More than just a semester abroad
Gain a teaching qualification, build real confidence in Spanish, and experience life in Barcelona while developing skills that stay with you long after you leave.
Trinity CertTESOL — 4 weeks
The gold-standard TEFL qualification, recognised worldwide. 160 contact hours including real classroom teaching practice. Timetable: 09:30–18:30.
Spanish Classes — 7 weeks
20 hours of Spanish classes per week at Iberia Language Academy. Seven weeks of intensive immersion will take you from beginner to confident conversational level.
Accommodation — 12 weeks
Your own room in a shared apartment with other students. Fully equipped, all bills included, within 30 minutes of school. Resident assistant in each flat.
Orientation Week
Survival Spanish lessons in the mornings, cultural activities in the afternoons. Meet your fellow students and learn to navigate the city.
4 Weekend Day-Trips
Four organised excursions to destinations around Catalunya. From mountain villages to Mediterranean beaches, every weekend offers something new.
SIELE Spanish Exam
Preparation and sitting of the internationally recognised SIELE Spanish language exam — a certified qualification that proves your Spanish level to employers and universities worldwide.
Airport Pickup
Our team meets you at Barcelona airport on arrival day and helps you settle into your accommodation. No stressful first day navigating alone.
Does not include flights or daily meals.
See what's waiting for you
Life here is simple: mornings in class, afternoons exploring the city, and evenings spent with friends from around the world!
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What does a typical week look like?
Your 12 weeks take you through orientation, intensive teacher training, and a full semester of Spanish — culminating in the SIELE exam.
Arrival & Orientation
You arrive on Sunday and our team picks you up from the airport. During the first week you'll take part in our orientation program — practical "survival Spanish" lessons in the mornings to help you navigate daily life, followed by cultural activities in the afternoons. You'll meet your fellow students and get to know the school and neighbourhood.
Trinity CertTESOL Course
Four intensive weeks of teacher training. The timetable runs 09:30–18:30 and combines workshops, lesson preparation, and supervised teaching practice with real English learners. You'll finish fully qualified and ready to teach.
- Expert instruction — methodology, grammar, classroom management
- Guided lesson preparation using textbooks and custom plans
- Real teaching practice with feedback from senior instructors
- External Trinity College London examiner
Spanish Immersion & SIELE Exam
Seven weeks of 20 hours per week Spanish at Iberia Language Academy, typically in the mornings. Afternoons are yours to enjoy Barcelona. The program includes SIELE exam preparation and sitting — you'll leave with a certified Spanish qualification. Four organised day-trips around Catalunya included throughout.
Earn US College Credits
Make your gap year count academically with our Life Skills Foundation Course — an optional online program completed alongside your time in Barcelona.
Life Skills Foundation Course
Up to 9 US college credits, earned entirely online. Flexible and project-based — no exams. Completed over approximately 100 hours during your 12 weeks in Barcelona.
2026-2028 Semester Program dates
Choose the start date that works for you. All Semester programs run for 12 weeks and include the same package.
A €500 deposit secures your place. Balance due 4 weeks before start. Apply now or contact us if you need a different start date — we'll do our best to accommodate you.
What our students say
"Coming to Spain to do a gap year was one of the best decisions I ever made. The entire staff was so friendly and welcoming, and the classes were organised and super enjoyable. The location was also a great bonus — around a 5 minute walk to La Sagrada Família. I recommend this to anyone looking to spend time in Spain and learn Spanish."
"My experience taking part in the gap year program surpassed all expectations. The teachers were so knowledgeable and helpful. I particularly appreciated the focus on practical speaking skills and now I feel much more confident communicating in Spanish. This course has opened my eyes to what is out there."
Not sure this is the right program?
Here's how the Semester Program compares — all based in Barcelona, all including TEFL training and accommodation.
Common questions about the Semester Program
Ready for a full semester in Barcelona?
Apply now to secure your place. A €500 deposit holds your spot.