EF Gap Year - Spanish in Motion
Program Overview
Spend 12 unforgettable weeks exploring Barcelona, Málaga, and Tamarindo—three incredible destinations where Spanish language, culture, and adventure come to life. This immersive semester blends hands-on learning, outdoor exploration, and cultural discovery with a supportive travel community.
In Barcelona (Weeks 1–4), sharpen your Spanish in class and practice it over tapas dinners, flamenco shows, and a day trip along the Costa Brava.
In Málaga (Weeks 5–8), experience laid-back coastal life, visit historic Granada, enjoy a weekend trip to Morocco, and dive into Andalusian culture.
In Tamarindo, Costa Rica (Weeks 9–12), live pura vida through surf lessons, wildlife encounters, and eco-adventures like jungle hikes, mangrove boat tours, and a visit to the Arenal volcano.
Throughout your journey, you’ll live in EF student residences, travel with your cohort, and take part in weekly cultural activities and weekend excursions. With flights, accommodations, Spanish classes, EF’s global support, and optional college credit included, Spanish in Motion is more than study abroad—it’s a chance to grow, connect, and experience the Spanish-speaking world like never before.
Ready to dive deeper into this program?
Jump to the full breakdown of dates, costs, eligibility, and more.
Program Highlights
What's Included
Quick Details
- During College
- Post High School
- After College
- Adventure Travel
- Experiential Learning
- Language Immersion
- Self-Discovery
- Spanish
- Study Abroad
- American
Updated May 20, 2026
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Tamarindo, Costa Rica
- Barcelona, Spain
- Malaga, Spain
Available Terms / Availability
- Years Offered
- 2026, 2027, 2028
Eligible Nationalities
- American
- This Program is also open to Group
Education Levels & Language
- Education
- University Freshman (1st Year)
- University Sophomore (2nd Year)
- University Junior (3rd Year)
- University Senior (4th Year)
- University 5th Year or More
- High School Senior (4th Year)
- High School 5th Year or More
Accommodation Options
- Dormitory
- Group living
Application Procedures
- Online Application
Age Requirement
18-25
Duration
- During College
- Post High School
- After College
Starts At










Program Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about EF Education First
Be the first to review EF Education First
If you've participated in this program, your review helps future students decide.
Review this ProgramInquire
Inquire about this program
Have a question? Send us a message and the program team will get back to you.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all the most common questions about EF Education First.
What's Included?
The program fee for EF Gap Year programs includes all flights (including to and from your home city), on-the-ground transportation, accommodations, meals, activities, excursions, mentorship, and global support.
How academic are EF Gap Year Programs?
EF Gap Year programs aren’t about sitting in classrooms—they’re about learning by living. In Spanish in Motion, the real lessons happen out in the world: sharing tapas in Barcelona, embracing coastal life in Málaga, or surfing the waves in Costa Rica. With cultural immersion, global travel, and exclusive EF experiences, you’ll build confidence, independence, and a true international perspective.
What demographic makes up a cohort?
You’ll be part of a group of 18–22 year-olds from all across the U.S., all recent high school grads or college students looking for adventure. Every cohort is a mix of personalities and backgrounds, which makes the experience even more fun and connected.
How much spending money should I bring?
Spending money varies by destination and lifestyle, but most students budget for snacks, shopping, and personal travel. Since housing, tuition, and activities are included, your extra funds go toward exploring, souvenirs, and experiences that make your gap year unforgettable.
Are there payment plans available?
Yes — EF offers flexible payment plans to make your experience more affordable and easier to manage. You don’t have to pay the full amount upfront. After paying the enroll fee, you can choose to pay in installments over time, with the final balance due 60 days before your program starts. Many students and families find this helpful for budgeting and planning ahead.
Recognitions & Awards
Awards and accreditations earned by this provider











Related Programs
Browse programs you might like

EF Education First
No reviews yet
Learn Spanish in Barcelona with EF Language Abroad and experience the magic of Spain’s most iconic coastal city. Make global connections, boost y...

EF Education First
No reviews yet
Discover the charm of southern Spain while mastering Spanish with EF Language Abroad in Málaga. This EF program is ideal for anyone looking to im...

EF Education First
No reviews yet
Learn Spanish in Costa Rica with EF Language Abroad and immerse yourself in pura vida culture. Make international friends, explore Costa Rica’s i...
Have more questions?
We're here to help!
The GoAbroad team is here to support you as you choose the best program for you, and EF Education First is also happy to answer any questions you have.
Trusted by millions of travelers worldwide since 1997

