Location:

Barcelona, Spain

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Term:

Academic Year, Spring Semester, Summer

Program Overview

Program Description:

AFS (formerly the American Field Service) is a leader in intercultural learning and offers international exchange programs in more than 40 countries around the world. We've been exchanging students throughout the world for 60 years. That is six decades of history and experience in international education with an exemplary record of safety, security, and service to students, parents, and educators.

AFS Mission: AFS-USA works toward a more just and peaceful world by providing international and intercultural learning experiences to individuals, families, schools, and communities through a global volunteer partnership.

AFS offers year and summer programs to destinations throughout Spain. AFS is currently offering hundreds of scholarships for students flexible with their country choice and ready for an adventure.

Being at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Atlantic has helped Spain develop a rich culture. There are four languages spoken in the country, seven dialects, and 17 political regions (comunidades autonomas), not to mention the differing cuisines, lifestyles, and local festivals and celebrations... In many Spanish schools, sports will be the most common extra curricular activity to find. It is often team sports such as soccer or basketball. Other activities would be mountain hiking in school groups, drama, and art. The Spanish students are graded differently than the typical American high school student. Take a look at how different the grading system is and how you will be graded in the future. Outstanding (Sobresaliente):9-10 Good (Notable):7-8.9 Average (Bien):6-6.9 Poor (Aprobado):5-5.9 Failing (Insuficiente): 0-4.9

Colleges recommend high school study abroad experiences - as these programs provide the opportunity to develop confidence and self-reliance before pursuing higher education. In addition, after exploring the world you may have a clearer vision of what you'd like to study in college. As a result, you may spend less time switching majors, which means you'll save time and money. An exchange program also boosts college applications and gives you an immediate advantage when applying for scholarships.

Plus, the language skills you develop on an AFS program might exempt you from required language courses, thus enabling you to finish college sooner. Some students have received as much as 18 hours language credit-almost enough to provide a minor in language and a huge financial savings when you figure the cost of credits.

Setting Description:

While Spanish is the official language understood everywhere, you'll have the extra advantage of learning the regional dialect or language of your host family and school. You'll also see the variety of the country in its buildings-from Roman aqueducts to Islamic palaces to Gothic cathedrals to medieval castles-and its music-from the drama of flamenco to the melancholy lyricism of the Celtic music and gaitas (bagpipes) of the northwest. The food varies too, but you can expect Mediterranean-style dishes with liberal use of olive oil, garlic, onions, tomatoes, and peppers. Fish and seafood are abundant, but Spanish cooking emphasizes red meat and pork, which are eaten nearly every day.