Classic High School Exchange in Spain 2025
Become an exchange student in Spain for a term, semester or the school year! You will go to school with your Spanish classmates and make new friends. Meet a Spanish host family eager to share with you their language and culture and improve your Spanish knowledge through a constant immersion into Spanish!
Learn Spanish in Spain, and choose a High School Study Abroad in Spain.
Classic High School Exchange in Spain 2025 : Description
Next possible start dates: January 2025 and August 2025. Apply now!
Your student exchange in Spain: Live with a Spanish host family and go to a local High School in Spain!
Join a unique High School exchange in Spain: international students are welcomed by a Spanish family looking for a deep cultural and language exchange.
Exchange students in Spain attend regular classes in a Spanish public or private High School. This is a complete Spanish cultural immersion program!
Why learn Spanish? Spanish is one of the most spoken languages in the world: make the difference and become bilingual in Spain! The best way to achieve this is to experience an exchange program in Spain because a long-term Spanish immersion will allow you to learn efficiently, and practice! After a few weeks, you will even dream in Spanish!
Our study abroad programs for high school students in Spain unlock the Spanish language and culture!
Study in a High School in Spain!
Students come for a full Academic year in Spain from September to June, a Semester or a Term, and even for short-term programs. Spanish students attend 10-12 subjects a week at the High School level. The 10th grade mainly offers mandatory subjects (2 electives may be added), while the 11th and 12th grades offer students to specialize in Science and Technology, Social Science, or Humanities (as well as Arts in some schools). Grades 11 and 12 are dedicated to the preparation of the Bachillerato (16-18 years old).
During their secondary school studies, Spanish students usually attend classes from 8 am to 2 or 3 pm. Some schools also have lessons in the afternoon but this is not the majority of schools.
Highlights of the High School Study Abroad in Spain:
- Best Immersion Experience in Spain: Students are living with a warm and welcoming Spanish host family while attending school like any other local student.
- Guardianship and Support 24/7: Students receive full support from the host family, the local coordinator, and our professional team.
- Competitive price: Our affordable prices open the doors for you to embark on an unforgettable academic and cultural experience in Spain.
You may already know Spain as a tourist: its rich culture and history, its architecture, landscapes, coastlines, beaches, and food!
We allow you to become BILINGUAL and BICULTURAL.
You will not only gain a language: but you will also become the best of yourself, and increase your level of international awareness, your intercultural skills, your maturity, and independence. You will be ready to continue your journey into a multicultural world. Join the high school exchange in Spain!
Before registering for the High School exchange program in Spain, students must gather all necessary information regarding the recognition of their exchange program abroad:
- If a grade report is required at the end of the program (Full academic year or semester program only), students must inform their Nacel counselor with a list of specific classes that need to be attended. Nacel recommends that students arrange a meeting with their school counselor to determine what subjects they need to attend while abroad, to be able to earn credits from their study abroad program. Nacel is not responsible for the procedures and information required for this process in the home country. However, our team of professionals provides you with full support to initiate the process. Note that your level in the Spanish language will also determine your ability to earn credits: start to study the language even more intensively as soon as you book your exchange program in Spain!
- If you do not need to earn credits, your school year will be recognized in your career as an enriching gap year in Spain.
Program Highlights
- Depending on the grade, general classes in Maths, Sciences, Spanish Literature & History & Geography, etc.;
- Public schools promote a good foundation of knowledge but also foster other skills such as presentation skills, learning independently, and other soft skills;
- Private schools strive for academic excellence and foster a balanced growth for their students, with all sorts of sports, art forms, and sometimes quite unique skills learning activities;
- Meet the local teenagers, and make friends with typical Spanish kids;
- Placement is possible in most regions around the country.
All students have the support and assistance of a local coordinator during their whole high school exchange program in Spain. A 24/7 hotline is also available at all times.
Looking for a shorter experience? Come for 4 to 10 weeks to experience Spanish cultural immersion in a host family and Spanish school.
Classic High School Exchange in Spain 2025 : Activities
Afternoons are dedicated to extracurricular activities and homework. Some schools offer sports on afternoons but sports may also be practiced in local clubs. Exchange students in Spain have plenty of opportunities to experience new activities and meet Spanish teens outside of the classroom!
The High School exchange in Spain is not only about going to school and living with a Spanish host family: you will meet many new Spanish friends and continue to practice your favorite activities with them!
What will your daily life look like in Spain? You will wake up and have a light breakfast before going to school and start classes at 8 am. After having attended your first 3 hours of classes, you will take a break and eat a sandwich because lunchtime is at 3 pm only! You will chat with your Spanish classmates and maybe plan afternoon activities together! Go back to classes up to 2 pm and then return home to have lunch with your host family.
The afternoon may be dedicated to practicing your favorite sport in a local club but you will also have to study and do homework! Spend your evening and dinner with the other family members and get to know the Spanish way of life and popular culture from the inside. During the weekend you will share time and activities with your host sisters or brothers and meet your new Spanish friends to go shopping or watch a movie!
Classic High School Exchange in Spain 2025 : Accommodation
Within this high school study abroad in Spain, students are hosted by Spanish families. Spanish host families are carefully selected based on hosting conditions, motivations, and expectations. We match a student with a host family based on the host family and the student's application form. Prepare your host family letter and your pictures very carefully: this will help us to make the best match!
Spanish host families are known for being very welcoming and enthusiastic of getting to know the culture of our students. This is a real cultural exchange program in Spain.
Staying with a Spanish host family:
Students are required to integrate with family activities such as trips and days out. It is also important that the student gets involved with housework responsibilities. Host families offer full-board accommodation and packed lunches during school days if needed.
International students not only experience life with the host family but also get to know the extended family: grandparents, cousins, etc.
The local coordinator is available anytime to support the host family or the student whenever needed during the high school exchange in Spain.
High School exchange in Spain: How does it work?
- You prepare your application form and tell us more about YOU: your age, your motivations, your expectations, your hobbies and interests.
- Knowing you better, we select the BEST Spanish host family to welcome you in their home: they do not only share their home with you, but their heart, their language, and their culture. Find a new home and family abroad!
- Get prepared: we guide you through all steps, including the visa processes, departure arrangements, and your Spanish and academic preparation. You never walk alone!
- Welcome to Spain: YOUR host family is there to welcome you! YOUR local coordinator helps you settle in during the first days and stays in touch with you to check if everything goes smoothly!
Enjoy your study abroad in Spain with Nacel.
Looking for a placement in the South of Spain? Opt for the High School exchange in Andalusia!
Classic High School Exchange in Spain 2025 : Procedures
Student exchange in Spain - Application Process:
The application to your high school exchange in Spain is done in six stages:
1. An interview is carried out with you and your family to determine eligibility.
2. Once you complete the booking, we will send you the application forms that will need to be carefully filled out and must be sent back to us via email in a PDF file.
3. Once you are accepted into the program, we will issue the formal acceptance and start working on your placement.
4. Arrangements are made for your placement and communicated to you.
5. We assist you in applying for your visa if necessary; we will send you a Visa application guide.
6. You determine your travel arrangements and we organize your transfers upon your arrival.
Contact us to learn more about the Spanish school system and prepare yourself for a successful high school exchange in Spain!
Apply no later than March 10th for an arrival in September and no later than September 10th for an arrival in January.
Classic High School Exchange in Spain 2025 : Fees
High School exchange program in Spain
Our High School exchange program in Spain provides international students with the opportunity to start a full school year, a term (3 months) or a semester (5 months) in September (or in January). You may also opt for a short-term homestay and high school in Spain (up to 10 weeks).
School Year Abroad in Spain 2024/2025:
- Term: September 7th to December 23rd 2024 (all grades)
- Semester: January 7th to June 30th 2025 (only Grade 10 students)
- Academic year: September 7 th 2024 to June 30th 2025 (all grades)
* Price in Euros per participant.
Not included : Application Fees (65 EUR)
On offer:
- Term Abroad Spain
- Semester Abroad Spain
- School Year Abroad Spain
- Mini High School Experience Spain
- British Boarding school in Andalucia
- High School Summer Abroad Spain
Price includes
- Administration fees
- Host school placement and local orientation
- Host family accommodation with full board (or full time boarding for the British Boarding School program)
- Airport pick-up and transfers to host family/boarding school, from the closest airport to the family
- Support, assistance and 24/7 Hotline during the whole program
- Medical, Liability and Emergency Repatriation Insurance
Price does not include
- Round-trip international airfare
- Non compulsory insurances (luggage lost, flight delay etc.)
- Visa, passport and medical exam fees
- Private school extra fees, extra language courses
- Books, lockers, laboratories, yearbook, textbooks, school trips, class ring, letter jacket, student activities etc…
- Local transportation from and to school
- Extra activities such as sports, excursions, etc…
- Airport pick-up and transfers outside the dates indicated or in another airport
- Personal expenses and spending money
Classic High School Exchange in Spain 2025 : Testimonials
Ellen had a wonderful time. Thank you for all your help. Ellen’s mother.
Hola Nacel!
No te he olvidado durante mi año aquí en España, y estoy totalmente enamorada con Asturias. He estado estudiando para 5 meses, y como dice mi padre de aquí, "si estas comiendo 3 dedos, ya acabaste dos y solo queda uno." Pero estoy muy triste que en 4 meses hay que volver a mi país y tengo que dejar a mi familia española.
Pero bueno, no pasa nada. Ahora mismo, estoy muy contenta. smile emoticon Estoy estudiando mucho porque en un mes, vamos a Cádiz para Semana Santa. ¡Tengo muchas ganas! Así que estoy estudiando, en los fines de semanas voy al cine con Celia y nos dormimos en la casa de mi abuela. Cocinamos mucho, que me encanta. Ahora, sé cómo se hace la tortilla española, fabada asturiana y lentejas.
Otra vez, gracias por todo. Sin vosotros, este viaje no habría sido posible, y ha cambiado mi vida.
Besos,
Sophia
We worked with Nacel for 6 months to prepare our 15-year old daughter for a year of high school abroad in Spain. The staff were very responsive, answering all of our questions and addressing our concerns immediately. Emails and phone calls were responded to quickly, and the staff were always available by phone. Additionally the Nacel staff went above and beyond their role to problem solve with us when we experienced challenges and confusion in the bureaucratic process of the embassy requirements. Our host family selection was done with thought and care for our daughter’s age and experience level. It is obvious that a positive student experience is paramount at Nacel. We felt at all times that we were working with individuals who cared for our daughter's well-being (and ours as parents, too.) At the time of departure, we felt fully prepared, knowing where our child would be going, what she would need for the school system and life abroad, and we were put in direct communication with our fantastic host family to guide us into a successful year abroad. Thank you to all the Nacel staff involved in making our daughter’s dream a reality. Thank you!
Aidan is doing great and Marta is a sweetheart. He is very happy with his family. Marta and I talk back and forth she is doing wonderfully with her English. Thank you again for this amazing and life changing experience that you helped facilitate for Aidan. Brooke C.
I spent two weeks in July 2015 in the Barcelona, Spain homestay program living in the Sabadell suburb area. I traveled to Spain from U.S. and was the only American student in this program. My homestay family was a very nice, retired lady, Anna, who was very kind and nurturing. My roommate was a French student who I became very close to and enjoyed my time with her. We got along very well and had many common interests. This homestay program provided me with a great exposure to the Spanish culture. I got to spend time with my host family, which included a grand daughter who also became a goodf riend. I continue to be in contact with all the new friends that I made this summer. …Overall, I would highly recommend this homestay program to students who want to experience life in Spain. I made many good friends on this trip and hope to continue to stay in touch with them, including my homestay family and tutor.
"Please give my gratitude to all the persons who made Sebas experience a very good one. He will now go back to finish his university studies in Spain." Father of Sebastian C.
Classic High School Exchange in Spain 2025 : Deadline
Classic High School Exchange in Spain 2025 : Eligibility
A minimum of two years of Spanish language study (A2 level) are required to attend a High School exchange program in Spain.
Participants must show that they are mature enough to participate in the student exchange in Spain that requires:
- Interest in learning about Spanish language and culture
- Deep desire to integrate into a different family and actively share their everyday life
- Enthusiasm for improving Spanish language communication skills
- Willingness to make new friends in their Spanish local community
- An open and flexible attitude towards a school year in Spain
Classic High School Exchange in Spain 2025 : FAQ
Here are some tips for you:
1) Communicate! Please talk about everything and be open with your host family. For example, tell them about your school life, where you are going, and what time you will return. Make a point to discuss host family rules, and schedules (such as when you can take a bath) right away.
2) Ask Questions. When in doubt, ask your host family for help. You might not understand everything at first, but your host family wants to help. You might feel less independent in the beginning, but these feelings will go away eventually. Don’t hesitate, or feel it is impolite to ask many questions. This is normal.
3) Discuss Issues. Sometimes there will be small problems adjusting for you and your host family. It is important to talk about these frustrations even if they seem small. Always talk to your host family first about any problems. If you become sick, tell your host family right away.
4) Allow adjustment time. You may form an image of your host family within the first couple of days that isn’t accurate. Your host family might take you sightseeing, fix special foods, or be extra polite when you first arrive. Little by little, you and your host family will feel more comfortable around each other and act naturally.
5) Participate in Family Life. Don’t hide in your room. If you are feeling homesick, hiding in your room will only make it worse. Have fun with your host family, and share in evening or weekend activities.
6) Keep an Open Mind. Look at differences as new and fun experiences. This is your chance to try many new things that you might not be able to do in your home country. Take advantage of the opportunity!
7) Be polite and friendly. This is important. You might not talk very much with your family in your home country, but if you shut yourself off from your host family they will assume that you are homesick or unhappy. When you like something, be sure you tell them. A “thank you” and a smile can go a long way!
8) Help with Housework and Chores. Seriously, you would be surprised at how much an offer to do the dishes will mean to your host family.
Remember, your host family will also be nervous, especially if it is their first time hosting. They worry about whether you like the food or their family. If you are open and friendly, you will help to put them at ease. At the end of your stay, you will probably find that you do not want to leave!
The benefits of studying abroad are multiple.
Here are some that you may want to consider:
- Develop and improve new language skills.
- Immerse yourself in a new culture and way of living.
- Become more independent.
- Gain a new perspective of your country, the destination country and the world while appreciating diversity.
- Find a family, make new friends and establish international friendships that could last a lifetime.
Most certainly! Among the purposes of our programs are acquiring cultural understanding and making new friends. One of the paths to obtain them is via extracurricular activities.
It's possible that your high school may not offer programs related to your interests or hobbies. However, this shouldn't be a problem as your host town will likely have various clubs, community facilities, and sports centers where you can continue to develop your skills and make lasting friendships.
Usually, students bring a small gift from their home country to their host family but it is not mandatory at all. It should not be a high-value gift but something typical of your country and culture.
If your child plans on taking electronic devices with him/her, you should check if he/she will need an adapter and buy one if he/she does.
A small, two-entry language dictionary may be very useful (must-have!), as well as a travel book of the city/area, with a plan.
Participant must be aware that they are responsible for the handling of their luggage. We advise you to travel with light luggage.
Aside from essential documents (passport and travel information), school supplies, and a photo album from home, we suggest reviewing the local weather for the time your child will spend abroad so he can adapt his clothes and bring what is necessary.
Take your most important belongings with you on board (hand luggage): necessary drugs if you are sick on board or have medical treatment; acceptance letters, passport, visa papers, and insurance certificate, details of your host family and/or of the person who is supposed to pick you up at arrival, emergency phone number for the program, electronic devices like camera and music devices, jewels if any, glasses, etc.
Students attending a High School exchange program are expected to follow the host family and school rules and attend school daily.
They are not allowed to drive, smoke, drink alcohol, or use drugs during the time he/she participates in the exchange program.
The student will be helped by our local representative and his/her host family to visit a local doctor and get the necessary medical treatment. If hospitalization, surgery, or repatriation is needed, the insurance should be first informed.
If necessary, our team at the headquarters located in France, which delivers a 24-hour emergency service, 365 days a year, may assist you. The phone number of this service will be given to you before the student’s departure.
Please be sure to have a medical insurance. We can provide you with one, for an additional cost. Ask us for more information about the insurance policy!
Your child’s trip abroad will be a rewarding experience, but he/she has to be ready to change his/her way of life for some time and toadapt to the host family.
Here aresome tips to check if your child is ready for this challenge:
- He/She is the one who wants to participate in thestudy abroad program. Never force your child to go abroad if he/she doesn’t want to! At best he/she won’t enjoy his/her trip as much as if he/she would have decided him/herself. At worst he/she will be repelled by his/her language studies back home!
- He/She showsinterest and curiosity about the language or the countryhe/she is going to visit.
- He/She isindependent enoughto be able to cope with problems that may occur (flight delays, loss of luggage, waiting time…), or with homesickness (has he/she already been far away from home? How did he/she cope with that?)
- He/She ismature enough. In some of our programs, supervision is high, and activities are planned all day long. But in others, students are less supervised and must be mature and responsible enough to behave according to the program’s rules and to find occupations.
If you are not sure if your child is ready or not, we can advise you!Meet the teamof Nacel!
Homesickness may happen to everyone, even people who have already been abroad without having faced any problems before. To prevent homesickness, keep in touch with your child, but not too much/too often (see below), and follow our preparation tips. If it is your child’s first experience abroad, a short-term experience would probably be the best choice for you to make, so that your child can “test” himself/herself.
The purpose of most of our programs is the immersion in another country’s language and culture. During the first days, it is normal if your child feels a bit homesick, and too frequent communication with his/her natural parents could delay his/her integration into the host country.
You can suggest she/he get involved in local activities, clubs, and sports to help her/him make friends with similar interests.