San Sebastián
SPAIN
2020 Sessions
Two Week – $3,795
Summer 1: June 12 – 27
Summer 2: June 26 – July 11
Summer 3: July 10 – 26
Four Week – $7,095
Month 2: June 26 – July 25
Six Week – Inquire
6-Week: June 12 – July 25
The Basque Country’s Seaside Gem…
Located on the beach in the lush rolling hills of northern Spain, San Sebastián is an inviting and enchanting city where old meets new. For years, European families have traveled to San Sebastián (also called Donostia) to relax, surf and enjoy the city’s pristine beaches and surrounding landscapes. Founded in 1180, the city serves as the capital of the Guipuzkoa province of Spain and has evolved into a culturally rich cosmopolitan destination; it is ideal for Spanish language and immersion students. The SPI high school study abroad program in San Sebastián allows you to truly experience life as a native – students live with a caring homestay, attend Spanish classes during the week, and travel to some of the country’s most amazing sites! The San Sebastián program will captivate and inspire you as you immerse with locals (or donostiarras), participate in a variety of exciting cultural activities, and soak up the beauty of this region and its culture. You simply won’t want to leave!
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San Sebastián Program Overview
Academics & Leadership
Academic Overview
School: Local language institute
Course Hours: 40 Hours (2 Week), 80 Hours (4 Week), or 120 Hours (6 Week) of Spanish Language & Culture
Spanish Language & Conversation: Students are broken up by levels, and attend Spanish language and conversation classes Monday – Friday in the mornings. The courses focus on developing Spanish communication skills by simulating real life situations through interactive class activities that include writing, oral expression, film, music, food, and literature.
> Spanish levels 1 through AP/IB
> 5-15 Students per Class
> Certified native instructors with advanced teaching degrees
Cultural Leadership Enrichment
SPI offers a unique cultural leadership enrichment component for our European programs. This component is geared toward connecting students with their local surroundings and language while engaging them in real-life skill building exercises. The component incorporates unique activities, excursions and daily group discussions with a focus on team building, leadership, personal growth, travel skills and cultural awareness.
> SPI Leadership Building Seminars
> European Travel Skills Workshop
> Exchanges with Spanish locals
> Spanish Culinary Experiences
Activities & Excursions
Elective Activities
In addition to SPI’s cultural leadership enrichment program, students will have the exciting opportunity to enhance their experience abroad by participating in optional elective courses and activities! Electives range from sports activities to unique cultural events and are designed to further engage students into the local culture and, of course, just have fun! Exact electives will vary per program and are based on student interest and weather. Upon arrival abroad, students will choose which electives they wish to participate in.
San Sebastián Elective Activities:
> Elective Courses: Flamenco or Latin Dance, Surfing Course (Beginner to Advanced), Spanish & Basque Cooking and Gastronomy, Stand Up Paddle-boarding
> Additional Potential Electives: Gym Sessions, Basque Art & Architecture, Soccer, Volleyball, Tennis, Swimming.
*Optional elective activities may have an additional cost
Travel Excursions
From visits to world class museums to magnificent hikes through lush mountains, students explore the most important monuments, cities and natural wonders in the San Sebastián region. Weekend and cultural day travel excursions help students dynamically use the language of study and interact with the local community.
San Sebastián Travel Excursions:
> Pamplona
> Santander
> Bilbao
> Biarritz, France & St. Jean de Luz
> Zumaia
Safety & Supervision
On-site Directors & Staff
Directors and on-site staff are professional multilingual educators and caring leaders who serve as international “moms and dads”. We maintain a highly personal student to director ratio of typically one director for every eight students. Directors actively participate in all aspects of the immersion experience focusing on student well-being, cultural adjustments, and daily check ins to ensure active student participation.
Daily Supervision & Free Time
To ensure student safety, on-site directors are available 24 hours a day and carry local cell phones at all times. Directors check-in with students on a daily basis in the mornings, afternoons and evenings and monitor all aspects of the program. At SPI, we believe in the educational value of giving students a structured amount of free-time on certain afternoons. Students are expected to abide by SPI’s standards of conduct at all times, and we implement a “buddy system.”
Curfew: 11 PM Weekdays & 12 AM Weekends
Pre-Requisites
Language Requirement: 1 year of Spanish
AP/IB Prep
Flight Information
What's Included
San Sebastián - 2 Week Itinerary
Depart U.S. for San Sebastián, Spain!
Board your flight and get ready to embark on the study abroad journey of a lifetime!
Arrive in San Sebastián & Meet Your Homestay
Bienvenidos! Step off the plane and into your new vida española . Enjoy an orientation party with your peers and your directors before meeting and spending the evening with your local homestay.
Settle Into Your New Home & On-Site Orientation!
Enjoy a captivating orientation tour followed by group welcome lunch! Continue getting to know your group as you continue with an afternoon walking tour of the city.
First Day of Spanish Classes
Meet your Profesor/a after a language placement exam in the morning. In the afternoon, tour the city’s famed Monte Urgull or Igueldo and marvel at the Eduardo Chillida Sculptures while taking in the beautiful panoramic views.
Regular Spanish Classes & Afternoon Cultural Activities
Morning Classes and snack break, followed by lunch. Afternoon activities include excursions to nearby towns, cooking, dance, museums, aquariums, and local water sports!
Travel Excursion to Biarritz, France and St. Jean de Luz
Living along Spain’s northern coast has its many benefits, but one of SPI San Sebastian program highlights is our weekend excursion to nearby Biarritz, France! Discover the amazing natural beauty and unique French Basque culture as you explore this neighboring city and country.
Enjoy A Relaxing Sunday with your Homestay and New Friends
After a long week of learning, experiencing and traveling, enjoy a relaxing Spanish style Sunday with your homestay and new friends. Walk the boardwalk, grab some ice cream, or meet your on-site Directors for a cafe social to practice your language skills.
Regular Spanish Classes & Afternoon Cultural Activities
Be amazed by the progress you’ve made in your language skills and ability to thrive in a new culture! Regular afternoon activities continue into week two as you continue exploring the Basque region and all San Sebastian has to offer! (Don’t worry, there will be plenty of time to enjoy the beaches!)
Last Day of Classes & Farewell Party
As your time in San Sebastián comes to a close, enjoy a final day with your homestay and friends!
Depart San Sebastián for Home
¡Buen viaje! Return home with amazing memories of España!
San Sebastián - 4 Week Itinerary
Depart for San Sebastián, Spain!
Board your flight and get ready to embark on the study abroad journey of a lifetime!
Arrive in San Sebastián & Meet Your Homestay
Bienvenidos! Step off the plane and into your new vida española . Enjoy an orientation party with your peers and your directors before meeting and spending the evening with your local homestay.
Settle Into Your New Home!
Enjoy a captivating orientation tour of this charming seaside destination and continue getting to know your group!.
First Day of Spanish Classes
Meet your Profesor/a and class after a language placement exam in the morning. In the afternoon, take in the striking views from the city’s famed Monte Igueldo.
Regular Spanish Classes & Cultural Activities
Continue improving your Spanish fluency through morning language and conversation courses followed by afternoon cultural activities.
Travel Excursion to Biarritz, France & St. Jean de Luz
Discover the beauty of this stunning city situated just across the border in the French Basque region will amaze you with its pristine beaches, incredible shopping districts, and unparalleled French cuisine.
Quality Time with Homestay & Friends
Spanish Sundays are the perfect day to dar un paseo along the waterfront, lounge on the beach, and take in the local culture while enjoying a café con leche on an outdoor patio.
Regular Spanish Classes & Cultural Activities
Be amazed by the progress you’ve made in your language skills and ability to thrive in a new culture!
Travel Excursion to Zumaia or Zarautz
Explore the picturesque seaside pueblito of either Zumaia or Zarautz. These lovely, quaint towns will deepen your appreciation of northern Spain and its unique culture and history.
Quality Time with Homestay & Friends
Relish life as local Spaniards do by eating un helado while basking in the coastal sun or spend the afternoon at the Spanish cine.
Regular Spanish Classes & Cultural Activities
Spanish fluency is in your grasp and San Sebastian has become your ‘home away from home’!
Travel Excursion to Bilbao
Expand your love of northern Spain by traveling to the city of Bilbao in the neighboring Pais Vasco. Visit the famous Guggenheim museum, and discover the slight culinary and cultural differences of this amazing region.
Quality Time with Homestay & Friends
Take advantage of your last full Spanish Sunday with your homestay and friends by going out for tapas or exploring a new part of the city.
Regular Spanish Classes & Cultural Activities
Dreaming in Spanish yet?! Your Spanish fluency has allowed you to discover another world!
Last Day of Classes & Farewell Party
As your time in San Sebastian comes to a close, enjoy a final day with your homestay and friends!
Depart San Sebastian for Home
¡Buen viaje! Return home with amazing memories of España
San Sebastián - 6 Week Itinerary
Depart for San Sebastián, Spain!
Board your flight and get ready to embark on the study abroad journey of a lifetime!
Arrive in San Sebastián & Meet Your Homestay
Bienvenidos! Step off the plane and into your new vida española . Enjoy an orientation party with your peers and your directors before meeting and spending the evening with your local homestay.
Settle Into Your New Home!
Enjoy a captivating orientation tour of this charming seaside destination and continue getting to know your group!.
First Day of Spanish Classes
Meet your Profesor/a and class after a language placement exam in the morning. In the afternoon, take in the striking views from the city’s famed Monte Igueldo.
Regular Classes, Elective Activities
Continue improving your Spanish fluency through morning language and conversation courses followed by afternoon leadership and electives activities.
Travel Excursion to Biarritz, France
Discover the beauty of this stunning city situated just across the border in the French Basque region will amaze you with its pristine beaches, incredible shopping districts, and unparalleled French cuisine.
Quality Time with Homestay & Friends
Spanish Sundays are the perfect day to dar un paseo along the waterfront, lounge on the beach, and take in the local culture while enjoying a café con leche on an outdoor patio.
Regular Classes, Elective Activities + Leadership
Be amazed by the progress you’ve made in your language skills and ability to thrive in a new culture!
Travel Excursion to Zumaia or Zarautz
Explore the picturesque seaside pueblito of either Zumaia or Zarautz. These lovely, quaint towns will deepen your appreciation of northern Spain and its unique culture and history.
Quality Time with Homestay & Friends
Relish life as local Spaniards do by eating un helado while basking in the coastal sun or spend the afternoon at the Spanish cine.
Regular Classes, Elective Activities + Leadership
Spanish fluency is in your grasp and Santander has become your ‘home away from home’!
Travel Excursion to Bilbao
Expand your love of northern Spain by traveling to the city of Bilbao in the neighboring Pais Vasco. Visit the famous Guggenheim museum, and discover the slight culinary and cultural differences of this amazing region.
Quality Time with Homestay & Friends
Take advantage of your last full Spanish Sunday with your homestay and friends by going out for tapas or exploring a new part of the city.
Regular Classes, Elective Activities + Leadership
Dreaming in Spanish yet?! Your Spanish fluency has allowed you to discover another world!
Travel Excursion to Pamplona
Walk down the same streets that play host to the Encierro or Running of the Bulls! and see why Pamplona is one of Spain’s most famous destinations!
Quality Time with Homestay & Friends
Spend your Sunday relaxing on the beach, riding the waves, or hiking along la costa!
Regular Classes, Elective Activities + Leadership
Continue improving your Spanish proficiency as you start to carry on fluid conversations with native speakers.
Your Choice of Travel Excursion
For your last Saturday, you get a choice to which exciting city you’d like to re-visit! Dive further into the contemporary art obras at the Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao or return to France for delicious macaroons!
Quality Time with Homestay & Friends
Take advantage of your last full Spanish Sunday with your homestay and friends by going out for tapas or exploring a new part of the city!
Regular Classes, Elective Activities + Leadership
Have fun and enjoy the games and conversation during your last week of total Spanish immersion!
Regular Classes, Elective Activities + Leadership
As your time in San Sebastian comes to a close, enjoy a final day with your homestay and friends!
Depart San Sebastian for Home
¡Buen viaje! Return home with amazing memories of España!
Your Day Abroad in San Sebastián
MORNING
8:00 – 9:00 Breakfast at Homestay & Travel with Roommate to Classes
Enjoy a light breakfast of breads, cereal, and juice/coffee. After breakfast, you will either walk or take a short bus ride to classes M-F.
9:30 – 1:30 Spanish Language, Culture, and Conversation Courses
Be amazed at how quickly your Spanish improves with SPI’s master instructors at the university in San Sebastián! Classes are both engaging and fun.
AFTERNOON
2:00 – 4:00 Afternoon Comida and Siesta or Break
After classes, enjoy lunch with your homestay. In Spain, the main mid-day meal is the heaviest, so bring your appetite!
4:30 – 7:00 Electives & Cultural Leadership Enrichment Activities
From surfing to photography and exchanges with locals, there are afternoon activities for everyone! SPI’s program also incorporates a cultural leadership enrichment component where students will interact with the local community. (There is structured free time on some afternoons after activities.)
EVENING
7:00 – 8:00 Meeting with Directors and Evening Free-Time
In the early evening, you will have an informal group meeting to review tomorrow’s activities with directors.
8:30 – 10:30 Evening Meal & Conversations With Your Homestay
Enjoy the evening practicing your Spanish while talking with your homestay around the dinner table. You will have some free time after evening meals to meet up with other students for ice cream or an evening stroll.
What SPI Alumni Say…
"Learning Spanish in San Sebastián was incredible! The town felt comfortable to explore the beaches, and restaurants as locals, not tourists."
“This has been a fantastic experience! This trip has not only gave me an opportunity to be very independent living so far away from home, but also has built my confidence speaking Spanish. Learning at the institute greatly expanded my knowledge of Spanish culture and colloquial expressions. Also, I made many new friends from all over the world!”
“My homestay made my trip really special. They were so welcoming and we spent hours after each night’s dinner talking to them. They taught me endless information from vocabulary, cultural information to the best place to go out to eat.”
“I would definitely recommend SPI San Sebastian. It was a great place to explore and there was always something new to try. Yet at the same time, I felt the city getting smaller and more navigable just a few days into my stay.”
Enrollment Form
The SPI Online Enrollment is best completed on a laptop/desktop and will take 15-20 minutes to complete. Parents and students should complete the enrollment form together. A $1,000 deposit is required to enroll and counts toward the final program price (you may pay with e-check or credit card.) Please have a clear face photo of the student ready for submission. All notifications, invoices, and pre-departure information will be sent via email. We look forward to your participation!
