Go on a high school exchange in Spain
Why study abroad in Spain?
A high school exchange year in Spain means becoming part of a culture that’s lively, welcoming, and full of everyday moments. You’ll attend a local high school, live with a welcoming host family, and experience what daily life is like as a teenager in Spain. With nearly 500 million people around the world speaking Spanish, gaining confidence in the language will open up new opportunities – both now and in the future.
✅ Improve your Spanish naturally
✅ Make friends for life
✅ Live and learn the Spanish way
✅ Explore Spain beyond the tourist spots
Quick facts
Ages: 14–18 years
Start dates: September or January
Duration: 3 to 10 months or multiple years
Accommodation: Local host family
Subjects: Compulsory and optional subjects
Visa: No (non-EU citizens can only stay for 3 months)
Price for 10 months: From €13,250
Are you eligible for an exchange in Spain?
To join one of our exchange programs in Spain, you need to be between 14 and 18 years old when the program starts and still enrolled in school in your home country. You don’t need top grades – but a basic knowledge of Spanish will help you get the most out of both school and everyday life. We offer a Spanish course before departure to help you get off to a great start.
No matter the length of your exchange stay, we’ll help you plan a setup that fits your goals, interests, and timeline. If you’re excited to explore a new culture, language, and way of life – this could be your perfect next step!
Exchange student voices from Spain
I’ve really seen a difference in my Spanish and now I communicate with so many people. That’s what I came for, and I hope to learn even more in the future.
My school was a private Catholic school (where the artist Goya went!) and had a slightly stricter style than what I was used to. Sure, it was hard at first, but pretty soon the language fell into place. It was a huge boost when I understood what was being said and could explain what I wanted and how I felt!
From the first day in Spain with the welcome camp, until now, every day has been great. I met new friends pretty quickly, both other exchange students who live in my city and locals, especially from my school.
Every single day here has given me incredible memories that will last a lifetime, and I genuinely believe it has helped me become a better version of myself in many ways.
What school is like in Spain
The Spanish school system is structured but social – with lots of interaction, shared routines, and a strong classroom community. High school is divided into two stages: ESO (Educación Secundaria Obligatoria), which goes up to year 10, and Bachillerato, the final two years. Most exchange students are placed in ESO or the first year of Bachillerato, depending on age, grades, and Spanish skills.
You’ll study alongside local students in a traditional classroom setting, often staying with the same group all day while teachers rotate by subject.
Your school week, schedule & subjects
In Spain, school days usually start around 9:00 AM and end between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM, depending on your school. Some schools have a long lunch break in the middle of the day, while others run straight through without one. Expect around 30 hours of class per week.
You’ll follow a set timetable with core subjects like Spanish, literature, English, maths, and PE (physical education). Depending on your school and placement, you might also study subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, art, music, or technology.
Upcoming webinars
Get inspired, ask questions, and learn what it’s really like from people who’ve done it.
Trusted since 1958 Why STS is a great choice
Since 1958 over 1.2 million students from across the world have studied abroad with us. With STS you get:
- 24/7 support — we’re always here for you
- Carefully selected host families
- Resilience training
- Free Welcome Camp
- Local staff or host family will greet you at the airport
Compare our exchange programs in Spain
We offer two main programs in Spain. The Classic program is perfect if you’re open to adventure and want an authentic Spanish experience. You can’t choose your school. The Select program is ideal if you have specific goals – you choose your preferred school and location.
We also offer boarding schools – if you want the boarding experience.
CLASSIC
Live like a local and dive into real high school life in Spain. You’ll be placed with a host family and attend a local school somewhere in the country. Program from 3 to 10 months.
KEY FACTS
✅ Stay up to one academic year
✅ A cost-effective way to study abroad
✅ Supportive host families
✅ Quality local high schools
ADD-ONS (examples)
• City request, the cities you can choose are e.g. Alicante, Cádiz and Valencia.
• Preparatory language course (Spanish)
💶 Program fee: From €13,250 for 10 months
SELECT
With Select, you’re in control. Choose the school and what you want to focus on – from academics to sports, arts, or science. Program up to multiple years.
KEY FACTS
✅ Choose among 4 schools
✅ Study in Madrid, Malaga, Seville or Cádiz
✅ Ideal for university prep or competitive sports
✅ You’ll live with a host family close to your school
ADD-ONS (examples)
• Some of our Select schools in Spain offer Diploma Year or/and the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB).
• Preparatory language course (Spanish)
💶 Program fee: Contact us
Explore life outside the classroom
School is just one part of your exchange – life in Spain truly comes alive after class. Thanks to the great weather and social vibe, you’ll spend a lot of time outdoors, whether you’re playing sports, joining a club, or just hanging out with friends in the local plaza.
Want to try something new? Your host family or local coordinator can help you find a sports team, dance class, or other activities. Depending on where you live, you might go swimming, surfing, golfing, or even skiing – yes, Spain has it all. And if you’re up for something truly local, how about joining a flamenco class?
In Spain, social life happens everywhere – cafés, parks, and street corners – and it’s the perfect setting to practice your Spanish naturally while making real connections.
Living with a Spanish host family
Living with a Spanish host family is your chance to experience everyday life from the inside – full of warmth, rhythm, and real connection. Spanish families are known for being talkative, passionate, and welcoming, and they’ll do their best to make you feel like one of their own.
Meals are a big deal here – often starting late and stretching into long, lively conversations. At first it might feel intense, but give it a week or two and you’ll find yourself joining in (maybe even in Spanish). No two families are alike, and regional traditions vary, but all our host families are carefully selected and excited to share their home and culture with you.
Your exchange year in Spain starts here
It’s easier than you might think! Begin your journey by talking to us – we’ll guide you every step of the way. What are you waiting for? Say yes to the adventure and create memories that will stay with you forever.
Welcome Camp in Barcelona
No matter which program you choose, your high school adventure in Spain begins with our Welcome Camp in Barcelona. Over a few unforgettable days, you’ll explore this vibrant city, get to know fellow exchange students, and prepare for life in Spain. Welcome camp is only included for all students going in the fall.
The cost of a high school exchange in Spain?
The cost of your exchange year in Spain depends on the program you choose, how long you’re away, and any extras you’d like to add. Below, you’ll find starting prices for our Classic program.
In addition to the program fee that you pay STS, there are certain costs that you and your family need to cover, including costs for insurance, personal items, local trips, leisure activities, and pocket money.
|
Length |
Period |
Year |
Price |
|
|
Add-ons
Classic program
Would you like a little more control over your high school exchange, or prepare yourself a little extra? With our add-ons, your dreams may become reality. The add-ons below are for the Classic program only, except for the preparatory course that can be added for all programs.
Area choice, e.g. southern Spain
From €700
City request: Cadiz, Alicante, Valencia
From €1,200
Capital city request – Madrid
From €1,200
Preparatory language course – Spanish
€800
Explore more of Spain with optional trips
There’s so much more to see, and during your exchange you’ll get the chance to travel beyond your host town on fun weekend trips with other STS students. These trips are the perfect way to take a break from school, bond with friends, and make even more memories.
Trips vary from year to year and are offered at an extra cost, but your local contact person in Spain will keep you updated with all the details about destinations, prices, and travel dates.
Get ready to see more, do more – and fall in love with even more sides of Spain.
Tiktok feed
Content heading
STS at a glance
Founded in
1958
20+
destinations
24/7
support
