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Gap Year Programs in Spain

Sipping sangrias, dancing the flamenco, and exploring diverse architectural styles — aww, sííí, why not live the good life with a gap year in Spain? ¡Es la caña! With 44 World UNESCO Heritage sites, hundreds of fiestas, and millions of Spanish speakers, you’ll experience something new every day. Give yourself a break from the hubbub of school or work to create a better version of yourself, learn some Spanish, and make lifelong friends. Take it despacito with a gap year abroad in Spain: lounging on beaches, exploring palaces, and savoring gazpacho on warm, sunny days.
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Seamester

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The Intern Group - Spain
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The Intern Group

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International Internships in Madrid

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CIEE Gap Year Spain
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CIEE Gap Year in Seville, Spain: Spanish Language & Culture

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Impact Gap Year

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Traditional Dance in Spain - IGS
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EF Education First

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EF Language Year Abroad – Malaga, Spain

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International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

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Gapforce

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IES Abroad

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Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

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Centro MundoLengua

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Spanish Institute for Global Education

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Intern Abroad HQ

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Soccer Camps International

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Euroace

Gap Year Spanish Language Immersion with Euroace

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Where There Be Dragons

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RVF International

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Arcos Learning Abroad

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Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M)

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See You Diving Tenerife

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A Guide to Gap Year in Spain

Best Cities

Spain’s geography ranges from mountains to rivers to islands to coasts, but whatever city you’re in, you’re probably just a high-speed train ride or an economical flight away to another stunning place. The best gap year destinations in Spain that offer a variety of programs include Barcelona, Seville, and Madrid. 

Barcelona. Let the seaside city of Barcelona brisk you away with its Mediterranean fresh air, dramatic Gothic architecture, and salivating gastronomical delights. As one of the largest financial capitals of the world, Barcelona offers gappers internships in a variety of fields to get their feet wet in the office while you soak in the sun outside of the office. Experience the whimsical Park Güell, the jaw-dropping sight of the Sagrada Familia, and the succulent paella. 

Seville. Slip into your heels and shimmy on over to this historic city with some of the biggest flamenco dance events in the world. From the Moorish-Renaissance palace Alcazár to the Plaza de España, Seville will overwhelm you with its gorgeous baroque and modern architecture. Seville offers gappers small-group private Spanish classes to help you acquire skills in this romantic language. Cobbled alleys lined with orange trees, tapas ricas, and local museums makes this city a cultural haven.

Madrid. The third largest European city and capital lies in the heart of Spain. With a welcoming atmosphere, hot night scenes, and artistic sights, no day will be like the next. Madrid offers gappers language and art classes, internships, and volunteer opportunities. The royal palaces, legendary cocktail bars, artistic masterpieces, and plazas and parques will sweep you off your feet. Some of most delicious food in Spain is here from huevos rotos to chocolate con churros to orejas a la plancha.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! You can take a gap year in Spain. However, if you want to spend an entire 12 months in Spain, you will need to explore which long stay visas you're eligible for, as a typical tourist visa only lasts for 90 days.

It depends on what the focus of your gap year will be and how long you actually intend to stay. For example, Spain offers both an Au Pair Visa and Working Holiday Visa, which have their own stipulations and requirements.

Benefits of taking a gap year in Spain include improved Spanish language skills, broadened horizons, and new perspectives. To enjoy the benefits of a gap year in Spain, be sure to be intentional and set goals for yourself.

The most popular types of gap year programs in Spain are au pair programs, language programs, and English teaching programs. However, in such a big country with so much to explore, you can do almost anything with a gap year in Spain!

Popular destinations for a gap year in Spain are Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Valencia, and more. Spain is extremely popular with international students, and as such, there are tons of places that make great gap year destinations in Spain.

Latest Program Reviews

Best of both worlds

July 03, 2025by: Daniela Busse - GermanyProgram: Hybrid Spain by Train x Future Leaders Program
10

My daughter had a blast during her time with the hybrid Spain by Train and Future Leaders program! Extra language classes helped her deepen her Spanish skills, she saw so much of beautiful Spain and got exposed to its culture with hands-on activities. Her internship in Sustainability research & communication was hand-selected and incredibly helpful for her to crystallize a potential career direction. The Entrepreneurship program was a very effective introduction into the world of business and leadership. Arantxa is a gem and the team responsive, super friendly, and always helpful! Loved our experience with them and this amazing program.

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