Description

Looking for a break between graduating high school and starting your first year in college? Consider participating in a Gap Year program, where you can grow and change into the person you want to be with help from CIEE and an experience in cultural and language immersion.

CIEE offers US high school graduates a unique way to explore the world. A Gap Year Abroad with CIEE offers college-bound graduates an opportunity to acquire a broader global perspective, foster independence and gain self-knowledge. Students seeking to stretch intellectually, explore new vistas, develop leadership and become responsible global citizens are ideal candidates for a CIEE Gap Year.

Spending a year or a semester living with a family abroad, studying and improving fluency in a modern language and volunteering in the community or working as an English teacher will allow students to immerse themselves in every aspect of the host culture and give their academic goals perspective and purpose. Day and weekend trips and other cultural excursions will provide an important dimension to understanding historical and social aspects of the country.

A Gap Year Abroad opens doors to the student's future, bridging the high school world to the road that lies ahead. The benefits of a Gap Year will enable students to enhance their global education and uniquely prepare them for their college experience.

Highlights

Each host family will plan and arrange excursions with the student. These outings may be any activity that is meaningful to the family and is of interest to the student, i.e., a local exhibit, a daytrip to a nearby town, attending a concert or play or opera, a weekend trip around Spain, Portugal or other destinations. Students will be given the opportunity to become part of local sports teams. Students may also participate in CIEE organized events as available. The GAP year coordinator will send out weekly newsletters to students advising them of local events and CIEE sponsored activities.

Host Families, Language Classes and Community Service

Students reside individually in host families with whom CIEE has had a relationship for many years. Given the mild climate, Seville is a city where walking is easy and enjoyable and students are able to walk to class. If the host family is not located in the city center, students must be willing to take public transportation when necessary.

Classes take place at a language center in downtown Seville. There are no language requirements for participating in the GAP year program in Seville. GAP Students take an intensive language program that meets four hours per day, five days a week for the first two weeks of the program and continue with language training during the remainder of their stay. Each class will have approximately 10-15 students. Classes are designed to help students improve language skills and to learn Spanish literature, history and culture. If a student is a very advanced speaker, a university-level CIEE class may be arranged. Students wishing to pursue this must take the CIEE online placement test prior to arrival.

Amnesty International, Red Cross, Immigrant groups, Women's groups, disabled groups (mobility and visually), children's groups and marginal areas are among the volunteer opportunities offered to GAP students. CIEE requires 10-15 hours of volunteer time per week. Students may choose their area of service according to availability. Students also participate in a group volunteer project each semester in Seville. They work with the CIEE Resident Coordinator to determine the theme of the project.

Type of Programs

• Adventure Travel
• Community Service / Volunteerism
• Cultural Exploration
• High School Study Abroad
• Language Immersion
• Student Tours

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

Fall and Spring: USD 12,375; AY: USD 18,375

Program Fees Include:

* Housing and meals with families
* Language classes
* English teaching internship or community service
* Arrival Orientation
* Supervision and support throughout your stay
* 24-hr. emergency support
* Trips and excursions to important historical and cultural sites
* International Airfare from a designated US gateway to a designated international gateway

This Program is open to

American Participants.

CIEE's Mission Statement

Since 1947, the Council on International Educational Exchange, known as CIEE, has been in pursuit of its mission, "to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world. Our services to young people studying, working, teaching, and traveling abroad are more important than ever.

Year Founded

1947