SIT Study Abroad: Spain: Social Movements, Democracy, and Cultural Identity

SIT Study Abroad: Spain: Social Movements, Democracy, and Cultural Identity

Location
Multiple Locations +2
  • Spain
    • Seville
    • Barcelona
  • Morocco
    • Rabat
Term
Fall, Spring
Subject Areas
Cultural Studies European Studies Human Rights Social Sciences Sociology
Need-based funding, Merit-based funding, General grants/scholarships, BIPOC funding
Health & Safety

Program Details

Program Type
Direct Enrollment
Degree Level
Bachelors
Housing
Apartment Host Family
Language
Spanish

Pricing

Starting Price
20925
What's Included
Accommodation Some Activities Airport Transfers Classes Travel Insurance
What's Not Included
Some Activities
Mar 09, 2026
Jun 07, 2026
0 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Examine how cultural memory and collective identities shape present-day social movements and Mediterranean geopolitics. From your base in Seville and during a 10-day excursion to Morocco, you will engage with politicians, activists, NGOs, and grassroots organizations to understand the most pressing issues in the region. Explore Spain’s “politics of the streets” by learning from feminist, nationalist, anti-austerity, and environmental movements. Through site visits, lectures, excursions, and independent research, analyze how social movements drive cultural transformation and broad social change.

COMMUNITY REVIEWS SUMMARY

This program offers strong academic and cultural immersion with supportive staff and engaging excursions, including trips to Morocco and local sites.

Video and Photos

Diversity & Inclusion 💙

Program Highlights

  • Spend 10 days in Morocco visiting Tangier and Chefchaouen.
  • Learn how Mediterranean geopolitics is shaped by grassroots social movements.
  • Examine how cultural memory and collective identity shape political action.
  • Engage with human rights NGOs and study migration across Africa, the Mediterranean, and the EU.

Program Reviews

4.88 Rating
based on 17 reviews
  • 5 rating 88.24%
  • 4 rating 11.76%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 3.3
  • Support 4.95
  • Fun 5
  • Housing 4.8
  • Safety 5
Showing 9 - 16 of 17 reviews
Julius
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Can’t recommend enough

Seville is truly a premier study abroad location. My life has been irrevocably altered… for the better! This program only facilitates fun and learning. The most supportive and amazing leaders I could imagine.

Every excursion was awesome. We got to see so many unique places in Spain that tourists normally visit.

Lectures were genuinely interesting and engaging. I found myself thinking critically about what I learned each day, as it was all incredibly relevant to my daily life in Spain. The experiential learning component was so great as well.

5 people found this review helpful.
Caitlyn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

BEST EXPERIENCE EVER

I would recommend this SIT program in Seville to anyone. From the location, to the classes, to the people, it was the best experience I’ve ever had. The program staff was so supportive. This experience has changed my perspective on life for the better. Seville has the charm of a small, historical city with the resources and accessibility of a large metropolitan hub. It is the perfect location to study as it is so beautiful and there is always something to do or see in Sevilla, but it is also easy to travel around and see other parts of Spain/Europe.

5 people found this review helpful.
JD
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

SIT Sevilla

This was the best choice to study abroad. The program is so interactive and supportive. I had so much fun with the other student but also with the directors. Sevilla is the perfect city to study abroad: cheap, fun, and beautiful. Best decision ever. We went to multiple excursions like a 10 day one in Morocco and to places in Spain I would never have visited on my own. I’m gonna miss this place and these people so much. I can’t recommend this more and this city is the perfect place to be a student and study abroad.

1 person found this review helpful.
William
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

SIT Seville: Incredible Experience

I found this program in Seville to be one of the best experiences of my life. From the moment I arrived, the program staff went above and beyond to make sure I felt welcome and supported, whether it was helping me navigate the city, adjust to a new culture, or work through any challenges that came up along the way. The people I met, both locals and fellow students, were incredibly warm and welcoming, and many of those connections have turned into lasting friendships. Every day felt like a new adventure, from wandering through the narrow streets of the old quarter to sharing tapas with friends late into the evening. The entire experience was deeply moving in ways I didn't expect, as it pushed me out of my comfort zone, broadened my perspective, and gave me a newfound sense of independence. I would wholeheartedly recommend this program to anyone looking for an experience that is focused on personal growth, discovery, and joy.

2 people found this review helpful.
Fiona
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best four months ever

Gonna miss it so much, highly recommend. <3 One of the major highlights was going to Morocco, but we also had so much fun in a shorter trip to Extremadura. This is a program that builds community and offers so much support, you will never feel alone in a new country. Sevilla is a wonderful city and incredibly safe. If you're looking for a standard study abroad experience, go to a bigger city. But if you're looking for a small program (10-30 participants), closer friendships, and great advisors, definitely pick SIT.

4 people found this review helpful.
Dipshika
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Informative & Adventurous

This program is super informative about Spain's history and political climate. The courses were eye-opening, and you get to hear from local professors with different academic backgrounds. However, the classes may feel redundant sometimes according to your preferences. The program director and coordinator are very supportive and adaptable, which made adjusting to life in Seville much easier.

My cohort had 12 people & we got along really well, which made the experience even better. But even if you don't click with your group, there are plenty of chances to meet locals & other students

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
1. Be patient with the slower pace of life. Many shops and restaurants might close midday for "siesta", and plans can feel flexible.

2. Bring a portable phone charger because between using maps, translators, and taking photos, your phone battery won't last long in Seville's heat. You don't want to be stuck without a way to contact your program coordinators in case you need to.
Pros
  • Morocco Excursion was a major highlight for me. It gave me the chance to learn firsthand about North African culture and its connection to Spain.
  • Supportive Staff
  • Lots of opportunities to travel if you plan effectively
Cons
  • I was expecting my homestay family to speak at least some basic english to be able to communicate but that wasn't the case for me. However, I didn't mind it at all, we used google translate to translate everything, even the texts.
59 people found this review helpful.
Shayra
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The best experience of my life!

Studying abroad in Spain through the SIT program was truly a life-changing experience. I loved staying with a host family and having the opportunity to fully immerse myself in the culture. The warmth and hospitality of my host family made me feel at home, and I learned so much about Spanish customs and daily life. I also really enjoyed all the trips that were part of this experience, which allowed me to learn extensively outside of the classroom. Exploring historic cities, visiting museums, and engaging with local communities broadened my perspective and deepened my appreciation for Spain's rich history and diverse culture.

The program staff were incredible—always supportive, knowledgeable, and passionate about what they were teaching. The lectures were engaging and thought-provoking, and the class trips provided practical insights that complemented our academic studies. I truly enjoyed the learning process, both in and out of the classroom. I also love having the opportunity to travel independently and explore Europe!

Overall, this experience has had a profound impact on me, both personally and academically. It has inspired me to continue exploring new cultures and perspectives. I would 100% recommend the SIT program in Spain to anyone looking for an enriching and transformative study abroad experience.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
The most unfamiliar thing I ate was pork cheek! It was an interesting dish, but I enjoyed it.
Pros
  • The people
  • The environment
  • The trips
118 people found this review helpful.
Libby
5/5
No, I don't recommend this program

Transformative experience in the Basque Country!

I had an AMAZING time in Bilbao. It's a beautiful city on the coast, and I lived 5 minutes from the beach. The host family component combined with the intensive language courses really helped me grow in skill and confidence with my Spanish. The classes are interesting and professors are really helpful throughout. Not to mention, the excursions were so fun and there was still plenty of time to travel independently! We went on excursions around the Basque Country every Friday for the first 1.5 months of the program, then did a week trip to Scotland and a week trip to Girona. The last month of the program was an independent study portion where we could travel independently throughout the weeks while working on a research project. It was truly such an amazing experience. I gained confidence with Spanish, independence traveling alone in Europe, and amazing friends!

Pros
  • Excursions - able to explore the Basque Country and try really fun activities
  • Host families - able to build Spanish skills quickly
  • Independent study period - soooo much freedom throughout the end of the program
Cons
  • Requires metro ride from suburb to the city each day (30 minutes min)
  • Smaller program, so if you want a large group this might not be for you
  • The classes are multiple hours per day Mon-Thursday for the first 1.5 months of the program
152 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers