AFS Intercultural Programs: High School Abroad in Spain

by AFS-USA

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VerifiedProvider

4.0 / 5Overall Rating

3Reviews

1947Year established

Contact Provider for Program CostsProgram Costs

VerifiedProvider

4.0 / 5Overall Rating

3Reviews

1947Year established

Program Overview

Let Spain’s friendly atmosphere and rich blend of cultures teach you how to make the most of life. Immerse yourself in Spanish languages and cultures by living with a host family and attending a local high school. This is the best way to develop fluency in Spanish languages and customs. People live life to the fullest in Spain. But, not in a hurried way. Instead, Spaniards tend to take their time to enjoy and absorb the world and people around them. You’ll savor long, multi-course meals, wander intriguing villages, and explore charming cities.

Depending on the region, locals might speak Catalan, Basque, Galician, or Valencian along with Spanish. The ethnicities and nationalities associated with these languages offer a diverse range of cultures. Still, what people in Spain tend to have in common is their affectionate nature. You’ll see that the bonds they form are strong and long-lasting. And, orientations with other AFS exchange students will allow you to make life-long connections and memories.

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Program Highlights

Immerse yourself in the Spanish language - the best way to become fluent in the second most-spoken language in the world.

Live with a host family to deepen your immersion and connection to Spanish culture and, if you’re like most AFSers, you won’t want to leave this second family and home.

Experience the vibrant street culture of Spain and sample traditional Spanish cuisine like tapas.

Make connections and memories you'll never forget with other AFS exchange students from all over the world.

Become a global citizen with intercultural communication skills, helping to build your college and career résumé as well as create a more peaceful, understanding world.

What's Included

Tuition & Fees

Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration

Travel Insurance

International Airfare

On-Site / In-Country Staff Support

Pre-Departure Orientation

Quick Details

Location

Madrid, Spain

Starts AtContact Provider for Cost Details

Availability

Year(s) Offered:Year Round

Duration:

7-12 Months

Age Requirement14-17

Types & Subjects

Focus Areas:

Experiential Learning
Homestays
Language Immersion
Student Exchange

Guidelines

Nationalities:

American

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Updated Jul 14, 2026

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

Madrid, Spain

Available Terms / Availability

Years Offered
Year Round

Eligible Nationalities

American

Education Levels & Language

Language
Spanish
Education
Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Accommodation Options

Home-stays

Application Procedures

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

Age Requirement

14-17

Duration

7-12 Months

Starts At

Contact Provider for Cost Details

AFS Intercultural Programs: High School Abroad in Spain — video 1

AFS Intercultural Programs: High School Abroad in Spain — video 2

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about AFS-USA

4.0

3 reviews

Rating breakdown

Top categories

Health & Safety

5.0

Living Situation

4.7

Personal Development

4.7

Cultural Immersion

4.0

Program Opportunities

3.3

Program Administration

3.3

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

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Showing 1-3 of 3 reviews

Lane F.November 2018

Most intense and meaningful connections

Being home I now realize I have the most intense and meaningful connections that I've ever had in my life. The people (my host family, French friends and AFS friends) I met in France are people I will know for the rest of my life, and I never want to lose contact with. I also gained another home, a place I intend to visit again and a community around me that will always be a part of my life. Though I gained a language and knowledge of another culture, I now have a passion to travel and learn languages. I want to expand my world and myself, and meet as many people as I possibly can in one lifetime. All of this is what I have gained from this incredible experience with AFS.

Ruth HUnited States · October 2018

The best!

I spent my junior year of high school in Barcelona on an AFS study abroad. It was the best choice I've ever made! The program placed me with an amazing family in an incredible town. I learned so much on my year abroad and met people who truly changed my life. I thoroughly recommend the program to anybody looking to go abroad.

Susanne KerrUnited States · October 2018

It changed my life

Naturally living in another country and leaving everything you know will change you and how you see the world in a great way. When I ran into personal problems I really felt like AFS (at least the one that I was in contact with from Spain) really only cared about my host family because they were volunteering to host me. I felt like AFS Spain didn’t really care about what was happening to me and neither did my host family so that left me feeling very alone. Then for orientations we never really stayed in very nice places (like no heat in the winter when it was like zero degrees). And they also had to buy on sale food (like pasta salad that had gone on clearance). The activities during these orientations were very repetitive. I feel that my AFS region in Spain was poorly managed/funded or something like that. But despite all of this I made friends that I will have all my life. I’ve already been back to visit my best friend. Other AFS exchange students are also some of my the best friends even two years later. I would recommend studying abroad because it will change your life but it isn’t easy, and I think it would’ve been easier for me if I traveled with another company.

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