaction, and culture. For example, in my B2 course, I have a guy from Turkey, a girl from Portugal, and another student from Albania. Meanwhile, in my B1 course, it’s almost entirely Spanish-speaking students – people from Mexico, Spain, and Chile. So, that class basically feels like a Spanish-speaking club!
But even within these groups, it’s super diverse, and I love that.
EA: You also organize events for your students. What’s that about?
J: Yeah, because learning German shouldn’t just happen in a classroom – it should be fun and interactive. That’s why every two months, we organize language Tandems, where students can practice German and find new buddies to speak with.
We also have an amazing collaboration with EVO, a boutique gym in Vienna. Our students go there with Sprachschule Ikarus for a workout in German. We also organize a quick stop at Cortado Vienna, a cozy Café where we drink coffee before going to the gym. It’s right next to Ikarus. In the Gym, they follow instructions in German, which helps them feel more integrated into daily life. It’s such a cool experience, and it wouldn’t be possible without Marvin and Tina, two incredible trainers at EVO. They make sure students feel comfortable, even if their German isn’t perfect yet.
At the end of the day, language learning should feel natural – not just something you do for a test but something you actually enjoy.
EA: Can you share the most effective tips on learning German faster?
J: First, use all your devices in German. Switch your phone, laptop, and apps to German so you see the language every day. It’s a simple way to get used to new words without extra effort. Second, watch movies and series in German. Start with subtitles in your language, then move to German subtitles, and eventually try without them. Your brain will start recognizing patterns naturally.
Third: talk to native speakers. The best way to learn a language is to speak it. Join language tandems, meet locals, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Fourth: a structured approach. Learning German step by step is much more effective than trying to memorize random words and phrases. Grammar, vocabulary, and practice should go hand in hand.
And fifth: join a small study group at Ikarus. The best way to learn German efficiently is to study in small groups of three people in our school. It keeps you engaged, gives you enough speaking time, and ensures that you get personalized attention.
