Study Abroad in Spain

Enjoy an eye-opening two-week adventure in Valladolid, a historic city to the north of Madrid. You’ll have the chance to take language lessons and explore cultural sites like palaces, castles, and Roman ruins. Practice your Spanish both in the classroom and around the dinner table while spending quality time with a local host family. Outside of class, you and your group will get to know the real Spain by meeting with students and sharing your experiences with them through English language tutoring. You’ll also gain unique insight into contemporary global issues by volunteering with refugee children in the area. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enhance your second language skills, make lasting friendships, and give back to the community!

70 Years Experience

Eligibility

Graduates Eligible?	Yes, high school graduates are eligible to participate.
Minimum GPA	2.5
Age Range (at program start)	15 years and 0 months to 18 years and 6 months
Language Skills	No language requirement

Based on differences in culture, strict government regulation of medications, and other local customs, it has been our experience that not all of our international AFS partners are able to support students with certain diagnoses, including but not limited to, severe allergies, strict dietary restrictions, ADD/ADHD, and those currently taking or who have taken psychotropic medications and/or received counseling for mental/psychological issues within the past year. If this applies to you, please get in touch with an AFS Study Abroad Specialist early so that we can determine the right experience for you.

Summer Global Prep in Spain Webinar

Sample Program Itinerary to Spain

The below itinerary serves as an outline for the program, and each Global Prep experience will vary based on group size and opportunity.

Your journey to Spain

AFS-USA will coordinate and share your international travel with you. You will need to coordinate your own travel to the point of international departure. Your journey will begin in New York, where you’ll meet up with the rest of your group and your AFS Group Leader, who will chaperone you throughout the program. When you arrive at the airport in Madrid, you’ll be greeted by staff from Baker Street International, AFS-USA’s partnering organization. Then you’ll take a short trip to Valladolid and meet your Spanish host family. You’ll attend a welcome party with your whole group and enjoy a traditional Spanish merienda (snack) together. As you’re surrounded by Spain’s fun-loving culture, you can absorb the sights, sounds, and smells of your new home for the next two weeks.

Your Language Classes and Volunteer Projects

After settling in with your host family, you’ll get started on your Spanish lessons so that you can better communicate with the locals. You’ll be split up into groups according to your proficiency level in classes with no more than 15 students. You and your group will have class every morning from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and then venture into Valladolid or the surrounding areas to experience the area’s rich culture and traditions.

When you’re not in class, you and your group will take part in rewarding service-learning activities. You’ll get together with young people in the Roma community to discuss and compare your cultures and traditions. You’ll also work with local children at day camps, organizing sports and activities and helping them to improve their English-speaking abilities. Finally, you’ll meet with a group of refugee children and accompany them on a field trip to a science museum, which is sure to be an impactful experience for everyone.

Your Host Family

During your two weeks in Spain, you can expect to spend many of your evenings growing close with your host family. Take this opportunity to enjoy homemade Spanish cuisine and practice your language skills as you chat with your neighbors! On the weekend, you and your host family will have the chance to go hiking in the countryside together or enjoy other local activities. Your family will likely have children, and host brothers and sisters are often encouraged to join in class and group activities!

Exploring the Area

Besides taking language lessons, volunteering and hanging out with your host family, you and your friends can enjoy some sightseeing in downtown Valladolid. You’ll also go on an excursion to Salamanca, where you’ll explore the city square, taking in its lively local character before visiting the famous cathedral. Look out for the carving of an astronaut on the 12th century church’s walls—it was added in a restoration in 1992!

As you near the end of your time in Spain, you’ll have the chance to visit the legendary Roman aqueduct in Segovia and see the city’s medieval cathedral and Alcazar (palace). Then you and your group will continue on to Spain’s capital, Madrid. Before heading home, you’ll take a tour of the Plaza Mayor, the Prado Museum, and the Puerta del Sol (which is like Spain’s version of Times Square).

Trip of a Lifetime: An Unforgettable Two-Week Journey to Spain with AFS

The AFS Exchange Podcast -Season 3, Episode 4

You don’t need to go abroad for an entire year to be impacted by international exchange. In this episode, we explore the transformative power of short-term study abroad programs for high school students via 3 interviews with former participants to Spain in 2019.

They share their memories and insights on living with host families, learning Spanish, and exploring the culture and history of Valladolid. Through their stories, we discover how just two weeks outside of the U.S. can broaden one’s perspective, spark a lifelong passion for language and culture, and inspire future academic and career goals. Tune in to hear about the impact of short-term study abroad and learn about scholarship opportunities for AFS programs.

Guests: Amanah Qureshi, Ryan Rodriguez, and Taylor Tendall

Listen Now

What's included in your program fee?

Round trip international airfare
Accommodations, meals, and transportation
International secondary medical travel coverage
Access to a 24/7 Emergency Duty Officer
Visa Support
Please review the Terms and Conditions for complete guidelines.

What’s not included in the Program Fee?

Scholarships and Aid

We believe in the power of intercultural experiences and the potential of our students! That’s why we’re dedicated to meeting the demonstrated financial need of accepted applicants. The deadline to be considered for scholarships for summer programs departing June through August is March 5th. Learn more and view all deadlines below!

Learn More View Deadlines

Returning Home

“Life-changing” is hard to describe, yet it’s nearly always the first thing that AFSers say when asked about their experience abroad. “Transformed” is another one.
When you return home, if you’re like most AFSers, you’ll bring with you a sense of accomplishment unlike any other. You’ll have gained maturity and independence, discovered new passions, and developed the confidence and resilience to accomplish anything you set out to do.
That transformation isn’t only visible to you, though – others see it as well. AFSers gain critical skills for college and careers. Second language fluency, intercultural competence, creativity, and critical reasoning will help you succeed, whatever path you take. “Life-changing” means it’s only the beginning.
It’s not just an adventure abroad; it’s a whole new reality. The perspectives and personal connections you gained will stay with you and likely draw you back to the second home you found in Spain.

In fact, our alumni reviews have made AFS one of the top-rated organizations in the study abroad industry.

A new you awaits

Apply for Global Prep in Spain!

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Spanish Language and Contemporary Culture in Spain

Immersive language study paired with service and cultural exchange.