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Post written by ºÚÁÏÍø911Global Ambassador Lindsey Andel who is currently participating in CIEE’s Gap Year Abroad Program in Spain. In this post, Lindsey shares about her daily life in Spain, highlighting her experiences with school, travel, cultural immersion, and the balance of free time and learning. Keep reading to hear more about Lindsey's adventures!

As a gap year student, my day starts in my host family’s house. I get to wake up to a balcony that I can look out of every morning, reminding me of why I worked so hard to get here. After I get ready and have breakfast with my family, I have around a 15-minute walk to the tram where I can meet up with my friends and get to school. As a refreshing start to the day, I have also taken one of the cities bikes they offer to go to school. When I eventually get to school, I’m able to study and talk with classmates from 9:15 AM to 1:00 PM with a lunch break in the middle. My favorite part about this school is how accommodating it is; if someone feels they need to adapt their level, the program helps right away. 

Daily Schedule 

Desayunar (Breakfast): 8:00 

Escuela (School): 9:15 - 13:00 (1:00 PM) 

Comida/Almuerzo (Lunch): 14:00 (2:00 PM) 

Free Time / Siesta: 15:00 (3:00 PM) - 21:00 (9:00 PM) 

Cenar (Dinner): 21:00 (9:00 PM) 

The schedule ranges, however, as you can see, most of our time in the gap year program allows for free time. I usually spend my free time getting tapas, shopping, going to Parque María Luisa, participating in ºÚÁÏÍø911programs, meeting locals, seeing live music, or traveling. 

Travel 

Traveling has been the easiest by far because trips are included with CIEE! I’ve had the opportunity to see Malaga, Cádiz, Barcelona, Morocco, Granada, and Ronda! This program gives an amount of free time that allows me to work on my individual passions as well, like playing guitar in the park or writing in a café.  

Wrapping Up the Day 

By the end of the night, I love having dinner with my host family because I get to practice my Spanish a little before I rest. Before coming here, I didn’t realize how much Spanish I’d be learning subconsciously. Spanish is everywhere: signs, transportation, in school, in your house, etc. When you’re surrounded by what you’re learning, it makes life much easier! 

If you are interested in taking a Gap Year Abroad in Spain, just like Lindsey, you can or with an Enrollment Coordinator to talk through any questions you may have.

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