Barcelona Gap Year Program for 18+

2011 Gap Year in Barcelona, Spain

Is this program for you?

The Gap Year Program in Barcelona is suited to the student who is looking for a high-quality language immersion program in one of Spain's most exciting cities! The program is ideal for students who want to combine daily Spanish language classes with afternoons, evenings and weekends that are free to join optional activities and excursions or spend time exploring Barcelona on their own, with their host family or with new friends. The program is intended for students who are independent, have some travel experience, are comfortable taking public transit, are used to time away from family and are able to effectively manage and advocate for themselves in new and unfamiliar situations. Please see the About Mature Teen & Gap Year Programs page for more information.

Location

Worldly Barcelona, city of artists, museums, home of Picasso, the entire city an architectural exhibition featuring brilliant mosaics, riotous ornamentation, stained glass, marble… it would take years to take in all of Barcelona’s attractions.  Visit, for example, La Pedrera, an apartment building designed by Gaudi in 1910.  Imagine a building that creeps monstrously around a corner, an amusement park haunted house of bulging eyes, laughing mouths and peephole windows, wave after wave of stone, entanglements of wrought-iron seaweed.  Imagine getting away with something so outrageous in 1910.  Or watch the passing parade of people on famous Las Ramblas; sit at sidewalk cafés and listen to ordinary citizens debate art; stroll the Gothic Quarter—the ancient heart of the city, a labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets that wind around Roman walls with imposing stone towers.  In the evening, feel the breeze from the Mediterranean Sea that laps the coast of this spectacular, unforgettable Spanish city.

Course

The main objective of the Spanish courses in Spain is to improve conversational skills.  In this course, the emphasis of classroom activities is therefore the development of the students' abilities to speak and understand spoken Spanish. Classes are conducted entirely in Spanish and students are given plenty of opportunity to develop their practical speaking skills.  Attention is also paid to grammar, vocabulary, reading and writing skills, and a wide variety of materials are used including published materials from many sources, and materials written by the teachers. While the atmosphere in the classroom is relaxed and informal, you should be prepared to work hard and participate fully. With the 20 lessons per week option, classes take place Monday to Friday from 9:00 - 12:30 while the cultural and social activities take place in the afternoons and evenings. If you choose the 30 lessons per week option, you will have classes, Monday to Friday from 9:00 - 12:30 & 1:00 - 2:30. Please see our sample schedule page for more information.

Teachers

All teachers are experienced, extensively trained in teaching Spanish as a second or foreign language and many have master's degrees or equivalent teaching qualifications.  They are known to be firm yet fun and work hard to ensure that you will get the most out of your class time in a full-immersion environment.

Accommodation

We recommend that any student under the age of 18 stay with a host family. Minor students may be accepted in apartment accommodation at this location on a case-by-case basis.

Homestay

You will be accommodated by welcoming local families in a private room.  Host families typically live in apartments in central Barcelona, no more than 30 to 40 minutes from the school either on foot or by public transit.  You can choose breakfast only or half-board, which includes breakfast and dinner.  Another student from the same program may also be staying with the same host family but, where possible, the school will try to place a non English speaking student to encourage the amount of Spanish that is spoken at the homestay.  By living with a Spanish family, you will get the opportunity to participate more directly in a Spanish environment and experience the customs, culture and the rich and healthy Mediterranean diet.

For general information on homestay accommodation please visit our Homestay Q & A page.

Residence

From June until mid of September, you can choose to stay in a single or double room at one of the Residences.  They are usually no more than 10 to 20 minutes from the school either on foot or by public transit. Linens and towels are provided and changed weekly. Students are asked to bring their own towels.

For general information on residence accommodation please visit our Residence Q & A page.

Shared Apartments

Shared apartments are available for students 18+ years old and offer a high level of independence. Please contact us for more information about this housing option.

Meals

You can choose either breakfast only or half-board, which consists of breakfast and dinner.  For any meals you do not take with your host family you are free to enjoy many of the hundreds of outstanding restaurants, cafes and tapas that can be found throughout the city. 

*Residence and shared apartments do not have any meal options.

The following program features are included in the price

• 20 or 30 lessons per week
• Online language level test before beginning of course
• Use of course materials

• Language proficiency certificate at end of program upon request
  

• Homestay, residence or shared apartment accommodation

• Pick-up service from Barcelona International Airport (please see the Getting There page for more information)

• Comprehensive Medical & Travel Insurance