History Study Abroad Programs in Spain

Coming home a new person! The program was awesome from start to finish, I never felt homesick, and the art course was a highlight. Only the Paris hotel let it down. I’d recommend it to anyone and already tell friends to apply.

When I first applied to Sevilla I was skeptical. Coming from a big school the normal was to study abroad in larger cities such as Barcelona, Florence, and London. What scared me the most was applying somewhere I would know practically no one, which turned out to be the best part. I quickly found my group within a few days thanks to Worldstrides cultural immersion experiences such as visiting the cathedral or going to a flamenco show. I became best friends with the girls in my program I was lucky enough to live with in the center of Sevilla, housing that you can only dream of. I spent my weekends feeling the true experience of being a sevillan, getting tapas with friends, volunteering to teach english at a local elementary school, and dressing up in our trajes for the feria de sevilla. to anyone hesitating picking a smaller city, i would absolutely recommend Sevilla 100 times over, the sense of community and support you get from not only the Worldstrides administration but the university is unmatched.

When people tell you that studying abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, it can be hard to understand just how true that is until you experience it for yourself. Studying abroad genuinely changed who I am as a person, and looking back, I can say it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. My mom was born in Spain, and growing up, I always dreamed of experiencing even a small part of what her life was like there. Hearing all of her stories made me even more excited about the opportunity. Living in Spain allowed me to experience everything I had imagined and so much more. From the incredible food and rich culture to the late-night social life, historic sites, and overall lifestyle, I fell in love with everything about it. I was able to immerse myself in the culture both inside and outside the classroom, even taking a class entirely in Spanish. One of the most rewarding parts was the friendships I made, not only with local students in Seville, who I now have a reason to visit, but with people from Germany, France, Italy, the UK, and all across the United States. I came away with friendships that I know will last a lifetime. Seville's location also gave me the opportunity to travel and experience so much more of the world. I visited six countries during my time abroad, including Italy, England, and Morocco, just to name a few. Each destination offered a new culture, perspective, and experience that made my time abroad even more special. More than anything, studying abroad made me feel even more connected to a country that has always been such a meaningful part of my family's heritage. Being able to experience the culture my mom grew up in while creating my own memories and connections there is something I will forever be grateful for. If you are considering studying abroad, DO IT! It is completely normal to be nervous, but the people you meet, places you see, and person you become along the way make it all worth it. You truly will never get another opportunity quite like this one, and it is an experience I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Studying abroad in Madrid changed my life forever- while this statement seems to leave every study abroad student's mouth, it really is the truth. I explored many different countries during my stay in Spain which opened my eyes to what the world has to offer other than the United States, but surely the most impactful part of my abroad experience was making Madrid my temporary home. I never thought a city could feel like home when I don't speak the native language, but Madrid is a place that speaks to you without words. The city itself is a beautiful place- well kept, rich in its culture, sights, and amazing eats but the city itself is alive. It is the most full of life place I have traveled to- everywhere you go everyone is present with the people around them, playing games, talking, laughing, sharing meals, dancing, singing, all of the above. It's a place that I will hold in my heart forever, a place that I wouldn't have been able to experience without a program like WorldStrides that made everything seamless. They made it comfortable to move to a foreign country and made our program feel like a family. Thank you WorldStrides and thank you Madrid for changing my life!

Studying abroad in Seville, Spain, was one of the most memorable experiences of my college career. I was able to immerse myself in Spanish culture both inside and outside the classroom, from ordering food and drinks and communicating with my host family to exploring the city's streets, landmarks, and history. Living in Seville gave me a much deeper appreciation for the language and culture. Academically, studying in Seville gave me the opportunity to experience a different academic environment. I am a Spanish minor, so being immersed in the language greatly improved my proficiency and confidence. Practicing Spanish in real-life situations helped me become more comfortable with speaking and listening, especially with my host family, who only spoke Spanish. Adjusting to unfamiliar teaching styles and classroom expectations was an obstacle. At times, I found learning Spanish from a native speaker slightly difficult, but I am so glad I got to practice because it was ultimately very beneficial. I would recommend that students thinking about studying in another country communicate every question and concern with professors. It can be difficult to have a slight language barrier, even in an English class. Going abroad is still a college semester, even if it seems like you are exploring more than studying. Outside of academics, traveling was my favorite part of this experience. Seville as a home base made it so easy and exciting to plan trips to experience other places. I became so much more independent when needing to navigate train stations, airports, and the bus/metro systems. I would recommend budgeting and researching all your options when traveling to make it as cost-effective as possible. While waking up in a new country every day was exciting, there are also challenges that future students should know about. My biggest challenge when I landed in Seville was being away from family and friends, and the fact that I was the only student in my accommodation. I was lucky enough to have a small group to do everything with, but it was a little daunting to be separated from them. I think choosing to live in a host family was the best choice I could have made. It feels like I now have personal connections to Seville, and it made my trip so much more meaningful. In terms of packing, I would strongly recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes because you will likely walk much more than you do at home. My other recommendation would be to bring a portable charger too. The number of times my phone almost died while I was away from home was almost comical, and if I didn’t have a portable charger on me, I would have had trouble getting back. My biggest piece of advice is to take advantage of the experience. It is truly what you make of it. Fill your days with exploring, practicing the language, and learning new things about the city you choose to study in! I would encourage future students to try unfamiliar foods and participate in the cultural customs and activities. Step outside of your comfort zone and appreciate even the small everyday moments! Overall, I could not recommend studying abroad in Seville more. The experience helped me grow in so many ways while giving me a greater appreciation for different cultures and perspectives. I now have stories that I still share with my friends from home, and I have lifelong friendships with the people I spent my time with. I would strongly encourage anyone considering this program to take this opportunity and embrace it to the fullest.

I chose AIFS Abroad because I wanted to step outside my comfort zone and experience a new culture through a program that offered support before, during, and after going abroad. I participated in the Barcelona Maymester program in summer 2026, and it was an experience I will always be grateful for. The pre-departure process was stress-free, which made preparing to study abroad feel much less overwhelming. Once in Barcelona, I loved exploring the city, trying new foods, going on excursions, and experiencing everyday life in a new culture. One of the most meaningful parts of my experience was learning to navigate a new city independently, as well as making lasting friendships with the people around me. I got to live in an apartment in the coolest part of the city all while living with my best friends. I was so grateful to be able to go to classes and become so independent in an unfamiliar city. I would recommend AIFS Abroad to anyone looking to experience a new culture, make lasting memories, meet new people, and grow both personally and professionally.

Studying abroad in Zagreb, Croatia, was one of the most transformative experiences of my undergraduate journey. As a Biology major on the pre-medical track at Spelman College, I wanted an experience that would challenge me academically, immerse me in a different culture, and allow me to explore medicine beyond the traditional classroom setting. Zagreb gave me all of that and so much more. During my time abroad, I had the opportunity to participate in clinical shadowing at KBC Sestre Milosrdnice, where I spent much of my time observing cardiology and cardiovascular procedures, learning about patient care, and understanding how healthcare professionals collaborate in a hospital setting. One of my most memorable experiences was observing the medical team's response to a complication during a cardiac stent procedure. Witnessing the level of precision, communication, and critical thinking required in that moment strengthened my interest in cardiovascular medicine and helped solidify my aspiration to become a cardiothoracic surgeon. However, my experience was about much more than medicine. Choosing Zagreb was intentional. I wanted to travel somewhere unfamiliar, where I would have to step outside my comfort zone, navigate cultural differences, and become more independent. From learning basic Croatian phrases to exploring the city, connecting with my roommates, and experiencing everyday life in a new country, each day taught me something valuable about adaptability and confidence. As a first-generation college student and a Black woman pursuing a career in medicine, this opportunity also reminded me of the importance of representation and making international experiences accessible to students from all backgrounds. Studying abroad is not limited to students majoring in international studies or foreign languages. STEM students can also find programs that complement their academic interests and professional goals. My advice to anyone considering studying abroad is to research your options, ask questions, and remain open to destinations you may not have initially considered. Some of the most meaningful opportunities come from choosing experiences that challenge your expectations. I returned from Zagreb with more than memories and photographs. I returned with a clearer understanding of the physician I hope to become, greater confidence in my ability to navigate unfamiliar environments, and a deeper appreciation for the global nature of healthcare. If I had the opportunity to choose again, I would choose Zagreb every single time. This experience did not simply allow me to explore another country; it helped me discover a new direction for my future.

The instructions were clear and expanded my understanding of Spanish. The teacher was great and helped with any problems with expertise I made many friends and tge cultural trips added to the overall quality of the program

Expanish responded to this reviewOctober 19, 2026

¡Hola, Barbara! Thank you so much for your comments! We’re so glad to hear you enjoyed your time with us and that your classes helped you take your Spanish to the next level. We’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to your teacher! We hope to see you again soon for another Spanish adventure! ¡Un fuerte abrazo!

Studying abroad in Madrid was a fever dream. I couldn't be more satisfied with my experience. I lived with a host family, and they were the sweetest people ever. They cooked delicious meals for me and made me feel like part of their family. At the IES center, the faculty and staff were so accommodating and willing to help and support me as much as possible. When I was hospitalized, someone from IES came to visit me at the hospital, and my host family stayed with me. This shows how much they truly care about their students and how committed they are to supporting them. They also have an emergency line, which made me feel even safer. Overall, I felt safe, welcomed, and supported, and I was able to fully immerse myself academically and culturally.

My semester abroad in Madrid with AIFS was genuinely one of the most memorable experiences of my life, and I would recommend the program to anyone considering studying abroad! From the beginning, the experience was well organized, and I felt supported throughout my time in Spain. Looking back, I am so grateful I chose AIFS because my semester became so much more than just an opportunity to study in another country. AIFS also offered a great variety of activities that allowed us to experience Spanish culture firsthand. These included tapas dinners, cooking sessions, and trips to beautiful cities like Granada, Toledo, and Segovia. These experiences gave us the opportunity to explore beyond Madrid while creating lasting memories with other students. I would recommend AIFS in a heartbeat! If you are nervous about taking the leap, I encourage you to go for it. My semester in Madrid gave me lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and personal growth that I will carry with me long after returning home. I would do it all over again without hesitation!

Forum-Nexus was incredibly well organized from start to finish. Travel between cities was efficient, and I still had the freedom to explore on my own. The Independent Cultural Visits pushed me to get out and discover each place. Laura did a great job in International Business, and I learned a lot. The teachers and staff were nice and caring, and Adam was the best! It was the adventure of a lifetime, and it showed me I can do new and scary things. I’d recommend it 100%. You won’t experience anything like it.

My study abroad experience in Seville, Spain was truly unforgettable. I had the opportunity to explore a new culture, meet people from different backgrounds, and experience everyday life in another country. I loved being able to travel around Spain and visit places like Barcelona and Madrid, while also making memories in Seville. Studying abroad helped me become more independent, confident, and open to trying new things. I would definitely recommend studying abroad to other students because it is an experience you will remember for the rest of your life!

Studying abroad in Madrid through WorldStrides was truly the best experience of my life! I learned so much about myself and about the world around me. WorldStrides staff were there with me every step of my process and were so welcoming and inviting. I lived with a host family and they were absolutely wonderful. Nebrija was a great university with the best professors. I'm so grateful for this experience and for WorldStrides help along the way!

I loved my time abroad with CEA CAPA in the wonderful city of Barcelona. I was able to fully immerse myself in the culture, learn a lot, and meet so many new people. I highly recommend it, it was the best semester of my college experience!

The teachers were fabulous! Using games mixed with instruction made learning interesting. I especially enjoyed our assignment of going to the high market across from our hotel. We learned how to order what we wanted, and interviewed the proprietor. Ours was a bull fighter before buying his stall in the market! The cultural activities were fun and the hotel where we stayed was very comfortable.

Expanish responded to this reviewOctober 07, 2026

¡Hola Joanna! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience! We'll be sure to pass your kind words on to our teaching team. We hope to welcome you back soon to keep learning and exploring together. ¡Un fuerte abrazo!

The Expanish 50+ study abroad program in Malaga was amazing! The instructors were awesome and made the lessons engaging and fun. The cultural activities were really interesting and allowed for an excellent opportunity to learn about and experience the local history and culture. I highly recommend it!

Expanish responded to this reviewOctober 07, 2026

¡Hola, Dana! Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear you had such an amazing time on our 50+ study abroad program in Málaga. Thank you for recommending us. That means a lot to our whole team, and we'll be sure to share your kind words with our instructors. We hope to see you back in Málaga soon for another adventure. ¡Un abrazo y hasta pronto!

I really loved living in Seville for a few months. The architecture is so beautiful, which was my favorite part because there’s not many historical buildings in the Unites States because of how young of a county we are. The food was amazing and the program made me feel more at home in a foreign place. I really loved the nightlife and the social aspect of traveling abroad because it made me feel like I was a part of a community. I would definitely go back to Spain in a heartbeat. I also really loved Portugal, so I would definitely recommend people to visit Europe if they ever get the chance!

While abroad in Madrid I had the opportunity to visit 5 total cities throughout the country along with 4 additional countries. The Worldstides program made this possible by assisting me in selecting the right courses, plan excursions, and support me on all my European adventures!

If you get the chance to study abroad with CEA Capa, you should. Participating in Cal Poly's First Year GO Program, and venturing on my own to Sevilla, Spain, was the best choice I could've made. Before I left, I was nervous, unsure, and had never before left the country on my own. With CEA Capa, everything felt do-able. We were welcomed into the city, housed at a very pleasant residence hall, and got to take classes in a beautiful historic building in the city-center. Studying abroad with CEA Capa gave me the opportunity to see the world, immerse myself in Spanish culture, and build a variety of skills that I will carry with me throughout my life.

My time in Barcelona was one of the best experiences in my life. Out of all the cities I visited when I was abroad, Barcelona was by far my favorite and I was always so excited to come back from traveling. I loved the people, the metro, the city, and the beach. There was always something going on to have the best time of your life.