SPAIN
COAST TO COAST ADVENTURE
Spain awaits! Experience vibrant culture, world-famous art & Mediterranean charm on this unforgettable journey through Málaga, Madrid & Barcelona.
Program Overview
On this program, you’ll dive into the cultural heartbeat of Spain — a country that celebrates life through food, art, music, and endless sunshine. The passions of Spain’s people are woven into daily life; this is a place with music in its soul, a love of fine food and wild landscapes, and a special talent for celebration. Over 10 unforgettable days, you’ll explore three of Spain’s most iconic cities: the seaside charm of Málaga, the vibrant capital of Madrid, and the artistic energy of Barcelona. From learning to surf on the Mediterranean coast and discovering masterpieces by Picasso to watching Flamenco come alive on stage, you’ll experience the spirit and rhythm that make Spain truly unforgettable.
On GLA’s Spain: Coast to Coast Adventure program you will:
- Catch your first waves in a surf class on Málaga’s beaches and explore the works of Picasso in his hometown
- Take part in a Spanish cooking class, mastering local flavors like tapas and paella
- Travel to Madrid and visit Retiro Park, watch a Flamenco show and join an informative and delicious Tapas Tour
- Explore historic Toledo and zipline across the Tajo river
- Take a fast train to Barcelona where you’ll visit Sagrada Familia, Park Guell and end your adventure by swimming in the Mediterranean Sea
Program Menu
Community Service
Participate in a range of activities with local organizations. These will be determined by the needs of the community at the time but could range from environmental cleanups along the river and park areas in Madrid or Toledo to volunteering at a shelter for people experiencing homelessness.
Hands-on Learning
Immerse yourself in Spanish life through each excursion. From mastering a paella cooking class, the quintessential dish of Spanish cuisine, to taking your first steps in the art of Flamenco dancing by participating in a class and experiencing a professional performance. Learn about Spanish art and history by visiting the Picasso Museum in Málaga, as well as Sagrada Familia and Park Guell in Barcelona.
Spanish learning: even though this isn’t a language inmersion program and there won’t be formal Spanish classes, there will be plenty of opportunities for students to practice their Spanish by interacting with locals. Staff on this program are bilingual and will be more than happy to facilitate conversations in Spanish.
Adventure
See Spain by land, air and water! Explore Toledo and take in the cityscape from above on an epic urban zipline. Take a surf lesson in Málaga and ride bikes along Barcelona’s coastline.
Lodging & Meals
Your GLA Home Base is your “home away from home” throughout your time in Spain, with spaces exclusively reserved for GLA students and staff. Throughout Málaga, Madrid and Barcelona, the group will stay in hostels, with rooms shared by 2-6 students each. Rooms have ensuite bathrooms and AC.
Food is an integral part of life in Spain, and long, shared meals hold strong significance in Spanish tradition and culture. From diverse tapas to incredible seafood, the culinary experiences you’ll have in Spain will be memorable and unique to the area.
SPAIN
COAST TO COAST ADVENTURE
Dates & Tuition
10-Day Program
2026 Session Dates
June 21 – June 30, 2026
Program Details
Tuition Includes All In-Country Expenses
Airport pick-up/drop-off
In-country transportation
Lodging
3 meals per day
Professional full-time staff and experts
24/7 parent support hotline during program
Secondary medical and evacuation insurance
Cultural activities, lectures and excursions
Pre-departure materials and support
Educational materials
An application fee and $600 deposit are required
to hold your spot on-program.
Backed by our 5-Point Safety System™
GLA HOME BASE:
SAFE & SECURE LODGING
CARING SUPERVISION &
EXPERT LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
SAFE
TRANSPORTATION
HEALTHY FOOD
& PURE WATER
24/7 SUPPORT &
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Recommended by Students and Parents
“What made this program life-changing for me was the unique way that it incorporated service work with the vibrant culture. I feel like a gained a very deep understanding for Spain and its traditions, while also learning about many of the challenges the country faces that are sometimes overlooked. It’s something I’ll never forget. “
Skye T. | Student | 2016
SPAIN
SPANISH LANGUAGE EXPERIENCE
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