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Seville, Spain

Honors Spanish Language & Culture

Summer '25 Applications Open

Language & Culture

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

$6,950

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

$6,950

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Overview
Are you up for a unique challenge in Seville?  

While all our Language & Culture programs offer immersion and college credits, this Honors program is for students with the drive to grow their Spanish and cross-cultural understanding to the max! As an Honors student, you will:   

  • Take a language proficiency test to ensure you have enough fluency to speak in Spanish at all times. Only intermediate and advanced Spanish speakers will be accepted. 
  • Honor your Language Pledge to strictly use only Spanish both in and out of class.  
  • In a weekly survey, reflect on your language learning and set goals to stay challenged.  
  • Live in a homestay and go on cultural activities and excursions only with other Honors students. 

Now, let’s switch to Spanish. If you can continue reading the following without a translation tool... 

 ¡Apúntate al programa ahora mismo y goza de la buena vida en Sevilla! 

Tu vida en la capital de Andalucía será una experiencia como ninguna. Vive completamente inmerso/a en el idioma y la cultura del sur entre sevillanos y sus costumbres. Descubre un lugar rico en arquitectura e historia y explora los barrios de la ciudad con adolescentes sevillanos. Prueba platos típicos de la región, escucha auténtico flamenco y atrévete a bailar. Prepara y comparte cenas con tu familia sevillana mientras conversas sobre temas de interés. ¡Forma un lazo de amistad para toda la vida! 

The Take-Aways

Language Growth and Cultural Proficiency

Come home with a higher level of Spanish and a greater understanding of Spanish culture. Use your STAMP 4S language proficiency pre- and post-test scores to demonstrate your language growth and help you earn a Seal of Biliteracy.

College Credits

Earn 4 college credits toward your future college degree. Take advantage of the credits to stand out on your college applications or to satisfy college language requirements.

Life Skills and New Friendships

Return with greater self-confidence, independence, and adaptability. Enjoy a broader worldview and friends of different backgrounds from across the U.S.

60

Hours of Instruction with a Native Spanish Teacher

4

College Credits

1

Life-Changing Experience

Destination
  • Seville rooftops
  • High school girls walking down an alley in Seville
  • Seville Plaza de Espana columns

The Destination

Welcome to Seville, a city of old-world charm with iconic architecture, colorful streets, and tapas bars all around.  

Referred to as the “Pearl of Andalusia,” Seville is one of the most visited cities in Spain, situated in the fertile valley of the Guadalquivir River, with the beaches of Cádiz to the south and enchanting Granada to the east, both places you will visit on excursions. 

With over 2,200 years of history, Seville is a lively and livable city with an extensive, well-preserved historical quarter, the largest in Spain and third largest in all of Europe. Boasting UNESCO World Heritage Sites— like the Cathedral and Giralda tower and the Alcázar palace where scenes from Game of Thrones were filmed—Seville never ceases to impress.  

Known for its warm, friendly people, flamenco rhythms, spectacular tiled murals, intricate balconies, and Moorish flair, Seville is quintessential southern Spain. Winding cobblestone streets designed to provide shade to beat the heat will refresh you in this hot Andalusian city, as will the Metropol Parasol, commonly known as Las Setas, the world’s largest wooden structure designed for public events with shaded terraces and views of the city. 

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. 

Weekly Learning Goals

CIEE’s Honors programs offer classes only at Levels 2 and 3. Level 2 is for students who can carry on everyday conversations in Spanish, and Level 3 is for those who can participate in discussions on social and academic topics. In the spring before you depart, you’ll take a language proficiency test and when you arrive on site, you’ll participate in an oral interview. How you do on the test and in the interview will identify the level that is right for you. 

Each week, you’ll explore a Theme and create a Project. Each day, you’ll advance your Spanish—through activities and discussions in class and through conversations with locals in the community and at your homestay.

WEEK 1: Settle in and meet your classmates as you explore the Identity Theme. Give information about yourself in interviews, make comparisons, and describe people in a host family tree. For your Project, create and present a Personal Profile.

WEEK 2: Explore Spanish culture during this week’s Creativity Theme. Compare musical performances, express opinions on art, tell what happened in movies, and persuade a classmate to attend a cultural event. For your Project, create a Photo Gallery on Spanish Culture and share it in a conversation.

WEEK 3: Delve into Seville in this week’s Discovery Theme. For your Project, create and present a Neighborhood Tour in Seville. Describe the city and what happens there. Role play scenes in a market and restaurant. Report on Seville’s past and future.

WEEK 4: Consider the impact of your summer during the Personal Growth Theme. Tell what happened in memorable moments and how you felt about it. Make cultural comparisons and persuade a friend to study abroad. For your Project, create a Study Abroad Album and share it in a panel discussion.

Each week, you’ll explore a Theme and create a Project. Each day, you’ll advance your Spanish—through activities and discussions in class and through conversations with locals in the community and at your homestay.

WEEK 1: Settle in and meet your classmates during the Cultural Encounters Theme. Tell what happened on a first encounter abroad. Summarize past and current events in Seville. Express your opinions as you compare cultural norms and stereotypes. For your Project, create and present a Field Report on Seville.

WEEK 2: Explore Spanish culture in this week’s Creativity Theme. Describe street art and profile artists, express opinions on magazines and movies, and compare musical performances. For your Project, create an Arts & Culture Magazine and share it in a conversation.

WEEK 3: Continue advancing your Spanish as you delve into the Discovery Theme. For your Project, create and present an Awareness Campaign about a global threat. Give information on its causes and effects, explain solutions, and persuade others in debates, justifying your arguments.

WEEK 4: Consider the impact of your summer in this week’s Personal Growth Theme. Conduct a class survey on experiences in Spain and make cultural comparisons. Tell an original story about a memorable moment and speculate on what’s next for you. For your Project, create a Study Abroad Album and share it in a panel discussion.

Itinerary

Daily Life

Monday–Friday 

Each day offers a balance between interactive instruction and cultural activities with time on your own, too. Morning classes and afternoon activities may swap places. 

  • Breakfast at your homestay 
  • Engaging Spanish classes with expert language instructors, all native speakers  
  • Lunch at your homestay  
  • Out and about for authentic conversations in the community and a Cultural Activity  
  • Dinner and evening discussions at your homestay 

Weekends  

  • Overnight or day excursions to top sites 
  • Quality time with friends and everyone at your homestay 

Housing

Carefully-screened homestay

24/7 Support

1 Program Leader for every 12 students and support from local staff

Weekly Learning Goals

CIEE’s Honors programs offer classes only at Levels 2 and 3. Level 2 is for students who can carry on everyday conversations in Spanish, and Level 3 is for those who can participate in discussions on social and academic topics. In the spring before you depart, you’ll take a language proficiency test and when you arrive on site, you’ll participate in an oral interview. How you do on the test and in the interview will identify the level that is right for you. 

Each week, you’ll explore a Theme and create a Project. Each day, you’ll advance your Spanish—through activities and discussions in class and through conversations with locals in the community and at your homestay.

Week 1: Settle in and meet your classmates as you explore the Discovery Theme. Ask about and describe family members, discover and describe exciting things to do in Seville, and compare daily routines and customs in Spain and the USA. For your Project, create and present a Memory Book of Your Life in Seville.

Week 2: Explore Spanish culture during this week’s Creativity Theme. Compare musical performances, express opinions on art, tell what happened in movies, and persuade a classmate to attend a cultural event. For your Project, create a Photo Gallery on Spanish Culture and share it in a conversation.

Week 3: Delve into Seville in this week’s Community Theme. For your Project, create and present a Neighborhood Tour in Seville. Describe the city and what happens there. Role play scenes in a market and a restaurant. Report on Seville’s past and future.

Week 4: Consider the impact of your summer during the Personal Growth Theme. Tell what happened in memorable moments and how you felt about it. Make cultural comparisons and persuade a friend to study abroad. For your Project, create a Study Abroad Album and share it in a panel discussion.

Each week, you’ll explore a Theme and create a Project. Each day, you’ll advance your Spanish—through activities and discussions in class and through conversations with locals in the community and at your homestay.

Week 1: Settle in and meet your classmates during the Cultural Encounters Theme. Tell what happened on a first encounter abroad. Summarize past and current events in Seville. Express your opinions as you compare cultural norms and stereotypes. For your Project, create and present a Field Report on Seville.

Week 2: Explore Spanish culture in this week’s Creativity Theme. Describe street art and profile artists, express opinions on magazines and movies, and compare musical performances. For your Project, create an Arts & Culture Magazine and share it in a conversation.

Week 3: Continue advancing your Spanish as you delve into the Discovery Theme. For your Project, create and present an Awareness Campaign about a global threat. Give information on its causes and effects, explain solutions, and persuade others in debates, justifying your arguments.

Week 4: Consider the impact of your summer in this week’s Personal Growth Theme. Conduct a class survey on experiences in Spain and make cultural comparisons. Tell an original story about a memorable moment and speculate on what’s next for you. For your Project, create a Study Abroad Album and share it in a panel discussion.

Activities

Sample Activities

High school group posing under arch in Granada

Just Imagine All the Fun You’ll Have!

  • Walk the narrow callejuelas of the labyrinth-like Barrio de Santa Cruz, the former Jewish quarter of medieval Seville, rich in tales of duels, honor, love, and betrayal, and bursting with colorful gardens.  
  • Learn the art of cooking paella and tortilla española from local chefs and the art of painting colorful tiles from potters in Triana, one of the oldest and most charming and lively neighborhoods in Seville. 
  • Travel to Granada to tour the enchanting Alhambra palace and fortress, an architectural masterpiece and the best-preserved monument of the Islamic period in Spain.  
  • Get moving! Kayak along the Guadalquivir River and step inside a local dance studio to try your feet at sevillanas, a form of flamenco dance.   
  • Climb to the top of La Giralda, Seville's famous tower, and get a bird's eye view of the Gothic Cathedral. Wander through the Cathedral and marvel at its estimated 88,000 pounds of gold. 
  • Venture to Cádiz, an ancient port city. Soak up the seaside vibes, shop at outdoor markets, marvel at the ruins of a Roman theater, and hit the beaches for fun in the sun. 

Please note activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience. 

Testimonials

What Students Are Saying

  • "I had fun, improved my Spanish, and made some amazing new friends. I felt like the program showed us the major tourist attractions of Andalusia but also helped us experience life the way actual sevillanos live."  

    Hannah S., Global Navigator Alum

  • "My Spanish class in Spain was taught ONLY in Spanish! I really enjoyed learning new concepts. I occasionally needed to ask for clarification, but when I finally got the concept, I was very proud of myself!”  

    Kyren S., Global Navigator Alum

  • "I was immersed in a gorgeous culture for 4 weeks. I lived with a Spanish family, had cultural activities like a cooking class and a flamenco dance class, and made friends from the United States and Spain."  

    Angeline G., Global Navigator Alum

  • "It's not only a great learning opportunity but I created lifelong friendships. My confidence in speaking Spanish has risen and has made me appreciate being able to speak and learn a different language and the culture that encompasses the language. It's nothing that I could experience in a typical classroom back in the US."  

    Rosemary D., Global Navigator Alum

From CIEE

A Memorable Visit to the Cathedral of Seville

By Silvia Villarejo Carrascosa at CIEE

On Thursday, July 25th, our group of students had the incredible opportunity to visit the magnificent Cathedral of Seville. It was a day filled with awe and wonder as we... keep reading

From CIEE

Basket Weaving in the Parque María Luisa

By Herbert Leonard at CIEE

Imagine a sunny afternoon spent with friends in the heart of Seville, surrounded by the lush beauty of Parque María Luisa, as you dive into the art of basket weaving... keep reading

From CIEE

Exploring the Charm of Cádiz

By Herbert Leonard at CIEE

Our recent trip to Cádiz was an incredible blend of cultural immersion, relaxation, and music. We started our journey by boarding the bus to the tunes of "Cai" by Niña... keep reading

Eligibility

Eligibility

  • Participants must be 14 years old and above.
  • Program open to all current high school students—Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors—who have: 
  • Completed high school Spanish Level 2 or higher by the start of the program, and  
  • Attained a minimum ACTFL proficiency level of Intermediate-Low on the pre-program STAMP test that determines language proficiency. 

Don’t meet the above criteria? See our other Spanish Language & Culture programs in Barcelona, Madrid, Palma, Seville, Buenos Aires, and Merida. Pick one as your second-choice program to increase your chances to travel to a Spanish-speaking country next summer. You will be asked to transfer to another program if your STAMP score is too low for the Honors program. Please sign up for the earliest possible STAMP test date. Information about the STAMP administration—including test dates—will be released in the spring.  

For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our Scholarship page

For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

Application Fee

$25 

Optional College Credit Fee

$150  

Learn more about how to get college credit for your future college degree.

Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.   

More questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations or contact us

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Costs

Program Summer Session I 2025 4 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $6,950
Program Summer Session II 2025 4 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $6,950

Ready to change your life?

What's Included

Interactive Classes

Housing

3 Meals/Day

(Dietary Needs Accommodated)

All Ground Transportation

(Once In-country)

Optional Flight Chaperone

(Flight Cost Not Included)

Pre-departure Advice and Orientation

Access to WIFI

(No international data plan or SIM card included)

All Cultural Activities and Excursions

Comprehensive Medical and Travel Protection

24/7 Emergency On-site Support

Staff

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.

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