Spanish in Motion

12-week gap semester in Latin America & Europe

This 12-week Spanish immersion program takes students on a journey across Latin America and Europe. From the laid-back surf town of Tamarindo to the sun-soaked coast of Málaga and the vibrant streets of Barcelona, students will build language skills while experiencing the diversity of Spanish-speaking cultures across two continents.

Upcoming travel dates:

Spring 2026:
Session 1: Jan. 4–Mar. 28, 2026
Session 2: Feb. 1–Apr 25, 2026
Fall 2026:
Session 1: Aug. 16–Nov. 7, 2026
Session 2: Sep. 13–Dec. 5, 2026

Live in three cultural hubs

This program is anchored at EF’s campuses in Barcelona and Malaga, Spain, and Tamarindo, Costa Rica. Each campus provides a vibrant home base where students take daily language classes and immerse themselves in the local culture. Beyond the classroom, campuses serve as lively social hubs for making friends, joining activities, and experiencing the city or beach together.

EF Barcelona

In the stylish Eixample district, EF Barcelona pairs modern classrooms and a sunny terrace with quick access to tapas bars, shops, and the city’s energetic street life.

EF Málaga

Just steps from the beach, EF Malaga combines airy classrooms and an outdoor café with the relaxed rhythm of Spain’s southern coast, surrounded by palm-lined promenades and seaside restaurants.

EF Playa Tamarindo

Nestled near golden beaches and lush rainforest, EF Tamarindo blends open-air learning spaces with a laid-back surf-town atmosphere, where cafés, markets, and ocean sunsets are part of everyday life.

EF Barcelona

In the stylish Eixample district, EF Barcelona pairs modern classrooms and a sunny terrace with quick access to tapas bars, shops, and the city’s energetic street life.

EF Malaga

Just steps from the beach, EF Malaga combines airy classrooms and an outdoor café with the relaxed rhythm of Spain’s southern coast, surrounded by palm-lined promenades and seaside restaurants.

EF Tamarindo

Nestled near golden beaches and lush rainforest, EF Tamarindo blends open-air learning spaces with a laid-back surf-town atmosphere, where cafés, markets, and ocean sunsets are part of everyday life.

Program highlights

Note: This program features required, interactive Spanish, French, and Italian learning classes Monday-Friday in each city. This itinerary is subject to change based on local availability and conditions at the time of departure.

Barcelona

Weeks 1-4

Weeks 1 - 2 in Barcelona

Barcelona, Spain

Stroll the winding streets on a guided tour of Barcelona’s historic Gothic Quarter, savor local flavors on a tapas crawl through the creative Poblenou neighborhood, and feel the rhythm of Spain as you learn the art of flamenco in an interactive dance class.

Weeks 3 - 4 in Barcelona

Barcelona, Spain

Set sail on a scenic catamaran tour along Barcelona’s coastline, get hands-on with tradition during a ceramics workshop, and take in sweeping city views on a hike up Tibidabo.

Barcelona

Highlight Getaway

Day trip to Costa Brava

COSTA BRAVA, SPAIN

Take a day trip to Costa Brava, where you’ll dive into water activities along the Mediterranean, stroll through vibrant botanical gardens, and cap it off with a fun game of beach volleyball on the sand.

Málaga

Weeks 5-8

Malaga, Spain sunset

Weeks 5 - 6 in Málaga

Málaga, SPAIN

Set sail on a scenic catamaran tour along Barcelona’s coastline, get hands-on with tradition during a ceramics workshop, and take in sweeping city views on a hike up Tibidabo.

gap semester student sits on a wall and writes

Weeks 7 - 8 in Málaga

Málaga, SPAIN

Journey to Granada for a day trip to explore its rich history and stunning architecture, then unwind on a catamaran trip along Spain’s sun-drenched Mediterranean coast.

Málaga

Highlight Getaway

Gap year program in Morocco

Weekend trip to Morocco

MOROCCO

Cross continents for an unforgettable weekend. Wander colorful souks, explore ancient medinas, and savor the rich flavors of Moroccan cuisine.

Playa Tamarindo

Weeks 9-12

Boy carries a surfboard in Costa Rica

Weeks 9 - 10 in Tamarindo

PLAYA TAMARINDO, COSTA RICA

Catch the waves with surf lessons on Tamarindo Beach, then connect with nature at the Ostional Wildlife Reserve, where you’ll witness sea turtle conservation efforts up close.

Taking a gap year in Costa Rica

Weeks 11 - 12 in Tamarindo

PLAYA TAMARINDO, COSTA RICA

Take a day trip to Rio Celeste, where you’ll hike through Tenorio National Park to its turquoise waterfall and volcanic landscapes, then set out by boat through lush mangroves, spotting crocodiles, exotic birds, and other wildlife along the way.

Playa Tamarindo

Highlight Getaway

Gap semester program in Latin America

Weekend trip to the Arenal Region

ARENAL, COSTA RICA

Visit the beautiful Arenal Volcano, go hiking, relax in hot springs, see the La Fortuna Waterfall, and go rafting through the rainforest.

Start planning today

Program inclusions

Our gap programs are built around a close-knit cohort, giving students the chance to learn and travel together. The program includes a wide range of amenities including:

Interactive language classes
Spanish offered at all learning levels in Barcelona, Málaga, and Tamarindo.
Activities & excursions
2-3 cultural activities per week, and 1 overnight weekend excursions or extended day trip per location.
Flights & transportation
Internal flights and transfers between locations, including airport pick-up.
Room & board
Accommodations in an EF Student Residence with other members of your cohort.
EF Global Support Network
One-on-one mentorship and 24/7 travel support before and during your program.
Travel protection
Enrollment and cancellation protection fees included.

EF Education First global presence

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.

Optional college credits

You will have an option to receive college credits for your language coursework through an accredited US university. For more information, please talk with your Program Advisor.

Stack and save

The world is too big for just one stop. Extend your adventure by stacking two back-to-back programs into a full year abroad. You’ll unlock more destinations, more experiences, and more memories—plus, save $2,000 when you do.

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