Gap Year Program in Spain
GAP YEAR
Are you ready for a life-changing year-long adventure?
This program offers you the chance to spend a semester or full academic year after finishing high school and before entering university. It’s a time when a new door opens for you, and the next stage of your life begins. You’ll want to take your time and live experiences that help you mature and discover the path you want to follow. This opportunity allows you to take classes, work, volunteer, intern, and travel. The experiences and personal growth gained during this year are immensely valuable.
Why is taking a “gap year” a great choice?
It’s a unique opportunity to learn about yourself and life. You can discover your passions and find new interests along the way. It’s truly an unforgettable and enriching personal growth experience. Coming to Seville to study for a semester or a full academic year offers you a life-changing adventure and also gives you the chance to greatly improve your Spanish skills.
ACADEMIC PROGRAM
Through the Gap Year Program at Spanish Institute, you can earn university credits if you wish, as you will receive official qualifications from the University of Seville, Pablo de Olavide University, or EUSA University Center. You will also receive an academic diploma issued by the Spanish Institute for Global Education, certifying the classes you attend during the orientation phase and the Spanish Language Seminar.
The main achievement of the gap year program will be your personal growth, enabling you to gain a broader and deeper global perspective. Spending several months in Seville with people from other countries and cultures will help you better define your identity and understand the ideas and viewpoints of others. The program is very broad and varied, with many options to choose from.
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Become a global citizen: You will have the opportunity to study at a Spanish university and earn academic credits. This experience will set you apart from others.
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Meet new people: You’ll meet many Spaniards who will share about themselves and teach you about their culture and way of life. Many of these people will become part of your life, adding unforgettable memories.
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Optional work experience: By doing an internship or volunteering, you’ll start gaining professional experience that will undoubtedly open many doors and help you mature and make important decisions about your future.
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Authentic Spanish Experience: Spanish Institute will accompany you on your cultural immersion journey, taking you to many fascinating places.
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Live Andalusia: Art, history, tradition, cuisine, and much more.
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Personalized Programs: we adapt to your needs because you are unique.
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Accommodation: Stay with a host family to learn and improve your Spanish, share your daily experiences, and enjoy delicious homemade Spanish cuisine.
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Spanish Institute is 100% dedicated to our students: We strive to make your stay abroad a wonderful, unique, and enriching experience that you will remember for the rest of your life. Our programs guarantee personalized attention every step of the way.
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
Academic Year
September to Mid-May
OUR PARTNER UNIVERSITIES - ACADEMIC PROGRAM
Closely linked to the history of Seville and Andalusia, the University of Seville combines the values of tradition with being an innovative institution of quality and excellence. It is a university as cutting edge and cosmopolitan as the city of Seville itself and can boast a history of more than 500 years.
Cursos Concertados
These courses for international students are part of the international program at the University of Seville and offer a wide variety of classes to choose from. The “cursos concertados” offer an advanced level and a general level and are both taught in Spanish by professors who teach the courses based on the fact the students understand and speak Spanish fluently. There are also courses in English for those who do not yet have a high enough level of Spanish.
Philology Faculty (includes courses in the following areas):
| Marketing | Painting |
| Business | Theater |
| Advertising | Grammar |
| Cinema | Literature |
Faculty of Geography and History (includes courses in the following areas):
| Flamenco | Economics |
| Art | Anthropology |
| Cooking | Political Science |
| Music | History |
| Photography |
* Each class meets for 4 hours each week. Students will receive a transcript with their grades, and will receive credit from their own university for classes completed.
“Multidisciplinary Studies Program” (Formerly the Hispanic Studies Program) is designed for students wishing to spend a semester or a year abroad while continuing their undergraduate degree. While it offers advanced courses in Spanish, it also caters to the needs of those with little or no background in Spanish by offering classes taught in English in many subject areas. Multidisciplinary Studies Program course offerings:
| History of Art and Cinema | Spanish and Latin American Literature |
| Biology / Chemistry / Science | Political Science |
| Communication | Psychology |
| Business | Sociology |
| Economics | History |
| Anthropology/Spanish Culture | Spanish Language |
EUSA Study Abroad Program options include Semester or Year studies in any of the regular courses offered in official EUSA degrees. These courses are open to local students and may be offered in either English, Spanish or both. Their Study Abroad offer includes over 30 different subject areas in Spanish and English, ranging from Media Studies, Business and Human Resources to Cultural Studies, Language or History. See the courses.
And their official undergraduate degrees include:
Degree in Audiovisual Communication
HIGHLIGHTS
- Personalized University Programs: we adapt to your needs because you are unique. We help you choose one of three prestigious universities in Seville.
- True Spanish Experience: Spanish Institute will accompany you in your immersion into the Spanish culture making your visit an unforgettable experience.
- Live Andalusia: art, history, tradition, gastronomy and much more.
- Accommodation:
- Stay with a host family to learn and improve your Spanish, share your day to day experiences and enjoy the delicious homemade Spanish cuisine.
- Living in Seville and sharing an apartment with other students will be a very pleasant experience. Spanish Institute offers all services, including meals, cleaning, and laundry.
- Spanish Institute is 100% dedicated to our students. We strive to make your stay abroad a wonderful, unique and enriching experience that you will remember for the rest of your life. Our programs ensure personalized attention at every step of the process.
INTRODUCTION TO SPAIN
All of the university programs have an 8 day orientation upon arrival to Seville.
The Introduction to Spain gives students vital information about adapting to life in Spain, the university system, the program, schedule, safety, activities, volunteer and internship opportunities, and meeting and getting to know Spanish students.
Introduction to Spain includes 45 hours of Spanish Language, Grammar, Conversation, Spanish Literature and Culture classes.
Spanish Institute for Global Education’s Orientation Program holds a three credit bearing-option.
INTRODUCTION TO SPAIN CONTENT
- Orientation for university
- Spanish classes: Culture, Conversation, Literature and History
- Security and health
- Orientation on Spanish society and life in Spain
SEMINAR “SPAIN TODAY”
Seminar throughout the program: “Spain Today”
The objective of this seminar is to accompany students throughout the program, address issues of Spanish society and facilitate a deeper learning of Spanish. This Seminar is offered at the levels of elementary, intermediate and advanced Spanish depending on the number of students and their grammar, composition and conversation skills. The 45 hour seminar is available as a credit-bearing option. Students should ensure that their home institution awards credit for this seminar.
Contents of the seminar:
- Women and the evolution of society in Spain.
- The Spanish educational system.
- Political organization in Spain: Autonomies, Parliamentary System, Monarchy.
- Unemployment, immigration and emigration.
- Religion and its manifestations in Spain.
- Political parties in Spain.
- Overcoming the Civil War.
- Greatnesses of Spain: transplants, …
- Economy and productive forces of the country.
- The Mediterranean diet and the influence of history on the way of eating in Spain.
INTERNSHIP OR SERVICE-LEARNING
Spanish Institute offers internship and service learning opportunities in prestigious organizations. All internship and service learning programs must be requested before arrival. At the end of your stay you will obtain a Certificate of participation.
Internship options:
- Business
- International trade. We offer internships in international companies, tourism agencies and ICT corporations. Tasks include everything from digital marketing, press coverage / monitoring, PR distribution, SEO strategies, web content, and social media trends. In some companies, English is essential.
- Accounting and finance.
- Marketing and information technology.
- Graphic design
- Website localization
- Social media technology
- Public relations
- Health
- You can do internships in rehabilitation, cognitive therapy, audiology centers, sports health and physiotherapy.
- Journalism
- Internship collaborating in a digital magazine where you can investigate and collect news for articles in the office or at events in Seville and its surroundings. Tasks include translating articles, working on external communications, proofreading and editing, and you have an opportunity to publish articles.
- Local newspapers
- Education
- You can do internships in private regulated education centers (Early Childhood Education, Primary, Secondary), nurseries, and language schools.
- Work with students with special educational needs (Autism, ADHD, …).
- Work in sports schools.
- Translation
- Choose to carry out your internship in companies that offer translation services in different corporations and specific translation agencies.
- Art and culture
- Internships in foundations, galleries and museums. You will be able to research, offer guided tours and work in international communications and social networks.
- Planning of social events and / or academic events.
- Travel
- Agencies
- Glamping
- Ecological Agriculture
- New: Online Business Internships in areas such as Journalism, Information Technology and Education.
Volunteer options:
- Social: Homeless people, educational support, child protection, LGTB, environment, sports and community development.
- Non-Governmental Organizations:
- Center for Seniors
- Down Syndrome Association
- Child Care Assistance to families at risk of social exclusion
- Women’s Center
- Non-Governmental Organizations:
- Health: soup kitchens, assistance …
- International: Immigrants, refugees, soup kitchens, legal assistance…
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Choose your program:
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Academic program at the University of Seville, Pablo de Olavide University or EUSA University Center.
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Internship program in a wide variety of sectors and types of companies.
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Service-Learning program
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- Introductory seminar at the start of the program: “Introduction to Spain,” a two-week Intensive Language and Culture Program.
- Seminar throughout the program: “Spain Today” offered by Spanish Institute during the entire program.
- Accommodation with a host family in Seville with full room and board; three meals a day throughout your stay.
- Cultural program with excursions and cultural visits in Seville and Andalucía.
- Necessary documents to obtain a visa if needed.
- Health insurance for non-European citizens with access to the best private hospitals in the city.
- Airport or train station transfer at the start and end of the program.
- Transportation card (bus, metro, and tram).
- Welcome and farewell tapas.
- Academic certificate.
Optional Services
- Placement/mentorship for Research or Creative Independent Study Project.
ACCOMMODATION WITH A HOST FAMILY IN SEVILLE
The Study Abroad Program program includes accommodation in a host family in Seville with full room and board; three meals a day throughout your stay.
Living with a family allows our students to fully discover the Spanish culture, life, and people. At Spanish Institute we believe that this is an important aspect of the program.
The academic year program includes accommodation in a host family and offers the option of staying during the winter holiday period at an additional fee.
HEALTH AND REPATRIATION INSURANCE
Our health insurance gives access to the best private hospitals and of course covers everything related to COVID-19. If a student is unwell or contracts this disease, the doctor may prescribe everything from the necessary tests to hospitalization in case of seriousness.
Spanish Institute has developed a COVID protocol to be able to track incidents that may occur, how to prevent and what to do in case of contagion.
All our programs include a 24/7 emergency service.
The insurance included in our program guarantees:
- Principal Medical Health Assistance
- Emergencies
- Medical specialists
- Diagnostic tests
- Hospitalization
- Specialist treatments
- Preventive medicine
- Second opinion
- Travel assistance
- Repatriation insurance
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
The Spanish Institute Study Abroad Program includes all of the activities of Discover Seville and Discover Andalusia
ACADEMIC CREDIT
You will receive an official transcript from the university in Seville where you take courses. Students should ensure that their home institution awards credit for their chosen program.
School of Record: Students Earn U.S. Credits for Spanish Institute Courses
An official transcript of U.S. credits is available for Spanish Institute courses through our School of Record. Students should ensure that their home institution awards credit for their chosen program. The Spanish Institute offers the necessary documentation for these procedures.
See our School of Record Page.
CERTIFICATES
- Spanish Institute for Global Education gives a certificate to the participants for the courses taken at the Spanish Institute detailing the dates, duration, and the name of the course (sillabi available on request)
- Spanish Institute for Global Education gives a certificate to the participants at the end of their Internship and Service Learning program, detailing the specialty, the duration, and the task performed.
- Letters of recommendation are available upon request.
PRICES
SEMESTER
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Standard load of five courses:
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Introduction to Spain Program with Instructive Excursions, Seminar, and practical Spanish (offered by the Spanish Institute)
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Direct Enrollment at one of our three local university partners: up to four courses taught in Spanish or English
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Internship or Service-Learning Placement
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Optional Spanish Language Course offered by the Spanish Institute
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Optional elective course(s) offered by the Spanish Institute
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Optional Research or Creative Independent Study Project (+ €400)
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12 - 15 US Credits
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Host Family
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Full board
ACADEMIC YEAR
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Standard load of five courses:
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Introduction to Spain Program with Instructive Excursions, Seminar, and practical Spanish (offered by the Spanish Institute)
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Direct Enrollment at one of our three local university partners *: up to four courses taught in Spanish or English
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Internship or Service-Learning Placement
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Optional Spanish Language Course offered by the Spanish Institute
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Optional elective course(s) offered by the Spanish Institute
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Optional Research or Creative Independent Study Project (+ €400)
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* 12 - 15 total U.S. Credits per semester
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Host Family
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Full board
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option of staying during the winter holiday period at an additional fee
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
You have the option of taking classes at one of the three universities, the University of Seville, the Pablo de Olavide University or EUSA University Centre. A variety of subjects are offered in Spanish and English. We usually recommend choosing classes from the courses for foreign students instead of taking traditional and regular classes for Spanish students because the structure and content of the classes can be very difficult even without the language barrier. Everything is naturally immersed in the cultural environment and it is difficult to understand without starting from the same background. If you feel encouraged to do it, because you have a high level of Spanish, we will support and help you in your decision, many students have done so. The programs for foreign students are very interesting and varied, you can find more information about the classes on the university websites.
When you arrive, or even before you come, you will take a placement test with us. This will guide you and help us advice you in making decisions regarding subjects, activities and other options.
At the beginning of the course the program will give you all the materials for the orientation. The materials and books of the university classes must be purchased by you.
Spanish Institute has a program of internships in schools and companies. We also have a list of volunteering opportunities. All internship and volunteering programs must be requested through the home university prior to arrival. At the end of your stay you will get a certificate.
The Spanish universities will give you a university student card. The international student card is not essential, but it is good to have one. You can get a discount at many places all over Europe with a student card. There are several organizations that can give you your student card. The following link is one of them: International Student Identity Card isic.org
If you’re from a country in the European Union, it is not necessary. Spain also has agreements with many other countries outside of the European Union, and their citizens are allowed to stay in Spain without a visa if the stay is less than 90 days. However, if you do stay longer you will need a student’s visa. You have to apply for this through the link of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: sede.maec.gob.es Once you have enrolled at Spanish Institute, and if your stay is going to be longer than 90 days, we will send you the necessary documents for the student visa application. It is a long process, it usually takes 45 days, so you should begin to apply as soon as you can. Any student who has ever needed a visa has been assigned one, so don’t worry! However, you should be aware that all the Consulates do not work in the same way, and in some places, the process is more difficult than in others. You should also realize that if you are going to stay for an academic year, you have to supply your criminal record, which makes the process even slower.
In the previous paragraph you can find the general information to obtain visas, but unfortunately at this time the international regulations have changed and it is very possible that from country to country the situation is different depending on their fight against COVID19. We will help you get a visa that allows you to study in Spain by sending you the necessary documents and certificates to show that everything is in order and show your serious intentions to study in Seville.
Yes! Remember that Spanish Institute arranges excursions throughout Andalusia so check in with them before planning any trips. It’s a good idea to have thought about where you would like to travel so when you get here you can start planning your trips. We recommend you try not to travel alone, talk to some of the other students you meet here to see if you can travel with a friend. There is a program called STEP UP run by the US government that is free and provides US students studying abroad with safety updates for the places they are traveling to. We recommend you log your trips with them as well, so you stay informed of anything going on in the area. Also, remember to budget for side trips beforehand. It’s highly recommended to take advantage of the cheaper flights to various destinations. You’ll also want to experience life in Seville, so don’t travel every weekend.
New situation with COVID19: during the pandemic you must reduce your trips to those strictly necessary. Unfortunately, it is an unforeseen situation that we must address with the commitment of taking care of ourselves and to be in more controlled environments.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Groups:
Please contact us via email (info@spanishinstitute.net) where we will send you a doodle form to set up a zoom meeting at the most convenient time for you.
Individuals:
REVIEWS
INTERNSHIP OR SERVICE-LEARNING PROGRAMS
A very good gap year option is to test yourself in a hands-on position. Completing an internship or volunteering gives you the opportunity to learn and interact in a completely new environment. It helps you to discover what you’re capable of, how you perform in a working environment, and how to relate to your new colleagues. This experience is an incomparable opportunity to develop your communication skills in Spanish.
You can participate in this program by interning at a company (many fields available to choose from), or by collaborating as a volunteer at an organization of interest. Benefit from this invaluable practical working opportunity!
More information on the Internship and Service-Learning Placements here
INTERNSHIPS IN COMPANIES, SPECIALTIES:
- Business
- International trade. We offer internships in international companies, tourism agencies and ICT corporations. Tasks include everything from digital marketing, press coverage / monitoring, PR distribution, SEO strategies, web content, and social media trends. In some companies, English is essential.
- Accounting and finance.
- Marketing and information technology.
- Graphic design
- Website localization
- Social media technology
- Public relations
- Health
- You can do internships in rehabilitation, cognitive therapy, audiology centers, sports health and physiotherapy.
- Journalism
- Internship collaborating in a digital magazine where you can investigate and collect news for articles in the office or at events in Seville and its surroundings. Tasks include translating articles, working on external communications, proofreading and editing, and you have an opportunity to publish articles.
- Local newspapers
- Education
- You can do internships in private regulated education centers (Early Childhood Education, Primary, Secondary), nurseries, and language schools.
- Work with students with special educational needs (Autism, ADHD, …).
- Work in sports schools.
- Educational Support
- Translation
- Choose to carry out your internship in companies that offer translation services in different corporations and specific translation agencies.
- Art and culture
- Internships in foundations, galleries and museums. You will be able to research, offer guided tours and work in international communications and social networks.
- Planning of social events and / or academic events.
- Travel
- Agencies
- Glamping
- Ecological Agriculture
- Sports
- You can choose to help facilitate daily routines for teams to be more effective. Or you can do sports marketing, or organize visits to schools. You can also learn some sports medicine.
- Media, Marketing
- In this field you can develop many aspects, from photography and communication to creating promotional materials, marketing on social networks, advertising events, increasing the vision and dissemination of a project, disseminating the vision and mission of the company through an understanding of the company, communicating with bloggers, helping create SEO marketing strategies …
- Tourism, Museums
- In these practices you will develop an understanding of the company’s products and services, create promotional materials, and help coordinate events at the museum. Help visitors by greeting them and giving them a short explanation when they enter, participate and develop our guided tours in English.
- New: Online Business Internships in areas such as Journalism, Information Technology and Education.
SERVICE-LEARNING
As a volunteer you can play a fundamental role in the community by helping in different environments. Your volunteer experience will mean personal growth in your life. Protecting the environment and helping people are the values that drive the volunteer programs we offer in non-profit organizations:
- Social: Homeless people, educational support, child protection, LGTB, environment, sports and community development.
- Social, racial and environmental justice
- Center for Seniors
- Down Syndrome Association
- Child Care Assistance to families at risk of social exclusion
- Women’s Center
- Gender issues
- Environment
- Child Protection
- Sports support for children with disabilities
- Entertainment workshops for children in long hospitalization
- Health: soup kitchens, assistance …
- International: Immigrants, refugees, soup kitchens, legal assistance…
HIGHLIGHTS
- Quality companies: We carefully select institutions offering internships or volunteering positions.
- True Spanish Experience: Spanish Institute will accompany you in your immersion into the Spanish culture making your visit an unforgettable experience.
- Live Andalucía: art, history, tradition, gastronomy and much more.
- Personalized Programs: we adapt to your needs because you are unique.
- Spanish Institute is 100% dedicated to our students. We strive to make your stay abroad a wonderful, unique and enriching experience that you will remember for the rest of your life. Our programs ensure personalized attention at every step of the process.
ORIENTATION
Spanish Institute’s orientation gives students vital information about adapting to life in Spain, the program, schedule, safety, activities, transportation and your volunteer or internship program.
INTENSIVE SPANISH COURSE
Spanish Institute’s program includes an intensive two-week Spanish Course for all two or more month placements. There are four session of class a day and activities in the afternoons. During this time students get to know the city, the transportation system, the cuisine and they improve their Spanish skills.
Our Spanish courses are designed so that students reach an effective and operating level of Spanish in a short time, they concentrate on being able to think and communicate fluently in Spanish. These courses are the perfect opportunity to start learning or to improve your level of Spanish. The program goes beyond class hours, creating an environment with interesting activities and you are also in contact with native speakers. The methodology is participatory, intensive and mainly oral. The classes are fun and at the same time require the interest and motivation of the students.
At Spanish Institute for Global Education we follow a communicative approach to teaching. The fundamental objective of this methodology is for students to learn to communicate in Spanish in a wide variety of contexts and situations. In addition to the language, the students have the opportunity to learn about our culture and the most current issues of our society.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Two-week intensive Spanish course at the beginning of the program (16 sessions per week).
- Internship or Service-Learning work in a quality organization according to your preferences. We contact the organizations and prepare a MOU or collaboration contract.
- Liability insurance.
- Orientation Program. You will receive important information about your internship or service-learning work, the city, how to move around, the calendar and local holidays, health issues, and safety.
- Spanish placement test before coming to Seville.
- Two cultural activities in Seville weekly during the first two weeks of the program.
- Welcome Pack.
- Support from Spanish Institute throughout the duration of the program.
- Spanish Institute emergency telephone number, 24/7 assistance.
- Participation certificate.
OPTIONAL SERVICES
- Accommodation in a shared apartment in Seville or a Host Family.
- Documents needed to obtain entrance in Spain.
- Health insurance for non-European nationals with access to the best private hospitals in the city.
- Airport or train station transfer at the beginning of the program.
- Transport card (bus, metro, and tram).
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
The Spanish Institute Internship and Volunteer Program include two weekly Discover Seville cultural activities or one Discover Andalusia excursion during the first two weeks of the program.
Before your arrival, we will send you our complete program of activities with their prices, so that during the rest of your stay you can choose more activities to participate in.
ACADEMIC CREDIT AND CERTIFICATES
School of Record: Students Earn U.S. Credits for Spanish Institute Courses
An official transcript of U.S. credits is available for Spanish Institute courses through our School of Record. See our School of Record Page.
CERTIFICATES
- Spanish Institute for Global Education gives a certificate to the participants at the end of their program, detailing the specialty, the duration and the task performed.
- Letters of recommendation available upon request.
CREDIT OBTAINING OPTIONS
Most placements are available with an option to obtain credit. Students should ensure that their home institution awards credit for their chosen program. Spanish Institute offers the necessary documentation for these procedures.
DATES AND DURATION
The Spanish Institute supports Internship and Service-Learning placements as part of a semester study-abroad program or as a free-standing program on a unique calendar.
Starting every Monday.
Students choose the length, minimum 2 month.
Exceptionally, a one-month Program can be done but only in the field of Education.
OPTIONAL ACCOMMODATION IN A SHARED APARTMENT
We optionally offer accommodation in a shared apartment.
In this accommodation, you will share the apartment with other international or Spanish students.
For further information please click here
ACCOMMODATION WITH A HOST FAMILY IN SEVILLE
A homestay option is available. Living with a family allows our students to fully discover the Spanish culture, life, and people.
OPTIONAL INSURANCE
Our health insurance gives access to the best private hospitals and of course, covers everything related to COVID-19. If a student is unwell or contracts this disease, the doctor may prescribe everything from the necessary tests to hospitalization in case of seriousness.
Spanish Institute has developed a COVID protocol to be able to track incidents that may occur, how to prevent and what to do in case of contagion.
All our programs include a 24/7 emergency service.
The insurance guarantees:
- Principal Medical Health Assistance
- Emergencies
- Medical specialists
- Diagnostic tests
- Hospitalization
- Specialist treatments
- Preventive medicine
- Second opinion
- Travel assistance
- Repatriation insurance
- Liability insurance
INTERNSHIPS OR SERVICE-LEARNING PRICES
Internships and Service-Learning positions are unpaid
FROM 9 TO 12 WEEKS
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Internships or Service-Volunteering position
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Spanish Language and Culture Intensive Program
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Cultural activities in Seville
FROM 17 TO 20 WEEKS
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Internships or Service-Volunteering position
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Spanish Language and Culture Intensive Program
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Cultural activities in Seville
FROM 13 TO 16 WEEKS
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Internships or Service-Volunteering position
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Spanish Language and Culture Intensive Program
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Cultural activities in Seville
FROM 21 TO 24 WEEKS
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Internships or Service-Volunteering position
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Spanish Language and Culture Intensive Program
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Cultural activities in Seville