- What are the benefits of a High School Abroad program in Spain?
- Arriving in Spain : Everything you need to know for a great start!
- The first days of your High School Abroad in Spain
- Extracurricular activities are important for me: would I be able to practice a sport or join a club?
- Personal benefits of a High School Abroad in Spain
What are the benefits of a High School Abroad program in Spain?
If you read this article, you may be already interested in learning more about Spain. Spain is a country with strong cultures, not just one culture. If you have a chance to travel there you will feel the cultural differences between the different regions. So there are actually "several" Spain. Landscapes and climates are also diverse from the north to the south and the west to the east. While you may already have visited the big cities like Madrid or Barcelona, take into account that Spain is mainly made of smaller cities as well as villages and countryside.
Spain is also diverse in terms of language. You may have the idea that everyone speaks Spanish in Spain. While it is true that almost everyone knows how to speak Castilian, many people also choose to speak another regional language in their daily lives. These languages are for example Galician, Catalan, Valencian, and Basque. Doing a High School Abroad in Spain will allow you to discover the multiple facets of this country.
Spain is a rewarding choice for a High School Abroad program. You not only boost your Spanish speaking and writing skills, you will also feel how history has shaped this country. You will experience historical influences—from the Ancient Romans to the Celts, Iberians, Phoenicians, and Moors! You also live the culture by learning how to dance flamenco or taste delicious paella or tapas with your host family and your Spanish friends. The real-life Spanish experiences combined with the sense of hospitality of your host family will make your High School Abroad in Spain an enjoyable experience.
Arriving in Spain : Everything you need to know for a great start!
Imagine yourself arriving at Seville airport to start your High School Abroad in Spain. Here some key features for you:
Arrival at the airport
Your host family and your local coordinator will be waiting for you at your arrival airport and warmly welcome you! Don’t be surprised if your host family greets you with a hug and a kiss on the cheek. Spanish people are generally friendly and curious, so be relax, everything will be all right!
Orientation with your local coordinator
Your local coordinator is there to help you and your host family at all times. He/she is experienced in welcoming international exchange students in his/her area and he/she will be happy to share all his/her experiences with you. Listen to advice and tips. Express your feelings, and share your concerns. You will be in regular contact with your local coordinator during the whole program. Do not hesitate to reach out to him/her if you need support!
The first days of your High School Abroad in Spain
Your first days with your Spanish host family
Family meals in Spain are very important. It is not just about eating. This is a time when host family members can share about their day, their project, discuss topics etc. During the week it may be more challenging to all gather around the table, depending on how busy host family members are. But lunches on weekends are very important, do not miss them! On Sunday Spanish families often meet their relatives as well, so you will get to know the extended family. Discussion starts before the meal starts and can go on after the meal has been finished! It is not expected that someone leave the table just after the dessert! Family relationships are very important in Spain.
Your participation in family life is crucial for the success of your immersion. Avoid isolating yourself in your room; instead, join your host family in the common areas. Show initiative in daily chores! Take part in meal preparation: you will learn so much from these special moments. Our student Brandi comments: "My experience in Asturias, Spain was wonderful. I had the BEST host family, the BEST school, and the BEST host sister and friends, and now I’m both bicultural and bilingual. I wouldn’t trade my experience for the world and I would recommend it to anyone."
Your first days in a Spanish high school
Your Spanish high school may or may not be used to welcome international exchange students. You will be integrated into a class with other Spanish teens; you will receive your timetable and be explained how a Spanish school works. Try to connect with your classmates, ask questions, and engage in conversations. You will learn so much from them!
The academic year in Spain runs from September to June, with breaks for Christmas and Easter. School days typically start at 8:00 AM and end around 2:30 PM, though some schools have afternoon sessions. You will attend compulsory and elective subjects but cannot really choose your subjects.
Your teachers expect you to show interest in your classes, even if you struggle with Spanish. They want to see your commitment to study and motivation to learn and do your best. Your English teacher can be a good support if you need assistance or answers.
Extracurricular activities are important for me: would I be able to practice a sport or join a club?
During your first days in Spain, you will probably really much focus on your relationship with your host family and your integration into school. Do not forget to inquire about possible extracurricular activities, such as sports, clubs, or arts. You must keep a balanced life and those extracurricular activities help you to remain fit and entertained. They also allow you to create stronger friendships with Spanish teens, outside of the school environment.
Some Spanish schools may offer sports activities on campus, but most Spanish teens would practice their favorite sports in local clubs. Ask your host family about your options, they will be a great help to gather information and make contacts. If you are also or rather interested in cultural activities, search on the Internet and ask your new friends about possible arts, music or drama clubs or schools that you could join.
Enrolling in extracurricular activities will enrich your Spanish experience, improve your integration in the local community, and give you more opportunities to practice your Spanish.
Personal benefits of a High School Abroad in Spain
Besides cultural immersion and Spanish proficiency, you will also benefit from:
- Enhanced global approach and understanding: you will listen to different points of view and different lifestyles to what you are used to. You will have a broader view of world events, economics, and politics.
- Academic enrichment: the Spanish school system is different from your school system. you will no doubt discover new teaching styles but also new contents and methodologies. this will enrich your academic profile for further studies.
- Personal development: going out of your comfort zone, being challenged, gaining autonomy and independence, and having to adapt to new situations and people will help you develop soft skills that will be very useful for the rest of your life.
- International network: while doing High School Abroad in Spain you create new relationships, mainly with Spanish people but eventually with other exchange students from different countries as well. You come back home with a larger network of friends.
- Improved College and University applications: spending a year abroad at the high school level is not very common; your profile will therefore look more attractive to recruiters. It shows your adaptability, cultural awareness, and language skills.
Convinced?