Semester Program

Language & Culture
in Spain

Spend eight weeks learning about language and culture in Spain and exploring different parts of the Iberian Peninsula.

Experience authentic cultural immersion while attending eight weeks of language classes at EF’s International Language Campus in Barcelona. Begin and end your program exploring some of Spain’s other cities such as Madrid, Seville, and Granada. Enjoy weekends to explore on your own as well as an excursion to Lisbon, Portugal with your cohort.

Upcoming travel dates:
Fall 2024: September 11–November 20, 2024 
Spring 2025: February 6–April 18, 2025 

How you'll grow

GROWTH MINDSET

Gain independence, adaptability, and a growth mindset—skills that will set you up for success in our ever-changing, increasingly globalized world.

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

Explore the cultural diversity and uniqueness of Spain through guided travel to different cities and regions of the country. Get a sense of what it is like to live in Spain, emerging with leveled-up language skills and a deeper understanding of Spanish culture.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Foster the confidence and skills you’ll need to travel independently and navigate large cities abroad.

ACTION & IMPACT

Emerge from the program feeling prepared for what’s next, whether that’s more travel, college, or a career!

Program itinerary
Note: This itinerary is subject to change due to availability and local conditions at the time of departure.

Spain 5 Weeks

Madrid: Intro to Spanish Culture, History & Politics

2 days Madrid & Toledo, Spain

Start your journey in Madrid, Spain’s capital city. Meet your cohort and embark on a guided tour to sites such as Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, and Plaza de Oriente. Practice listening to and speaking Spanish as you explore.

Barcelona: Settling In

2 Weeks Barcelona, Spain

Begin your Spanish language immersion experience as you settle into sunny Barcelona! You’ll take a language placement test and begin your courses at the EF campus; on the first weekend, enjoy a guided tour of the city to get your bearings.

Valencia & Alicante: Coastal Views & Local Foods

3 days Valencia & Alicante, Spain

Practice your Spanish over a long weekend traveling to Valencia and Alicante. Take a cooking class in Valencia to learn how to make paella in its home city, then wander the streets of coastal Alicante and appreciate the architecture, history, and stunning views.

Barcelona: Diving Deep

2 weeks Barcelona, Spain

Return to Barcelona after your weekend away to continue your courses and independent exploration of this vibrant Spanish city. You’ll be surprised how much your Spanish has improved, even after just a few weeks!

Portugal 4 Days

Lisbon, Portugal: Exploring the Iberian Peninsula

4 days Lisbon, Portugal

Fly from Barcelona to Lisbon, Portugal’s capital city, to explore the cobblestone streets, world-famous food scene, and picturesque overlooks. Discover the differences between Portuguese and Spanish language, take part in a competitive scavenger hunt by tuk tuk to learn about Lisbon’s history and culture, and travel just outside the city to Sintra, a longtime royal sanctuary straight out of a storybook.

Spain 5 Weeks

Barcelona: Living Like a Local

4 weeks Barcelona, Spain

Spend your final four weeks in Barcelona leveling up your language skills as you continue classes at the Barcelona EF International Language campus. On weekends, enjoy exploring the city on your own or travel other parts of Spain (or even other parts of Europe!).

Southern Spain: Architecture, Beaches & Farewell

10 days Sevilla & Malaga, Spain

During your last week of the program, practice your newfound Spanish skills as you travel to Seville and Malaga with your cohort. Wrap up your experience reflecting on all you’ve learned and enjoy a final group dinner to celebrate all that you’ve accomplished.

Program fee

Tuition for this 10-week program is $17,250, and payment plans are available. A detailed budgeting guide for this program can be found here.

Your program fee includes:

  • Flights & transportation

    Round-trip flights and local transfers to each stop in your itinerary

  • Room & board

    Your accommodations and some meals

  • Activities & excursions

    Guided activities and excursions throughout your program

  • Course at an EF Language Campus

    Tuition for an 8-week course at EF's accredited language school in Barcelona

  • EF global support network

    One-on-one mentorship and 24/7 travel support before and during your program

Our commitment to safety

When you need us most, we’re always close: EF Gap Year students are supported by multiple layers of staff throughout their experience abroad.

Learn more about on-program Safety & Support, from our on-the-ground Student Life Coordinators and Tour Directors to our 24/7 Safety & Incident Response team.

Ready to get started?

Our Gap Year Consultants are ready to answer any questions you have and enroll you on our program.

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