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    GAP Year / Study Abroad

    Discover Your Potential in Spain With Us

    Transform your life abroad. Embrace your independence, hone your skills, prep for your next steps while learning the Spanish language and culture. With our dynamic mix of tailored life coaching, mentoring, and cultural excursions, you can spend the semester or year building your best self.

    Unsure what this involves? Let's have a chat?
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    Enrolling Students From Around the World

    Discover the magic of Spain

    A GAP / Study Abroad in Spain with personalized Life Coaching? Yes, Please! We’re not your typical abroad programs. And we’re proud of that. Join our unique GAP / Study Abroad programs and unlock your full potential in a supportive, international community.

    With Spain Abroad, you could explore a new culture and language through:
    • Cultural excursions
    • Outdoor, adventure excursions
    • Spanish cooking classes
    • Spanish language classes
    But Spain Abroad also helps you discover YOU:
    • Strengthen your independence
    • Discover your impact on others
    • Craft your future path with purpose
    • Create healthy wellness practices
    • Develop a new way of living
    • Balance tech-use
    • Connect with peers
    • Empower your journey
    While in the beauty of a European culture that appreciates:
    • Quality over quantity
    • Slow, shared meals
    • Art and history
    • Immersing in nature
    • Building and growing within a community

    Experience three enriching months in Spain (rolling admissions), followed by continued personalized life coaching throughout the winter holidays, and join us back for our second semester Feb 28 - May 15.

    Your Choice Of Study Abroad Programs

    See Which Program Is Right For You:

    Spain Abroad

    GAP Year Program

    For 18 - 23 year olds (17 year olds taken on a case by case basis)

    Accepting Applications for Fall 2024 (Aug 31, 2024)
    Rolling Admissions
    *A single, 3-month semester available, space permitting

    Join our Holistic Wellness, Life-Coaching Program on the Southern Coast— where flamenco rhythms, Moorish architecture, and Mediterranean vibes blend seamlessly. It’s a place where history meets adventure- beachside, offering endless opportunities to discover your authentic self, release previous patterns and start living a more balanced life.

    Life Coaching and Mentoring: Get personalized sessions to boost your development, build resilience and grow your independent skills.

    Holistic Wellness Focus: Dive into a full wellness experience that includes mindfulness, healthy lifestyle coaching and workshops to help you grow personally.

    Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in Spain’s diverse culture with regional excursions throughout Andalucia, language practice, and community involvement.

    Beachside living: Take in the chill vibes and enjoy the slow pace, where you can relax, refocus, and explore in our coastal paradise.

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    Spain Abroad

    High School Academy

    For online high school students, 16-18 years old
    Accepting Applications for Fall 2025 (Early decision Feb 15, 2025)
    Rolling Admissions
    *A single, 3-month semester available, space permitting

    Immerse yourself in the heart of this historic, university city in León, Spain— where medieval charm, Gothic cathedrals, and rich cultural heritage await. Nestled amid picturesque landscapes and vibrant city life, our academy offers a transformative educational experience, a study abroad for online high school students. Dive into vibrant city life, immerse yourself in cultural experiences, and forge lifelong friendships in a dynamic setting. From historical adventures to cutting-edge learning environments, our academy invites you to discover your passions, embrace independence, and thrive academically and personally. Join us in León and redefine your educational journey with excitement and purpose.

    Academic Excellence: Dive into engaging courses and hands-on learning opportunities that spark curiosity and prepare you for future success as well as Homework Café to support your online high school courses.

    Personalized Support: Receive tailored coaching, guidance and mentoring to develop resilience, independence, and essential life skills.

    Cultural Exploration: Immerse yourself in Spanish culture through joining a Spanish homestay family, group excursions, language practice, and community interactions.

    Historic Charm: Explore the timeless allure and lively ambiance of León, where midieval marvels blend seamlessly with modern student life.

    A Glimpse of Spain Abroad

    Which program is right for you?

    Spain Abroad

    Semester Abroad Estepona, Spain

    In our Semester Abroad Program, students benefit from mentoring and life coaching in the beautiful and wonderfully safe and family-friendly, seaside town of Estepona. We help students find activities and opportunities to explore their specific interests and goals.

    Educational options include Spanish language in Estepona or taking online courses through your school of choice.

    Gain independent life skills as you share an apartment with other students while participating in individual life coaching and mentoring sessions to better hone your future plans. Discover a wellness plan that creates a foundation for a fuller future. ​

    We provide culturally immersive activities and resume building opportunities as well as regional cultural excursions. We dive into mindfulness practices to help you prepare for your ideal lifestyle. And we coach you on executive functioning so you have the best chance of success with your future plans. ​

    Semester based: Summer, Spring, and Fall. Minimum age 17.

    “Nobody can discover the world for somebody else. Only when we discover it for ourselves does it become common ground and a common bond and we cease to be alone.” – Wendell Berry

    summer homestay Immersion: Estepona or León

    Semester Abroad Estepona, Spain

    Our HOMESTAY IMMERSION track is available in two locations:

    • Estepona, the seaside pedestrian town along the Mediterranean Sea in Southern Spain, not yet for college credit, but coming soon! The amount of hours in Spanish class start at 6 and are flexible. 

    • León, Spain, the enchanting pedestrian college town in Northern Spain, in conjunction with The University of León. Able to receive college credit, requires 20 hours of Spanish per week. 

    Immerse yourself in the Spanish culture by living with a local homestay family while attending Spanish classes.

    Includes: group excursions, weekly group check-ins, career and resume building classes, food and lodging.  Ages 16-23.

    “Not all classrooms have four walls.” – Unknown

    summer homestay Immersion: Estepona or León

    Spain Abroad Academy

    Welcome to Spain Abroad Academy, where we redefine the high school experience by offering a dynamic blend of academics, cultural immersion, and personal growth opportunities.

    Embark on a transformative journey with us, starting with a semester in the historic city of León. Here, students are embraced by the rich tapestry of Spanish history and culture as they reside in carefully selected homestays, fostering deep connections with local families and gaining authentic insights into daily life. Our partnership with the esteemed University of León provides unique academic opportunities, allowing students to engage with renowned scholars and immerse themselves in the academic excellence for which the university is known. From exploring ancient Roman ruins to savoring traditional Spanish cuisine, every moment in León is an opportunity for discovery and growth.

    Transitioning to the second semester, students find themselves in the picturesque coastal town of Estepona, where tranquil beaches and endless sunshine await. Against the backdrop of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, Estepona offers the perfect setting for continued academic pursuits and personal reflection. Whether it’s strolling along the vibrant promenade or diving into the turquoise waters, students are encouraged to embrace the beauty of their surroundings and cultivate a deep appreciation for the natural world.

     

    At Spain Abroad Academy, we believe that education extends far beyond the confines of the classroom. Our comprehensive curriculum integrates rigorous academic coursework with experiential learning opportunities, empowering students to develop critical thinking skills, foster global awareness, and cultivate a sense of responsibility to themselves and the world around them. With a focus on executive functioning and college prep, our program equips students with the tools they need to succeed in higher education and beyond.

    Join us at Spain Abroad Academy and embark on a transformative journey that transcends borders, enriches the mind, and nourishes the soul. Your adventure awaits in the heart of Spain.

    "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." - Mark Twain

    Shout outs

    Don’t just take our word for it!

    At Spain Abroad, we offer more than just coaching—we provide a transformative semester abroad experience. See for yourself!

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    Meet Our Founders

    Lily Ortiz,

    Lily Ortiz,

    MS Counseling/ Master's Public Administration
    Johnny Tock,

    Johnny Tock,

    MS Counseling, LMHC
    Leanna Woodley-Tock,

    Leanna Woodley-Tock,

    Certified Life-Coach, Writer, Educator

    10 Benefits to Studying Abroad

    Education

    Completely immersing yourself in the education system of your host country is a great way to really experience and understand the people, its traditions, and its culture.

    Hone Your Language Skill

    Studying abroad grants you the opportunity to completely immerse yourself in a new language, and there is no better way to learn than to dive right in.

    Career Opportunities

    You will return with a new perspective on culture, language skills, a great education, and a willingness to learn. Needless to say, all of these are very attractive to future employers.

    Take in New Cultures

    When you study abroad you will find incredible new foods, customs, traditions, and social atmospheres.

    Find New Interests

    Studying in a different country offers many new activities and interests that you may never have discovered if you’d stayed at home.

    Make Life Long Friends

    One of the biggest benefits of studying abroad is the opportunity to meet new lifelong friends from different backgrounds.

    See the World

    You will experience a brand-new country with incredible new outlooks, customs and activities. The benefits of studying abroad include the opportunity to see new terrains, natural wonders, museums and landmarks of your host nation.

    Personal Development

    You might find that studying abroad really brings out your independent nature. Students who study abroad become explorers of their new nation and really discover the curiosity and excitement that they harbor.

    University Admissions

    Graduate Schools regularly look for candidates who will bring a unique aspect to their university. Students who have studied abroad have shown that they have the curiosity and educational acumen to be a leader in graduate school.

    Special Activities

    Eventually you will find a job and career, and the opportunity to study abroad may turn out to be a once in a life time opportunity. Take this opportunity to travel the world with no commitments but to study and learn about new cultures. Studying abroad is an experience unlike any other.

    10 Benefits to Studying Abroad

    icon

    Education

    Completely immersing yourself in the education system of your host country is a great way to really experience and understand the people, its traditions, and its culture.

    icon

    Hone Your Language Skill

    Studying abroad grants you the opportunity to completely immerse yourself in a new language, and there is no better way to learn than to dive right in.

    icon

    Career Opportunities

    You will return with a new perspective on culture, language skills, a great education, and a willingness to learn. Needless to say, all of these are very attractive to future employers.

    icon

    Take in New Cultures

    When you study abroad you will find incredible new foods, customs, traditions, and social atmospheres.

    icon

    Find New Interests

    Studying in a different country offers many new activities and interests that you may never have discovered if you’d stayed at home.

    icon

    Make Life Long Friends

    One of the biggest benefits of studying abroad is the opportunity to meet new lifelong friends from different backgrounds. While studying abroad, you will attend school and live with students from your host country.

    icon

    See the World

    You will experience a brand-new country with incredible new outlooks, customs and activities. The benefits of studying abroad include the opportunity to see new terrains, natural wonders, museums and landmarks of your host nation.

    icon

    Personal Development

    You might find that studying abroad really brings out your independent nature. Students who study abroad become explorers of their new nation and really discover the curiosity and excitement that they harbor.

    icon

    Graduate School Admissions

    Graduate schools regularly look for candidates who will bring a unique aspect to their university. Students who have studied abroad have shown that they have the curiosity and educational acumen to be a leader in graduate school.

    icon

    Special Activities

    Eventually you will find a job and career, and the opportunity to study abroad may turn out to be a once in a life time opportunity. Take this opportunity to travel the world with no commitments but to study and learn about new cultures. Studying abroad is an experience unlike any other.