Spain’s warm, friendly atmosphere and rich blend of cultures make it an ideal place to rewrite your high school experience. At the crossroads of Europe, Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Atlantic, Spain has a fascinating history and a wildly diverse culture. There are four official languages – Catalan, Galician, Basque (Euskara), and Spanish – and a variety of local cuisines, lifestyles, festivals, architecture and music. Embrace the diversity and get to know Spain as a local.
Spanish families are typically open and welcoming, eager to make a good impression. Spanish families—including the extended family—tend to be close-knit, visiting each other frequently and sharing in large weekend gatherings. Perhaps because of the climate and long daylight hours, Spaniards begin socialising later in the day and end later at night than their European neighbours. Distinctive cultural aspects include bullfighting, flamenco dancing, festivals in Easter and New Years and patron saint feasts.
Let the country known for the fiesta and siesta teach you how to make the most out of life, all while advancing your Spanish and expanding your world-view. By living with a host family and enrolling in a local school, you’ll be totally integrated in Spanish daily life. You’ll be able to experience what it’s like to be a regular Spanish teenager and build lasting friendships within your community. So why not step outside of your comfort zone and spend a year or semester in one of the most beautiful countries in the world?