Taking a Gap Year in Spain

For students looking to take a year off from schooling to immerse themselves into a new land and culture, it can be difficult to decide on where to go and what to choose from out of the many available gap year programs and internships. Given the immense amount of gap year jobs in Spain, as well as the lively, welcoming culture and endless opportunities within the country, Spain is a very popular destination for those taking a gap year. It’s especially popular amongst those looking to spend their gap year learning Spanish or teaching English. If you’re wondering what to do in a gap year abroad in Spain, how to take a gap year in Spain, or are just beginning your research, read further to discover everything you need to know about taking a gap year in Spain! 

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What to Do in a Gap Year Abroad in Spain? 

When it comes to taking a gap year in Spain, maximizing your chance to explore different cultures, languages, and ways of life can be very beneficial. With its location in Europe, with easy access to many other European countries, its vibrant culture, and multitude of local languages, Spain is a very popular destination for international students taking a gap year. Due to the immense number of foreign students throughout the country, Spain has a wide variety of different types of gap year programs. Plus, with regards to immersing yourself into a new culture at atmosphere, it doesn’t get much better than Spain. The towering, historic architecture found all throughout Spanish cities is awe-inspiring, and can make even walking to work feel like a moment out of a movie. The country’s landscape is gorgeous, the beaches are out-of-this-world, and there are endless opportunities for fun activities and nightlife. 

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Students can expect to utilize the easy public transportation to get around, travel to new cities and even countries, and visit must-see museums and historic sites. The busy nightlife is also fun to partake in if students choose to do so. However, there are also so many activities to take part in around Spain, national holidays to celebrate with the locals, and sites to see. To get to know the culture, students can watch Flamenco dance, eat at one of the many spectacular local restaurants, and practice their Spanish speaking skills by speaking with the locals. With so many sunny days in Spain, beaches are popular amongst students on their days off, as are music festivals and flea markets. Some top destination cities throughout Spain for students taking a gap year include Barcelona, Valencia, Grenada, and the capital city Madrid. If a student chooses, any free time can be used to take part in the many ventures throughout Spain. 

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Gap Year Programs

There are a few different approaches to taking a gap year in Spain, and it can be difficult to decide on what is the best gap year program for you. It’s important to explore what you want out of your gap year– whether you want to spend your gap year learning Spanish or teaching English. Keep in mind though that most companies and locals are very understanding towards international students and want to share their culture with you! 

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Internships

Internships are a very popular route when it comes to taking a gap year in Spain. They are a great way to spend your gap year learning Spanish, navigating working life, and learning what it means to truly live in and be a part of Spain. There are so many options for gap year jobs in Spain to best assist students with their professional goals and desired professions. Through an internship, you can spend your gap year teaching English to locals, assisting start-up companies with their marketing or sales, or any basic-level tasks associated with working for a company as an intern. Plus, interning typically means that your weekends are free to travel and explore not only Spain, but all over Europe! Many internship gap year programs also have the option to take Spanish language and culture classes, if you desire to utilize your gap year learning Spanish to increase your skills with the language. 

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Volunteering 

Another option for taking a gap year in Spain is to join a volunteering program for international students. Volunteers are typically enrolled into Spanish language courses through their chosen gap year program, so students can spend part of their gap year learning Spanish to help them best interact with the locals and the culture. Volunteers can choose from a multitude of options to help the Spanish communities, such as helping the environment and/or the citizens of Spain. This can entail spending your gap year teaching English to locals, cleaning up the nearby beaches, or directly assisting those in need. Many volunteers are placed with host families for the duration of their stay, which is known to be extremely beneficial for learning more about the local community and working on your Spanish speaking skills. 

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University Courses 

While enrolling in courses isn’t the most thought of path when it comes to taking a gap year in Spain, since it still involves some schooling, taking classes at Spanish universities can be very fulfilling and helpful, especially for those looking to spend their gap year learning Spanish. Students can choose from a variety of courses and schools, such as the University of Barcelona or the University of Grenada, in Spain to find what best suits them and their plans. Through their chosen gap year program, students can take Spanish language, Spanish food and culture, or other courses that can help them learn and get to know the country more thoroughly. International students have the chance to mingle with local students and attend a multitude of exciting events and extracurriculars. Additionally, weekends are then left free for traveling all over Spain and Europe, exploring museums and historic sites, and making use of the active nightlife if so desired. 

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