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Spanish Gap Year

Why choose Spanish Gap Year?

Spanish Gap Year is an experiential education organization with HQs in Madrid, Spain. We offer two different gap semester programs: Spain by Train is all about Spanish culture and language, while Future leaders combines internships and entrepreneurship. For further details, please visit our website or follow us @spanish.gap.year

Founded
2014

Reviews

Bela
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

gap year in Spain

I met some amazing people and I have memories I can keep for a lifetime and friends I will have for a long time. I loved my time all over Spain I’ve traveled to more places in 3 months than I think I ever will. The weekend trips were beautiful and I can’t wait to come back to Spain and use my new Spanish skills. The food great the culture and architecture is wonderful. My host moms were lovely all the new places in Spain were different and so fun. I hope the next group has as much fun as I did and makes new friends

What was your funniest moment?
Hanging out with my new friends and going out to eat with them and laughing all night long
Pros
  • New relationships
  • Understanding Spanish
Cons
  • Boring classes
  • Long commute to work.
Maya
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Spanish Gap Year LOVE!

Genuinely I loved being part of this SGY for the past 3 months. there were so many ups and down and lessons learned that I couldnt have had without this oportunity. in the end, I am so grateful for everything I have experienced. Big shout out to the support, specifically Lily Tahara was there the whole entire time. I have felt safe and helped every step of the time. Some highlights was my first host family in San Sebastian, my favorite city. Abuela talked to me everyday, sharing stories of her immigration to Spain while I enjoyed her food. I also really enjoyed taking public transit in Madrid, navigating my route to the spanish classes. Lastly, being in Barcelona and falling in love with what Barcelona has to offer, food, culture, community, and opportunity.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
live every experience to your fullest. really, it's worth it.
Pros
  • food!
  • variety
  • immersion
Cons
  • can be uncomfortable
Lauren
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Takes You Out of Your Comfort Zone

This gap year was my first time away from home at age 18. Where all of my friends were going to college within a short car drive or plane drive away from home and got to visit their family on school breaks, I went thousands of miles away from the family that I've never spent more than a week without. While I was super scared, this gap year helped me grow in my independence and confidence, teaching me that I am capable of being on my own, figuring out how to travel on my own, and spend time with myself.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice to future travelers on this program is to say yes to everything that scares you, whether that's learning a new skill, speaking to someone new, or going on a new adventure. And, if there's something you wish to change about your schedule in the program, just ask because accommodations can be made for you.
Pros
  • Great support 24/7 and built in friends
  • Many pre-planned activities to do
  • Room to request extra activities for your passions, such as a sport or photography class
Cons
  • Can feel very group-focused and less independent
  • A lot of English speaking with the group and in internships
Emily
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing program

Our son found the Future Leaders Program when he decided to take a gap semester after his first semester of college. Spanish Gap Year checked all the boxes we were looking for, offering an experience that had both the cultural component and the structure from which to keep building on the skills he was learning in college. Future Leaders offered the chance to continue learning challenging subjects (Spanish and business concepts), exposed him to two different cities, and also had independent dorm living in the second half so he could continue the independence he started in college. The program staff were incredible. Overall, the program exceeded our expectations and we would recommend it to anyone!

Rebecca
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Money well spent!

We were hesitant about sending our daughter so far away to "reset" herself. High school wasn't a successful four years and we desperately something for her to believe in her abilities again.

Wow....did this program do that! The closeness of the group and support from the organization turned our daughter around. She loved the adventure and thrived both personally and professionally. The communication from the team was super. I reached out whenever I needed anything, and they were quick to respond. Who won't regret this adventure for your child or yourself.

Programs

Displaying 1 - 5 of 5

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Emma Corry

Job Title
Director
Emma has worked with ID Languages for just over 2 years, coming on board full time in January 2024 as our Director in Ireland. Emma manages the day to day running of our language school and edu-travel operations.

What is your favorite travel memory?

What is your favorite travel memory?

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

Working with ID Languages has enriched my professional and personal development. Traveling and engaging with diverse cultures worldwide has honed my communication and adaptability skills. Promoting our language and cultural programs fills me with pride and a sense of mission. I look forward to the opportunity to use more language skills and resurrecting my A-Level Spanish!

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

A simple one - a local student who attended last year's summer camp as a shy and nervous ten year old, this year has been pestering her mum to ensure she can come back. She had such a wonderful time and all our summer campers, even those 6/7 years older than her, gave her the friendship and confidence she had been searching for. Also, her little brother - who is 2 years too young for camp, has begged to attend!

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

I would choose to wind back the years (just a few!) and join our Ireland Adventure Summer Camp. There were no opportunities like this when I was a teenager - I had a gruelling summer job instead! I'd love to share the experiences our campers have - meeting friends from around the world, in one of the most beautiful locations in the world, making friends for life!

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

As a small, family run business, we pride ourselves in providing top quality, personal and professional service. Our clients receive a level of service only possible when our whole team is of the same mindset - always go above and beyond. Our team member, Anita, exemplifies this mindset, taking it upon herself to provide unique experiences for her students such as setting up visits to local cafes for her kids' Spanish class, ensuring that the Spanish speaking staff member let them place their orders in Spanish! They even had their own little menus for the visit - an experience the children will never forget.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

I believe the biggest factor in IDL being a successful company is fostering a growth mindset while maintaining high standards and a personal touch. Embracing continuous learning and innovation allows us to adapt and excel, while our commitment to quality and personalised service ensures lasting relationships and a strong, loyal customer base.

Professional Associations

Gap Year Association Logo
USA Gap Year Fairs Logo