Go on 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
Are you eligible for the exchange?
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!
Quick facts
Ages: 14–18 years
Visa: No (non-EU citizens can stay 3 months)
Welcome Camp: Included
Duration: 3 to 10 months or multiple years
Support: 24/7 availability
Price: From €10,100
Accommodation: Local host family
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 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 could explain myself and understand what was being said!
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.
I met so many new people, got to know a whole new culture and, best of all, I can now boast that I am fluent in Spanish! Also, my family was so welcoming and made me feel absolutely at home. My year in Spain was absolutely the best year of my life.
High School 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.
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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 in Barcelona
- 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 €13,100
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
Options (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 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 |
| 5 months | Fall | 2026 | From €10,100 |
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
€300
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.
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Our destinations
Take our short quiz and discover which high school exchange destination fits your vibe.
USA
Discover life as a high school student in the USA. A whole new way of living – from yellow school buses and pep rallies to school pride, homecoming dances, and weekend road trips. You’ll immerse yourself in a culture you’ve only seen in movies, experience the American school spirit firsthand, and find out what everyday life is like as a U.S. teen.
Argentina
A high school year in Argentina will give you a wonderful mix of cultures and indigenous traditions. And your Spanish will get a powerful boost. This is a big, bold and beautiful country with many different landscapes and different climate zones – from subtropical in the north, over the vast green plains (Pampas) in the centre to subpolar and glazier zones in the far south.
Australia
Studying in Australia is more than just sunshine and surf. It’s about meeting new friends, trying Vegemite (yes, really), and learning what it’s like to go to school on the other side of the world. Whether you're in a coastal city or a small rural community, you’ll experience life like a true Aussie teen – full of adventure, culture, and personal growth.
Austria
You don’t have to be skier to love Austria. But if fresh powder and well prepared slopes is your thing then Austria will be your kind of heaven. There are mountains and lift systems everywhere and they are often close to the cities.
Canada
It isn’t hard to see why Canada is attracting an increasing number of international high school students for their year abroad. Canada isn’t just the second-largest country in the world, where the people are friendly and life is easy-going. It also has beautiful natural scenery, wide-open spaces, the great outdoors and plenty of wildlife.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a nature-lover's dream, with deep rain forests, perfect beaches, mountains, volcanoes, islands and spectacular wildlife. But the country's best asset is the people, who are warm, welcoming and share a unique way of seeing the world. Pura vida ('pure life') is both a greeting and the national philosophy. It encapsulates a friendly and worry-free lifestyle and an appreciation of people, nature and a good time.
China
Live and study in one of the world’s most dynamic countries, one that combines the cutting edge of technological development with a history that dates back millennia. The past, present and future seem to merge in China. Discover its unique culture and fascinating language from the inside on an unforgettable high school exchange.
Denmark
Take the chance to study in the lovely country Denmark! Despite the country's small size, there is a lot to discover here. Come with us to Denmark as an exchange student and experience the green landscapes, blue sea and beautiful old towns. Eat typical food such as smørrebrød and frikadeller, rent a bicycle in Copenhagen and treat yourself with some amazing Danish pastry at a cosy café!
Finland
Finland's stark Nordic scenery is home to fascinating wildlife, pristine forests, some 200,000 lakes and the world's happiest people, not to mention Europe's top educational system and an extremely high quality of life (and don't forget the saunas).
France
Around 85 million tourists from all over the world can’t be wrong – France is the place to visit. For decades the country has had the number 1 spot in the World Tourism Organisation’s yearly statistics. It’s no wonder France is a favorite. Shopping, fashion and sightseeing in Paris, the glamorous beach life on the Côte d’Azur, skiing in the French Alps and a beautiful countryside are some of the things that attracts foreigners. Also, it’s no doubt that France is number 1 when it comes to food. Will you try a delicacy such as escargots?
Germany
Germany is the largest country in the EU in terms of population. It’s also the European Union’s biggest economy, which you will notice by the high standards of living. This modern, cosmopolitan country is a centre for technology and innovation. It attracts people from all over the world with a varied cultural scene and a certain love for concerts and festivals.
Great Britain
Studying in the UK is more than afternoon tea and iconic landmarks – it’s a chance to experience life as a British teen and discover a world of new perspectives. From buzzing cities like London and Manchester to charming countryside villages, your exchange year in the UK combines academic challenges with unforgettable cultural moments.
Ireland
A high school exchange in Ireland means diving into a vibrant culture full of music, tradition, and friendly energy. You'll live like a local, attend an Irish secondary school, and become part of a community that is full of character. From green hills and coastal cliffs to school spirit and weekend céilís, life in Ireland is anything but ordinary.
Italy
Go on high school exchange in ItalyFree brochure Why study abroad in Italy? If you ask an Italian why you should come to Italy the answer will probably be because Italy has the best food, the most beautiful language, the greatest culture and world class soccer teams. Well, it’s hard to disagree. This country sure…
Japan
Welcome to a nation like no other! Japan is the world’s third largest economy, and a trendsetter in culture, fashion, and technology. Japanese culture is widely known for its traditional arts as well as its contemporary pop culture. It’s a country where old meets new in a totally unique way.
Netherlands
Most people are familiar with the tulip plantations, the windmills, the expertly built canal system (great for skating in winter time) and lively cities like Amsterdam, Haag and Rotterdam. We are of course talking about the Netherlands – a small but interesting country, with more to offer than just these traditional symbols.
New Zealand
Studying in New Zealand is more than just scenic landscapes and friendly locals – it’s about discovering a whole new way of learning and living.
Norway
Take the opportunity to study in one of the world’s most mesmerising countries. Norway is known worldwide for its exceptional nature and it’s the perfect destination for you who love skiing and snowboarding.
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.
Sweden
Did you know that Sweden is a 1 574 kilometer long country with nearly 100 000 lakes? Pretty impressive. The country has great coastlines and lots of vast forests. But also charming cities, both big and small, from Malmö in the south to Kiruna in the north. Stockholm, the Swedish capital, is a lively city located in the most amazing archipelago. It is a beautiful country with great wildlife and plenty of wide open spaces. If you're lucky you'll see the King of Sweden, or at least the king of the forest, the famous moose. Come join us for a genuine experience!
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