Spain Pre-College Program for Teens

Flight to Barcelona, Spain
Participants on this program have the option to fly overseas on our chaperoned flight that leaves in the evening from the New York area to Barcelona. Our staff will be with you from the time you check in onward. For the many travelers from outside the New York area, you can choose to join the chaperoned flight and we are happy to assist you with arranging connecting flights at suitable times into New York; or if you prefer, you may meet us in Barcelona and we will help you coordinate your flight and times and greet you after you proceed through immigration and customs.

Internal Flight
Separate from the airfare to and from this program, there is an additional $495 USD fee for an internal flight from Spain to Greece.

Return Flight Home from Athens, Greece
For your return from Athens, we offer a chaperoned flight to New York. For travelers from outside the New York area, we can help you arrange transfers at the suitable times after the group has cleared customs and immigration or you may fly home directly from Athens to your home city and our leaders help you to check-in and remain in the airport until flights in designated times have departed.

Food & Meals
A big part of your program’s success depends on how well you eat. We are proud of the fact that year after year we are complimented for our quality, quantity and choice of food! Breakfasts in Spain are eaten at the dining hall and are buffets with a variety of hot and cold choices. For dinners, on some school nights, you will dine at the residence hall. On other nights, either the whole group goes to the same restaurant or we divide into smaller groups to sample quainter places with a variety of different cuisines. For lunch, you enjoy the choice of eating in smaller groups and choosing from local cafés and restaurants. Food options are varied and plentiful; taste seafood from the coast, paella, incredible fresh fruits and plenty of fresh vegetables and meats. But don’t worry, they also have North American style options on the menu.

We have satisfied the choosiest of eaters and gladly accommodate most special dietary requests including vegetarian, food allergies, lactose intolerance, celiac disease, and kosher style. We welcome discussing your individual requirements with you and have extensive experience in this area.

Laundry
You will only need one week’s worth of clothing as outlined in the packing list that will be sent to you prior to departure. You will have the opportunity to do laundry at your convenience by either dropping off your laundry at a local wash and fold service and then pick it up clean, folded and ready to go or you may do laundry in your residence hall.

Please contact us with any questions. We are happy to hear from you!

Included in your program tuition is all lodging, breakfast and dinner daily, recreation & entertainment listed, day and weekend excursions, fitness facilities and rooftop pool, Wi-Fi in residence, campus identification fee, classes (supplementary fees may apply for some courses) airport transfers in designated times, gratuities & taxes.

Not included is transportation to and from the program, lunches, snacks, personal spending money for souvenirs, laundry, and the application fee. We also make available optional travel insurance that is not included, but highly recommended.

Las Ramblas
Feel the energy of Las Ramblas, a very busy, extremely lively street that runs from Plaza Cataluña, a giant square not unlike Trafalgar, Piccadilly or Champs-Élysées, to the statue of Christopher Columbus along the waterfront. On both sides of the street are the older sections of Barcelona, where a lot of the history and traditional culture exist.

Guided Bike Tour
The absolute best way for our students to explore and experience the incredible architecture and fascinating history of Barcelona is on a bike. The tour includes many of the most popular tourist attractions and provides an ideal orientation and overview of Barcelona.

IKONO Museum
IKONO offers an immersive journey through diverse worlds that blend art, play, and surprises. Each room at IKONO invites you to explore, discover, and share the experience, making it the perfect place to bring your imagination.

Plaza Cataluña
This animated square is considered the most central area of Barcelona and is steps away from large shopping centers and department stores. Plaza Cataluña is also home to a variety of interesting sculptures and decorative arts, such as the iconic mosaics that decorate the walls of the underground part of Plaza Cataluña. The square is huge at 32,291 square feet and you will be sure to catch a glimpse of regular festive activities.

Gothic Quarter
This charming Barcelona district is renowned for its narrow, Medieval streets and classic Catalonian restaurants. Near this area, you will be able to see the remains of the Roman temple of Augustus. The original center of Roman and Medieval Barcelona still are an inherent aspect of modern Barcelona life. Picasso actually lived and worked in Barrio Gótico from 1895 to 1904!

Park Güell
Park Güell’s construction began in 1900 when Eusebi Güell gave Gaudí the assignment of drawing up plans for developing an estate for well-off families on a large property with unbeatable views of the Mediterranean Sea and Barcelona’s city. The complex condition for the sale of the plots made it unlivable, which eventually instigated its state as a public park. It was recognized as an artistic monument in 1969 and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. It now stands as a tribute to Catalonian modernism and innovation.

Gaudí’s Casa Batlló
Casa Batlló is one of the two iconic buildings designed by Gaudí on Passeig de Gràcia, the other being La Pedrera. Take note that the façade of the building was originally designed to look as though it had been made of skulls and bones. However, the skulls and bones components culminate into uniquely constructed balconies and supporting pillars. The colors of the building were inspired by the colors found in natural coral.

Plaza Real
Plaza Real is one of Barcelona’s most famous squares, as it is situated off of the iconic Las Ramblas. It is a beautifully designed square in Barri Gòtic and is home to some of Gaudí’s earliest works. Can you find the hidden secret of Plaza Real – a set of lamps that he designed for the Barcelona Council? Each lamp has a plaque with his name on it and is a little-known treasure of the area.

Sagrada Familia
Over 130 years after construction began on the Sagrada Familia Basilica, it has reached its final stage of construction. La Sagrada Familia is one of Gaudí’s most well-known masterpieces. He played a pivotal role in its construction until his death in 1962 and did his best to leave a lasting imprint of his concepts into the modern day. La Sagrada Familia is an important icon to Barcelona’s skyline and artistic culture.

Barceloneta Beach
Barceloneta Beach is easily the most distinguishable and notable beach in the city. Many people think that it was the setting that inspired Miguel de Cervantes in writing the fight scene between Don Quixote and the Knight of the White Moon. See glamorous yachts filling the Port Olímpic complex and walk along the long palm-lined promenade.

La Boqueria Market
La Boqueria Market features the best products of Catalonia, such as fruit, vegetables, seafood and tapas, all in one place! The history of this market dates back long before 1217, when locals were already taking advantage of selling food items. Today, the market is home to over 200 stalls that sell all kinds of food items and flowers.

Picasso Museum
Located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, this museum is set in five contiguous medieval stone mansions with beautiful courtyards. The collection includes more than 3500 artworks from Picasso’s formative years and later periods to give a sense of his career trajectory

Aerial Cable Car from Port Veil to Montjuic
Enjoy panoramic views of the sea and city as you ascend to Montjuic, a prominent hill overlooking Barcelona harbor.

Bogatell Beach
It is located in the district of Sant Martí and is 700 meters long. The tranquil beach vibe makes it a great place to chill.

Figueres
Be intrigued by the unique and quirky works of the Salvador DalÍ Museum. This is not just a museum, it’s an experience. The building itself is a work of art – you have to see it to believe it!

Girona
Explore the labyrinth of cobblestone streets in the old quarter of this Medieval city.

Athens
Venture to the heart and soul of Greece in its capital city of Athens. Marvel at the astounding architectural feat of the Parthenon and Acropolis. Wander through the streets of the Plaka area filled with shops and markets.

Accommodation: Plaka Hotel, Central Hotel

Naxos
Ferry across the Aegean Sea to the unique island of Naxos. View the Venetian castle while meandering through the main streets of Hora, lined with charming cafes and shops. Relax on the beautiful beaches that surround the island. Learn how to SCUBA dive on our underwater adventure. Prepare an authentic Greek meal in the village of Galini. (For your safety, all SCUBA operators restrict participants with certain medical conditions. Please ask about your own circumstances if applicable.)

Accommodation: Naxos Holidays, Naxos Palace

Santorini
Once you visit, you’ll always remember the signature view of the white-painted houses of Fira, with sheer cliffs, blue sky, and sea. Enjoy mesmerizing sunsets. Explore the town of Fira. Enjoy dinner in the town of Oia. Explore the incredible red, white and black sand beaches on our guided sea kayaking excursion and swim & snorkel in the Aegean Sea

Accommodation: Kamari Beach Hotel, Rosebay Hotel