Seven or so years ago, I spent a summer studying in Seville, Spain. Having taken Spanish in high school and college already, I not only wanted to enhance my second language skills, I wanted to do so in a place with a vast array of things to do too. From the small beach towns like Tarifa, to the cosmopolitan beaches of Barcelona. From the countrysides of Granada, to the mecca of Madrid. From the laid back Spanish culture to the rich Spanish history and traditions. There is so much variety and diversity in Spain. From the food, to the wine, to the entertainment, and more! What’s not to love? I’ve got a long list of reasons I love Spain, but have narrowed it down to my top 10 for you.

1. Tapas, Olive Oil, & Paella, oh mi! - hands down my favorite thing about the Spanish culture is the food! Not only do the bite-sized “tapas” give you the ability to socialize and share with friends, you can try a sampling of different things. And the small portions allow you to not get full or over eat.
2. Siestas & schedules – something I haven’t let go of since returning back to the states from Spain is having a late lunch and dinner. Something I wish I could keep doing is taking an afternoon siesta. Most small businesses and stores shut down early-afternoon to take a nap and rest. Wish nap time was legal and encouraged in the work place.
3. Sangria - of course, a close second would be this refreshing wine beverage. Perfect to cool you and a classmate off on a patio after a long, summer hot day walking the cobble stone streets on the way home from class.
4. Flamenco – this beautiful dance is not only entertaining because of the dance moves, but the gorgeous dresses and musical instruments will have you in awe!
5. Bull Fights – not for everyone, but if you get a chance to, I highly recommend getting a seat to witness this classic and romantic sport.
6. Futbol – equally as intense, the Spaniards take this game seriously. I have never witnessed a sporting event with such a loud, intense crowd!
7. Las Ramblas – located in the heart of Barcelona, this open-aired market is a great place to sight see and souvenir shop.  Bring your camera and some extra cash.
8. Mosques – located throughout the country, these sacred holy places have an Islamic influence in their Architecture. We stopped in Cordoba located between Madrid and Seville.
9. The Alhambra - this breathtaking mega monument in Granada takes hours to admire. Plan to at least spend the day admiring the gardens and ancient walls of this palace.
10. Location, Location, Location! Spain has many major gateways and easy access to other European cities – Not only can you get to Spain easily from the U.S. it is also very easy (and affordable) to get around to the nearby Italy, France, the UK and Portugal. Make the most of your European adventure and catch a flight on a discount airline or high-speed train.

Want to experience Spain for yourself? AIDE Abroad’s Teach Spain program allows you to live with a Spanish family and teach English or your native language (German, French, Italian, or Mandarin Chinese) in exchange for room and board. Teach Spain provides you with the opportunity to gain experience teaching a foreign language while discovering Spanish culture. Teach Spain placements can be found throughout Spain, although most are concentrated in Madrid, including the surrounding suburban areas.

More info about our Teach Spain here. TAKE A LOOK AT OUR FAQ’S OR BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH A TRAVEL EXPERT.

PROGRAM FEE:

1 week $1,195

2 weeks $1,395

Additional weeks $250

PROGRAM LENGTH:

Minimum 2 weeks

PROGRAM START DATE:

Any Monday of the year.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

Help inspire children in Guatemala to have a better life. Work with an organization that believes that education and a healthy environment are the way to encourage the future leaders of our world to create a better society. On this project you’ll be able to provide workshops, educational support and recreational activities to children that come from poor backgrounds. They deserve the chance to dream of a better future for themselves and you can help!

Tasks could include:

• Prepare educational material
• Teach English or your mother tongue
• Provide homework support
• Setting up handcraft workshops
• Giving dance classes
• Starting theater clinics
• Organizing music seminars
• Arranging football training
• Teaching students about your country and its customs
• Assist the teachers on routine duties

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

• Volunteer project placement
• Housing
• Intercultural workshop
• Weekly tours & Recreational Activities calendar
• Volunteer certificate

REQUIREMENTS:

• Over 18 years old

VISA PROCESS:

You will be traveling on a tourist visa which is valid for 90 days.  For programs that are longer than 90 days your program manager will work with you directly.

HOUSING OPTIONS:

Your housing will be provided as a part of your project.  Accommodation included on package: Residence in Shared Room Without Meals.

Participant can upgrade type of accommodation to one of the following:

- Families & Homestay (Individual or shared room, without meals or with half board)

- Residence (individual room, or 3 or more room, without meals)

- Private Apartment (for 1, 2 or 3 or more)

ARRIVAL DETAILS:

We recommend that you arrive into Guatemala on a Sunday as your accommodation will run from Sunday to Saturday each week you participate.  The airport transfer service is also included in the program price. Once you are picked up, you will be taken to your accommodation site.  Before you travel, we will send you your housing confirmation, with addresses, details and information, and a transfer form with instructions on how to find the person picking you up at the airport.

There will be a welcome orientation session, which is held on the first Monday upon arrival. In this orientation, you will meet all other participants arriving that week, your local tutor, exchange important contact information, and will be instructed about general guidelines such as transportation, safety tips, location of placements, and you will also be given a city tour and a welcome lunch/snack.

QUESTIONS?

Take a look at our FAQ’s or Book an Appointment with a travel expert.

PROGRAM FEE:

1 week $1,195

2 weeks $1,395

Additional weeks $250

PROGRAM LENGTH:

Minimum 2 weeks

PROGRAM START DATE:

Any Monday of the year.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

Contribute with the education and the care of children aged 0 to 6. They need to be loved and stimulated to develop their motor and mental skills and to be ready to enter the formal education system afterwards. They come from single parents families of low resources that need support to be able to provide for their kids. You’ll be able to spend lots of time playing with the children, learning a lot and training your teaching skills. The teachers are waiting for you with the doors of this center wide open. 

Tasks could include:

• Watch the children during working hours
• Help children with their homework and reading
• Assist with the set up and clean up of projects and snack time
• Raise vital funds for the project
• Prepare recreational activities
• Put together presentations and educational games
• Spend free time chatting and playing with the children
• Assist the teachers and other volunteers on routine tasks
• Propose new ideas to improve the day to day work at the organization
• Make friendship with the kids
• Prepare educational material
• Teach the children about your culture
• Help prepare meals offered

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

• Volunteer project placement
• Housing
• Intercultural workshop
• Weekly tours & Recreational Activities calendar
• Volunteer certificate

REQUIREMENTS:

• Over 18 years old
• Basic level of Spanish

VISA PROCESS:

You will be traveling on a tourist visa which is valid for 90 days.  For programs that are longer than 90 days your program manager will work with you directly.

HOUSING OPTIONS:

Your housing will be provided as a part of your project.  Accommodation included on package: Residence in Shared Room Without Meals.

Participant can upgrade type of accommodation to one of the following:

- Families & Homestay (Individual or shared room, without meals or with half board)

- Residence (individual room, or 3 or more room, without meals)

- Private Apartment (for 1, 2 or 3 or more)

ARRIVAL DETAILS:

We recommend that you arrive into Guatemala on a Sunday as your accommodation will run from Sunday to Saturday each week you participate.  The airport transfer service is also included in the program price. Once you are picked up, you will be taken to your accommodation site.  Before you travel, we will send you your housing confirmation, with addresses, details and information, and a transfer form with instructions on how to find the person picking you up at the airport.

There will be a welcome orientation session, which is held on the first Monday upon arrival. In this orientation, you will meet all other participants arriving that week, your local tutor, exchange important contact information, and will be instructed about general guidelines such as transportation, safety tips, location of placements, and you will also be given a city tour and a welcome lunch/snack.

QUESTIONS?

Take a look at our FAQ’s or Book an Appointment with a travel expert.

PROGRAM FEE:

1 week $1,195

2 weeks $1,395

Additional weeks $250

PROGRAM LENGTH:

Minimum 2 weeks

PROGRAM START DATE:

Any Monday of the year.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

Contribute with the education and the care of the children of single moms. The mothers need support to be able to be the breadwinner. For that they need to be sure that their kids are taken care of and that are spending their time in a healthy environment for them to grow. By helping on this project you’ll help the moms and the children to have a better future and to develop their skills. You can do so much only by caring and putting your love and energy! 

Tasks could include:

• Watch the children during working hours
• Help children with their homework and reading
• Assist with the set up and clean up of projects and snack time
• Raise vital funds for the project
• Prepare recreational activities
• Put together presentations and educational games
• Spend free time chatting and playing with the children
• Assist the teachers and other volunteers on routine tasks
• Propose new ideas to improve the day to day work at the organization
• Make friendship with the kids
• Prepare educational material
• Teach the children about your culture
• Help preparing meals offered
• Watch out for physical and mental health of the disabled

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

• Volunteer project placement
• Housing
• Intercultural workshop
• Weekly tours & Recreational Activities calendar
• Volunteer certificate

REQUIREMENTS:

• Over 18 years old
• Basic level of Spanish

VISA PROCESS:

You will be traveling on a tourist visa which is valid for 90 days.  For programs that are longer than 90 days your program manager will work with you directly.

HOUSING OPTIONS:

Your housing will be provided as a part of your project.  Accommodation included on package: Residence in Shared Room Without Meals.

Participant can upgrade type of accommodation to one of the following:

- Families & Homestay (Individual or shared room, without meals or with half board)

- Residence (individual room, or 3 or more room, without meals)

- Private Apartment (for 1, 2 or 3 or more)

ARRIVAL DETAILS:

We recommend that you arrive into Guatemala on a Sunday as your accommodation will run from Sunday to Saturday each week you participate.  The airport transfer service is also included in the program price. Once you are picked up, you will be taken to your accommodation site.  Before you travel, we will send you your housing confirmation, with addresses, details and information, and a transfer form with instructions on how to find the person picking you up at the airport.

There will be a welcome orientation session, which is held on the first Monday upon arrival. In this orientation, you will meet all other participants arriving that week, your local tutor, exchange important contact information, and will be instructed about general guidelines such as transportation, safety tips, location of placements, and you will also be given a city tour and a welcome lunch/snack.

QUESTIONS?

Take a look at our FAQ’s or Book an Appointment with a travel expert.

PROGRAM FEE:

1 week $1,395

2 weeks $1,595

Additional weeks $250

PROGRAM LENGTH:

Minimum 2 weeks, this will depend on the needs of the host organization and the participant

PROGRAM START DATE:

Any Monday of the year.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

On this project the waiting room of a public hospital will be your playground. You’ll be working to make of that a better place for children waiting to get medical antetion. A hospital can be a scary place for sick children and for their parents as well. So you’ll be providing a fun space along with activities that will take the scary away and the fun in! Parents will feel more relaxed seeing their children are learning and having a good time. You, on the other hand will have the experience of your lifetime. 

Tasks could include: 

• Watch the children during working hours
• Help children with their homework and reading
• Assist with the set up and clean up of projects and snack time
• Raise vital funds for the project
• Prepare recreational activities
• Put together presentations and educational games
• Spend free time chatting and playing with the children
• Assist the teachers and other volunteers on routine tasks
• Propose new ideas to improve the day to day work at the organization
• Make friendship with the kids
• Prepare educational material
• Teach the children about your culture
• Help preparing meals offered

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

• Volunteer project placement
• Housing
• Intercultural workshop
• Weekly tours & Recreational Activities calendar
• Volunteer certificate

REQUIREMENTS:

• Over 18 years old
• High school degree
• Basic knowledge of Spanish: Keep in mind that tasks will be assigned according to your level of Spanish

VISA PROCESS:

You will be traveling on a tourist visa which is valid for 90 days.  For programs that are longer than 90 days your program manager will work with you directly.

HOUSING OPTIONS:

Your housing will be provided as a part of your project.  Accommodation included on package: Residence in Shared Room Without Meals.

Participant can upgrade type of accommodation to one of the following:

- Families & Homestay (Individual or shared room, without meals or with half board)

- Residence (individual room, or 3 or more room, without meals)

- Private Apartment (for 1, 2 or 3 or more)

ARRIVAL DETAILS:

We recommend that you arrive into Argentina on a Sunday as your accommodation will run from Sunday to Saturday each week you participate.  The airport transfer service is also included in the program price. Once you are picked up, you will be taken to your accommodation site.  Before you travel, we will send you your housing confirmation, with addresses, details and information, and a transfer form with instructions on how to find the person picking you up at the airport.

There will be a welcome orientation session, which is held on the first Monday upon arrival. In this orientation, you will meet all other participants arriving that week, your local tutor, exchange important contact information, and will be instructed about general guidelines such as transportation, safety tips, location of placements, and you will also be given a city tour and a welcome lunch/snack.

QUESTIONS?

Take a look at our FAQ’s or Book an Appointment with a travel expert.

PROGRAM FEE:

1 week $1,395

2 weeks $1,595

Additional weeks $250

PROGRAM LENGTH:

Minimum length of the program is 2 months.

PROGRAM START DATE:

Any Monday of the year.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

Join a sustainable development project to help people in need by implementing programmes towards a more fair society. You will work together with a team of highly qualified professionals with vast experience in research, design, implementation and evaluation of social programmes. A more inclusive society is possible and this is a unique opportunity for you to actively work for a better world!

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

• Volunteer project placement
• Housing
• Intercultural workshop
• Weekly tours & Recreational Activities calendar
• Volunteer certificate

REQUIREMENTS:

• Over 18 years old
• High school degree
• Basic knowledge of Spanish
• Enthusiasm for working with people of low resources
• Studies in careers or professions in humanistic and/or social fields, though not mandatory will be highly valued

VISA PROCESS:

You will be traveling on a tourist visa which is valid for 90 days.  For programs that are longer than 90 days your program manager will work with you directly.

HOUSING OPTIONS:

Your housing will be provided as a part of your project.  Accommodation included on package: Residence in Shared Room Without Meals.

Participant can upgrade type of accommodation to one of the following:

- Families & Homestay (Individual or shared room, without meals or with half board)

- Residence (individual room, or 3 or more room, without meals)

- Private Apartment (for 1, 2 or 3 or more)

ARRIVAL DETAILS:

We recommend that you arrive into Argentina on a Sunday as your accommodation will run from Sunday to Saturday each week you participate.  The airport transfer service is also included in the program price. Once you are picked up, you will be taken to your accommodation site.  Before you travel, we will send you your housing confirmation, with addresses, details and information, and a transfer form with instructions on how to find the person picking you up at the airport.

There will be a welcome orientation session, which is held on the first Monday upon arrival. In this orientation, you will meet all other participants arriving that week, your local tutor, exchange important contact information, and will be instructed about general guidelines such as transportation, safety tips, location of placements, and you will also be given a city tour and a welcome lunch/snack.

QUESTIONS?

Take a look at our FAQ’s or Book an Appointment with a travel expert.

PROGRAM FEE:

1 week $1,195

2 weeks $1,395

Additional weeks $250

PROGRAM LENGTH:

Minimum 2 weeks

PROGRAM START DATE:

Any Monday of the year.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

Provide care and attention to children aged from 4 to 18 years old with special educational needs. These children come from a poor background and need help to be able to develop their mental and motor skills to their potential to reintegrate society and to assist to the regular education system. The people behind this project work to give these children a chance to have a normal life and need your help!

Tasks could include:

• To watch out for physical and mental health of the disabled
• To assist on rehabilitation activities
• To work on maintenance activities
• To get involved with the disabled
• To spend time with them making them happier
• Preparation of recreational and sports activities
• Assisting the staff and other volunteers on routine duties

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

• Volunteer project placement
• Housing
• Intercultural workshop
• Weekly tours & Recreational Activities calendar
• Volunteer certificate

REQUIREMENTS:

• Over 18 years old
• An intermediate Spanish level is recommended

VISA PROCESS:

You will be traveling on a tourist visa which is valid for 90 days.  For programs that are longer than 90 days your program manager will work with you directly.

HOUSING OPTIONS:

Your housing will be provided as a part of your project.  Accommodation included on package: Residence in Shared Room Without Meals.

Participant can upgrade type of accommodation to one of the following:

- Families & Homestay (Individual or shared room, without meals or with half board)

- Residence (individual room, or 3 or more room, without meals)

- Private Apartment (for 1, 2 or 3 or more)

ARRIVAL DETAILS:

We recommend that you arrive into Guatemala on a Sunday as your accommodation will run from Sunday to Saturday each week you participate.  The airport transfer service is also included in the program price. Once you are picked up, you will be taken to your accommodation site.  Before you travel, we will send you your housing confirmation, with addresses, details and information, and a transfer form with instructions on how to find the person picking you up at the airport.

There will be a welcome orientation session, which is held on the first Monday upon arrival. In this orientation, you will meet all other participants arriving that week, your local tutor, exchange important contact information, and will be instructed about general guidelines such as transportation, safety tips, location of placements, and you will also be given a city tour and a welcome lunch/snack.

QUESTIONS?

Take a look at our FAQ’s or Book an Appointment with a travel expert.