Description

Being at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Atlantic has helped Spain develop a rich culture. There are four languages spoken in the country, seven dialects, and 17 political regions (comunidades autonomas), not to mention the differing cuisines, lifestyles, and local festivals and celebrations. While Spanish is the official language understood everywhere, you'll have the extra advantage of learning the regional dialect or language of your host family and school. You'll also see the variety of the country in its buildings- from Roman aqueducts to Islamic palaces to Gothic cathedrals to medieval castles- and its music from the drama of flamenco to the melancholy lyricism of the Celtic music and gaitas (bagpipes) of the northwest. The food varies too, but you can expect Mediterranean-style dishes with liberal use of olive oil, garlic, onions, tomatoes, and peppers. Fish and seafood are abundant, but Spanish cooking emphasizes red meat and pork, which are eaten nearly every day.

Highlights

Year and Summer Language Study Programs:

If you participate in a Year program you will be placed with a host family and will attend the local school. Your schoolwork will focus on one of three areas: science, humanities, or technology. Spanish classes are a part of each, so don't worry, you'll find time to learn your new language. You can also stay after school and play sports or be part of cultural activities that school or the local community offers. Spanish teens often attend lectures, concerts, and sporting events- soccer being the most popular. You can also volunteer for a local community organization to make friends and learn more about the community. AFS host family placements are located throughout Spain.

How about spending July in northeastern Spain learning Spanish? In AFS' Summer Language Study program you will attend a language school with other international students and staying at the Pou del Glac camp in residence halls for the duration of the program.The site was formerly a country property dating back to the 18th century. Your month includes: Spanish lessons (60 hours a week), intercultural learning, leadership training, Spanish cooking lessons, the opportunity to participate in sports, and trips to nearby towns including Barcelona!

Type of Programs

• High School Study Abroad
• Language Immersion
• Cultural Exploration

Languages

• Spanish

Cost in US$:

Please refer to the AFS-USA Website

Program Fees Include:

- Professional guidance and support throughout the entire application and program
- Placement with a carefully selected volunteer host family
- Placement with a host school
- Round-trip international travel
- Orientations prior to departure and after your arrival
- Comprehensive secondary medical insurance
- Visa information
- Access to a support network that includes AFS Professional Staff in the U.S. and your host country, plus thousands of trained volunteers worldwide.
- 24-hour emergency assistance

This Program is open to

American Participants.

Application Process Involves

• In-Person Interview Required
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Transcript

Typically The Application Process Time is

varies

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

AFS Intercultural Programs/USA's Mission Statement

AFS Intercultural Programs is an international, voluntary, non-governmental, non-profit organization that provides intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world. AFS Intercultural Programs is a leader in intercultural learning and offers international exchange programs in over 50 countries around the world through independent, not-for-profit AFS organizations, each with a network of volunteers, a professionally staffed office, and headed up by a volunteer board.

Year Founded

1947