Natural Sciences Study Abroad Programs in Spain

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.

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!!!

Je suis arrivée dans un pays où au début je me sentais étrangère. Très peu de relations avec les locaux comme si j’étais renfermée sur moi-même et ma culture. Pourtant, ce n’est pas ce que j’imaginais. Je m’imaginais sortir boire un verre un samedi soir. Tapear un peu, parler de tout et de rien. Ce que je faisais déjà un peu au Québec. Je cherchais une relation avec ma famille d’accueil, une ouverture de ma part, mais aussi de la leur. J’ai réussi à m’épanouir quand j’ai changé de famille. Cela a été le jour et la nuit. Ce changement m’a ouvert l’esprit et m’a permis de réellement m’encrer avec la culture. Connaître cette facette cachée dont seuls les locaux peuvent te guider à trouver le bon chemin. C’est ça que je cherchais réellement. Je suis tellement reconnaissante envers ceux qui m’ont accompagnée et qui me permettent de vivre l’expérience que je peux vivre aujourd’hui.

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.

My semester in Valencia completely blew me away! The AIFS staff did such a wonderful job at welcoming us and making sure we had the best experience. This program will forever be one of my favorite things I've done ever.

My time with AIFS in Valencia was exactly what an adventure abroad should be! The other students I met were welcoming and eager to immerse in the culture, and the activities provided by the program were perfect in helping us do exactly that. I learned a lot and was well-provided for while there. Not to mention, Janan is the best coordinator ever. You won't regret choosing AIFS!

I fell in love with Valencia and the people there. My host family was spectacular and showed me the city and how to cook traditional foods from Valencia. The program was great and the trips that we went on as a group were so cool to see more towns and learn more about the culture.

There are not enough works to express how amazing this experience was for me because I ended up meeting my best friends during my last semester of college. We all signed up for different programs through AIFS, but since we lived in the same building, we were able to bond and dive deeper into the beauties of Barcelona together. We were able to travel to different countries and do fun excursions through AIFS like visit a winery, go hiking in Montserrat, take a cooking class and visit the city's landmarks. While we had to adapt to the cultural differences, living with other AIFS students and spending time with everyone in the program was truly a home away from home. These people were my foundation. We were able to be vulnerable with one another and discover not just a whole new culture together but learn things about ourselves that we never realized before. I will always remember when my friends and I wrote letters to one another to read on the flight home from Barcelona and I do not think I will ever cry as hard as I did than when I read those letters. We have gone from being just steps away from each other in our student residence to being separated by thousands of miles. Barcelona will always be our special place, and I am so thankful to AIFS for introducing me to my best friends.

Everything about my trip with AIFS was perfect! I loved my city, my program leader, my friends, and apartment. The immersion activities were well-planned and helped us learn more about the culture of our city and country as well as familiarize ourselves early on with our new home. They also introduced me to my study abroad classmates who have become some of my absolute best friends and have already traveled to see multiple times in the past year! My friends were all jealous that I had these experiences because it made me feel at home right away. The classes offered were all very interesting and taught by teachers who were welcoming and excited to meet us. Everything about my experience was incredible, and I left feeling homesick for my study abroad community

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.

I studied abroad last spring with AIFS in Valencia, Spain. My friend encouraged me to go with her to Spain, and I absolutely loved it. The city, the food, the people, and my program director and assistant Janan and Ana made it an amazing experience. I was so lucky to have them lead our group. I made lifelong friends through this program and future travel buddies. I was so afraid I would be missing out on the college experience being away from my friends in Pullman. But then I realized that I would have missed out on so much more if I had not gone. If you are on the fence about studying abroad, look into AIFS programs and you will be in good hands.

When I was deciding where to study abroad, I knew right away I wanted to be in Spain. At first I thought about Madrid since it’s so well-known and beautiful, but I realized it wasn’t exactly the kind of environment I was looking for. I wanted to be somewhere coastal, a little smaller, and more relaxed. That’s when I learned about Valencia, and it honestly felt like the perfect fit. Valencia has such a welcoming atmosphere. It’s very community oriented, safe, and easy to get around. There are always festivities and activities happening, which makes it a really lively place without the overwhelming pace of a huge city. Studying at the Catholic University of Valencia was also a great experience the courses transferred back home smoothly, and the professors were very supportive. Another bonus is how well connected Valencia is. You can easily take the train to other Spanish cities or fly to different countries in Europe, which made traveling simple and affordable. Overall, my time in Valencia was so wonderful. I’d really recommend it if you’re looking for a study abroad experience that has culture, things to do, and the ocean close by, but with a more laid-back vibe!

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 chose AIFS Abroad because I wanted a program where I felt supported every step of the way, and that’s exactly what I got. I studied in Barcelona, Spain during the Spring semester of 2024. From the moment I applied, the staff made everything so smooth, from helping me with housing to answering all my questions before I left. Once I got there, I felt like I always had someone to turn to, whether it was my AIFS roommate, the staff, or the resources they provided me. That support made adjusting to a new country a lot less overwhelming. Living in Barcelona was incredible. I stayed in a homestay, which immersed me in the culture even more, especially since one of my goals is to become fluent in Spanish. I took classes that connected to my interests and joined excursions that helped me experience the city beyond the classroom. Some of my best memories came from just hanging out with friends I made in the program, whether it was getting lost in the Gothic Quarter, trying tapas together after class, or going on our own weekend trip outside of the country. It felt like we built our own little community abroad. This experience changed me in ways I didn’t expect. It was truly transformative. I became more confident in myself, learned how to adapt in unfamiliar situations, and started seeing new possibilities for my future. Studying abroad with AIFS wasn’t just about traveling; it was about growing. I’d recommend AIFS Abroad to anyone who wants to challenge themselves, travel, and truly immerse themselves in something new.

To preface, I did not attend UPF, but I did attend UAB during the Spring semester. I decided to go with AIFS because of how well their program was organized and the level of support they offer to students. During my time studying abroad in Barcelona, the staff were incredibly supportive and always available to help with anything we needed. The program did a great job of fully immersing us in the local culture, which made the experience even more meaningful. I chose to stay in an apartment, and it exceeded my expectations. It was not only comfortable but also conveniently located near my school and lots of places to explore around the city. Through this program, I was able to connect with people I never would have met otherwise, and I’m genuinely grateful for everything AIFS made possible. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone looking for a more personal and inclusive study abroad experience.

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!!

I decided I wanted to travel abroad 2 years before actually making it happen. I knew I wanted to travel far away from the States, where I could go on walks in the city and the beach. After doing some research on many abroad programs AIFS seemed like the best option for what I was looking for. AIFS programs had lots of activities included, reasonable program prices depending on locations, and scholarship opportunities for funding. Upon acceptance to my program, the AIFS staff was great at keeping communication with me through the application process. The staff abroad was also very caring and helpful making sure all students were accommodated well and safe. My experience with AIFS in Barcelona, Spain was an unforgettable experience. Housing was great, activities were fun, the UAB campus was close in distance from my apartment, and other students from the program were also great! I chose the "flight package" for my departure option because I had never been out of the country on my own so I thought it would be better if they arranged my flight and pick-up/drop off to the airport in Barcelona to be more at ease. I am glad I did that because it saved me so much time and stress. Amy from AIFS was super sweet when I met her at my pick-up spot. If you are thinking about studying abroad with AIFS, I would definitely recommend! 10/10 experience. I was only there for six weeks in summer, but I wish my time there would've been longer.

My semester in Valencia was truly a dream! I was recommended this program when I said I wanted to study abroad and honestly 100/10. It was a smaller group so I was able to build friendships faster and felt heard anytime I had a question or concern. I had the time of my life and could not be more grateful for everything Janan did during my stay. I would have wished for more information about my stay sooner than a week before. It’s a little frightening moving to another continent and not knowing where I was going to stay until a week prior. However, my home was lovely and my host mom was an absolute sweetheart. Being a walking distance from the beach was personally the best part for me. This city has so much to do and the people truly do include you in their community. As a female feeling safe in this city and being able to have more freedom was truly liberating. I could not recommend this city and this program enough!!!!!!