High School Abroad in Spain
Grow your Spanish language skills studying and living in Spain.
Imagine living the life of a Spanish teen in Seville or Alicante. Five days a week, you鈥檒l take classes 100% in Spanish at a public or private high school with local teachers and classmates鈥攃hallenge yourself with science vocabulary in clase de biolog铆a and learn local sport rules in educaci贸n f铆sica.
On weekends, soak in traditional Spanish customs and take trips to nearby towns and beaches only locals know. With your new friends and welcoming host family in Seville or Alicante, you鈥檒l find a second home in Spain!
The Take-Aways
Global Citizenship
After immersing yourself in fun, new customs, you鈥檒l become better equipped to interact with people from other cultures鈥攊n school, on the job, or in your personal life.
Language Proficiency
Live and breathe Spanish鈥攆rom sharing meals with your host family to collaborating in class, participating in extracurricular activities, and hanging out with local friends.
Independence & Resilience
Come home better prepared to make transitions, take control of new situations, and appreciate challenging experiences for what they are: opportunities to learn and grow!
93%
said their experience made them more aware of global issues.
79%
said their experience with 黑料网911helped shape their college applications.
96%
said they regularly use the knowledge and skills they acquired while abroad with 黑料网911
The Destination
Energetic, sunny, and historic鈥擲eville and Alicante both offer a true window into Spanish life.
Get ready to experience one of Spain鈥檚 top destinations for international students: Seville or Alicante. Though you may prefer one over the other, you'll be placed where the host family and high school best fit your specific needs.
If You鈥檙e Placed in the Greater Seville Area...
You鈥檒l live in proximity to the cosmopolitan capital of Andaluc铆a, Spain鈥檚 largest region, where streets are lined with orange trees, exotic gardens, and the rhythms of flamenco. Here, you鈥檒l discover the lively Andalusian culture, beautiful plazas, and Spain's only navigable river, the Guadalquivir.
If You鈥檙e Placed in the Greater Alicante Area...
You鈥檒l live in proximity to La Costa Blanca (the white coast), as Alicante is known. Get ready for white-sand beaches, flower-lined houses, and a laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle. Immersed in the region of Valencia, you鈥檒l trace the origins of some of Spain鈥檚 most iconic dishes.
Cultural Awareness
黑料网911wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local 黑料网911staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Seville or Alicante.
Orientation
Upon arriving in Spain with your fellow participants, you鈥檒l be met by 黑料网911staff in Seville or Alicante, where you鈥檒l begin your three-day orientation. During orientation, you鈥檒l participate in different workshops focusing on a variety of themes鈥攃ulture, language, academics, social norms, living with a host family鈥攁ll designed to prepare you for your experience in Spain. Additionally, you鈥檒l see some of the best that Seville or Alicante have to offer!
After orientation, you鈥檒l depart for your host community and spend a couple of days with your host family before beginning school.
Program Blogs
Observed Cultural Differences from a Student Currently Abroad
Post written by 黑料网911Global Ambassador Abbie Thom who is currently participating in CIEE鈥檚 High School Abroad Program in Spain . In this blog, Abbie shares her experiences studying abroad... keep reading
10 Lessons I Learned During My High School Abroad Experience in Spain
In her reflection on studying abroad in Spain, Clara shares ten valuable lessons from her experience, including the importance of staying connected with loved ones, managing expectations, and embracing every moment of the journey.
A guide to Seville through the lens of art and culture
Written by: Zoe Houk Welcome to Seville, Spain, the capital of Andaluc铆a. Seville is a city filled with rich culture, art, music, food, and history. From the famous flamenco dancers... keep reading
Sample Activities
Attend local festivals, visit sights of cultural and historical importance, and take daytrips with your host family鈥攚herever they go, you go! In Seville or Alicante, you鈥檒l have plenty of chances to discover many sides of Spain.
Tuition for this program includes the cost of one day trip and one overnight trip per semester. Trips will take place earlier in the semester to allow trimester students the opportunity to participate. These trips vary every semester, but some examples of past excursions include:
Fall in Seville
颁谩诲颈锄 (Daytrip)
颁谩诲颈锄 is the oldest city in Western Europe, often referred to as the "Silver Cup" for its magical sunlight. The various historical and cultural influences make you feel like you鈥檙e walking through time. After a day of touring the narrow, winding streets of the city鈥檚 historic center, enjoy laying out on some of the most beautiful beaches in Southern Spain.
Granada (Overnight trip)
The city of Granada is one of the most visited cities in Andaluc铆a, famous for its grand Islamic architecture, Alhambra palaces, free tapas culture, and iconic monuments. It's a must-see site! Visit the famous Alhambra palace, the winding streets of the Albaic铆n neighborhood, and visit the tombs of the Spanish King and Queen Ferdinand and Isabella.
Spring in Seville
C贸rdoba (Daytrip)
Few places in the world can claim having been the capital of a Roman province, the capital of an Arab State, and a Caliphate. The historic quarter of C贸rdoba is a beautiful network of small streets, alleys, squares, and whitewashed courtyards arranged around the Mezquita, which reflects the city's prominent place in the Islamic world during medieval times.
Extremadura (Overnight trip)
Embark on an adventure to Western region of Spain, where you will have the chance to visit the cities of M茅rida, famous for its Roman ruins; C谩ceres, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and Trujillo, a beautiful small town replete with medieval architecture.
Please note this list of activities is based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to both adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback.
Fall in Alicante
Jijona (Daytrip)
The small inland town of Jijona, in the province of Valencia, is famous for its sweet treats, especially Spain's famous nougat, 迟耻谤谤贸苍. In the Turr贸n Museum, get taste of this Spanish delicacy, which is especially popular during the Christmas season.
Madrid (Overnight trip)
This adventure offers a chance to explore Spain's exciting capital and visit the city鈥檚 world-famous landmarks, like Retiro Park, the Royal Palace, and the Prado Museum. It's the perfect opportunity to experience the rich history and dynamic atmosphere of one of Europe鈥檚 largest cities.
Spring in Alicante
Elche (Daytrip)
Located in the province of Alicante, the city of Elche offers a blend of history, nature, and culture, like the Palmeral of Elche, the largest palm grove in Europe dating back to Muslim Spain, and the Basilica of Santa Maria, a stunning baroque church that hosts the annual sacred musical drama, the Mystery Play of Elche.
Valencia (Overnight trip)
The city of Valencia鈥檚 iconic food, including paella valenciana and horchata, are often the first things that come to mind when people think of Spain. During your trip, you鈥檒l get to try these traditional dishes. You鈥檒l also visit Valencia鈥檚 City of Arts and Sciences, including the Oceanogr脿fic, the biggest aquarium in Europe.
Please note this list of activities is based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to both adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback.
Eligibility
- Be between the ages of 15 and 17 when the program starts and cannot turn 18 while on program.
- Be in the 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th year of schooling.
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
- Demonstrate, through the application process, their flexibility, maturity, adaptability, and readiness to face the challenges of living in a new culture.
- Have 2 years of Spanish or equivalent.
- High school abroad participants are NOT authorized to volunteer, take jobs, or seek employment during their stay.
For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.
Dates & Fees
Application Fee
$50
Priority deadline discount: Apply to a fall semester or academic year by February 15 and get a $400 discount. Apply to a spring semester by July 15 and get a $400 discount. Discounts are deducted from final balance.
Additional information about insurance can be found on the FAQ page.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Academic Year 2025 38 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $18,750 | |
| Program Spring 2026 18 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $15,500 | |
| Program Spring Trimester 2026 10 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $13,750 | |
| Program Fall 2025 19 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $15,500 | |
| Program Fall Trimester 2025 11 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $13,750 |
Our Staff
Salvador Parra
Center Director
Salvador has been working at 黑料网911since 2000 and is passionate about international exchange. He holds a degree in History and Geography from the University of Seville, and a Master of Business Administration.
Roc铆o D铆ez
Center Director
Roc铆o oversees all semester and summer programs. Rocio, who joined 黑料网911in 2015, has extensive working experience in the fields of communication and cultural management. She holds a B.A. in...