Student Exchange programs in Spain

Language, customs and culture

When you do a student exchange program in Spain, you will find yourself in a land of contrasts, tradition and a passion for life!

Become an exchange student in the beautiful country of Spain! Spain is a colorful nation offering everything you need for a successful exchange abroad. The rich culture, pleasant climate, beautiful nature, and laid-back lifestyle yearly attract exchange students from all over the world. From long beaches along the coast to impressive mountain ranges and medieval cities, you will soon see that Spain has it all.

With over 400 million Spanish speakers, the language one of the most common languages spoken in the world. This means you will open doors by studying here, providing future career opportunities and connections with new people. Look forward to an exchange program full of delicious food, sunshine, language skills, and friendships!

Quick facts

Age of students: 15–17 years

Departure: February, September, October, November

Language requirements: You are required to be able to converse in basic conversation

Visa: Yes, depending on program length

Area request: No

Soft Landing Camp: Yes, in Barcelona. Only available for September departures, at an additional cost

School day: Normally from 8.30 to 14.30

Subjects: There are both compulsory subjects and electives

Program: Classic High School

Check out our Student Exchange Programs

In Spain, we offer Classic exchange programs. Read more about our Classic High School in Spain.

The experience of a lifetime

Travelling on an exchange program is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that shapes your future. Check out this short guide to plan your exchange program in Spain. Please join an Information Session Webinar and then contact us to make that plan a reality.

About high school in Spain

As an exchange student in Spain, you will have an opportunity to experience everyday life of the Spanish teenagers. There are four stages of education in Spain, two of which are optional and the other two compulsory. The two compulsory stages are primary school (escuela primaria) and secondary school (educación secundaria obligatoria). Exchange students are typically enrolled in Bachillerato or the last years of ESO.

Subjects and school activities

You will be allocated a timetable in one of three different high school programs during your exchange program in Spain. These are Science, Social Science and Humanities. Compulsory subjects in all schools are Spanish, English, Spanish literature, Physical Education, and Philosophy. You may be able choose one or two elective courses, depending on your program length (longer program students may have more subject flexibility).

Spanish high schools do not always offer a range of extracurricular activities to engage in, but some schools have their school teams in soccer (football) and basketball. Many of our exchange students in Spain do, however, participate in activities outside of school. If you want to play a specific sport, your Local Coordinator can help you find a local club in your area.

Enquire now

Your spare time in Spain

Your spare time in Spain will depend on your interests, and where your host family is located. You may stay close to sandy beaches, vibrant cities or live in a beautiful rural area.

Every exchange experience is different, but you will be sure gain unique insight into Spanish culture and society throughout your exchange program.

Sports & activities

Spain’s pleasant climate creates opportunities for you to stay active. You can go on excursions and enjoy fun outdoor activities, such as hiking and surfing (if close to home). Being active outdoors is a fantastic way to see more of the country. If you want play a sport, such as soccer, basketball or handball we recommend you contact a local club on arrival, as your high school may not offer any after-school activities.

It is recommended that you join your host family’s activities after school and on weekends. Your family may go to sports events, visit family and friends, or enjoy spending time outdoors. Being open-minded and curious about their lifestyle will enrichen your exchange experience in Spain.

Enquire now

Staying with a Spanish host family

By staying with a Spanish host family, you will gain insight into the Spanish culture. Immersion with a family is the best way to improve your language and communication skills. With effort, you will be able to join intense discussions over family dinners as well as to navigate yourself easily in Spanish society.

Spanish holidays and food

As a part of a Spanish family, you will experience holidays such as Día de Reyes and El Día de Todos los Santos, which are celebrated in Spain’s different regions. You may also enjoy typical Spanish cuisine such as croquettes, tortilla española, and gazpacho soup.

Spanish food is recognised as one of the most popular cuisines in the world. The food is often served at affordable prices in cafes and restaurants. If you love food, Spain could be your perfect exchange destination.

It is exciting to experience life in Spain but remember that your host family are curious about where you are from as well. Tell them about your home, introduce them to films and music or cook some typical recipes from your family. They will appreciate finding out about where you come from, just as you will by learning more about their country.

Learn about host families

About high school in Spain

As an exchange student in Spain, you will have an opportunity to experience everyday life of the Spanish teenagers. There are four stages of education in Spain, two of which are optional and the other two compulsory. The two compulsory stages are primary school (escuela primaria) and secondary school (educación secundaria obligatoria). Exchange students are typically enrolled in Bachillerato or the last years of ESO.

Subjects and school activities

You will be allocated a timetable in one of three different high school programs during your exchange program in Spain. These are Science, Social Science and Humanities. Compulsory subjects in all schools are Spanish, English, Spanish literature, Physical Education, and Philosophy. You may be able choose one or two elective courses, depending on your program length (longer program students may have more subject flexibility).

Spanish high schools do not always offer a range of extracurricular activities to engage in, but some schools have their school teams in soccer (football) and basketball. Many of our exchange students in Spain do, however, participate in activities outside of school. If you want to play a specific sport, your Local Coordinator can help you find a local club in your area.

Enquire now
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Your spare time in Spain

Your spare time in Spain will depend on your interests, and where your host family is located. You may stay close to sandy beaches, vibrant cities or live in a beautiful rural area.

Every exchange experience is different, but you will be sure gain unique insight into Spanish culture and society throughout your exchange program.

Sports & activities

Spain’s pleasant climate creates opportunities for you to stay active. You can go on excursions and enjoy fun outdoor activities, such as hiking and surfing (if close to home). Being active outdoors is a fantastic way to see more of the country. If you want play a sport, such as soccer, basketball or handball we recommend you contact a local club on arrival, as your high school may not offer any after-school activities.

It is recommended that you join your host family’s activities after school and on weekends. Your family may go to sports events, visit family and friends, or enjoy spending time outdoors. Being open-minded and curious about their lifestyle will enrichen your exchange experience in Spain.

Enquire now
banner-img

Staying with a Spanish host family

By staying with a Spanish host family, you will gain insight into the Spanish culture. Immersion with a family is the best way to improve your language and communication skills. With effort, you will be able to join intense discussions over family dinners as well as to navigate yourself easily in Spanish society.

Spanish holidays and food

As a part of a Spanish family, you will experience holidays such as Día de Reyes and El Día de Todos los Santos, which are celebrated in Spain’s different regions. You may also enjoy typical Spanish cuisine such as croquettes, tortilla española, and gazpacho soup.

Spanish food is recognised as one of the most popular cuisines in the world. The food is often served at affordable prices in cafes and restaurants. If you love food, Spain could be your perfect exchange destination.

It is exciting to experience life in Spain but remember that your host family are curious about where you are from as well. Tell them about your home, introduce them to films and music or cook some typical recipes from your family. They will appreciate finding out about where you come from, just as you will by learning more about their country.

Learn about host families
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Soft Landing Camp in Barcelona

Your Academic Year or Semester exchange adventure may start at the Soft Landing Camp in Barcelona. For five days, you will discover the best of this popular city, as well as prepare for your new life in Spain. Together with other exchange students from Australia/New Zealand and the rest of the world, you will have the best start to your exchange experience possible.  

Soft Landing Camp is only available for students starting in September. This is an optional extra for an additional fee. Please note, this only applies to some September programs and your Program Coordinator can confirm if this is an option for you.

Hear from our former exchange students in Spain

Allanah

Allanah shares her thoughts from her student exchange to Spain.

Read her story here.

ELLA

Ella shares her thoughts from her student exchange to Spain.

Read her story here.

Enquire now

The best way to prepare for your exchange program is to join an Information Session Webinar.
Please click here to register and then complete your details below and we will be in touch to answer your questions.

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