Study Abroad in Spanish
Three continents. Thirteen programs.
No other language track at SUA gives you a wider choice of places and cultures to experience. There are programs in Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Spain, each suited to different language levels and academic interests. Whether you want to learn about sustainability in Heredia, gender studies in Lima, or art history in Barcelona, there is a program built for you and the ways you want to grow.
North and Central America
Costa Rica, Mexico, and Puerto Rico offer programs across a range of proficiency levels and academic focuses — from environmental studies or teacher education in Heredia to service-learning in San Juan.
Heredia, Costa Rica
Host institution: Universidad Nacional in Heredia via IFSA
Requirements: 2.75 GPA and 4 semesters of college-level Spanish
Housing: Homestay with a Costa Rican family
Duration: Mid-July to mid-November, or mid-February to late June
Choosing either the environmental studies or teacher education track, you’ll take classes alongside local students. Known as the “City of Flowers,” Heredia is a walkable university town offering many opportunities to engage with cultural activities and outdoor excursions in Costa Rica’s lush landscapes.
San José, Costa Rica
Host institution: Universidad Veritas via Worldstrides
Requirements: 2.5 GPA
Housing: Homestay with a Costa Rican family
Duration: Late August to mid-December, or early January to early May
Best suited for students with a lower-level Spanish proficiency, the program offers courses for all language levels. Located in Costa Rica’s capital city, you’ll be close to museums and markets while also having access to excursions to Arenal Volcano National Park and the lively beach town of Tamarindo.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Host institution: Universidad del Sagrado Corazón via SSA Study Abroad
Requirements: 2.5 GPA and B2 level of Spanish
Housing: Student dormitory with Puerto Rican roommates
Duration: August to December, or mid-January to mid-May
Intended for students with an advanced or high intermediate level of Spanish, this program enables you to take courses in any subject alongside local Puerto Rican students. You’ll also have the chance to take credit-bearing service-learning courses, engage in volunteer opportunities, and participate in excursions to Old San Juan, El Yunque National Forest, and the bioluminescent waters of Laguna Grande in Fajardo.
Mérida, Mexico
Host institution: Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán via IFSA
Requirements: 2.5 GPA and four semesters of university-level Spanish
Housing: Homestay with a Mexican family
Duration: Early August to early December, or early January to late May
Designed for students with advanced or high intermediate Spanish proficiency, this program offers a full range of academic courses you’ll take alongside local students. Mérida is the capital of Yucatán, a state with deep Mayan heritage and a distinct regional culture and cuisine. The program includes excursions to Hacienda Sotuta de Peón and Mayan ruins in Uxmal, Chichen Itza, and Ek’Balam.
North and Central America
Costa Rica, Mexico, and Puerto Rico offer programs across a range of proficiency levels and academic focuses — from environmental studies or teacher education in Heredia to service-learning in San Juan.
Heredia, Costa Rica
Host institution: Universidad Nacional in Heredia via IFSA
Requirements: 2.75 GPA and 4 semesters of college-level Spanish
Housing: Homestay with a Costa Rican family
Duration: Mid-July to mid-November, or mid-February to late June
Choosing either the environmental studies or teacher education track, you’ll take classes alongside local students. Known as the “City of Flowers,” Heredia is a walkable university town offering many opportunities to engage with cultural activities and outdoor excursions in Costa Rica’s lush landscapes.
San José, Costa Rica
Host institution: Universidad Veritas via Worldstrides
Requirements: 2.5 GPA
Housing: Homestay with a Costa Rican family
Duration: Late August to mid-December, or early January to early May
Best suited for students with a lower-level Spanish proficiency, the program offers courses for all language levels. Located in Costa Rica’s capital city, you’ll be close to museums and markets while also having access to excursions to Arenal Volcano National Park and the lively beach town of Tamarindo.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Host institution: Universidad del Sagrado Corazón via SSA Study Abroad
Requirements: 2.5 GPA and B2 level of Spanish
Housing: Student dormitory with Puerto Rican roommates
Duration: August to December, or mid-January to mid-May
Intended for students with an advanced or high intermediate level of Spanish, this program enables you to take courses in any subject alongside local Puerto Rican students. You’ll also have the chance to take credit-bearing service-learning courses, engage in volunteer opportunities, and participate in excursions to Old San Juan, El Yunque National Forest, and the bioluminescent waters of Laguna Grande in Fajardo.
Mérida, Mexico
Host institution: Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán via IFSA
Requirements: 2.5 GPA and four semesters of university-level Spanish
Housing: Homestay with a Mexican family
Duration: Early August to early December, or early January to late May
Designed for students with advanced or high intermediate Spanish proficiency, this program offers a full range of academic courses you’ll take alongside local students. Mérida is the capital of Yucatán, a state with deep Mayan heritage and a distinct regional culture and cuisine. The program includes excursions to Hacienda Sotuta de Peón and Mayan ruins in Uxmal, Chichen Itza, and Ek’Balam.
South America
Argentina, Chile, and Peru offer some of the most rigorous options in the Spanish track — most require advanced or high-intermediate proficiency and place you directly in local university classrooms. Lima adds NGO fieldwork; Buenos Aires, Santiago, and Valparaíso each bring a unique cultural environment.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Host institution: Universidad Católica Argentina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Universidad del Salvador, and Universidad Torcuato DiTella via IFSA
Requirements: 2.5 GPA and four semesters of college-level Spanish
Housing: Homestay with an Argentine family
Duration: Mid-July to late November, or late February to late June
This program places advanced Spanish speakers directly into local university classrooms across four top institutions. With robust academic support and rich cultural activities like tango lessons, soccer matches, and film screenings, this challenging and rewarding program is built for serious students ready to fully embrace Argentine life.
Santiago, Chile
Host institution: Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and Universidad de Chile via IFSA
Requirements: 2.5 GPA and 4 semesters of college-level Spanish
Housing: Homestay with a Chilean family
Duration: Late July to mid-December, or late February to early July
For students ready to live and study like a Chilean, the Santiago program offers courses with local students at two elite universities, conversational language partnerships, and rich excursions spanning coastlines, mountains, and cultural landmarks across this dynamic South American country.
Valparaíso, Chile
Host institution: Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso via Worldstrides
Requirements: 2.5 GPA
Housing: Homestay with Chilean host family
Duration: Late July to late December, or late February to late June
A UNESCO-protected port city famous for colorful murals, Pablo Neruda's legacy, and stunning Pacific coastal scenery, Valparaíso is an ideal place to immerse yourself in Chilean culture. This Spanish and Latin American studies program offers tracks for all levels of language proficiency.
Lima, Peru
Host institution: Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú via IFSA
Requirements: 2.5 GPA
Housing: Homestay with a Peruvian family
Duration: Mid-August to mid-December only
For higher-level Spanish speakers seeking real impact, this program in South America’s culinary capital integrates courses on social issues with NGO research and volunteer work. Students enroll directly in university classes with local students and can opt to concentrate in gender studies. Excursions to Caral, Pachacamac, Paracas, Icas, and El Carmen round out a meaningful, immersive experience.
South America
Argentina, Chile, and Peru offer some of the most rigorous options in the Spanish track — most require advanced or high-intermediate proficiency and place you directly in local university classrooms. Lima adds NGO fieldwork; Buenos Aires, Santiago, and Valparaíso each bring a unique cultural environment.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Host institution: Universidad Católica Argentina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Universidad del Salvador, and Universidad Torcuato DiTella via IFSA
Requirements: 2.5 GPA and four semesters of college-level Spanish
Housing: Homestay with an Argentine family
Duration: Mid-July to late November, or late February to late June
This program places advanced Spanish speakers directly into local university classrooms across four top institutions. With robust academic support and rich cultural activities like tango lessons, soccer matches, and film screenings, this challenging and rewarding program is built for serious students ready to fully embrace Argentine life.
Santiago, Chile
Host institution: Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and Universidad de Chile via IFSA
Requirements: 2.5 GPA and 4 semesters of college-level Spanish
Housing: Homestay with a Chilean family
Duration: Late July to mid-December, or late February to early July
For students ready to live and study like a Chilean, the Santiago program offers courses with local students at two elite universities, conversational language partnerships, and rich excursions spanning coastlines, mountains, and cultural landmarks across this dynamic South American country.
Valparaíso, Chile
Host institution: Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso via Worldstrides
Requirements: 2.5 GPA
Housing: Homestay with Chilean host family
Duration: Late July to late December, or late February to late June
A UNESCO-protected port city famous for colorful murals, Pablo Neruda's legacy, and stunning Pacific coastal scenery, Valparaíso is an ideal place to immerse yourself in Chilean culture. This Spanish and Latin American studies program offers tracks for all levels of language proficiency.
Lima, Peru
Host institution: Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú via IFSA
Requirements: 2.5 GPA
Housing: Homestay with a Peruvian family
Duration: Mid-August to mid-December only
For higher-level Spanish speakers seeking real impact, this program in South America’s culinary capital integrates courses on social issues with NGO research and volunteer work. Students enroll directly in university classes with local students and can opt to concentrate in gender studies. Excursions to Caral, Pachacamac, Paracas, Icas, and El Carmen round out a meaningful, immersive experience.
Spain
Programs in Madrid, Barcelona, Granada, and Seville offer options for a range of language proficiency across three culturally distinct regions in Spain. You’ll find countless opportunities to grow academically and personally, whether you plan to join a vibrant community of international students or take advanced university courses with locals.
Barcelona, Spain
Host institution: Universidad de Barcelona via Worldstrides
Requirements: 2.5 GPA
Housing: Student residence or homestay, both with a Worldstrides roommate
Duration: Early September to mid-December, mid-January to early May
International students of all Spanish levels study together in courses taught by local Universidad de Barcelona faculty. Outside the classroom, you’ll get to explore Gaudí's architectural masterpieces, catch an FC Barcelona match, sample world-renowned Catalan cuisine, and unwind on Mediterranean beaches.
Granada, Spain
Host institution: Universidad de Granada via Worldstrides
Requirements: 2.5 GPA
Housing: Homestay with a Spanish family
Duration: Mid-September to late December, or late January to late May
Recommended for students with higher language proficiency, the Granada program welcomes students into this storied Andalusian city famous for Moorish history and flamenco culture. Study Spanish and elective courses, participate in local language exchanges, explore the iconic Alhambra, and optionally earn credit through internships or community service.
Madrid, Spain
Host institution: Universidad Nebrija via Worldstrides
Requirements: 2.5 GPA
Housing: Homestay with a Spanish family
Duration: Mid-September to mid-December, or early February to late May
Study business, liberal arts, and Spanish language at Universidad Nebrija in the heart of Madrid. This experience is ideal for intermediate Spanish speakers, featuring a language exchange program that pairs you with a local student, museum tours to see the work of Picasso and Dalí, and cultural excursions beyond Spain's bustling capital.
Seville, Spain
Host institution: Universidad de Sevilla, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, and Estudios Universitarios Superiores de Andalucía through CIEE
Requirements: 2.5. GPA; for Advanced Liberal Arts track, a STAMP test score from intermediate-mid required
Housing: Homestay with a Spanish family
Duration: Liberal Arts track: early September to mid-December, or mid-January to mid-May; Advanced Liberal Arts track: mid-August to mid-December, or early January to late May
Immerse yourself in one of Spain's most enchanting cities through the Seville program, available in Liberal Arts and Advanced Liberal Arts tracks. Study at local universities entirely in Spanish, connect with peers through conversation exchanges, and explore Andalusian culture through flamenco, cooking classes, and regional excursions.
Spain
Programs in Madrid, Barcelona, Granada, and Seville offer options for a range of language proficiency across three culturally distinct regions in Spain. You’ll find countless opportunities to grow academically and personally, whether you plan to join a vibrant community of international students or take advanced university courses with locals.
Barcelona, Spain
Host institution: Universidad de Barcelona via Worldstrides
Requirements: 2.5 GPA
Housing: Student residence or homestay, both with a Worldstrides roommate
Duration: Early September to mid-December, mid-January to early May
International students of all Spanish levels study together in courses taught by local Universidad de Barcelona faculty. Outside the classroom, you’ll get to explore Gaudí's architectural masterpieces, catch an FC Barcelona match, sample world-renowned Catalan cuisine, and unwind on Mediterranean beaches.
Granada, Spain
Host institution: Universidad de Granada via Worldstrides
Requirements: 2.5 GPA
Housing: Homestay with a Spanish family
Duration: Mid-September to late December, or late January to late May
Recommended for students with higher language proficiency, the Granada program welcomes students into this storied Andalusian city famous for Moorish history and flamenco culture. Study Spanish and elective courses, participate in local language exchanges, explore the iconic Alhambra, and optionally earn credit through internships or community service.
Madrid, Spain
Host institution: Universidad Nebrija via Worldstrides
Requirements: 2.5 GPA
Housing: Homestay with a Spanish family
Duration: Mid-September to mid-December, or early February to late May
Study business, liberal arts, and Spanish language at Universidad Nebrija in the heart of Madrid. This experience is ideal for intermediate Spanish speakers, featuring a language exchange program that pairs you with a local student, museum tours to see the work of Picasso and Dalí, and cultural excursions beyond Spain's bustling capital.
Seville, Spain
Host institution: Universidad de Sevilla, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, and Estudios Universitarios Superiores de Andalucía through CIEE
Requirements: 2.5. GPA; for Advanced Liberal Arts track, a STAMP test score from intermediate-mid required
Housing: Homestay with a Spanish family
Duration: Liberal Arts track: early September to mid-December, or mid-January to mid-May; Advanced Liberal Arts track: mid-August to mid-December, or early January to late May
Immerse yourself in one of Spain's most enchanting cities through the Seville program, available in Liberal Arts and Advanced Liberal Arts tracks. Study at local universities entirely in Spanish, connect with peers through conversation exchanges, and explore Andalusian culture through flamenco, cooking classes, and regional excursions.
