SPAIN
SPANISH LANGUAGE EXPERIENCE
Language learning meets real-life Spain in Toledo, Madrid and Barcelona
Program Overview
The passions of Spain’s people are the fabric of daily life. This is a country with music in its soul, a love of fine food and wild landscapes and a special talent for celebration.
For the first half of the program, you’ll stay in the small city of Toledo. You’ll be surrounded by rich history, stunning architecture and medieval monuments. Sharpen your Spanish through a mix of immersion and formal instruction, then practice with passionate native speakers while volunteering on community projects.
For the second half, explore two of Spain’s most iconic cities: Madrid and Barcelona. Visit the Real Madrid soccer stadium, Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. Take part in a Flamenco class and show, a bike tour in Barcelona and a paella and tapas cooking class. Cool off by kayaking in the pristine waters of the Ruidera Lakes and swimming in the Mediterranean Sea.
On GLA’s Spain: Spanish Language Experience program you will:
- Improve your Spanish through language immersion
- Explore historic Toledo
- Take a Spanish cooking class and learn to make paella and tapas
- Kayak in the pristine waters of Ruidera Lakes
- Travel to Madrid and take part in a Tapas Tour and watch a Flamenco Show
- Take a fast train to Barcelona to visit Sagrada Familia and Park Güell and swim in the Mediterranean Sea
Program Menu
SPAIN
SPANISH LANGUAGE EXPERIENCE
Sample Itinerary
Let’s take a sneak peek at what your program experience might look like this summer! Please note that the order of activities may differ for each program session. The details provided here represent a general outline of what you can anticipate, though community service projects and activities are subject to change based on the needs of our local community partners, cultural celebrations and traditions, weather conditions and the specific requirements of the student group.
Day 1: Arrival
Welcome to Spain! GLA staff will greet you at Madrid Airport (MAD) and travel with you to your Home Base in Toledo. After settling into your room, you’ll meet your fellow travelers. We’ll enjoy our first Spanish welcome dinner together before resting up for an exciting day ahead!
Day 2: Orientation & Scavenger Hunt
Today, we’ll begin with an orientation and then split into Spanish groups based on skill level for our first class. After lunch, we’ll head into town for the first time. In groups, you’ll take part in a supervised scavenger hunt, practicing your Spanish by enlisting the help of locals to find the items on your list.
Days 3-8: Service, Language & Cultural Exploration
Enjoy a mix of Spanish classes, cultural adventures like exploring Toledo, kayaking at Ruidera Lakes, visiting Don Quixote’s windmills and urban ziplining, while volunteering at a local summer camp and supporting a river cleanup—giving you daily opportunities to practice your Spanish in real-life settings.
Days 9–10: Madrid - Paella, Tapas & Flamenco
Spend the weekend in Madrid learning to cook paella, taking a flamenco class and attending a live show, then enjoy a tapas tour through the city’s iconic streets before heading back to Toledo.
Days 11-13: Barcelona - Sagrada Familia, Park Güell & Beach Time!
Take a high-speed train to Barcelona and spend your final days exploring the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and the city by bike, then celebrate the end of the program with beach time on the Mediterranean.
Day 14: Departure
Before you know it, this 14-day journey will come to an end. Head to Barcelona Airport (BCN) today with lasting memories and knowledge that will benefit you for life! Staff will assist with check-in and stay with you until you’ve safely passed through security.
Program Map
SPAIN
SPANISH LANGUAGE EXPERIENCE
Program Details
Dates & Tuition
2027 Session Dates
July 03 – July 16, 2027
July 19 – August 01, 2027
What's Included in Tuition
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
to hold your spot on-program.
Program at a Glance
Every GLA Program is 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
Skye T. | 2016 Alumni Student
“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.”
The Program Experience
Language Immersion
Take your Spanish to the next level with engaging classes taught by local teachers and a wealth of opportunities for real-world language exchange. The GLA Experiential Language Curriculum™ integrates Spanish learning into every part of the experience, from service projects and community interactions to daily excursions and cultural events helping students deepen their understanding while building practical communication skills. You’ll also put your skills to work by supporting Spanish schoolchildren in strengthening their English, leading fun summer camp activities such as arts and crafts, short theater performances and environmental projects in Toledo.
Exploratory Travel
Immerse yourself in authentic Spanish life as you explore iconic cities, historical landmarks, and local community traditions. Master the secrets of preparing paella, the quintessential Spanish dish during a hands-on cooking class, try beginner flamenco steps before attending a live professional performance and set off on a delicious tapas tour sampling regional flavors. Along the way, connect deeply with local communities by taking part in meaningful service initiatives, from environmental cleanups along Toledo’s rivers and parks to volunteering with local support organizations.
Adventure
See Spain by land, air, and water! Explore the historic streets of Toledo on an exciting scavenger hunt, then soar over the city’s medieval architecture on an epic urban zipline. Ride bikes along Barcelona’s Mediterranean coastline to take in the ocean breeze and head out to the serene Ruidera Lakes to kayak across pristine waters for a refreshing outdoor escape from the bustling city.
Country Spotlight
Discover the timeless charm, vibrant urban energy and rich traditions that make Spain an unforgettable European destination.
Lodging: Enjoy dedicated, secure accommodations reserved exclusively for GLA students and staff as you travel across Spain. In Toledo, stay in an enclosed compound-style student dorm with gender-segregated rooms and shared bathrooms with showers. While exploring Madrid and Barcelona, the group will stay in central hostels with shared student rooms (2–4 beds per room).
Meals: Food is an integral part of life in Spain, where long, shared meals hold deep significance in local culture. Savor diverse tapas, fresh seafood, local produce and authentic regional specialties prepared fresh throughout your journey.
SPAIN
SPANISH LANGUAGE EXPERIENCE
Photo Gallery
SPAIN
SPANISH LANGUAGE EXPERIENCE
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