Earth Sciences Study Abroad Programs in Spain

Being a premed student I was at first quite hesitant about applying for a study abroad since I was not very sure how it would work with my science classes. That was until I came across Spanish Study Abroad's page and saw that they offered a wide range of classes and programs that could too work for science majors! My first time applying was for the Spring of 2025 for which I was able to take both Spanish classes and do an internship organized by the Spanish Study Abroad branch in Seville at IENSA (a neurosurgery and neurology center in Seville). My second time, was the Spring of 2026 and with how well the program is organized, I was able to do my last Biochemistry class at University Pablo de Olavide. Long story short, the first semester abroad was honestly one of the best decisions of my life and definitely the best decision for my Spanish since between learning in the program and engaging with the very friendly Andalucian people, I successfully moved a whole level up in my Spanish in just a couple months. Additionally, Seville is culturally rich and I love that the program makes it a point to explain and share the wonderful culture and cusine with us! From this experience, I built my confidence and knowledge in Spanish and made very important connections with both locals and in the Spanish healthcare system. I loved it so much, I did the study abroad TWICE and I can confidently say it was 100% worth it!!!

I have definitely had a great time studying with UDC and Linguistic Horizons. The arrangements and trips provided by Nicole are always very fun, safe, and great new experiences to have. My host family is very nice and caring, and I have greatly improved my Spanish speaking, learning, and understanding skills through communicating with them daily. Nicole is very easy to reach and helpful in answering all questions. Would highly recommend!

Linguistic Horizons responded to this reviewMay 05, 2026

Muchas gracias, Charles :)

I’ve found the Master’s in Bilingual Education at Nebrija to be a rigorous and intellectually engaging program. Several professors stand out for their clarity, strong grounding in theory, and practical classroom applicability—particularly in CLIL methodology and active learning approaches. The program requires a high level of autonomy and time management, especially for students who are also working. For those combining teaching responsibilities with full-time study, it is important to be prepared for an intensive schedule. However, the academic depth and exposure to bilingual methodology provide meaningful professional growth. One of the strongest aspects of the program is its emphasis on connecting theory to real classroom contexts. When students actively engage with the material and apply it in their teaching practice, the learning becomes especially valuable. Overall, the program offers solid academic preparation for educators seeking to deepen their understanding of bilingual education within a European framework. RVF also provided excellent support throughout the application process. Thank you.

Studying abroad with SSA in Seville was not a single transformative moment, but a gradual process of learning, unlearning, and growth that reshaped how I see myself, other cultures, and my future goals. Over the course of the semester, my initial assumptions were challenged through everyday experiences, academic engagement, and meaningful interactions with people in my host country. By the end of my time abroad, I had developed a deeper sense of self-awareness, cultural understanding, and clarity about the direction I want my academic and professional life to take. Spain and Seville welcomed me with open arms, taking me in and making me part of its beautiful culture. It was amazing to experience the day-by-day there. One really gets to comprehend the beauty of having small rituals and activities that bring you joy everyday, despite your typical routine (work, studying, exercising, socializing, etc). Spain and Seville, specifically offers an undoubtedly rich culture that you can appreciate everytime you walk on its streets. I honestly could not be happier I got to spend 4 months here and I am extremely excited to go back and see all the wonderful people I have met. I truly recommend this program and SSA, especially if you want to experience Spain's warmth and culture at its best.

During my time abroad I learned more about the world, myself and what i'm capable of than ever before. This was by far the most rewarding thing I have ever done and not a day goes by where I don't miss it. Ive made the best friends I could ever ask for, had some of the best food in my life, seen the most beautiful architecture and learned so much history about other regions its amazed me. I learned how to navigate new environments all on my own in countries where English was not a first language. Ive grown so much independently and mentally from this and will take it with me in my future success! For anyone that is on the fence about going abroad I strongly encourage that you won't regret it, the worst part about abroad for me was having to leave a place that I quickly called home!

I thoroughly enjoyed my experience studying abroad with API. It was a unique opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture, meet people from different backgrounds, and expand my academic and personal horizons. Seville proved to be an ideal location for this experience—rich in history, vibrant in spirit, and full of charm. The city offered an incredible blend of food, attractions, and welcoming locals that made my time there truly memorable. Academically, the courses I took introduced me to subjects I might not have explored otherwise, such as the history of winemaking and Andalusian culture. These topics deepened my appreciation for the region and broadened my global perspective. While my overall experience was overwhelmingly positive, the housing situation presented some challenges. My accommodation was significantly smaller than other available options, and unfortunately, the building was not equipped to handle the unusually high levels of rainfall—reportedly the most Spain has experienced in over 50 years. As a result, the roof began to sag and eventually leaked through the walls and ceilings on multiple floors. The water damage led to warped floorboards and damaged built-ins. When I brought these issues to the attention of the building manager, I was told the unit had dried and no further action would be taken. Since only two weeks remained in the program, I informed API and my program advisors in hopes that the matter would be addressed for future participants. Despite this setback, my study abroad experience was incredibly rewarding, and I would strongly encourage anyone who has the opportunity to pursue international education. It’s an experience that fosters personal growth, cultural understanding, and lifelong memories.

My time with RVF International as an English Auxiliary in Spain has been nothing short of fantastic. I am ethnically Spanish, but was adopted as a child, so this allowed me to get in touch with my roots. However, no one could have told me the extent to which I would fall in love with Spain and its people. Whether it’s tapas on the street, local dives, or beach trips to Alicante, everything is a lifetime adventure. There are places online that talk about the school experience in a stressful light. In my experience, it was a great chance to grow alongside the kids. Quickly, we adapted to each other, and I’ll miss all of them as I leave the school in San Lorenzo in the coming weeks. The area around my school is stunning, as the monastery is an authentic Spanish treasure. I am a little sad that you can only be in one school for two years, as I’ve formed strong bonds with the students and faculty during my time here. I came to Spain with a base level of Spanish that can only be achieved from an American High School. Needless to say, I wasn’t the strongest speaker. However, in Madrid, everyone was super nice and easy-going from the moment I stepped off the plane. My local alimentacion is run by a couple that speaks no English, but we crossed that divide and now check in with each other every few days if we don’t go to the store. While the city of Madrid offers the hustle and bustle and nightlife of a major city, it also has a sense of tranquility amongst the crowd. This program is 110% recommended for people of all ages looking to immerse themselves in a new culture.

As someone who was completely new to the process of applying for a master’s program—especially abroad—I was feeling pretty overwhelmed at first. I had no idea where to start or what steps to take. Then I found RVF!! They made everything so much easier than I expected. From day one, the team walked me through the entire process in a way that was clear and manageable. They explained everything I needed to know, helped me gather the right documents, and stayed in touch regularly to make sure I was on track. What seemed complicated at first quickly became doable thanks to their guidance and support. They answered all my questions, helped me write a strong application, and made sure nothing fell through the cracks. Because of them, I got accepted into a great master’s program and feel confident about this new chapter. If you're new to this process or just need someone to help you navigate it smoothly, I can’t recommend RVF International enough. They really made something that felt intimidating feel super achievable!!

As a student from Singapore, attending the Climate Change Summer School was one of the most enriching experiences of my academic journey. This program exceeded my expectations in every way, from its well-rounded academic curriculum to its exceptional organization and diverse community of participants. The academic component was rigorous yet engaging. The faculty were experts in their fields, blending theoretical insights with practical applications. I particularly appreciated the focus on real-world solutions to climate change, which deepened my understanding of global environmental challenges and inspired me to take action. The lectures, case studies, and interactive discussions were complemented with visits, which made learning dynamic and hands-on. The program was impeccably organized. From pre-departure communication to the day-to-day schedule, everything ran smoothly. The staff were approachable and always willing to assist, ensuring a stress-free experience for all participants. What truly made the experience unforgettable, though, was the community. I met students from all over the world, each bringing unique perspectives and experiences. The friendships I formed during the program are incredibly special to me, and our late-night discussions about climate policy having a beer in amazing Madrid are moments I will always treasure. If you’re passionate about climate change and eager to learn in a vibrant, multicultural setting, I cannot recommend the Climate Change Summer School enough. It’s not just a program—it’s a transformative experience that will stay with you long after it’s over.

My time at the Climate Change Summer School was the best university-experience of my life. First of all, although my home university has a lot of international students, the majority of us are Chinese. I loved that in this programme there was no predominant nationality and I could make friends from all over the world. Being the only student from Hong Kong, I had to make new fiends and I did! Secondly, the programme itself was wonderful in terms of academic content. The professors were brilliant, as well as some lecturers from the business world. The programme provided me with a complete understanding of climate change from all relevant angles. I enjoyed studying things unrelated to my studies back home. The activities of the programme were also great. I especially enjoyed the flamenco workshop! Third, I really loved Madrid, and I could enjoy it with my new friends. I can strongly recommend this programme to anyone interested in climate change.

I like to think pieces of my heart are sprinkled throughout Sevilla. A little with my host family, my professors at school, the sweet lady I’d see at church, my API coordinators. There’s a bit of me on the rooftop of my host home apartment complex, along the river where we’d picnic, at the bike rack where our group met, in the beautiful plaza, in the heart of downtown with my friends. The night before I left for my semester in Spain, our kitchen table was covered with my suitcases, carry-on bags, passport, snacks, books, and a printed copy of the layout of the airport where my layover would be. I was as prepared as possible; this was my first time flying solo, and it was to a foreign country to live with a new family who didn’t speak English and hopefully to make a few friends from a group of strangers I would be meeting. What I experienced was more than anything I could have ever hoped for or anticipated. The following four months brought innumerable incredible memories and experiences, but it also brought plenty of challenges and opportunities to step outside of my comfort zone, even right from the beginning. But I can guarantee that every minute of it was worth it, I wouldn’t change a single moment of it, and I wouldn’t be who I am today without that experience. There isn’t enough time in the world to recount every incredible experience, but so many of those memories are due to the amazing preparation and planning that went into our excursion trips through API. We experienced weekends in Granada, Cádiz, Ronda, and Lisbon. We stayed in castles, toured marketplaces, and even attended a flamenco show tucked away in a cave in the hills. With each trip was a new opportunity to encounter new people, practice the language, and just be in awe of the vast world that I felt like I was seeing for the first time. I practiced Spanish daily at home with my host mom, laughing together at each of our mispronunciations as she learned a few English words from me too. I said good morning to the woman at the grocery store I passed every morning on my way to the metro stop before school. I exchanged a new vocab word with the security guard I became friends with on the university’s campus before heading into class. Every little piece of my day became extraordinary even in the simplest ways; whether it was attending a fútbol match with seats right next to the pitch, or paying for groceries for the first time on my own, each little moment held an important value in my experience of living life in my new home. It’s hard to believe there was a time in my life before living with daily memories of Spain. Whether it’s in seeing the framed pictures in my room, going to Spanish classes, or talking to friends from my Spain program, not a day passes by without a memory crossing with it. It’s shifted over time in a natural progression. I vividly remember the first few weeks after coming back- a confusing mix of heartbreak, frustration, sadness, uncertainty, everything a human could feel at once. I remember thinking many times during my semester abroad that I figured I felt just about every emotion humanly possible throughout those months. A lot of the time, I couldn’t even figure out how to put into words all of the emotions I was feeling. The most reassuring part was having friends experiencing similar feelings who I could talk to about it as it all happened. No one had all the answers, but we were all in it together, and we continue to carry our inseparable bond from that semester. I’ve found solace in conversations and reminiscing with friends, putting together videos of life abroad, rereading journals or vlogs of moments as they happened, looking through photos, listening to music, talking to other people, keeping in touch with my host family, and continuing to write and process everything. It’s been over a year since moving to Spain, and I’m still trying to reflect and unpack it all. And truthfully, I don’t think I’ll ever fully comprehend everything from that semester. I know I’ll be recognizing and realizing lessons I’ve learned from my time abroad for months and years to come, both life lessons and just ways of understanding myself better. I’m forever grateful for all the people I encountered who made my time abroad exactly as it needed to be. I’m grateful for every ‘yes’ that led to the opportunity to study abroad, and for every ‘yes’ of all the people I came to know and love.

Attending the Multidisciplinary approach to Climate Change Summer School 2021 was a unique and unforgettable experience, one of the most meaningful moments of my academic and personal journey. While I was finishing university, I strongly wanted to enrich my path with a summer school, and when I discovered this opportunity in the vibrant and beautiful city of Madrid, I didn’t think twice about signing up. Madrid, with its contagious energy, welcoming atmosphere, and stunning beauty, provided the perfect backdrop for this adventure. The Summer School was a 10/10 experience in every way. From the very first day, a special bond was formed with the participants—young people from all over Europe with whom I shared not only lessons but also moments of growth, laughter, and discovery. The academic program exceeded my expectations: every topic on climate change was incredibly engaging and explored in depth, thanks to the involvement of highly qualified professionals and experts. Each lecture was a journey into the world of sustainability, environmental policies, and innovative solutions to tackle the most pressing challenge of our time. What truly made this experience extraordinary, however, was everything that surrounded it: after the lessons, the trips and activities organized allowed us to explore Madrid and its wonders, creating unforgettable memories that I will cherish forever. I highly recommend this Summer School to anyone eager to broaden their horizons, meet amazing people, and immerse themselves in a unique educational and cultural experience. I can assure you that it will be an adventure you won’t regret! ?✨

I had a really great time in Madrid, which i spent with nice and friendly people from all around the world. The organisation was also great and university provided a nice space for this summer school.

In the summer of 2022, I had the chance to attend the 'Summer School: Multidisciplinary Approach to Climate Change' in Madrid. I’ve always been interested in climate change and even joined climate protests in Belgium, which inspired me to study geography. After finishing my first year of college, I wanted to learn more and this summer school was the perfect opportunity. One of the best things about the program was how it covered a different subject each day. This approach helped me see climate change from multiple angles, including science, politics, economics, and society. It wasn’t just focused on geography, and that made me think in new ways and understand the bigger picture. The people I met were also a big part of why this experience was so great. Everyone was friendly and welcoming, and we all had a shared passion for climate issues. Many of the people I met, I am still in touch with. I fell in love with the city of Madrid, even during a heatwave :). I found the class on glaciology so interesting that I decided to focus my bachelor thesis on Antarctica and how climate change affects it. When I got back to my university, I wanted to make sure more students could have opportunities like this. As a student representative, I worked to get summer schools recognized for academic credit. Now, students in my department can earn credits for similar programs. Going to this summer school also gave me the courage to apply for longer study programs abroad. It felt like a smaller version of an exchange program, which made me more confident about applying for Erasmus. I’ll be studying abroad next year! If you’re thinking about doing a summer school, I’d say go for it. It’s a great way to learn more, meet new people, and gain confidence in yourself.

During my time in Seville, Spain I learned a lot about a new culture, country, and myself. The university courses were incredibly interesting and informative and were all taught in Spanish. These courses along with my living with a Spanish family and interacting with the people in the Seville community made me a better Spanish speaker and really allowed me to grow as a person. I was living with a wonderful host family and roommate while also navigating living in a city on my own for the first time as an adult. The API staff on site in Seville were very interactive and supportive and made all of the many excursions even more interesting. Seville is an incredible city with a perfect mixture of beautiful history and modern city life. We were also able to explore other areas of Spain as well with API including Barecelona, Granada, Cadiz and so many others. I met so many new people and had so many new and fun experiences with them. I learned so much about myself and my passions while abroad in Spain and I have definitely become a different and more mature version of myself after returning from this experience. I grew a lot as a person and it is all thanks to this incredible immersive experience I had with API Abroad in Seville, Spain.

There aren't enough words in the world to both capture and do justice to my semester abroad in Sevilla. From the buildings, the restaurants, the music, the food, and most of all, the people, everything played a part in developing some of the most cherished memories of my life. Day to day, I would take the metro to my university, where I took Spanish classes along with other students studying abroad from across the globe. Classes were available in English, as well as different levels of Spanish, so it's perfect for any language level. Transportation throughout the city was very easy; there's one metro line that keeps public transportation simple, and everything you need in the city is within walking or biking distance, which is the most common way people get around. I loved Sevilla because it was smaller than the bigger cities like Madrid or Barcelona which made it feel more personal, but there was still so much to see and do. I lived with a host family which was a great way to get more comfortable with the language and meet some locals from the city, and they helped Sevilla feel more like home for me. I also became very close with the other students in my program, who were like-minded people all in an unfamiliar place but excited to try something new. I can't speak highly enough of the experience as a whole, the API team members who played such a huge role in making it so wonderful, the faculty at the school who taught me so much in and out of the classroom, and every part of the city that made it feel like home.

I studied abroad in Seville, Spain during the spring semester of 2019. I will cherish those memories for the rest of my life and I am so grateful for all of the time I was able to live abroad! Living with a host family was the highlight of my experience. I lived with a older woman and her husband, but her husband was typically away living at their beach house. She only spoke Spanish- and my Spanish was not great upon arrival! We ate lunch and dinner together and that made my Spanish improve dramatically, as well as allowed us to bond. The Spanish people are very direct. I would say that it is more offensive to be wasteful of food and say you like it, than to say you don’t like it or don’t prefer it. To have a good relationship I think it is important to keep your room and area clean, to communicate directly, and to occasionally bring home little treats from travels (my host mom loved that!) For a typical school day, I only went to school from 9-6, two days per week. I would have four classes throughout the day. They were blocks of about an hour and a half I believe! I would sit and eat lunch with my friends outside or run the track at the university. The API excursions happened every so often, and were so fun! We got to stay in amazing places, like a Montessori! They provided educational and informational tours as well. They also arranged fun things for us to do in Sevilla, like go to the movies or attend a tile painting class. I traveled outside of Spain quite frequently! I went to about 8 different countries, like Morocco, France, and Hungary. I would take the bus to the airport (it cost 4 euros) and then hop on a flight out of Sevilla! The flights were generally very inexpensive (like round trip to Italy for 30 euros). I always felt safe in Sevilla. I would walk to and from my house very late a night with my roommate, and although we were on guard just in case, I never felt like I needed to be. Sevilla has more petty crime, like stealing bike tires, as opposed to violent crime. API was also so helpful when it came to safety and health. I was sick for about a week and needed to go to the doctor when I was there. My host mom called API and they arranged for a translator to be on the phone with me at the hospital. My host mom held my hand the whole time and I felt at peace because of the support around me provided by API. Sevilla became my home, and it will always have a special place in my heart.

I studied at the University of Seville in Seville, Spain in Spring of 2019. I was worried about the language immersion however, as I was able to practice I felt more and more comfortable. During my studies, my classes would take me on field trips around the city to better understand what we were teaching and I loved the ability to actually see it in person. I took classes such as Literary and Cultural Traditions in Spanish Speaking Countries, Spanish Cuisine, a Flamenco class, a Healthcare and Voluntary work class, and a Spanish language course. I was able to take a few classes in Spanish and a few in English. I definitely learned a lot about cooking, the origination of Flamenco, and more. I stayed with a host family during my stay and they were wonderful. They made sure that I was being well taken care of and gave me tips on where to go visit. Between classes, there is also a lot of time to explore the beautiful city and travel to other countries. The Semana Santa and the Feria in Seville are must sees if you study during the Spring. I would recommend this program to anyone interested in studying abroad.

I studied abroad in Seville, Spain with Academic Programs International for the 2016-2017 academic year. This program stood out to me because of the options to take both courses in Spanish and in English, live with a host family, and the included excursions! I learned a lot about being independent while studying in Seville, and I made lifelong friends. I felt very supported by the API program staff, but also like I was living in a foreign country on my own, which is something I wanted out of my experience. API was the most affordable option that I found, while also including so much more in their program than others. Universidad de Sevilla is a centrally located university in Seville, and it's close to many shops, restaurants, and historical sites. I was able to take both English and Spanish courses, and received credit for all of them. My favorite classes included Painting in Literary Seville, a water color class, and Literatura y Cocina, a combined literary and cooking class. I also took some incredible history courses that actually involved a lot of time outside of the classroom, at historical sites and museums in and around Seville. I think that the classes were challenging in that many of them were long lectures entirely in Spanish, but the workload was very manageable. I chose to live with a host family in Seville, and I think that this really added to my overall experience, and to my immersion in the local culture. My family consisted of a host mom, a host grandmother, and a host uncle. I also had an American roommate, another student from API. The family provided all of our meals, and also provided a lot of helpful information about the city. If you are looking to really improve your Spanish, choosing to live with a host family is the way to do it! I ate most of my meals at home, which meant a lot of my time was spent in Spanish conversation with my host mom. My favorite aspect of my program with API was the availability of such incredible excursions, all included in the program! This is something that really sets API programs apart from other program providers. I was able to see and experience so many things in my host country that I know I would not have even known about otherwise. My favorite excursions include a trip to Extremadura, where we hiked 13 miles to the Our Lady of Guadalupe Monastery, and a trip to Aracena to make bread. The international excursions were incredible as well, and during the 2016-2017 year we went on an excursion to Paris and to Lisbon. Although the excursions are constantly changing, no matter where you go with API, you'll have an incredible time. If you are considering studying abroad in Spain, Seville is a lively, warm city with close proximity to an airport, which is important if you are planning to travel during your time abroad! I looked at many of API's programs in Spain, but the proximity of an airport was a deciding factor for me, as well as the size of the city. Seville has a population of about 700,000, which means that you'll never run out of things to do or see. While I did love Seville, I think that if I would do it again, I would maybe have chosen to study in two different cities in Spain with API, one each semester. It can be difficult to make friends with the new student arrivals your second semester, as you are much more integrated into the host city than they are. The excursions and affordability of API's programs in particular really sold me, and I'm so glad that I made the decision I did! Having the ability to take a wide variety of courses in both English and Spanish also helped me to find credits that would transfer to my home university. I was able to finish my Spanish minor at the Universidad de Sevilla, and am now participating in the Global Leadership Academy through API, to continue integrating international experience into my final year at my home university. I could not recommend studying abroad with API more, and Seville is an incredible place to study!

I had the most wonderful time in Alicante, Spain. Spanish Studies Abroad were so helpful in answering every single one of my thousand questions. They were caring, helpful, and kind before, during, and after the trip. I never had to worry about anything. The food was fantastic, my host family was wonderful, the excursions were incredible, and my only complaint was the lack of air conditioning. I can't wait to do it all again with the same program this time on the other coast in Seville.