Spain

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• Academic Year
• Fall Semester
• Spring Semester

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Program Overview

Picture yourself in the vibrant capital of Andalucía, ordering food like a local in your favorite outdoor café, tapas bar, and late-night restaurant. You might spend the afternoon walking the stunning Alamillo Bridge on a class trip, or strolling with new friends through the chic Calle Sierpes—Seville’s most famous shopping street.

With CIEE Gap Year Abroad, you’ll be far more than just another tourist. Through a challenging language courses at an international study center, volunteering opportunities at local schools and charities, and the support of caring host families, you’ll become an integral member of another community. A gap year abroad in Seville will give you the skills, and help you uncover the passion, to thrive wherever you’re headed next.

The CIEE Difference

Academic Program

You’ve never studied language like this before.

At a local international study center in downtown Seville you’ll enroll in an intensive Spanish program that meets for four hours per day, five times a week. Whether you’re an advanced-level speaker, or you have no background in Spanish, classes are designed to help you build and improve your language skills while giving you insight into Spanish literature, history, and culture.

You’ll also take culture courses at the CIEE Study Center—located in the heart of Seville—with fellow CIEE Gap Year Abroad participants. In both Spanish and English you’ll explore topics like the Spanish educational system and way of life, local cuisine, and more to get a better sense of the country and its people. Plus, you’ll hear from fascinating guest lecturers including a bullfighter and participate in exciting activities throughout the city.

Volunteer Opportunities

Give back to, and make a difference in, your host community.

Volunteering is an essential component of a gap year abroad and all students dedicate 5-10 hours per week to social service. How you volunteer your time is up to you.

You might choose to help coordinate activities at a local after-school program, work in the cafeteria of a senior citizen residence, or distribute sandwiches to the homeless. Whatever you decide, volunteering will allow you to immerse yourself in Spanish culture and develop fluent language skills while helping to create positive change in your community.

Cultural Immersion

There’s no better way to immerse yourself in another culture than by living with a local family. Not only will your host family provide you with daily meals and a place to stay, they’ll help you develop your Spanish language skills, introduce you to local customs, and offer support and guidance in an unfamiliar environment.

Our host families are as diverse as our gap year abroad students. Whomever you’re placed with, all host families are carefully screened and matched with you based on personality profiles and common interests. Through your host family, you’ll build a home away from home and develop relationships that endure long after you’ve finished your Gap Year Abroad program.

Program Excursions

All fall semester gap year abroad students embark on one overnight excursion to a neighboring location. Yearlong students enjoy another excursion in the spring. Details concerning the exact dates and destinations of the trips are discussed during orientation.

The program coordinator will also help introduce students who are interested in pursuing a particular hobby or sport, to the appropriate organizations or teams.

Dates, Deadlines & Fees

We want to make sure you get the most out of your gap year abroad experience with CIEE, which is why we offer the most inclusions in our fees.

• Transportation to and from local Spanish airport
• Language classes at a local international language academy
• Volunteering opportunities
• CIEE-sponsored trips and excursions
• Room and board with a host family
• Supervision and support by a student services manager
• Orientations prior to leaving the U.S. and upon arrival in Spain
• International medical insurance through iNext and 24-hour worldwide travel assistance and support services

*Prices are subject to change and will be locked in for the participant on the day CIEE receives the completed application and program deposit.

Eligibility

• Students must be a high school graduate in good academic standing
• No prior language study is required
• Students must demonstrate, through the application and interview process, their flexibility, maturity, adaptability, and readiness to face the challenges of living in a new culture

CIEE Support

The CIEE Study Center in Seville is responsible for the supervision and support of CIEE Gap Year Abroad participants throughout the duration of their stay. The Gap Year Abroad program coordinator will remain in regular contact throughout the semester/academic year to make sure language progress, home life, and volunteer placements continue to go well. The CIEE office selects, screens, and interviews all host families and will place students with a family that best matches their student profile.

CIEE Orientation

All CIEE Gap Year Abroad participants take part in an online orientation prior to their departure. In addition to providing logistical information, the orientation helps students set realistic expectations and goals. It also affords students and parents the opportunity to ask questions of CIEE Study Center staff.

Orientation takes place upon your arrival in Seville. The goal of the orientation is to help introduce you to your new city, country, host family, and classmates. The academic program will be reviewed, health and safety tips will be covered, and faculty and staff will offer advice on adjusting to a new language and culture. You will be met at the airport upon arrival by CIEE Seville Study Center staff who will also assist in the final transfer to the host family.

Program Blog

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Travel Resources

• Lonely Planet Spain
• U.S. Embassies and Consulates
• U.S. State Department