Spanish Language & Culture
Perfect your Spanish skills and flamenco dance moves in sunny Seville.
What will you find in Seville? The world’s largest Gothic church. The tomb of Christopher Columbus. The oldest bullring in Spain. One of the warmest, sunniest climates in Europe. And more than 1,000 tapas bars. What’s not to love?
Seville is famous for flamenco dancing and a festive atmosphere year-round. It’s also known for being very friendly and an ideal place for study abroad. Although it’s historic and culturally important, Seville has fewer tourists than you’ll find in most other Spanish cities. Large enough to offer major cultural sites and famous art collections, it’s also small enough to easily navigate.
Your program includes intensive study of the Spanish language as well as interesting and culturally relevant activities and excursions. Outside the classroom, you’ll live with a welcoming homestay and practice your Spanish while shopping at local markets, sharing meals, and living the typical everyday life of sevillanos.
In your free time, hang out in neighborhood cafés, stroll along the Guadalquivir River, ride your bike through Parque Maria Luisa, get lost in the old Jewish quarter, and explore the city's many historical landmarks.
The Take-Aways
Language Proficiency
15-20 hours per week of Spanish language learning designed to improve real world language skills
Global Perspective
Build a strong foundation in the core components of intercultural learning. Come home with an improved sense of self and awareness of what shapes others
Certificate
Earn a Certificate of Learning in Spanish
96%
of alumni said their language skills improved
94%
said they learned to interact with different cultural backgrounds
89%
said their level of independence increased
The Destination
The beautiful capital of Andalusia boasts amazing Moorish architecture.
The capital of Spain’s beautiful Andalusian region, Seville is a vibrant center of Spanish culture, and home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Surprisingly, it manages to preserve its past while offering all the conveniences of a modern commercial hub.
It’s also famously walkable and easy to navigate. Stroll down cobblestone alleys, poke your head in local shops, and enjoy a slow, laid-back pace during your time here. Seville is known for being livable and fun without feeling overwhelming.
The birthplace of great Renaissance painter Velázquez and the city from which Ferdinand and Isabella ruled Spain in the late 15th century, Seville is also a city with serious roots. The Seville Cathedral, one of the three largest churches in the world, is a major focal point. The 15th-century building, which sits on the former site of a 12th-century mosque, is the final resting place of Christopher Columbus.
Get the royal treatment on a guided visit to the Alcázar of Seville, a 700-year-old royal palace with magnificent grounds that span fancy salons, royal quarters, and formal gardens and pools. It’s okay to dress like your regular self; no crowns or tiaras required!
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Seville.
Program Blogs
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Sample Activities
Take a peaceful kayak tour of the scenic Guadalquivir River, attend an impressive flamenco show, or cheer on favorite team with local fans at a fútbol match.
Visit the royal palace—behold the amazing architecture of the Alcázar of Seville, a 700-year-old royal palace and grounds that span multiple buildings, salons, and formal gardens, gates, patios, and pools. This is one of the most iconic compounds in the city, the country, and the Mediterranean culture as a whole.
Enjoy a guided visit to The Museum of Fine Arts of Seville set in the old Merced Calzada convent, which dates from the beginning of the 17th century. Tour numerous rooms and view brilliant works by artists such as El Greco, Pacheco, Velázquez, and Alonso Cano.
View striking architecture on a bike tour along the Plaza de España, then pedal around the Maria Luisa Park, a lush area lined with palms and orange trees.
Sample Day Trips
- Hop on a bus for a day trip to Cádiz, an ancient port in southwest Spain that traces its roots back to 1100 B.C. (many claim it’s the oldest city in Western Europe). You’ll take a walking tour of this seaside destination, visit and climb to the top of the 18th-century Cádiz Cathedral, shop at a traditional market, then hit the beaches for some sun, sand, and relaxation.
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Córdoba to explore amazing architecture and famous churches. Your walking tour around the Roman bridge includes a visit to the Mezquita-Catedral, the most famous site in Córdoba. Later, take time to walk around the Jewish quarter to visit the synagogue, built in 1315, and the Alzacár, a medieval palace near the Great Mosque.
Please note this list of activities is based on past programs and is subject to change at CIEE's discretion to both adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when revising itineraries is always to enhance your experience. Every activity is designed to provide you with a deep immersion in your topic, local culture, and sights. Get ready for maximum fun!
Eligibility
- Program open to recent high school graduates (no more that 1 year post-graduation) who:
- Are at least 18 years old at the time of their departure
- Are in good academic standing
- Demonstrate—through the application and interview process—flexibility and maturity.
- No previous language experience required.
- Please note Gap participants may volunteer at local organizations with prior authorization from CIEE. Gap participants, however, are not authorized to take any job or seek employment during their stay.
For more information, refer to our detailed GAP eligibility criteria.
Dates & Fees
Fees
$50
Priority deadline discount: Apply to a fall semester or academic year by June 1 and get a $400 discount. Apply to a spring semester by October 1 and get a $400 discount. Discounts are deducted from final balance.
Program fee includes iNext travel insurance.
Additional information about insurance can be found on the FAQ page.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Academic Year 2025 34 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | ||
| Program Spring 2026 12 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | ||
| Program Spring 2025 12 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Costs $16,250 |
| Program Academic Year 2024 34 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Costs $29,300 |
| Program Fall 2025 13 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | ||
| Program Fall 2024 13 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Costs $16,250 |
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.