Spain Tour
Explore Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville, deepening your appreciation of Spain’s old-world charm and vibrant modern culture.
Experience a mix of Andalusian life, Catalan culture, and the energy of Spain’s capital during a semester abroad in Spain. Immerse yourself in a new destination each month alongside a small cohort of CIEE students.
Your adventure begins in Barcelona, where you’ll connect with a culture that celebrates history, sports, and culture in equal measure. Then, make Madrid your own as you explore lively historic plazas and Retiro Park. Finally, settle into daily life in Seville, where you’ll find your favorite tapas bar and stroll through local neighborhoods. Your semester abroad provides the one-of-a-kind experience that comes from embracing Spanish life like a local.
All CIEE Gap Year Abroad programs offer the option to take college-level coursework online at a discounted rate through Arizona State University (ASU). If you’re interested, visit our College Credit page to learn more.
Why Choose This Program?
Network
Meet new friends and locals. Learn from the community about local practices, cuisine, and more.
Develop Skills
Develop foundational skills in intercultural learning for a better understanding of the world and skills for the global workforce.
Explore
Have fun traveling across Spain's diverse landscapes and experiencing the culture of Seville, Barcelona, and Madrid.
96%
of alumni said their language skills improved
94%
said they learned to interact with different cultural backgrounds
89%
said their level of independence increased
The Destination
Barcelona combines medieval charm with modernist design. The Gothic Quarter’s narrow streets and historic squares trace the city’s past, while the Eixample district displays Gaudí’s iconic creations, Park Güell and the Sagrada Família, inspired by natural forms. Neighborhoods like El Raval and Gràcia buzz with music, markets and local festivals, highlighting Catalan culture.
Madrid features a dynamic cultural scene. The Royal Palace, built on a former Moorish fortress, symbolizes Spain's monarchy, and the Prado Museum houses masterpieces by Velázquez and Goya. The city also hosts the world’s oldest restaurant, Sobrino de Botín, and more than 300,000 trees, making it one of Europe’s greenest capitals.
Seville’s rich history is reflected in its breathtaking architecture, with exquisitely preserved Gothic and Moorish landmarks set against the conveniences of modern life. From the top of the Giralda Tower, you can see it all: the winding Guadalquivir River, the intricate courtyards of the 700-year-old Alcázar palace, the soaring spires of the Seville Cathedral below, and a sea of terracotta rooftops stretching into the horizon. A famously walkable city, Seville also boasts a warm, dry climate, making it perfect for year-round exploration. Together, these three destinations promise a memorable journey of self-discovery.
Sample Itinerary
Top Rated Activities
Day Trip to Scenic Cabrera Island Reserve
Take a boat ride across the sparkling Mediterranean to Cabrera, a protected island reserve where nature thrives undisturbed. Step onto pristine beaches, breathe in salty sea air, and explore trails framed by rugged cliffs. The island's Cabrera Archipelago Maritime-Terrestrial National Park offers opportunities to observe unique wildlife from seabirds to rare marine species, while learning about conservation efforts firsthand.
Join a beach cleanup and meet with local nonprofits, gaining insight into environmental stewardship in Spain. As you hike, relax, and volunteer, you’ll foster new friendships and create lifelong memories. This day trip combines adventure, learning, and service, leaving with you with a deeper appreciation for sustainable travel.
Overnight Excursion to Medieval Segovia
Students discover Segovia, a charming medieval city full of charm and hidden street art, on an overnight adventure by staying together in a local hotel. Students will enjoy a city treasure hunt, to see the Roman aqueduct close by, take a scenic hike along part of the green trails of the Eresma valley, and participate in hands-on craft workshops like ceramics or glassblowing.
A Day Trip to Córdoba
The Andalusian sun warms the golden stones of Córdoba’s ancient Roman Bridge as you cross the glinting Guadalquivir River and enter the historic center of Córdoba. Once the capital of Islamic Spain, Córdoba is a city steeped in history, where the grandeur of the Umayyad Caliphate endures in landmarks like the Mezquita-Catedral, and its vibrant Jewish Quarter tells stories of a multicultural past.
You wander the flower-filled streets of the Jewish Quarter, stepping into a 14th-century synagogue to admire its intricate plasterwork. At Córdoba’s own Alcázar palace, you snap photos with friends in the lush gardens and marvel at the Moorish arches, patterned tilework, and serene courtyards that evoke a bygone era.
This excursion brings history to life with fascinating narratives of the past that deepen your understanding of Spanish culture today. It’s an experience that may spark a love of architecture or history—or simply leave you with lasting memories and a deeper bond with your gap year abroad peers.
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Eligibility
- Program open to recent high school graduates (no more than 2 years post-graduation) who:
- Are at least 18 years old at the time of their departure
- Are in good academic standing
- Demonstrate—through the application and interview process—flexibility and maturity.
- No previous language experience required.
- For more information, refer to our detailed Gap Essential Eligibility Criteria.
Dates & Fees
Application Fee
$50
Priority deadline discount
Apply to a fall semester or academic year program by June 1 and automatically get a $400 discount. Apply to a spring semester by October 1 and get a $400 discount. Discounts are deducted from the final balance.
Insurance
The program fee includes iNext travel insurance. Additional information about insurance can be found on the FAQ page.
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
| Program Balance | $17,500 |
| Total Fees | $17,500 |
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
| Program Balance | $17,500 |
| Total Fees | $17,500 |
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Ready to change your life?
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