Study Abroad Program

Mosaic of Spain: Language, Culture & Politics

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Spend a semester living and learning in Spain with EF Study Abroad.

12 CREDITS | 15 WEEKS

Immerse yourself in Spanish culture with a curated curriculum taught at both EF’s International Language Campus in Malaga and the University of Granada Center for Modern Languages; throughout your semester, travel on Field Excursions designed to bring learning to life in global cities like Amsterdam, Tangier, and Madrid. You’ll return home with transferable college credit and a greater global perspective, ready to chart your unique course through college and your career. 

Upcoming travel dates:
Spring 2024: February 1–May 17

Application Deadline:
October 1 – only 5 spots remaining! 

Program components
Coursework

Study Spanish at the EF International Language School, then continue your semester abroad by discovering Spain’s past, present, and future through modular courses at the University of Granada.

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Field Excursions

Experience authentic, immersive guided travel to Belgium, Morocco, and the Netherlands with an itinerary that complements what you’re learning in the classroom and enriches your curriculum.

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Independent exploration

Gain the confidence and skills to explore Europe on your own, knowing you always have the advice and support of EF; practice cross-cultural communication and problem-solving as you learn to travel like a pro.

Explore the itinerary

Discover Chefchaouen, Morocco, during your Culture & Religion in Morocco Field Excursion. This city is known for its' iconic blue-washed buildings, as well as traditions of leather and weaving craftsmanship.

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

Orientation 3 days

Málaga: Arrival & Orientation

3 days Málaga, Spain

Attend orientation in the seaside city of Málaga, where you’ll meet your cohort; embark on a walking tour and enjoy dinner as a group to celebrate your arrival.

Coursework 18 Days

Málaga: Language Immersion

18 days Málaga, Spain

Study at the EF International Language School campus, where you’ll be placed in a Spanish language course based on your current proficiency level. Take classes alongside other language learners from around the world, build your vocabulary, and strengthen your communication skills to make the most of your semester in Spain through a holistic, immersive learning experience. On weekends, enjoy exploring this vibrant seaside city on your own.

Field Excursion 11 Days

Madrid: Spain, Yesterday & Today

4 Days MADRID, SPAIN

Flex your newfound language skills while exploring Spain's capital city. Engage with the past as you visit world-renowned historic sites, then embrace Madrid's future by meeting with locals leading a new generation of innovation.

Toledo: A Cultural Melting Pot

1 Day Toledo, Spain

Explore Toledo on the way to Granada, visiting sites that exemplify the melting pot of cultures and religions that lay claim to this region, like the Church of Santo Tomé and Toledo Cathedral.

Granada: Arrival & Orientation

2 Days Granada, Spain

Get to know your new home base with a guided tour of the University of Granada campus and prepare for your next course, Islamic Culture in Spain, where you'll learn more about the history and culture of the Arab-Islamic world."

Coursework 22 days

Granada: Islamic Culture in Spain

22 Days UNIVERSITY OF GRANADA, SPAIN

Begin your studies at the University of Granada, where your first course will be on Islamic Culture in Spain. Learn more about the history and culture of the Arab-Islamic world; engage with Islam as a cultural phenomenon and fundamental religion in Arab history, as well as the socio-political development of Al-Andalus.

Field Excursion 3 Days

Tangier: Culture & Religion in Morocco

2 days TANGIER, MOROCCO

Cross the Strait of Gibraltar to spend a long weekend in Tangier, where you'll explore the relationship between Morocco and Spain, as well as the influence of Islamic culture and religion on the region, while traveling to the nation's historic sites.

Chefchaouen: Exploring Traditions

1 Day CHEFCHAOUEN, MOROCCO

Travel to Chefchaouen to see the iconic, blue-washed buildings of its old town and explore the traditions of leather and weaving crafts.

Coursework 22 days

Granada: The Political Systems of Spain & The EU

22 days UNIVERSITY OF GRANADA, SPAIN

This course will teach you to develop a dynamic understanding of current political workings in Spain and the EU; you'll learn the basic foundations of contemporary politics as well as different methods for interpreting political reality.

Field Excursion 7 Days

Brussels: European Politics

2 Days Brussels, Belgium

Enjoy a guided walking tour of Belgium's vibrant capital city. As the administrative center of the European Union, Brussels hosts a number of principal EU institutions, such as European Parliament and the European Commission—both of which you'll visit on your Field Excursions

Amsterdam & The Hague: European Politics

3 Days Amsterdam, Netherlands

Discover Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands, with a visit to the Anne Frank House and an Indonesian or Surinamese (both former Dutch colonies) cooking class, then enjoy a free day in to explore the canals, cobblestone streets, and world-class museums on your own

Coursework 22 days

Granada: Sustainability in the Mediterranean

22 Days University of Granada, Spain

In your final course, gain a comprehensive understanding of local self-sustainable cultures, models, and practices in the Mediterranean region. Compare community practices with local governance in the region, participate in case studies, and understand influential factors on the sustainability of Granada and its surrounding areas.

Wrap-Up 1 Day

Málaga: Wrap-up

1 day Málaga, Spain

Return to Málaga with your cohort to reflect on how you’ve grown and what you’ve learned during your study abroad program.



Get to know EF Málaga

With Mediterranean coastline and a mountainous backdrop, Málaga has an authentic Spanish vibe that makes it impossible not to live like a local. Our 20th-century Mediterranean villa-style International Language School campus is located a short walk from the picturesque El Palo Beach, famously lined with charming restaurants and shops.

What's included

The program fee for this 15-week program is $17,750, and payment plans are available.

  • Field Excursions

    Field Excursions and hands-on workshops with local experts.

  • Flights & transportation

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

  • Room & board

    Housing at apartment-style residences in both Málaga and Granada as well as hotels during your Field Excursions.

  • Guided learning

    Full-time, on-the-ground support from an EF Student Life Coordinator with additional support from the EF Language Campus staff, your EF Field Director, and your EF Program Director.

  • Tuition & coursework

    Your classes at the EF Language School in Málaga and your pre-selected coursework at University of Granada.

  • EF Global Support Network

    One-on-one mentorship and support before and during your program.

Ready to get started?

Our Program Consultants are ready to answer any questions you and your family may have, then they’ll work with you to plan an experience that expands your horizons and meets your goals.

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