High School Abroad in Spain
Grow your Spanish language skills studying and living in Spain.
Imagine living the life of a Spanish teen in Seville or Alicante. Five days a week, you’ll take classes 100% in Spanish at a public or private high school with local teachers and classmates—challenge yourself with science vocabulary in clase de biología and learn local sport rules in educación física.
On weekends, soak in traditional Spanish customs and take trips to nearby towns and beaches only locals know. With your new friends and welcoming host family in Seville or Alicante, you’ll find a second home in Spain!
The Take-Aways
Global Citizenship
After immersing yourself in fun, new customs, you’ll become better equipped to interact with people from other cultures—in school, on the job, or in your personal life.
Language Proficiency
Live and breathe Spanish—from sharing meals with your host family to collaborating in class, participating in extracurricular activities, and hanging out with local friends.
Independence & Resilience
Come home better prepared to make transitions, take control of new situations, and appreciate challenging experiences for what they are: opportunities to learn and grow!
93%
said their experience made them more aware of global issues.
79%
said their experience with CIEE helped shape their college applications.
96%
said they regularly use the knowledge and skills they acquired while abroad with CIEE.
The Destination
Energetic, sunny, and historic—Seville and Alicante both offer a true window into Spanish life.
Get ready to experience one of Spain’s top destinations for international students: Seville or Alicante. Though you may prefer one over the other, you'll be placed where the host family and high school best fit your specific needs.
If You’re Placed in Seville...
You’ll live in the cosmopolitan capital of Andalucía, Spain’s largest region, where streets are lined with orange trees, exotic gardens, and the rhythms of flamenco. Here, you’ll discover the lively Andalusian culture, beautiful plazas, and Spain's only navigable river, the Guadalquivir.
If You’re Placed in Alicante...
You’ll live in La Costa Blanca (white coast), as Alicante is known. Get ready for white-sand beaches, flower-lined houses, and a laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle. Immersed in the region of Valencia, you’ll trace the origins of some of Spain’s most iconic dishes.
Cultural Awareness
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 or Alicante.
Orientation
Upon arriving in Spain with your fellow participants, you’ll be met by CIEE staff in Seville or Alicante, where you’ll begin your three-day orientation. During orientation, you’ll participate in different workshops focusing on a variety of themes—culture, language, academics, social norms, living with a host family—all designed to prepare you for your experience in Spain. Additionally, you’ll see some of the best that Seville or Alicante have to offer!
After orientation, you’ll depart for your host community and spend a couple of days with your host family before beginning school.
Program Blogs
10 Lessons I Learned During My High School Abroad Experience in Spain
In her reflection on studying abroad in Spain, Clara shares ten valuable lessons from her experience, including the importance of staying connected with loved ones, managing expectations, and embracing every moment of the journey.
A guide to Seville through the lens of art and culture
Written by: Zoe Houk Welcome to Seville, Spain, the capital of Andalucía. Seville is a city filled with rich culture, art, music, food, and history. From the famous flamenco dancers... keep reading
Spanish life of a high school student
Be prepared for a challenge, but also the joys of living in Spain with a Spanish family and a Spanish school. Family life can be quite different from what you... keep reading
Sample Activities
Attend local festivals, visit sights of cultural and historical importance, and take daytrips with your host family—wherever they go, you go! In Seville or Alicante, you’ll have plenty of chances to discover many sides of Spain.
Tuition for this program includes the cost of one day trip and one overnight trip per semester. Trips will take place earlier in the semester to allow trimester students the opportunity to participate. These trips vary every semester, but some examples of past excursions include:
Fall in Seville
Cádiz (Daytrip)
Cádiz is the oldest city in Western Europe, often referred to as the "Silver Cup" for its magical sunlight. The various historical and cultural influences make you feel like you’re walking through time. After a day of touring the narrow, winding streets of the city’s historic center, enjoy laying out on some of the most beautiful beaches in Southern Spain.
Granada (Overnight trip)
The city of Granada is one of the most visited cities in Andalucía, famous for its grand Islamic architecture, Alhambra palaces, free tapas culture, and iconic monuments. It's a must-see site! Visit the famous Alhambra palace, the winding streets of the Albaicín neighborhood, and visit the tombs of the Spanish King and Queen Ferdinand and Isabella.
Spring in Seville
Córdoba (Daytrip)
Few places in the world can claim having been the capital of a Roman province, the capital of an Arab State, and a Caliphate. The historic quarter of Córdoba is a beautiful network of small streets, alleys, squares, and whitewashed courtyards arranged around the Mezquita, which reflects the city's prominent place in the Islamic world during medieval times.
Extremadura (Overnight trip)
Embark on an adventure to Western region of Spain, where you will have the chance to visit the cities of Mérida, famous for its Roman ruins; Cáceres, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and Trujillo, a beautiful small town replete with medieval architecture.
Please note this list of activities is based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to both adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback.
Fall in Alicante
Jijona (Daytrip)
The small inland town of Jijona, in the province of Valencia, is famous for its sweet treats, especially Spain's famous nougat, turrón. In the Turrón Museum, get taste of this Spanish delicacy, which is especially popular during the Christmas season.
Madrid (Overnight trip)
This adventure offers a chance to explore Spain's exciting capital and visit the city’s world-famous landmarks, like Retiro Park, the Royal Palace, and the Prado Museum. It's the perfect opportunity to experience the rich history and dynamic atmosphere of one of Europe’s largest cities.
Spring in Alicante
Elche (Daytrip)
Located in the province of Alicante, the city of Elche offers a blend of history, nature, and culture, like the Palmeral of Elche, the largest palm grove in Europe dating back to Muslim Spain, and the Basilica of Santa Maria, a stunning baroque church that hosts the annual sacred musical drama, the Mystery Play of Elche.
Valencia (Overnight trip)
The city of Valencia’s iconic food, including paella valenciana and horchata, are often the first things that come to mind when people think of Spain. During your trip, you’ll get to try these traditional dishes. You’ll also visit Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences, including the Oceanogràfic, the biggest aquarium in Europe.
Please note this list of activities is based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to both adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback.
Eligibility
- Be between the ages of 15 and 17 when the program starts and cannot turn 18 while on program.
- Be in the 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th year of schooling.
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
- Demonstrate, through the application process, their flexibility, maturity, adaptability, and readiness to face the challenges of living in a new culture.
- Have 2 years of Spanish or equivalent.
- High school abroad participants are NOT authorized to volunteer, take jobs, or seek employment during their stay.
For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.
Dates & Fees
Application Fee
$50
Priority deadline discount: Apply to a fall semester or academic year by February 15 and get a $400 discount. Apply to a spring semester by July 15 and get a $400 discount. Discounts are deducted from final balance.
Program fee includes iNext travel insurance. Full inclusions are found online.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Academic Year 2025 38 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | ||
| Program Spring 2026 18 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | ||
| Program Spring Trimester 2026 10 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | ||
| Program Spring 2025 18 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Costs $15,500 |
| Program Spring Trimester 2025 10 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Costs $13,750 |
| Program Academic Year 2024 38 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Costs $18,750 |
| Program Fall 2025 19 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | ||
| Program Fall Trimester 2025 11 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | ||
| Program Fall 2024 18 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Costs $15,500 |
| Program Fall Trimester 2024 11 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Costs $13,750 |
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
Our Staff
Salvador Parra
Center Director
Salvador has been working at CIEE since 2000 and is passionate about international exchange. He holds a degree in History and Geography from the University of Seville, and a Master of Business Administration.
Rocío Díez
Center Director
Rocío oversees all semester and summer programs. Rocio, who joined CIEE in 2015, has extensive working experience in the fields of communication and cultural management. She holds a B.A. in...