TOCA in Spain High School Study Abroad Program

I would say this summer is for sure one of the best summers i’ve ever had. The amount of connections that were made during this program and people i’ve met has changed me a a lot and given me a better way to look at things. The entire Toca team was absolutely amazing also I appreciate them so much

This program was an amazing experience and gave me the chance to travel to Spain while improving my Spanish. Living with a host family helped me learn about the culture, and the classes were fun, interactive, and easy to follow. I also enjoyed exploring different cities and trying new foods with the group. Overall, I would definitely recommend this program to anyone looking to study abroad, meet new people, and create unforgettable memories.

Firstly, thank you TOCA for giving us this experience to travel across the world and learn a whole new culture. I had a blast and would absolutely recommend to other kids who are interested in traveling the world as well. My favorite part was definitely the surfing because I learned a new skill and I basically mastered it heh 😎 But in all seriousness, I was not expecting to get this close with people that I barely knew. Now these people are basically family! 10/10 program, once again thank you TOCA!

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During my time in Spain I had some of the most unforgettable experiences, that I will forever cherish. Having the opportunity to learn abroad and just experience a whole new atmosphere has been a true blessing. TOCA was a second family and home to me, the staff were amazing they always took care of all of us and looked out for every single one of us, the students were all inclusive there wasn't anyone who was left out. Classes were also very interactive and full of joyful memories. My teacher Dani was an amazing person, he made sure to answer all our questions and he never had a problem with repeating himself if we didn't understand. My host Mom was a caring soul as well, she always asked if we were okay and she always made sure to check up on us. Being in Spain this summer, has changed my perspective on everything. I really enjoyed my time and if I had the chance to do it again I definitely would without a second thought.

This entire experience was something new for me in many different ways. I have been away from my parents while overseas before, but this time I was surrounded by teenagers my age who were all from a different state from me. Despite some of our differences, the group I was with was filled with wonderful people who I hope to stay connected with. My first real day with my group, I was able to talk deeply with four of my roomates about how they felt about the program so far. Just having those meaningful little conversations during the trip let us all bond very quickly, and allowed me to have a greater understanding about the minds of people. There was a lot of reflecting and fun that happened during the trip, so I would definitely reccomend this program to anyone who has not traveled before. The entire trip was something to remember, as I got to really bond and hear stories about life from New York.

As these 15 days in Spain have come to an end, I am beginning to see the major difference in environments between New York and Sevilla, for example the streets are significantly cleaner with a more humble atmosphere, as I had my own walks and journey's in Sevilla I've realized that the world can hold so much peace, it really just depends on where you are and how you take it. Traveling with strangers and becoming friends with them has helped me understand opinions different from my own such as believing wether or not England deserved to be knocked out (they didn't btw) of going to the finals. Overall I believe that I learnt much from TOCA, the trip leaders, my friends I've made and my roommates as well as the minor interactions I've had with the spaniards. Once again I am extremely grateful for being able to participate in this program and I hope everyone lives life to the fullest.

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Being a part of TOCA has been nigh life changing. The encouragement and feedback I received from both staff and peers alike has led to an almost drastic development in how I perceive people in society and how we interact, directly contributing to a a greater life satisfaction as I continue to hunt for meaning with every exchange. Outside my cohort, my stay with my host family was also phenomenal; the level of independence and trust that they gave me has greatly contributed to an increase in my overall confidence, especially because they also sought to engage with me in a way that fostered learning Spanish; they never once lost interest in our conversations because I struggled to understand them. All in all, I would recommend TOCA to anyone interested in studying abroad, and would encourage them to push themselves, even if only a little, to benefit most from the program.

This program has solidified my desire to study abroad! Summer 2026 will always be remembered as the summer I had an incredible study abroad experience in Seville, Spain, with TOCA and MundoLengua.My homestay family was the highlight of my experience. I enjoyed traditional Spanish cuisine, a safe and clean environment, and the feeling of being a true member of their family. My class time was also surprisingly enjoyable. As someone who hasn't had the best experience learning another language, this program completely changed my perspective. Daniel was an amazing teacher who knew how to keep the class engaged and full of energy. Even as a non-Spanish-speaking student placed in the advanced class, I never felt lost during his lessons.Our tour guides, Martha and Marcos, were incredibly knowledgeable, and you could tell they genuinely cared about making each experience meaningful. Every tour and excursion was interesting, and I never once felt bored. Overall, I would recommend this program to anyone who has never traveled abroad. It is a great way to begin your journey, immerse yourself in a new culture, and create unforgettable memories.

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Being a part of TOCA has put a real soft spot in my heart because it was the greatest trip I ever had in my life.It was so life changing with the staff, the people, and the tour guides that were apart of our journey.The food was amazing, our host families were ecstatic and loved our stay and it felt like I was apart of a group that really cared.Juan Alberto was a great teacher and I loved the way he taught Spanish because it was exciting,my past year of taking Spanish was very boring and mishandled and Juan make it come back to life.I met amazing people that I can call my 2nd family forever and I will be forever grateful of these individuals.TOCA will always be the greatest program I ever experienced in my life and I thank them so much for trusting me to come on this trip for 2 weeks.I will highly recommend this program for anyone that wants something to remember forever!

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Arriving to Spain, I came into the country with an okay amount of knowledge of the Spanish language; knowing how to conjugate some words, basic greetings and such on. I don't have a problem with reading nor writing- but my biggest problem was speaking. Being around people who know the language was intimating because what if I look like a fool? What if I'm too boring? What if I come out disrespectful? worries that trace in my mind. Meeting my homestay Mother, Macarena had those worries disappear; being opening and welcoming me to her home-she talked and talked about anything and everything during dinner. She also spoke about her experiences of speaking English and how she used to be shy speaking and how bad it was when she started. Something about that conversation over dinner, was very warming and reassuring to me; it made me realize that despite being from complete different places were all the same and were all human. Me and Macarena both share the experiences of being shy with speaking, and started off bad. And this moment pushed me out my comfort zone and now I'm somewhat of a pro at ordering my own food in Spanish.

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My name is Zayan and Toca really helped me experience what it means to be social, and to be a people person essentially. I got to talk to a lot of like minded individuals who aren’t exactly similar to me but still hold values and traits that make it very easy to connect and bond with people.

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I think I had a self-changing experience. I left timid, not wanting to really interact with others to the extent we share lifestyles. By the time the 2 weeks were up, I was loud and found my found family in TOCA. Although we never went into deep conversations such as trauma bonding, we shared enough to make a connection. I found who I am, an identity I struggled to find outside of school. I made lasting connections with people who have amazing dreams and goals. We all make each other want to do the best for ourselves and each other. I made friends with people whom I would never have met because of where we all live. Overall, this was the best experience I have ever had, and I couldn't have had this opportunity without TOCA. Oh yeah, this was my first time traveling and doing most of the activities planned, so it was really fun for my first time in anything.

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I had an amazing time in Spain! TOCA has honestly been one of the best experiences of my life. At first everyone was a little shy, but honestly after the first day of being in Spain, everyone started to get closer. Being with my host family taught me how to speak up for myself and my needs. Being around new people taught me how to interact and connect with others from different backgrounds. I was scared about being away from my family, but honestly it taught me how to be more independent. I recommend this program to anyone who wants a life changing experience.

TOCA has provided me with a once in a lifetime opportunity. Not just because they brought me to spain, they provided something that no money could pay for which is a community. This community alongside every activity we had was just a 10/10 experience i would relive over and over again. I never imagined i could be so open with a group of people while only knowing them for 2 weeks but anything is possible. Personal connections between students and staff really mean something deep down and its something i will forever cherish this program for. I am forever grateful for TOCA.

This entire experience was something that i have wished for. From the tour guides and amazing day to day activities. It all collectively was beautiful and allowed me to meet a new group of people that I can now call a family. The way of life and feeling that being over in Spain provided was unbelievable and so great that it feels impossible to share. I wish I did not have to leave yet I am grateful I was able to be apart of this wonderful community and program that I will forever hold close to me.

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I had the chance to spend my 2026 summer in Seville with TOCA. It was an incredible experience. I was able to learn about a new culture and immerse myself in it through the different sights we saw that gave us a historical perspective on Seville. Additionally, I was able to grow in my independence because I had to be responsible with my things such as my passport and other personal items. Living in a homestay also helped my independence grow because I was able to learn how to work with a roommate which also gives me an idea on how college will be like. And one of the greatest things that came out of this were my friendships. We all connected and grew together and these bonds will be ones that I cherish forever!! I will be recommending this program to anyone and everyone!!!!

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This was genuinely the best trip I have ever been on and i’m very glad that I got to experience it with the people I did. The housing was very nice & comfortable, the tour guides Marcos and Marta were wonderful and the toca staff was great as well. I feel as though, anyone around our age would enjoy this trip as much as I did and maybe even more! Thank you TOCA!

Sevilla with TOCA was an experience to remember. I was surrounded by a vibrant community with people from different walks of life. I admire the culture and the authenticity of my peers. When it was World Cup day, I remember celebrating Spain's win with ice cream and creating a video with Mr. Shambley. I really hope that the next TOCA students will enjoy and make the best of their trip. With love, Alexis <3

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My experience with TOCA was genuinely transformative, before the program I struggled to speak up. I didn't recognize how much that held me back. TOCA changes people by placing them in an environment based on growth and responsibility. The moment we began preparing for Spain, the program pushed me to step outside my comfort zone, allowing me to be comfortable both as student abroad and as a leader back home. TOCA gives an amazing hands-on education; with our teacher and guide we explored Spanish history, language and daily life, in a fun way that was fun, while challenging us to stay curious and think critically. It was incredible how they guided us through Seville with the utmost enthusiasm and the knowledge to teach us even the smallest details of the country. This program helped me grow socially, through living with classmates, trying amazing new food, and even communicating with the locals, with what I learned in the classroom. TOCA is a gift, it formed a supportive environment while encouraging us to learn more, leaving us important memories and skills to bring home. All in all TOCA has given me one of the most fun and educational experiences in my life.

My experience abroad has not only allowed me to break out of my social comfort zone, but embrace individuality as well. Before I arrived to Spain, I received a focus word on the trip, and that word was Discernment; The ability to judge well. Throughout my trip, I’ve enacted as if I wore a lens of discernment, and I’ve Unintentionally found myself embracing the beauty of individuality, and cultural immersion rather than “judgment”. With this new lens I’ve only flourished by trying out new tasty foods like Paella and Tapas, exploring the calm streets of Sevilla during siesta or vast and loud skies of El Caminito del Rey. Fast forward to the present, my ability of discernment has only strengthened, finding beauty within anyone despite how different they may seem; indulging in this mindset has allowed me to connect with people easier and influence my most recent trip to Seoul, South Korea this summer.