Location
  • Spain
    • Malaga
Term
Academic Year, Fall, J-Term, Spring, Summer, Winter
Subject Areas
Art History Business Communications Cultural Studies Economics Global Studies Hispanic Studies History Humanities Literature Political Science Psychology Religious Studies +3
Need-based funding, Merit-based funding, General grants/scholarships, Payment plans, LGBTQIA+ funding, BIPOC funding
Health & Safety

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Housing
Apartment Host Family
Language
English

Pricing

Price Details
What's Included:
• Comprehensive Advising and Support
• Tuition at the Host University
• Official Transcript from Host University with ISA Cover Letter
• Housing
• Meals and Laundry Services
• Bridging Cultures Program
• Full-Time Resident Staff
• On-Site ISA Offices
• Computer and Internet Access
• Excursions
• The ISA Discovery Model
• Cultural Activities
• Medical Insurance
• Comprehensive Health, Safety and Security Support
• Airport Reception
• Visa Support
• Tutoring
• The Professional Development Toolbox
• Scholarship Opportunities
Oct 06, 2023
Mar 02, 2024
16 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Looking for a new and exciting study abroad program? Why not join ISA and study abroad in Málaga, Spain! Located on the southern coast of Spain, Málaga is considered to be the gateway to the Costa del Sol, one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. It boasts some of the best fish and seafood cafes in Europe (not to mention amazing weather year-round). Málaga is a bustling place that is full of life and has something to offer every study abroad student.

ISA has partnered with the University of Málaga to offer students a number of study abroad program options. These programs are focused on intensive Spanish language and cultural immersion, and are offered throughout the year. Housing options include a home-stay with a local Spanish family to maximize student's cultural experience.

Please visit our website to learn more about our study abroad program at the University of Málaga, and to apply directly online!

Video and Photos

Diversity & Inclusion

BIPOC Support

Our team at ISA is committed to providing exceptional support through identity-focused advising and resources for students, university partners, and ISA staff. We have developed our ISA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee to help serve all students and stakeholders, particularly the needs of underrepresented student populations. Our country-specific diversity pages offer information about the societies and cultural history of ISA destinations. This information can be used to start your reflection about how your intersecting identities relate to the host community context.

LGBTQIA+ Support

Our team at ISA is committed to providing exceptional support through identity-focused advising and resources for students, university partners, and ISA staff. We have developed our ISA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee to help serve all students and stakeholders. Our country-specific diversity pages offer information about the societies and cultural history of ISA destinations. This information can be used to start your reflection about how your intersecting identities relate to the host community context.

Neurodivergent Support

ISA is committed to facilitating quality programming to students with varying levels of neurodivergence. Our Health & Safety team is available to answer questions about insurance and medication, as well as provide students with materials on overseas access to support.

Accessibility Support

ISA is committed to facilitating quality programming to students with varying levels of accessibility. With our wide portfolio of program types and locations we’re confident there is a suitable and accessible program for each student. Accommodations abroad can be complex and take time, so those with accessibility needs should inform ISA of any accommodations requests as early as possible in the advising process. Please contact accessibilityteam@studiesabroad.com with questions or for more information.

Impact

Sustainability

We have partnered with Fill it Forward to engage team members and program participants in waste reduction practices. The goal is to encourage the elimination of single-use waste. Every QR code scan shows the impact of reusable bottles and unlocks a donation to environmental impact groups.

Ethical Impact

WorldStrides, a global organization, is committed to educate and serve communities worldwide. Our commitment is fueled by the passion of our team members and partners to make experiential learning accessible, while also being socially, environmentally, and ethically responsible. Together, we accomplish this by investing in initiatives to promote inclusion, diversity, and sustainability.

Popular Programs

Malaga, Spain

The Universidad de Málaga (UMA), founded in 1972, attracts students from all over the world, including Asia, Europe, and the United States. The UMA offers courses in Spanish language and culture to international students at its Centro Internacional de Español, located five minutes from the beach in the beautiful El Palo neighborhood. Courses with local Spanish students are held at the Teatinos campus in the northwestern part of the city, about 15-20 minutes from downtown.

Scholarships

ISA Scholarships

ISA by WorldStrides Diversity Scholarship

This scholarship is offered for summer and semester programs and is intended for students with identities historically underserved in education abroad. This can include, but is not limited to, individuals who identify as African American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American, Alaskan Native, American Indian, Native Hawaiian, LGBTQIA+, First-Generation College Students, U.S. Military Veterans, students with disabilities, and/or students at Minority-Serving Institutions.

Value
$2,500 - $5,000

Program Reviews

4.92 Rating
based on 12 reviews
  • 5 rating 91.67%
  • 4 rating 8.33%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 4
  • Support 4.95
  • Fun 4.75
  • Housing 4.85
  • Safety 5
Showing 1 - 8 of 12 reviews
Default avatar
Emma
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Once in a Lifetime Experience!

Studying abroad in Málaga, Spain was an unforgettable experience filled with endless memories! I knew I always wanted to take advantage of a study abroad opportunity during my time in college but I found it difficult to find the right program for me. Once I was introduced to ISA and the programs they offered I was hooked! They offered an endless amount of support before, during, and after my time abroad. The program allowed me to immerse myself in the culture, people, and endless activities that the city, and country, had to offer. From walking the endless beaches, meeting students from various corners of Europe, and building lifelong memories and relationships with fellow students in my program, the experience was one to remember! Every day brought new discoveries and adventures, shaping an experience that I will cherish for a lifetime. Although I was only there for a month, Málaga truly opened my eyes to the opportunities that exist outside of the US and helped me in determining my future career path.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
In the US, many Americans think of a tortilla as a thin flatbread made of either corn or flour; however, in Spain, that is not the case. While trying to find an affordable and easy place to get lunch after class our program director recommended we go to a lunch spot owned by a local couple. When we first went, I was surprised at how many options were similar to an American lunch spot but one thing stood out to me, the tortilla. A tortilla in Spain takes on an quiche-like shape and consistency. At first, I was scared to try it because it seemed very foreign to me, but once I took the first bite, it became one of my go-to meals.
Pros
  • Easy and affordable public transit
  • Beautiful beaches and boardwalks
  • Plenty of food options
Cons
  • School was a bit far from our housing
1 person found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Sarah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Summer 2 in Malaga

I think about the month I spent in Malaga this summer with ISA almost every day. It was such a beautiful experience. I stayed in a residencia right in the city center and could walk to shops, amazing restaurants, parks, and beaches. I had 11 roomates from all over the world, some of whom were in the same program. Prior to the trip though, we were given pictures of a different apartment, however, and told that we would only be staying with ISA students which turned out to be untrue. This wasn’t an issue, just a discrepancy. Some of my roommates struggled to sleep because our residencia was right above a popular club but i had no issue with noise in my room. ISA staff was very helpful with the move in process and getting me connected with the landlord. We took weekend trips to Granada, Seville, and Cordoba that were included in the program cost which was really nice. However there was no information prior to the trip on these so it was it was a nice surprise when I got there. I also took a weekend trip to Morocco with friends from the program which was amazing and very convenient because there is a full international airport in the city. The academics were engaging but the not too overwhelming and the professors were understanding at UNAM. I got to meet a lot of other international students which was really fun. Our group leader Iker was awesome. He helped us settle in and organized excursions every week in the city, and was always there to answer any questions or offer support. These excursions included tours of local monuments and a flamenco dance class. Overall I think Malaga is very underrated as a study abroad city. It is big enough to be exciting but not overwhelming, it is not too touristy but a lot of people do speak english in the city center shops, and it has close proximity to other places to travel. It is such a beautiful, charming city and I would highly recommend it.

Pros
  • beach
  • safe city
  • food
Cons
  • class extremely early- hard to go out at night
10 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Brynlee
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best Month

I spent a little over a month in Málaga, Spain this past June and it was the best decision of my life! My ISA group had the very best guide named Iker who was a Málaga native & taught us Spanish while taking us on tours all over the city! He watched out for our safety by teaching us all about societal norms and how they differed from what we were used to. We went on phenomenal excursions including Sevilla, Córdoba, and the Alhambra in Granada! It was amazing to see different cities in Southern Spain and how they differed. I loved getting to live like a local and even participate in a local holiday celebration! I will never forget all of the wonderful people I met and everything Spain taught me.

25 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Katie
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Supportive staff and great experiences

I happened to break my ankle while studying abroad and the staff was wonderful and supportive in helping me with my situation. I had a great experience in Malaga and built lasting friendships. This experience led me to travel after college graduation and then pursue a Masters in International Education Management. I would love to go back and relive all my experiences and visit with the family that hosted me!

78 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Meagan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The Perfect Location

Where to begin. I cannot rave enough about my experience in Malaga. I loved absolutely everything about it, from ISAs friendly and helpful staff to long afternoons spent on the beach, sunbathing and eating gelato. The climate is perfect: warm and sunny, and it barely ever rains (at least in the fall). The host family I lived with was absolutely phenomenal - even though they didn't speak any English, they were kind and understanding, and living with them helped me improve my Spanish by leaps and bounds. A normal day consisted of going to Spanish class for a few hours, and one or two classes later in the day. I usually went home to eat lunch with my host family (which gave me great access to the local cuisine,) and would spend the rest of the afternoon either on the beach or hanging out with friends. Because of the airport, train, and bus stations in Malaga, it's very easy to travel, nationally or internationally.

Essentially, I loved everything about the ISA program in Malaga. I would go back in a heartbeat if I could, and treasure every memory I have from my phenomenal semester.

What would you improve about this program?
I wish we would have had classes with local students. We did, however, have classes with other Erasmus students which was very cool and helped me to meet a ton of awesome people!
68 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Leah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Living in Malaga

My favorite part of living in Malaga was the people I encountered while living there. My host family was wonderful and so willing to help with anything. Same with the ISA Malaga staff. However, beyond that, so many of the locals I met were wonderful as well. I met so many lifelong friends while in Malaga and I think that is because it is such a social culture. I went to multiple intercambios and met so many wonderful people there who I continued to spend time with while I was in Spain and even now that I am home we still talk. The people and culture are so welcoming and friendly!

What would you improve about this program?
I think it would have been better if we could have gone to school with locals. However, it was awesome taking classes with people from all over the world, it would have been cool to be in classes with locals.
70 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Nick
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Confidence

In my time studying abroad with ISA I gained an immense amount of confidence which I have taken with me into the rest of my life and academics. I learned that I am capable of leaving behind a comfortable lifestyle and thriving in an unknown environment. I learned much about how I communicate with people, and gained the confidence to make lasting friendships quickly and easily. Summed up, I gained the confidence to experience this world I live in to the fullest and find my place in it.

What would you improve about this program?
While there was plenty of opportunities for me to participate in cultural exchanges with local people of my own age, all were optional. Because I only started going to these activities well into my program I feel I missed out on some time I could have used to really integrate myself into the local lifestyle.
65 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Rouslana
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Study Abroad in Malaga

I can't rave enough about my experience in Malaga. The city itself is the perfect intersection between a relaxing coastal town and a rich cultural hub. It has all of the history, art, food, and shopping you can find in a bustling big city, but the people are warm and welcoming like you'd expect in a smaller town. The best part is you can easily walk to almost anywhere you want if you are located centrally, but if not, public transportation is super reliable and easy to use. If I wasn't at the beach after class, one of my favorite things to do was to just talk a walk through the city center. Malaga is big enough to discover a cool new street or shop each time you venture out, but small enough to only be a short walk home. In the one month I was there, I saw at least 3 different types of festivals or events being held in the city, so there's no chance of running out of things to do.

Another perk of being in Malaga is how easy it is to travel around to close towns in that area of Spain, and there are some gems you'll want to hop over to on the weekend (Ronda, Marbella, anywhere along the Costa del Sol).

My experience with ISA was equally as great. Before I left for my trip, I was incredibly nervous to live with a host family for a whole month, but it was probably the best decision I could have made. It allowed me to immerse myself in the culture and language way more than I would have if I lived on my own. Soon after arriving in Malaga, we met our local ISA representatives who were very helpful and easy to talk to. At no point during my trip did I feel unsafe, and that was partly because the ISA reps were always so available and eager to assist us with any issues we had. Overall, an incredible experience; I highly recommend it!

63 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers