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Summer Language Study Program in Spain

Advance your Spanish with both formal study and first-hand cultural experience during this four-week program in Málaga, Spain.

Advance your Spanish with both formal study and first-hand cultural experience during this four-week program in Málaga, Spain. During our summer language programs in Spain, you’ll have the unique opportunity to make friends with students from around the world by living together on a high school campus. In your free time, you can explore Málaga, lounge on the beach—which is just a 5 minute walk from campus—or play sports like soccer, volleyball, and basketball. On weekends, join friends on trips to destinations in southern Spain such as the famous and beautiful Alhambra in Granada and the sun-drenched cities of Seville, Cordoba, and Marbella.

Things to know
As you explore your community, you’re bound to notice southern Spain’s laid-back and social culture. You’ll find that people like to take a step back and enjoy life, a philosophy that is reflected in the traditional mid-day siesta. Your school meals will be prepared using typical Mediterranean ingredients like fish, vegetables, rice, and fruit.

What's included in your experience

  • 70 Years Experience

Summer Language Study Program in Spain Webinar

Eligibility

Graduates Eligible? Yes
Minimum GPA 2.0
Age Range 15 yrs, to
17 yrs, 11 months at start of program
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.

Your journey to Spain

In the months before your departure, AFSers have the opportunity to participate in various preparatory activities, including an online Student Learning Journey, which is an interactive course that brings AFSers from around the world together to learn how to develop essential global skills, intercultural communication techniques, and practice social impact, maximizing the outcomes of the AFS learning experience. 

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. From there, your journey in Spain will begin when you land, where you’ll be met by staff, volunteers and meet your fellow AFSers from around the world. Shortly after arrival, you will attend an arrival orientation and get a crash course on Spanish culture, living with a host family, safety, and support structures.

Southern Spain is known for its mix of Jewish, Islamic, and Christian cultures; you’ll likely notice the Islamic influence in the region’s architecture and colorful mosaics. In Málaga you’ll find yellow-sand beaches and palm trees amid the backdrop of ancient fortresses and narrow stone alleyways. You’re also bound to see locals enjoying espresso or tapas (small plates or appetizers) in cobblestone plazas lined with busy restaurants.

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Moving into Your Dorm in Spain

You’ll be staying in the Málaga area in the province of Andalusia. Your school, Unamuno Colegio y Residencia, is located on the east side of Malaga, only a 20 minute walk from the beach. You’ll be rooming with approximately 50 students from around the world, giving you an additional opportunity for intercultural exchange. An AFS Spain representative will be nearby and available to you 24/7 in order to provide any support that might be needed. Unamuno Colegio y Residencia has been in operation for over 45 years, and this picturesque campus will serve as a backdrop for your Spanish adventure, and you’ll have the chance to take advantage of both the academic and sports facilities.

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Settling into daily life in Spain

Language Lessons

The primary focus of your program will be on language-learning, so that you can take advantage of the immersion experience and really skyrocket your Spanish skills. Over the course of the four weeks, you’ll get approximately 80 hours of Spanish lessons. Classes are taught by professional language teachers in both classroom and real-world settings. Your Spanish speaking ability will be evaluated at the beginning of the program to help ensure that you’re placed in the level that’s best for you. Each class will have around 15 students, and beginners are welcome. In addition to time spent in the classroom, you’ll also get to practice your Spanish when you’re out exploring the community.

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Exploring the Area

When you’re not learning Spanish from your teachers, you can put it to use in the surrounding area on some of the group excursions. On weekends you might visit nearby destinations like Seville, Cordoba, Granada, and Marbella. Other excursions could include a trip to the Picasso Museum, walking tours, nature walks, or cathedral visits. You’ll have the opportunity to play fútbol (soccer)—which is the most popular sport in Spain—as well as volleyball and basketball. You might even get to take part in the festivities that surround fútbol matches, with fans passionately supporting the national team La Roja (“The Red One”).

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Foods You’ll Encounter in Spain

With traditional Spanish tapas, you can try all different kinds of food, such as albóndigas (meatballs), calamares (fried squid), or tortilla de patatas (a potato omelet). Spanish food is usually cooked in the Mediterranean style with olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, and peppers, and is known to be quite healthy for you. Some popular summer dishes include paella (rice with vegetables and seafood) and gazpacho (a cold tomato soup). Dinner is normally eaten late, around 9 pm, but you can have a snack or sandwich to tide you over around 5 or 6 pm. For dessert you can enjoy churros dipped in chocolate or flan (a kind of custard) with caramel.

Virtual Tour: Places to visit in Málaga

Discover the famed attractions, neighborhoods and places of interest in your soon-to-be summer home.

What's Included

  • 75+ years of experience delivering high-quality programs through a worldwide network of 50,000 dedicated volunteers
  • Accommodations
  • Round-trip international airfare for the designated program dates
  • Program activity fees
  • Worldwide, 24-hour emergency assistance
  • Access to an in-country support team and network, as well as our Participant Support Department based here in the U.S.
  • International secondary medical travel coverage
  • Visa support and guidance
  • Inclusion in a worldwide returnee and alumni network of over 1,000,000 people

Scholarships and Aid

We believe that studying abroad should not be contingent on personal finances. When you apply, we work with you to understand your family’s needs and match you with available scholarships and aid. 100% of accepted applicants with demonstrated need receive funds.

Learn More

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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 during our summer language programs 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 Summer Language Study Program in Spain!

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