Gap Year Programs After College in Spain

Launch your career in Madrid, Spain’s vibrant capital and a thriving hub for business, culture, and innovation. Our Madrid internship program offers students, graduates, and early-career professionals the chance to gain international work experience, build professional skills, and expand their global network while living in one of Europe’s most dynamic cities. Partnering with 3,000+ leading companies, organizations, and NGOs worldwide, we provide placements across business, marketing, finance, PR, technology, entrepreneurship, and more. Each internship is tailored to your career goals, helping you gain professional experience and build a standout résumé in a competitive global job market. Participants also benefit from mentorship, professional development tools, cultural and social events, and guidance from local experts, ensuring a fully immersive and career-boosting experience. Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, or early-career professional, our Madrid internship program provides the ultimate opportunity to gain international experience, career-ready skills, and global connections while living and working in one of Europe’s most exciting and cosmopolitan cities.

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally—from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 147,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back—it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

Take on an 8-month trip of adventure, community service, and community development across the globe. Join a gap year program that will take you to enchanting destinations filled with cultural immersions, impactful volunteering, and an unforgettable summer experience. Your journey will begin in Costa Rica, where you will work with local communities in addressing social and economic challenges. You will then travel to South Africa to help lead sports development, followed by a summer of learning and practicing the Spanish language in Spain. Finally, you will volunteer in teaching and community building and development in Thailand and Cambodia while enjoying the sun, sand, and sea. Eligibility requirements: - Must be in good physical and mental health - At least 18 years old during travel - Have a fluent understanding of English - Have a clean background check if working with minors Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the communities you will serve. Visit our website or inquire today for complete details about this program.

Get the chance to work with injured animals from the Amazon rainforest or at a shelter for sea turtles in one of our internships abroad. At the Institute for Global Studies, we help students gain invaluable work experience in their field from an international context. Wildlife shelter work can bring out the best of human nature. Connecting with abandoned animals instills a sense of accomplishment that few tasks provide. Apart from bonding with animals, gain insight into local communities and their interactions with wildlife in their area. Meet with students, residents, and the general public to learn about their customs. Common duties include food preparation, checking in animals, interpretation to the public, medical assistance, and community outreach.

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

Immerse yourself in the Spanish language and Mediterranean lifestyle in Málaga with EF Language Year Abroad. Perfect your language skills and study academic subjects in your areas of interest, returning home with language credentials, friends from around the world and memories to last a lifetime. True fluency through immersion - Spend 2, 3, or 4 academic terms (6–11 months), gaining language and cultural fluency, learning from local experiences, and peers from over 100 nations. Located on Spain’s sunny southern coast, Málaga is the perfect place to master Spanish while soaking up beachside beauty, culture, and history. EF’s campus nestled in the local community is just steps from the sea and buzzing city life—perfect for practicing Spanish in real-world settings. Customize your journey with SPIN classes focused on Spanish culture, art, or business. Enjoy weekend excursions to places like Granada, Seville, or Morocco, and dive deeper with project-based learning and internship opportunities. Earn college credit, gain fluency certification, and complete a capstone project. Earn transferable college credit through our partner in education, The University of Montana.

Seamester is the educational adventure of a lifetime! For more than 40 years, we have offered unparalleled educational voyages where students spend a semester at sea sailing between islands, countries, and even continents. We design our programs to provide engaging learning experiences with real outcomes in ways that are impossible to replicate in the traditional classroom. Living as part of a close-knit team on an ocean-going vessel, our students learn fundamental lessons beyond academics: teamwork, leadership, and personal responsibility. They receive academic credit from the University of South Florida, along with PADI scuba certifications and IYT sailing certifications. Our programs are designed to inspire students to realize that it’s the journey, not the destination, that matters the most.

Experience the ultimate European adventure every summer, traveling safely and comfortably between cities via train so you have the maximum time exploring. Get ready to marvel at the history and culture of the Old World, from the art and violence of Renaissance Italian city-states via the high refinement of Viennese coffee houses to the color of Barcelona and the Romantic drama of the French Alps. Join a group of like-minded travelers for this fully escorted four-week adventure of a lifetime. This trip will take you sightseeing across Europe's finest cities.

Take a life-changing gap year abroad with Linguistic Horizons! We offer internships in various fields, volunteer, study abroad programs, foreign language immersion, nutrition, and alternative medicine programs. Our program destinations include South America, Europe, and Oceania. Choose from Spain, the UK, Peru, or New Zealand! You may also combine destinations or add side trips to other countries. Our programs range in length from 2 weeks to 1 year. Choose the duration that works best for you!

Would you like to embark on a life-changing university experience abroad? The Spanish Institute offers international students the opportunity to study for a semester or full academic year in Seville, one of Spain’s most vibrant and culturally rich cities. Our Study Abroad Program combines high-quality Spanish language and area-studies courses at the Spanish Institute with the chance to enroll in classes at one of three prestigious local universities: the University of Seville, Pablo de Olavide University, or EUSA University Center. These options allow students to personalize their academic experience while gaining deep insight into Spanish life and culture. Students benefit from intensive language courses, internships, and service-learning opportunities, all while living with Spanish host families, exploring Seville and the Andalusian region, and refining their Spanish skills both in and out of the classroom. This immersive experience is ideal for adventurous, motivated, and responsible students seeking a new perspective, global connections, and a transformative educational journey that will have a profound and lasting impact on their lives. Live the Spanish dream!

Experience the westernmost outpost of the Arab world. Travel from forested mountains to the Sahara Desert while studying different languages, faiths, and cultures across the Straits of Gibraltar. From the rise and fall of empires to the cross-cultural exchanges that have left an indelible mark on both nations, this program emphasizes migration patterns, international relations, and religious influence across continents. By following the path of conquests, intellectual growth, and artistic achievements, we will gain a profound understanding of how history has shaped the present-day connections between Morocco and Spain.

Spend a rewarding summer during this award-winning internship opportunity abroad. Develop your professional skills while taking on full-time responsibilities in a real work environment. Live and work in the Spanish capital, building a unique experience that will help you stand out in an increasingly competitive job market. Choose from over 30 industries including Entrepreneurship, Marketing/PR, Business, Finance, Fashion, and Tourism. Develop your professional skills at career workshops, company visits, and career speaker events. Explore Madrid on cultural visits and day trips whilst discovering more of Spain on weekend trips to either Barcelona or Seville. Ours is an all-inclusive program, including high-quality housing in central Madrid with breakfast and dinner, cultural activities and 24/7 on-site support from our Program Coordinator. Absolute Internship has been featured in the New York Times, BBC News, Bloomberg, and Forbes Magazine. We have placed 4000+ interns at over 800 companies worldwide.

Intern in Spain with Intern Abroad HQ and experience award-winning, accredited programs in Valencia, Madrid, Barcelona, Tenerife or Seville. Whether you're a student, recent graduate, gap year traveler, or career changer, you’ll gain real-world experience in fields like Business, Psychology, Animal Care, Ecological Agriculture, Arts and Culture, Early Childhood Education, and more. Choose your start date and stay from 2 to 24 weeks - fully flexible to fit your schedule. Soak up Spain’s subtropical Mediterranean climate while exploring its world-famous cuisine, beaches, parks, and iconic architecture. Intern Abroad HQ handles everything: a guaranteed internship placement, accommodation, airport pickup, orientation, 24/7 in-country support, and a reference letter from your host organization. Intern alongside English-speaking professionals or practice your Spanish as you gain course credit and save thousands on tuition fees. With the most affordable internship programs abroad, Intern Abroad HQ empowers you to boost your resume and launch your global career with confidence.

Thinking about a gap year? Why not turn it into a life-changing experience- both personally and professionally? At EUROACE, we offer fully customizable Gap Year programs in Valencia, Spain, allowing you to design your ideal experience: -Gain real-world business experience through an internship. -Improve your Spanish skills with immersive language courses. -Volunteer with local organizations and make a difference. -Live like a local—stay with a host family or in a shared apartment. -Experience Spanish culture through exciting activities. -Train or play with a local sports team. You decide the length, focus, and services that fit your goals, and we’ll support you every step of the way!

Now Accepting Applications for the 2026/2027 School Year in Spain! The 2026/2027 school year runs from October 2026 to May 2027. Spots are first-come, first-served, so secure your spot and start your unforgettable adventure teaching English in Spain! Why Teach in Spain? - Enjoy year-round sunshine and a relaxed work-life balance. - Savor Spain’s world-famous tapas, wine, and vibrant culture. - Explore stunning beaches, ancient cities, and breathtaking landscapes. Key Benefits of the Program: - Placement at a Spanish school (managed by regional governments). - Four-day workweek in most regions, giving you more time to explore! - Monthly stipend of €800–€1,000, depending on your region. - Free private health insurance provided by your regional government. - Full support with the visa process and arrival procedures. - Ongoing assistance for daily life and practical questions. - Access to a thriving GroupMe community of fellow teachers. No teaching experience? No problem! We’ll guide you every step of the way. Whether it’s your first time teaching or you’re returning for another year, we’ll make the process seamless and exciting.

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

Study abroad in the historic city of Granada, Spain. Home to flamenco music and the world-famous Alhambra palace, Granada is the ideal study abroad destination. Surrounded by the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains and within an hour of Spain’s tropical Mediterranean coastline, you are positioned for the experience of a lifetime. Courses are taught at the University of Granada or iNMSOL language institute and offered for all Spanish levels. You can also take electives available in English and Spanish as well as choose from internships and other modern languages. The Arcos Learning Abroad program provides an all-inclusive study abroad experience with cultural activities on weekdays, excursions on weekends, on-site directors, carefully vetted homestays, tuition, and much more. Arcos invites you to step through the arch and into a life-changing experience abroad. Spain awaits!

Learn Spanish most authentically by studying Spanish in Valencia. Valencia is the perfect spot for your immersive Spanish experience. It is a buzzing city with a blend of classic Spanish architecture and incredibly innovative buildings. Packed with art, bars, and restaurants, the center of Valencia is a great place to be and just a minute's walk from Plaza de Ayuntamiento. Immersing yourself in the culture of Spain and interacting with the welcoming locals will help improve your language skills. Once the course is over, you are in the perfect spot to continue your adventures. You may travel onwards, down the Costa del Sol to Andalucia and the melting pot of Seville, or up to majestic Barcelona and the Costa Brava. Armed with your newfound language skills, you will be equipped to mingle with the locals. This trip is perfect for those who don’t just want to visit the country and learn the language. They want to become part of it! Choose your preferred intensity. Learn Spanish in a structured but relaxed environment for the standard 10 hours per week, or take it up a notch with the intensive 20-hour-a-week course (for a small additional charge).

Have you always dreamed of living in Spain? Whether you are a soccer fanatic, a Flamenco aficionado or a foodie in search of the best paella – you will surely fall in love with the deeply rooted Spanish culture. Join World Explorers to teach English in Spain. You will live with a local host family where you will be considered part of the familia for one to three months. You will have the opportunity to exchange your language and culture with the locals. We want you to come back from your trip with a Spanish lisp! In exchange for a clean and comfortable room and full board, all you have to do is share your native language with your hosts for 15 hours per week. The goal for your family is to practice their conversational English. This is not about teaching them reading, writing and grammar. To them, this program is about engaging in conversation and feeling comfortable communicating in English with you. No prior teaching experience is necessary! CHI works with trusted overseas partners in Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville to find the best host families possible. You will have a local coordinator throughout your stay in Spain and make new friends that will last a lifetime!

Join a program designed to foster teamwork and entrepreneurial skills through the combination of Spanish language instruction, an internship in Barcelona, and the creation of a sustainable business model. The next session dates: March 1st to May 24th, 2025 September 6th to November 29th, 2025 Your gap semester starts with 4 weeks in Madrid and then 8 weeks in Barcelona. This 3-month program comprises the following: Internship - We have partnered with Absolute Internships to offer placements across a range of fields. Be part of a cohort and never be the only student taking on an internship in Barcelona. Entrepreneurship - We have teamed up with business professors and entrepreneurs to deliver a business incubator experience. You will create a sustainable model built around SMART goals: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Spanish Language - Learn Spanish, which you will apply in a real work environment while exploring Barcelona, Madrid, and other cities in Spain. Eligibility: - 18 years old or over - Must be in good health - High school graduate with at least a 2.8 GPA - Interest in entrepreneurship - Passionate about gaining work experience