If you’re familiar with volunteering, you know just how satisfying it feels to give back to your local community and know you’ve made a positive difference. Now, imagine how rewarding that experience will be when you expand your reach to the global community through our volunteer abroad program for high school students in Sevilla, Spain! While living in the vibrant heart of Andalusia, you’ll be able to help those in need while also exploring the sun-drenched city’s ancient, cobblestone streets.
You’ll spend your mornings serving Sevillians-in-need through activities such as working with marginalized youths, working with the local immigrant population, helping elderly individuals with day-to-day tasks, helping cancer patients, or painting houses for low-income families, among others—and then you’ll be able to spend the latter part of the day going on guided tours, exploring the city on your own, and relaxing with friends. Throughout your stay, you’ll enjoy hassle-free housing with a native Spanish host family, delicious homemade Spanish meals, fun-filled social and cultural activities, and more! By attending one of our volunteer abroad programs for high school students, you will simultaneously be able to level up your Spanish skills, add a competitive edge to your college application, and create unforgettable memories with new friends from all over the world!
Well, you don’t have to just picture it. Our pre-AP® Spanish program in Seville offers high school students all of the above and more!
Regardless of the season, Sevilla is a fantastic destination for adventurous young travelers. The birthplace of many iconic Spanish traditions, including flamenco, bullfighting, and tapas, Sevilla is the capital of Andalusia for good reason, and it’s provides a fantastic setting for our volunteer abroad programs for high school students. With over 2,200 years of history behind it, Sevilla offers countless attractions to its many visitors, including 10 palaces and three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Whether you’re touring the famous gothic castle, exploring the jaw-dropping place halls of the Alcázar, browsing local markets, or simply enjoying a refreshment in a plaza surrounded by fragrant orange trees, you’re bound to fall in love with the city’s southern charm. Scattered throughout Sevilla’s winding cobblestone streets, you’ll enjoy guided tours to attractions such as the following:
Dating back to the 12th century, this magnificent building is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, the burial site of Christopher Columbus, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated right in the heart of Sevilla’s historic city center, it’s just a five-minute walk from Centro MundoLengua’s classrooms. Inside, you’ll find a massive nave (or central hall) that’s lined with 80 side chapels, featuring a variety of artwork, tombs, carvings, and altarpieces.
Soaring more than 340 feet above Sevilla’s historic district, this dramatic bell tower is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. It was originally built as a minaret near the end of the 12th century, as part of the immense mosque on which the Sevilla Cathedral was built. From the top of the tower, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city below.
Dating back to the 14th century, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is both a majestic palace and a fairy tale-like complex of royal gardens. In the palace, you’ll see one of the world’s finest examples of Mudéjar-style architecture, which combines Moorish and Renaissance-erainfluences. In the gardens, you’ll stroll through a peaceful array of courtyards, fountains, pools, and paths lined with orange trees, flowers, and hedges—along with the occasional peacock!
Providing a picturesque filming location for one of the Star Wars movies, this massive, semi-circular, palace-like building is surrounded by a wide-open plaza, a spectacular fountain, and a scenic canal that is spanned by arched bridges and traversed by rowboats. Right next to the Plaza, you’ll also find Parque de María Luisa—a 100-acre park that features beautiful gardens, elegant fountains, horse-drawn carriages, and peaceful ponds that are home to a variety of birds. Here, we and our students often go on bike rides and scavenger hunts!
Situated just a three-minute walk from Centro MundoLengua’s classrooms, this historic neighborhood is full of narrow, winding, cobblestone streets that weave through enchanting old buildings and orange tree-dotted plazas, where you’ll find charming little shops selling handicrafts, ceramics, tea, and other local goods. Also known as the Old Jewish Quarter, the neighborhood used to be the part of the city where Sevilla’s Jewish inhabitants lived. Today, it’s the perfect place to walk around, soak up the ambiance, and feel like you’ve stepped back in time!
Built atop an underground archeological site that preserves the ruins of an ancient Roman settlement, this modern landmark is the largest wooden structure in the entire world. Because of its uncanny resemblance to a bunch of giant mushrooms, the structure is also known as Las Setas de Sevilla (the Mushrooms of Sevilla). After seeing the underground ruins, you can visit the top of the structure, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking, panoramic views of the surrounding city.
The above list only scratches the surface of Sevilla’s many attractions. Other highlights include the following: · Plaza de Toros: one of Spain’s most famous bullfighting rings · Archivo de Indias: a UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses some of Spain’s most important historical archives · Torre del Oro: a 13th-century, riverside watchtower that provides Sevilla with another iconic landmark.
If you would like to pay in installments, first click on 4 INSTALLMENT PAYMENTS and then click on APPLY.
The total will be divided in 1 deposit due today and 1 final payment. The final payment will be due 8 weeks prior to the program start date.
June 18th – July 1st, 2023
The total will be divided in 1 deposit due today and 4 installment payments (with one payment due each month). The final payment will be due 8 weeks prior to the program start date. In the case where it becomes impossible to make 4 installment payments due to late application, students will have to make up any missed payments.
To give you the flexibility to meet your particular needs, we leave your flight up to you. Everything else is covered and arranged by us—airport transfers to and from the nearest airport, housing, meals, Pre-AP® Spanish Language classes, activities, etc. That being said, we’d be more than happy to provide you with advice or guidance, so don’t hesitate to contact us about making travel arrangements; we can help you find the option that works best for you! To reach Sevilla, there are three main options: 1. Fly into Sevilla Airport, which has connections with major European airports in cities such as Madrid, Lisbon, and London. A representative of Centro MundoLengua will be waiting for you at the airport, and we’ll provide you with complimentary airport transfers to and from your host family’s home. 2. Fly into Jerez Airport or Malaga Airport, which are about 1 hour and 2.5 hours away from Sevilla by car or bus, respectively. For an additional fee, Centro MundoLengua can provide airport transfers to and from these airports. 3. Fly into Madrid and then take a high-speed train to Sevilla. This trip takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
To give you the flexibility to meet your particular needs, we leave your flight up to you. Everything else is covered and arranged by us—airport transfers to and from the nearest airport, housing, meals, Pre-AP® Spanish Language classes, activities, etc. That being said, we’d be more than happy to provide you with advice or guidance, so don’t hesitate to contact us about making travel arrangements; we can help you find the option that works best for you!
To reach Sevilla, there are three main options:
1. Fly into Sevilla Airport, which has connections with major European airports in cities such as Madrid, Lisbon, and London. A representative of Centro MundoLengua will be waiting for you at the airport, and we’ll provide you with complimentary airport transfers to and from your host family’s home.
2. Fly into Jerez Airport or Malaga Airport, which are about 1 hour and 2.5 hours away from Sevilla by car or bus, respectively. For an additional fee, Centro MundoLengua can provide airport transfers to and from these airports.
3. Fly into Madrid and then take a high-speed train to Sevilla. This trip takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Our volunteer abroad programs for high school in Sevilla last 2 weeks. However, it is possible to custom build your own volunteer program lasting anywhere from 2-6 weeks. Let us create the ideal program for you based on your interests, preferences, and the amount of time you want to volunteer!
We will accompany you on your first day and introduce you to all the key people you’ll be working with at the organization(s) with which you’ll be volunteering. At each organization, you will have a team of people on whom you can count for any questions or concerns.
The answer to that question depends on which organization(s) you’re working with. Some organizations allow students to work every day while others only allow them to volunteer on certain days. We will make sure you have volunteer work scheduled for every weekday, which may entail you working with more than one organization.
Here’s what a typical day will look like on weekdays. (For weekend days, see the answer to the next question below.) 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM: Breakfast With Your Host Family Enjoy a delicious, home-cooked breakfast with your host family. Perhaps you’ll have some classic Andalusian breakfast fare, such as tostada con tomate, aceite, y sal! 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM: Go on a Scenic Walk or Ride to the Volunteer Center Take advantage of Sevilla’s walkable streets or accessible public transportation system, and enjoy all of the sights and sounds of the city along the way. You’ll be sure to see some shops, restaurants, or attractions you’ll want to check out later! 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM: Volunteer Enrich your understanding of the world while helping out Spanish residents in need. Whether you’re serving meals at a food center, doing arts and crafts with marginalized youth, or assisting the elderly, you’ll have daily opportunities to make a difference as part of the global community. 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM: Return Home Head home for lunch with your host family—perhaps poking your head into one of those shops or taking photos of that beautiful building that caught your eye on the way to class! 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM: Lunch With Your Host Family Share a home-cooked Spanish lunch with your host family. Perhaps you’ll have some gazpacho or a “Spanish omelet” (known here as “tortilla”). The meal will vary from day to day—and don’t worry: if you have any special dietary needs, we’ll make sure they’re met! 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM: Enjoy Some Free Time Embrace the Spanish lifestyle by taking a siesta—or use this time to hang out with your friends, explore the city, or talk to your host family—a great chance to practice your Spanish in an authentic setting! 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM: Afternoon Activity Enjoy cultural activities during these hours with other students in the program. Today, it could be a salsa lesson. Another day, it could a tour of a historic attraction. And another day, it could be a bike ride through a beautiful park. Every day is different! Spanish language classes can also be added to this program, and they would take place during this time period. 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM: Enjoy Some More Free Time Enjoy another chance to relax, talk to your host family, hang out with your friends, and/or explore the city together. 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM: Dinner With Your Host Family Savor some more Spanish cuisine with your host family. Perhaps you’ll have some paella tonight—or maybe some croquettes! This is also a great chance to talk to your host family about your day—providing you with yet another natural opportunity to practice your Spanish in an authentic setting! 10:00 PM to 12:00 PM: Attend the Nighttime Activity Unwind from your adventure-filled day and have some fun with your friends from the program. Tonight, it could be a concert, a dance, or a dinner. Another time, it could be a tapas or movie night. Some of these activities are optional, so if you want to just go home and chill, you’ll have a chance to do that too!
Here’s what a typical day will look like on weekdays. (For weekend days, see the answer to the next question below.)
8:30 AM to 9:30 AM: Breakfast With Your Host Family Enjoy a delicious, home-cooked breakfast with your host family. Perhaps you’ll have some classic Andalusian breakfast fare, such as tostada con tomate, aceite, y sal!
9:30 AM to 10:00 AM: Go on a Scenic Walk or Ride to the Volunteer Center Take advantage of Sevilla’s walkable streets or accessible public transportation system, and enjoy all of the sights and sounds of the city along the way. You’ll be sure to see some shops, restaurants, or attractions you’ll want to check out later!
10:00 AM to 1:00 PM: Volunteer Enrich your understanding of the world while helping out Spanish residents in need. Whether you’re serving meals at a food center, doing arts and crafts with marginalized youth, or assisting the elderly, you’ll have daily opportunities to make a difference as part of the global community.
1:00 PM to 2:30 PM: Return Home Head home for lunch with your host family—perhaps poking your head into one of those shops or taking photos of that beautiful building that caught your eye on the way to class!
2:30 PM to 3:30 PM: Lunch With Your Host Family Share a home-cooked Spanish lunch with your host family. Perhaps you’ll have some gazpacho or a “Spanish omelet” (known here as “tortilla”). The meal will vary from day to day—and don’t worry: if you have any special dietary needs, we’ll make sure they’re met!
3:30 PM to 4:30 PM: Enjoy Some Free Time Embrace the Spanish lifestyle by taking a siesta—or use this time to hang out with your friends, explore the city, or talk to your host family—a great chance to practice your Spanish in an authentic setting!
4:30 PM to 7:00 PM: Afternoon Activity Enjoy cultural activities during these hours with other students in the program. Today, it could be a salsa lesson. Another day, it could a tour of a historic attraction. And another day, it could be a bike ride through a beautiful park. Every day is different! Spanish language classes can also be added to this program, and they would take place during this time period.
7:00 PM to 8:30 PM: Enjoy Some More Free Time Enjoy another chance to relax, talk to your host family, hang out with your friends, and/or explore the city together.
9:00 PM to 10:00 PM: Dinner With Your Host Family Savor some more Spanish cuisine with your host family. Perhaps you’ll have some paella tonight—or maybe some croquettes! This is also a great chance to talk to your host family about your day—providing you with yet another natural opportunity to practice your Spanish in an authentic setting!
10:00 PM to 12:00 PM: Attend the Nighttime Activity Unwind from your adventure-filled day and have some fun with your friends from the program. Tonight, it could be a concert, a dance, or a dinner. Another time, it could be a tapas or movie night. Some of these activities are optional, so if you want to just go home and chill, you’ll have a chance to do that too!
If you attend the summer volunteer abroad program in Sevilla, you’ll go on organized, daylong trips to a pair of fantastic destinations in Spain and Portugal. Transportation, meals, adult guidance, and tours are included, so you’ll be able to enjoy hassle-free, worry-free travel. Here are some possible destinations: Tarifa, Spain: A charming beach town that is situated on the southernmost point of Continental Europe, just 8.6 miles across the Strait of Gibraltar from the shores of Morocco—the intervening waters providing a habitat to many whales and dolphins, while the coastal waters attract windsurfers from all around the world. Cádiz, Spain: Dating back more than 3,000 years, this is the oldest continuously-inhabited city in all of Western Europe. Here, you’ll get to start the day by touring the city, where you’ll find beautiful architecture, fantastic food markets, and historic attractions such as the Cádiz Cathedral and the Tavira Tower, which houses a camera obscura and provides amazing views of the city. Then, you’ll get to visit one of the city’s golden-sand beaches, where you can swim, relax, or play sports with your friends from the program. Tavira, Portugal: Situated in the country’s scenic Algarve region, this riverside town will provide you with a peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of modern life. First, you’ll go on a walking tour down narrow, cobblestone streets that wind through small, whitewashed buildings with tiled roofs, which are punctuated by the remnants of the town’s Moorish past, along with 37 churches, one of which dates back to the 13th century. Then, you’ll get to kick back and relax at the nearby beach, where you’ll find soft golden sand and calm seawater. If you attend one of our programs at another time of year, the availability of these excursions will be contingent upon certain factors, such as how many other students are attending the program with you. Alternatively, you may be able to join the excursions of another group of students attending one of our other programs, for an additional fee.
If you attend the summer volunteer abroad program in Sevilla, you’ll go on organized, daylong trips to a pair of fantastic destinations in Spain and Portugal. Transportation, meals, adult guidance, and tours are included, so you’ll be able to enjoy hassle-free, worry-free travel. Here are some possible destinations:
Tarifa, Spain: A charming beach town that is situated on the southernmost point of Continental Europe, just 8.6 miles across the Strait of Gibraltar from the shores of Morocco—the intervening waters providing a habitat to many whales and dolphins, while the coastal waters attract windsurfers from all around the world.
Cádiz, Spain: Dating back more than 3,000 years, this is the oldest continuously-inhabited city in all of Western Europe. Here, you’ll get to start the day by touring the city, where you’ll find beautiful architecture, fantastic food markets, and historic attractions such as the Cádiz Cathedral and the Tavira Tower, which houses a camera obscura and provides amazing views of the city.
Then, you’ll get to visit one of the city’s golden-sand beaches, where you can swim, relax, or play sports with your friends from the program.
Tavira, Portugal: Situated in the country’s scenic Algarve region, this riverside town will provide you with a peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of modern life. First, you’ll go on a walking tour down narrow, cobblestone streets that wind through small, whitewashed buildings with tiled roofs, which are punctuated by the remnants of the town’s Moorish past, along with 37 churches, one of which dates back to the 13th century. Then, you’ll get to kick back and relax at the nearby beach, where you’ll find soft golden sand and calm seawater.
If you attend one of our programs at another time of year, the availability of these excursions will be contingent upon certain factors, such as how many other students are attending the program with you. Alternatively, you may be able to join the excursions of another group of students attending one of our other programs, for an additional fee.
With our optional add-on classes, you’ll be able to level up your Spanish and have fun at the same time. Here are some of the key features of the program’s classes: Interactive, conversation-based classes designed for your specific level of Spanish. A friendly, experienced teacher who is a native Spanish speaker. A focus on both the Spanish language and culture. Opportunities to practice your Spanish skills in authentic, real-life settings, such as markets and shops.
With our optional add-on classes, you’ll be able to level up your Spanish and have fun at the same time. Here are some of the key features of the program’s classes:
While you don’t have to be fluent, you’ll need a high enough level of Spanish to be able to work at various organizations. We recommend you have an intermediate or advanced level of Spanish, however, there are certain volunteer opportunities that require very little communication in Spanish.
Before you arrive in Spain, we’ll ask you to take an online placement exam. We’ll also ask you to tell us the number of years of high school Spanish classes you’ve completed.
Living with a Spanish host family is like home away from home—with a few added benefits: enjoying homemade Spanish meals, making new friends, and practicing your Spanish in a natural, real-life setting! Your host family will live in a middle-class home (most likely an apartment), where you will find all of the standard amenities of modern life. You will probably share a bedroom with a friend or another student from the study abroad program. You will also probably share a bathroom (European homes tend to have fewer bathrooms than those in the US, Canada, and Asia). All meals are included with your stay. Special dietary needs can be met; all you need to do is inform us about them in advance. On top of meals, your host family will also take care of your laundry! Like families everywhere, each of our host families is different, so it’s difficult to generalize about them. For example, some have children and/or pets; others do not. However, you can rest assured that each of our host families has been carefully selected by our housing staff, and each of their homes has been personally visited by our housing director to make sure it will provide you with a comfortable, enjoyable place to live, relax, dine, and gain first-hand experience of Spanish culture and hospitality. We maintain a network of host families with whom we have worked for many years. Therefore, it is not like we will accommodate you with some random family. You can feel confident that you will be in good hands! If you need any assistance during your stay, our housing team will be available to provide support.
You will have at least 3.5 hours per day—sometimes up to 6. It will depend on which activity we have organized, how much time you have to factor in for travel time, and whether you are attending the nighttime activity, which will sometimes be optional.
You will have 24/7 adult supervision and support while you attend our program. That being said, the word “supervision” makes it sound kind of oppressive, and that is not what it is like at all. We are here just to keep you safe, make sure you have a good time, and help you out if you need any assistance, not to breathe down your neck! Thanks to our extensive, experienced, and knowledgeable network of teachers, directors, coordinators, and host families, you will feel very well-supported during your time with us here in Spain. Every day, there will be someone to check in with you and make sure you are okay during your classes, activities, and excursions (all of which are adult-led), and you will be able to contact someone from our staff for assistance 24/7.
As for international high school students, there will most likely be students from other countries attending your program and/or other programs that we run during the same time as yours. Our students typically come from a variety of locations in the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia. If the circumstances permit them, you will have the opportunity to participate in language exchanges and/or sports games with local Spanish high school students.
