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High school exchange program in Spain
Immerse yourself in the Spanish way of life, living with a host family and studying at a local high school.
Experience the true Spain – the joy of living day to day.
Student exchange program in Spain
Going on exchange to Spain means immersing yourself in a warm, hospitable and passionate way of life. Spanish people are known to be eager to share their rich culture and traditions with whomever visits their country, so prepare to be blown away by their contagious enthusiasm!
By living and studying in Spain, you will learn Spanish – one of the most commonly spoken languages in the world – and you will discover a colourful culture where family, friends and good food play a central role.
With its beautiful coastlines, historical cities, fascinating traditions and mouth-watering gastronomy, Spain offers a vibrant lifestyle which is sure to broaden your horizons! ¡Vamos!
Spain: so much to discover
Cuisine
You will have plenty of opportunities to try the most celebrated Spanish dishes – think tapas, tortillas, paella… - but also an array of lesser-known specialties, which are just as delicious.
What's high school like in Spain?
A different education style
Education in Spain is interpreted in a holistic sense, aiming not only at academic excellence but also at the personal development of each student. Extracurricular activities, sports, artistic and cultural pursuits - your vision of education is sure to evolve!
Informal relationships
Spanish teachers are approachable and attentive. They are there to support you and answer your question, so don’t hesitate to go to them for help or advice.
Personalised program
In addition to mandatory subjects, you will be able to personalise your program by choosing some of the courses you will study. Whether you’re interested in exploring how a familiar subject is taught in Spain, or whether you simply wish to learn new things, make the most of it!
Early knock-off
Classes in Spain generally commence around 8:30 am and finish by 2:00 pm. This means there is no lunch break - you will be able to have lunch at home, or out with your friends. Afternoons will be free to dedicate to a sport, hobby or activity of your choosing.
Let life in España blow you away with an exchange experience.
Choose authenticity – trust WEP and prepare to be amazed.
On a WEP Classic program, you will experience the true Spain. You may be placed anywhere in the country, depending on the location of the host family who has chosen you to share this incredible adventure with.
Volunteer host family
Public school
Placement anywhere in Spain
Short-term, semester or year programs available
Your host family during your exchange year
Gain a second family – they can’t wait to welcome you into their lives!
Here is why:
Spaniards are known to be friendly and welcoming: you will feel part of the family in no time. They will be keen to share their culture with you and make you feel at home.
Spanish people enjoy human contact; they love to chat and laugh, spending lots of time with family and friends. Sharing meals and watching soccer – exploding with joy on every goal and every win – are favourite past-times.
Dinner time is a great moment to be together. Spanish families love to chat over a good meal, in a lively and warm atmosphere. Try cooking something for your host family - they will appreciate it.
Your Spanish family will be there to support you. Whether it’s giving you a hand with homework, helping you choose an after-school activity or simply sharing the good times with you, you can count on them!
Your school in Spain
Find out more about your school experience in Spain
The Spanish education system
Spanish students begin their educational journey at six years of age, with six years of primary schooling. From there, students complete four years of secundaria, followed by two more years of compulsory high school studies (Bachillerato), during which students follow a more specialised program based on their chosen area of specialisation. Students who have successfully completed their Bachillerato gain access higher education.
The Spanish education system
Subjects in Spain
While in Spain, you will study compulsory subjects, such as Spanish, physical education and one foreign language.
You will also be able to choose subjects within different courses of study, such as science and technology (including advanced maths and physics), artistic (drama or music), humanities (including literature or philosophy) or economic and social sciences, with applied maths and business studies.
Subjects in Spain
Spanish secondary school
In Spanish upper secondary school (Bachillerato) students can really immerse themselves in their area of interest and explore a variety of interesting subjects, choosing from four different streams:
* Art
* Business and social studies
* Literature
* Scientific and technologic
Spanish secondary school
Extra-curricular activities
Participation in after-school activities in Spain happens through sport and social clubs available in the community, outside of the school environment. There is usually a wide range of choice, and it’s a fantastic way to expand your circle of friendships!
Extra-curricular activities
The Spanish school calendar
Like in many European countries, the school year in Spain begins in September and ends in late June. School holiday periods include a week or two around Christmas and Easter, and a longer summer break – remember, the seasons are reversed, and the central summer months are July and August!
Schools are also closed on regional (varying from one area to the next) and national holidays, including:
- New Year's Day: January 1st, including the tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight
- Epiphany: January 6th, a special celebration for children
- Holy Thursday (except in Catalonia) and Good Friday: in March or April, a great opportunity to share a good meal with family
- Labour Day: May 1st, a well-deserved break for all workers
- Assumption of Mary: August 15th, a religious holiday shared by many Latin Catholics
- National Day of Spain: October 12th, a patriotic celebration with processions and aerial parades
- All Saints' Day: November 1st, a moment of family remembrance and commemoration
- Constitution Day: December 6th, celebrating Spanish identity
- Immaculate Conception of Mary: December 8th, religious holiday shared by all Hispanic countries
- Christmas Day: December 25th, with family celebrations and good food
The Spanish school calendar
Grading system in Spain
The grading system in Spain is based on a 0-10 scale, where 0 is the lowest grade and 10 the highest. 5 constitutes the average passing grade.
Grading system in Spain
Stories from students and parents who have been there
Here are the testimonials of families who have chosen WEP for their exchange experience.
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Going with WEP is best
Since 1988, a wide choice of destinations and comprehensive assistance before, during and after your overseas program. WEP is the ideal partner for your adventure.
We also get to choose who we travel with: our schools, host families and overseas partner organisations are carefully selected.
We offer a custom-made insurance policy, specifically designed for our participants, and we have a solid network behind us.
Emergency assistance, overseas and from Australia, is available 7 days out of 7, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Allowing all our participants to live their desired overseas experience is a mission, a challenge we're thrilled to accept.
FAQ
Your host family, local coordinator and your host organisation will provide you with support while you are overseas. WEP Australia will remain in contact with the host organisation and your parents to coordinate and support your experience. In case of an emergency, both you and your family will be able to call an emergency phone number that is answered 24/7.
You will be advised of your placement location, host family and host school as soon as feasible. This can range from a few months prior to departure, right up until departure, as a lot needs to happen behind the scenes before each student's placement process is complete and can be communicated to you with certainty. The placement process doesn't only include sourcing a suitable host family, but also finding availability at a local school, and completing all red tape (including, for example, lenghty criminal history checks in some countries). Prior to departure from Australia, all students will receive host family, host school and local coordinator details.
Independent travel is not permissible while on exchange. However, you will be able to travel with your host family, school, host organisation and other community groups such as sporting teams or scouts. Again, the foremost aim of the program is educational, and your priority for any holiday periods must be your host family, who will be investing a lot of time, energy and money into this experience - simply in return for your frienship and positive contribution to their household.
Generally speaking, overseas schools won't issue a diploma to exchange students who are only there for a short time and don't graduate at that school. You may however be provided with a honorary certificate, as well as a WEP certificate of completion, which however don't count towards credit or graduation in Australia.
Language experience is desirable, but not necessary, for most countries. However, some countries have mandatory language requirements. You'll find the specific requirements for each country listed on its page. Intensive language courses may, in some circumstances, meet language pre-requisites. WEP strongly recommends language preparation prior to departure as language knowledge is of enormous benefit in assisting you to quickly adapt to your new family, school and life.
Of course, there are English-speaking destinations available if you are not interested in learning another language.
No, it's the host families who choose the student they wish to invite into their home. Based on the documents you will submit as part of your WEP application, one lucky family will choose to open their home and hearts to you, which is why for all Exchange Classic programs, and many Flex programs as well, there is no avenue for students to choose a specific location.
It may be possible to live with an overseas family that you already know (excluding relatives of the student). However, the family will have to be screened and approved, prepared and supported by our partner organisation in the same manner as any other host family. School enrolment must also be available.
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