Language Camp in Spain

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  • Overview

    Live with a host family and learn Spanish with Greenheart Travel’s teen summer language camp in either Salamanca or Alicante, Spain! Immerse yourself in Spain’s rich history and culture with our two, unique placement options:

    Spaniards call Salamanca “La Dorada,” the Golden City, because of the golden hue cast by the centuries-old limestone buildings. This city is also world-famous for being one of Europe’s oldest university towns. Students from Spain and all over the world still congregate in the Golden City, speaking Castilian, the signature Spanish style language of Spain. Enjoy the historical architecture, incredible shopping and wonderful food!

    Greenheart also provides participants with the option to head to beautiful Alicante! Located in the Southeastern part of the country; Alicante, Spain boasts beautiful beaches, a huge variety of water sports and wonderful museums.

    Participants will be sure to enjoy a summer full of spanish culture and activities!

    Explore Salamanca with Greenheart Travel Scholarship Winner, Ariela Martin:

  • Eligibility

    • Must be between 12 – 17 years old (Salamanca) or 15-17 years old (Alicante)*
    • Be in good mental** and physical health
    • Beginner level Spanish is accepted, but a general knowledge of basic questions and phrases is helpful

    *If you are between the ages of 12 – 14, you will be enrolled in the Junior course. If you are between 15 – 17 years old, you will be in the Teen program. The defining factor between the programs is the amount of supervision, with Juniors required to be chaperoned during free time.

    **What does it mean to be in good mental health?

    *Moving to a new culture and staying in unfamiliar surroundings without your normal support structure can be very stressful, even to a well-adjusted student. Sending a student with pre-existing conditions on a long-term exchange program could exacerbate whatever challenges the student was previously facing. In order to ensure the safety of our participants, we must be rigorous in our pre-screening of all high school abroad applicants.

    Therefore, we may not be able to accept students who have struggled with any kind of mental illness, specifically within the last 2 years and/or are reliant on medication to address their existing mental health condition. Each student will be addressed on a case by case basis and ultimately it is Greenheart Travel’s in-country partner who holds the right to accept or decline a student based on their individual policy.

    These include, but are not limited to:

    • Depression
    • Anxiety
    • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
    • Eating disorders
    • Chronic debilitating migraines
    • Bipolar Disorder

    All students who currently experience one or more of these conditions will be required to submit an addendum to the terms and conditions as well as a letter of support from their current mental health specialist. If the student’s mental health issue has been managed (post-medication) for over 2 years, we will still require a note from his/her relevant practitioner (psychologist, therapist, psychiatrist, etc) as part of the application process.  We encourage you to discuss your specific situation with us directly before securing these documents.

  • Costs & Inclusions

    2024 Program Costs:

    Interested in applying for Greenheart’s First-Time Traveler scholarship? Get your scholarship application in by February 15th!

    • 1 week: $1,850
    • 2 weeks: $2,580
    • 3 weeks: $3,340
    • 4 weeks: $4,000
    • 5 weeks: $4,710
    • 6 weeks: $5,480

    Please note that all prices are listed in USD. 

    If you are interested in a program that is longer than 6 weeks, please email travelapplications@greenheart.org.

    Packaged into the Price:

    • 15 hours of language classes per week
    • Airport pickup and drop-off upon arrival and departure
    • Host family accommodation
    • 3 meals per day*
    • Comprehensive medical/accident insurance
    • Fully chaperoned daily cultural activities & excursions
    • Half-day arrival orientation in Spain
    • Online and on-site language level placement test
    • Comprehensive program handbook with cross-cultural communication training and Spanish culture tips
    • Certificate of completion at the end of the program for use on college applications
    • Access to Greenheart Travel Facebook groups to connect with alumni and others on your start date ahead of your program.
    • Greenheart Atlas Program 

    *There is a supplemental fee of $45 a week for students with special diets (vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, lactose free, etc.). Please check with us if you have any questions. 

    Our Support and Services: 

    • Extensive pre-departure advice and support from your US-based program coordinator! We will be with you from your first inquiry, all the way through preparing to leave and your arrival in Spain.
    • Support services from in-country staff upon arrival to Spain.
    • Online pre-departure cultural and logistical orientation before you leave.
    • 24-hour in-country and emergency support for the duration of the program, including 24-hour emergency phone numbers to reach a program manager at any time.

    Additional Expenses to Budget for (Estimates):

    • Flights to/from Madrid or Alicante, Spain
    • Spending money for souvenirs or snacks in Spain

    Payment Details

    • $300 Application Fee due by the program deadline to formally apply
    • $300 Commitment Payment due after acceptance within 14 days to save your spot on a certain start date
    • Remaining balance is due 8 weeks before departure to Spain

    Worried about the program fee?

    Our goal is to help make travel accessible to everyone and we are here to help when you are deciding if this experience is financially do-able. Each year we offer scholarships for high school study abroad students! We also have a guide to fundraising your program fee, and many high school students fundraise in their hometown ahead of their program.

    We also offer discounts for applying early (plus there are many other benefits to applying early!) for each start date and for US families that have hosted an exchange student with Greenheart Exchange.

    Please inquire here if you have questions about the program fee, scholarships, or fundraising for your program.

  • Program Dates

    Summer 2024 Dates

    Start Dates: Students are welcome to start their program on any of the following Sundays throughout the summer.

    • June 2nd, 2024
    • June 9th, 2024
    • June 16th, 2024
    • June 23rd, 2024
    • June 30th, 2024
    • July 7th, 2024
    • July 14th, 2024
    • July 21st, 2024
    • July 28th, 2024
    • August 4th, 2024
    • August 11th, 2024
    • August 18th, 2024

    Program Duration: Programs can be from 1 week to 6 weeks long. The program closes on August 24, 2024. Students should plan their program duration accordingly.

    Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis up to one month prior to your selected start date or until the program is at full capacity.

    Scholarship Deadline: Interested in applying for Greenheart’s First-Time Traveler scholarship? Get your scholarship application in by February 15th!

  • Salamanca Spanish Program

    In the northwest region of Spain, straight west of Madrid, is the town of Salamanca! There, Greenheart hosts a summer Spanish language camp and if you want to experience one of Europe’s oldest university towns, then this program is for you. Your days will consist of morning classes, excursions, and time to spend in the evening with your host family.

    Daily Schedule

    Here’s a sample of what your day will look like:

    Morning (9:00 – 12:15) Spanish lesson at the school
    Lunch (12:15-14:30) Lunch at family or residence
    Afternoon (17:30-20:00) Afternoon activity
    Dinner (21:00-22:00) Dinner at family or residence

    Read Tricia’s blog post to get an idea of what your schedule in Spain will feel like!

    Activities and Excursions

    The summer language camp includes cultural, sports, and a wide variety of other educational activities at no additional cost. A different activity is planned for each day except Sunday and includes visits to museums, group events, a day at the swimming pool, excursions and field trips outside of Salamanca. Meeting young people from other countries is a very rewarding part of the program, allowing students to broaden their view of the world.

    School staff supervises all activities. During the excursions, students are expected to do some educational activities like take quizzes, take notes of what they see or interview local people.

    Please note: Participants are not allowed to go out at night outside the homestay unless accompanied by a chaperone.

  • Alicante Spanish Program

    In the southeast region of Spain, east of Madrid, is the town of Alicante! There, Greenheart hosts a summer Spanish language camp. Alicante is full of rich Spanish culture, colorful architecture and beaches, so if you’re a lover of the ocean and Mediterranean lifestyle then this program is ideal for you.

    Your days will consist of afternoon classes, excursions, and time to spend in the evening with your host family.

    Daily Schedule

    Here’s a sample of what your day will look like:

    Morning (1:00 – 13:00) Morning activity
    Lunch (13:30-14:30) Lunch at family or residence
    Afternoon (14:30-17:45) Spanish lesson at the school
    Dinner (20:30-21:30) Dinner at family or residence

    Activities and Excursions

    The summer language camp includes cultural, water sports, and a wide variety of other educational activities at no additional cost. A different activity is planned for each day except Sunday and includes visits to museums, group events, a day at the swimming pool, excursions and field trips outside of Alicante. Meeting young people from other countries is a very rewarding part of the program, allowing students to broaden their view of the world.

    School staff supervises all activities. During the excursions, students are expected to do some educational activities like take quizzes, take notes of what they see or interview local people.

    Please note: Participants are not allowed to go out at night outside the homestay unless accompanied by a chaperone.

  • Classes & School Info

    There are 4 different levels — Beginner, Elementary, Intermediate, or Advanced. The levels are subdivided up into two sub levels depending on your linguistic skills. You will be given an admissions test on your first day to evaluate your skills and place you in the proper level.

    Spanish Courses

    • 3 hours of Spanish instruction (4 x 45-minute classes) daily Monday through Friday in air-conditioned classrooms
    • Classes are taught by native Spanish teachers who specialize in teaching Spanish as a foreign language
    • Spanish lessons involve speaking, listening, reading, and writing in lively and informal small classes with no more than 12 students
    • You should take a Spanish/English dictionary, notebook, and pencil for class but your school will provide all books and workbooks.
    • Students receive a Certificate of Completion at the end of the course
  • Arrival & Departure

    All students fly on their own to Spain and are then are picked up by a language school representative, transported to Salamanca or Alicante, and then dropped off at their host family. After you are accepted to the program, our team will work with you to help you plan corresponding flights and make necessary arrangements.

    Flight Guidelines

    Students should plan to arrive on the Sunday before their course begins. You will have the day to settle in and then will begin your courses the next day on Monday.

    Salamanca:

    • Arrive at the Madrid airport before 4:00pm on Sunday before Monday classes start. You will then be transported to Salamanca by a shuttle with other students in the program.
      • *All students will be transported on the 4pm shuttle to Salamanca regardless of arrival time. Please plan to remain at the airport during the time between your arrival and the departure of the shuttle to Salamanca.
    • Depart on the Saturday following your last day of classes after 12:00pm

    Alicante:

    • Arrive at Alicante Airport before 7:00pm on Sunday before Monday classes start. You will be driven to your host family after you arrive at the airport via private transfer.
    • Depart on the Saturday following your last day of classes after 12:00pm

    Please note:

    The travel time between Madrid and Salamanca is around 3 hours and the cost of the airport transfer is included in the cost of the program.

    Arriving or departing outside the designated times described above will incur additional fees.

  • Host Families

    Students live in carefully selected family-owned residences. These private homes can accommodate up to 5 students at a time. Students will share a room with at least one other student of the same gender. The host family will provide breakfast, lunch and dinner each day. All students in family-owned residences are supervised by local families and have a curfew.

    All residences are located near the school – 10-20 minutes walking distance. Prospective hosts undergo a rigorous screening process. Participants can rest assured that only suitable host families will be selected. In order to qualify, the residence owners must:

    • Successfully pass a criminal background check
    • Undergo and pass an in-person interview with program staff
    • Agree to and pass a home inspection

    *If you would prefer to live in a dormitory, we do have options available during certain start dates. Please contact us directly with questions.

  • FAQs

    I am a parent with questions, where do I go?

    Please head to our Parent Handbook page. You’re also welcome to set up a time to chat with us about your child’s program abroad here. We’re happy to chat with you about this big decision!

    I identify as LGBTQ+. How will I be supported?

    Greenheart Travel welcomes travelers identifying as LGTBQ+, and is committed to helping you find the best program for you. We can provide information on the cultural norms of our destination countries and are prepared to advise you on the best programs based on your needs and interests. 

    Please read more here.

    Is Spain safe?

    Spain is indeed a safe country. However, with any place you travel to, it is always a good idea to take some precautions.  Prevention involves many “common sense” precautions such as staying on well-lit main roads, traveling in groups and not carrying large amounts of cash or expensive items.

    Are flights included?

    Flights to Spain are NOT included in the program fee. Students are responsible for booking their round-trip airfare to Madrid or Alicante, Spain. We will collect your itinerary to organize your arrival and airport pickup.

    Will someone pick me up at the airport?

    Yes! All students fly on their own to the Madrid Barajas Airport (Salamanca students) or Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (Alicante students) and are then met by a language school representative, and transported to Salamanca/Alicante where they will meet their host family.

    Should students fly using an unaccompanied minor service?

    Greenheart Travel does not recommend this service because the “additional” services advertised by the airlines are already provided to all travelers for the most part. At any time, a student can ask an airline professional for help finding their gate or for connecting flight information, and paying for this add-on UM service is not necessary. If you would like the peace of mind a UM service provides, Greenheart Travel offers more self-empowering alternatives (such as reviewing airport maps, mapping connections, etc.) that we believe teach students relevant life skills about traveling independently. Please refer to our webinar about navigating international airports.

    How much supervision is there?

    Students are supervised and chaperoned at all times, unless given permission by the natural parents.

    How many other students will there be and where are they from?

    A majority of our students are American between 14-17 years old. However, there are students participating from around the world, so you will have a cross-cultural setting both in the classroom and out. While the number of students does vary by start date, we like to keep small classes with no more than 12-15 students.

    Will I be required to speak Spanish outside of the classroom?

    Language practice and immersion are the main priority of this program. While we do not require the students to sign a contract stating they will only speak in the local language, it is highly encouraged that they use their language skills when talking to friends, partaking in the daily excursions and at night in the residence hall or host family home. Program staff and chaperones primarily communicate and answer questions in Spanish to encourage this immersion culture. Check out our alum Emmy’s tips for practicing Spanish outside the classroom in Salamanca.

    How will this program improve my Spanish skills?

    In a traditional classroom, students may learn language skills; however, they are not forced to practice these skills in real world situations. Through language immersion, you will learn practical language skills in a classroom while also being forced to use them in real-time with local, native speakers during the excursions and/or host family experience. Studies show that 4 weeks of a full language immersion experience can be equivalent to a yearlong college language course because of the intensity of use.

    Can high school credit be earned?

    Greenheart Travel cannot award high school credit. Please talk to your school about earning credit for your time abroad. Refer to this blog post for tips on transferring credit.

    Will I need a visa?

    Citizens of the United States and Canada do not need a visa if staying for less than 90 days. We will inform you of your travel and visa requirements. All travel and visa arrangements are your responsibility, but need to be booked according to our instructions. Students travel alone to their destination but will be met at the airport by school staff.

    How will I get money abroad?

    It is best for you to bring an ATM/debit or credit card. Most cards are accepted at ATM machines abroad and this is by far the easiest and most convenient way to access money. We do recommend you bring some cash with you for purchases at the airport or on arrival.

    What are meals like?

    Your host family will provide you with three meals per day. You will usually eat breakfast and dinner at home and take a packed lunch to school. You will have the opportunity to experience typical, home-cooked Spanish cuisine!

    What if I have an allergy/specific dietary requirement?

    We can cater to vegetarian needs quite easily. Any other specific diets should be discussed with us to see if we can arrange to have your needs met. In some cases you may need to provide your own food or an additional fee might apply to accommodate specific dietary needs.

    Do I need vaccines/shots?

    Greenheart Travel strongly recommends that all program participants be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before arriving to their destination country. If you will not be vaccinated against COVID-19 by the start of your program, please contact a Program Manager to confirm that your destination country will accept non-vaccinated participants.

    What happens if I get sick while abroad?

    You will be covered by mandatory health insurance. You will receive a policy brochure and insurance card via email 1 week prior to your departure, as well as supplementary materials in your comprehensive program handbook.

    Will I have internet access?

    Yes! The school will have WiFi and computer labs with internet access. Pretty much all host families also have WiFi but it is not 100% guaranteed.

    Can friends apply together?

    Absolutely! We are happy to accept friends and groups. However, keep in mind your primary purpose of attending this program is to immerse yourself in the language and culture – so make sure you and your friend commit to speaking Spanish!

    Does Greenheart accept groups?

    Absolutely! If you are an educator who would like to organize a group trip, please inquire here to speak about dates, pricing, and special requests.

    When should I apply?

    We recommend you apply as early as possible! The sooner you can apply the better since acceptance, gathering documents, etc. can take a long time and availability in the program may be limited. Read more about why applying early is a good idea.

    After I complete my program, how can I continue studying Spanish?

    A great next step is doing our High School Abroad Spain program! You’ll go to a local Spanish high school for a trimester, semester, or academic year.

    Can I speak to current students or alumni?

    Yes! Check out our blog or you can join our exclusive teen programs Facebook group to talk to current and past students.

    We also have a list of mentors (teens and parents) that are past participants open to chatting about their experience with potential new participants. Please inquire here if you want to be put in touch with a mentor.

  • Why Greenheart Travel?

    Greenheart Travel has been sending teens to Spain for many years, and there are advantages of applying for this program through us:

    • 33 years of experience with cultural exchange programs.
    • Friendly, responsive, and professional support from your program manager.
    • Connect with alumni and others on the program via our Greenheart Travel only Facebook forums, before you even leave!
    • We try and make our program fees as inclusive as we can. We include things like medical insurance so you don’t run into any hidden fees down the line.
    • Greenheart Atlas Program. The Greenheart Travel Atlas is a cultural training interactive guidebook alongside five videos where you will find three main topics covered: Personal/Professional Development, Cultural Understanding, & Environmental Awareness.
    • Our alumni recommend us! GoOverseas.com Reviews // GoAbroad.com Reviews
    • Hands-on support and personal attention every step of the way
    • 24/7 emergency phone number to reach a staff member at any time
    • Pre-departure “Culture Shock and Adjustment” Webinar before you leave
    • Discounts for future Greenheart Travel programs
    • We are a non-profit, mission-based organization
    • Continued support throughout your time abroad

    We also have some unique offerings to our Greenheart Travel students and alumni!

    Greenheart Global Impact Grants (GIGs)

    Greenheart GIG Grants are funds awarded to Greenheart Travel participants to use for community development projects in their host or home country after they return home. A GIG is the opportunity to create, improve, or maintain an impactful, community-focused project abroad or at home. Grant funds could be applied to supporting women’s cooperatives, schools, community centers, or health clinics, for example. Grant winners will be featured on our website, social media, and blog. You can see our past winners on our blog here.

    Greenheart Alumni Program

    We created the Greenheart Travel Alumni Program to provide resources and a community to support alumni in their advancement as global leaders, and a way to celebrate and reward our participants for being ambitious, inspiring catalysts of cultural exchange!

    Junior Greenheart Global Leaders Conference

    Each May Greenheart offers full-ride scholarships to around 10 teen alumni to attend our annual conference in Chicago. You can see more about what Jr. GGLC is and what you could do at the conference here.

  • Application Process

    Committing to a language camp program can feel a bit daunting, but we are here every step of the way to make the application process as simple as possible. Below are the steps you’ll need to take to be accepted on a Greenheart Travel program.

    1. Ensure Your Eligibility: The eligibility requirements, such as age or language proficiency, may be required for certain destinations.

    2. Start Your Application HereYou will be sent more information as well as the link to our application portal to begin your formal application. You’ll be able to save your progress along the way.

    3. Sign the Terms & ConditionsAfter you complete the first part of your application, you (and your parent(s) if you’re under 18) will be asked to read through and sign our Terms and Conditions which outline the requirements and policies of the program

    4. Submit your application fee: You will need to submit your $300 application fee at this point in the process. This is required in order to reserve your spot on the program and is subtracted from your total program fee.

    5. In-Depth QuestionnaireThis is the most in-depth part of the application process as it helps us get to know you better. You will need to provide detailed information about yourself, why you want to go abroad, and what you hope to gain from your experience. You will also need to upload your passport.

    6. Acceptance: Greenheart Travel will thoroughly review your application and will contact you within 1-2 weeks to confirm your acceptance. If we find something in your application that we have concerns about, we will let you know immediately. 95% of applicants are accepted on the program they apply for.

    You’re Accepted – now what?

    Your program manager will be in touch with you directly about your acceptance. At this point you will be required to submit a second $300 commitment payment that also goes towards the total amount (it’s not extra). This is your commitment to your start date and once we receive it is when details will start to be booked on your behalf.

    You’ll then be able to download the program handbook from the portal, which talks more about your program, as well as supplemental information about dealing with culture shock and our insurance program. We will also schedule an online pre-departure orientation to answer any lingering questions you may have. You can expect to receive your host family placement 1-2 weeks prior to your start date.

  • Schedule a Call

    Have questions and want to chat with a program advisor? Set up a time here:


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