Student Exchange to Spain

Why apply for a student exchange program in Spain?

Spain is a country that captivates with its vibrant Flamenco music and dance, mouthwatering paella, breathtaking beaches, and abundant sunshine. Spain is also a treasure trove of history and culture, boasting beautiful cities and towns that seamlessly blend historical monuments with futuristic architecture. As an exchange student attending high school and living with a host family in Spain, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in this cultural haven, exploring its rich heritage while forging connections with the warm-hearted Spanish people.

A typical day in Spain begins with waking up around 7 am to get ready and head off to school. School in Spain follows a Monday to Friday schedule, with classes running from 8 am to 5 pm. Classes are approximately 50 minutes long, with a ten-minute break between each session. The main meal of the day, lunch, is traditionally eaten between 2 pm and 3 pm, which can be eaten at school or at home. While the famous siesta, an afternoon nap, was once a common practice, it has become less prevalent due to commuting between home and work. Schooling options in Spain include public schools, chartered schools, and private schools. After school, you can immerse yourself in sports activities, with soccer being the national sport and fostering healthy rivalries between towns and regions. There are also opportunities to participate in other sports such as basketball, swimming, hockey, and water sports. Students also enjoy leisure activities like going to the movies, shopping, visiting discos, and hanging out with friends, just like in Australia. Supper, a lighter meal, is typically enjoyed late, between 9 pm and 10 pm, or even later during the warm summer months when daylight extends the evenings.

Spanish host families are known for their warm hospitality, generous nature, and deep passion for food. They take great pride in preparing meals, turning each gathering around the table into an elaborate social event that is enjoyed by all. Joining your host family for meals provides a wonderful opportunity to experience authentic Spanish cuisine, engage in lively conversations, and create lasting memories.

Embarking on a high school exchange in Spain will not only allow you to immerse yourself in the captivating culture but also provide you with the chance to explore the country’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities. Embrace the warmth of Spanish host families, embrace the daily rhythms of Spanish life, and make the most of your exchange experience in this diverse and beautiful country.

Spanish Food

Spanish cooking varies greatly from region to region, linked to local products and traditions. The Valencia region is home to one of Spain’s most famous dishes, paella.

South in Andalusia, gazpacho is a beloved dish, while the cattle-producing region of Castile boasts succulent roasts and air-dried hams or jamon.

Tapas are also associated with Spain and is the custom of having a small snack before a meal.  Tapas usually consist of prepared dishes, many of which are quite elaborate and are often smaller versions of main-course dishes.

Spanish Public Transport

Spain’s network of train and bus services is one of the best in Europe and there aren’t many places that can’t be reached by using one or the other.

Madrid and Barcelona have extensive bus and metro systems, and all cities and provincial capitals have reasonable bus networks.

The climate of Spain varies greatly from region to region.

The northern coastal regions are cool and humid with an average annual temperature of 14°C.

The Central plateau is cold in winter and hot in the summer. Madrid has a winter average of about 8°C and a summer average of 23°C.

In Andalucia and the Levante, the climate is temperate except in summer, when temperatures can reach above 40C° in the shade!