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Programme lengths

These are variations on the usual semester and academic year programmes found in other parts of Europe. Actual start and finish dates may be slightly different from those listed.

Gap Year students

You can go to Spain when you are 18 and can turn 19 while on exchange, but you must apply while still enrolled at school in NZ. Spanish students are generally a little older than NZ students at the same stage of their schooling and stay at school for longer. As a gap year student you can have a little more freedom than most other students during the summer break in Spain but we need to be sure of your suitability. The idea is that you become part of a family and don’t just use the family home as a place to sleep while you’re having fun.

Orientation

We give all students an orientation before they leave and you will receive another brief orientation in Spain on arrival.

Click HERE to get comprehensive information about our exchanges to Spain, including information on placements and the application procedures.

Placements

Placements are made as soon as possible and if you have applied at the correct time you should be in contact with your host family for at least a week before you leave. Some students are in contact for a month or more. However, in Spain, placements are typically late and waiting can be stressful.

Host families have to go through an interview and vetting process. Most placements are in Madrid in central Spain and in the northwest but you can be placed anywhere in the country. Your personality and preferences are taken into account if at all possible, but the supply of generous and welcoming families is not bottomless and you must be prepared to adapt to the situation you are given.

Successful placements depend as much upon you as upon the family you’re given. Some students stay with the same family for a whole year while others may have two or three families.

Visas

We arrange these for you. Spanish bureaucracy is fairly ponderous and demanding and you will be asked to obtain apostille stamps and additional documents before you leave. It is important that this is be done quickly.