Spain I
Dates
May 30 – June 30, 2025
Subjects
Lower & Higher Intermediate Spanish, Spanish Culture (in English)
Deadlines
Dec. 1: Apply Early & Save $100
Feb. 5: Regular Deadline
Program Overview
The KIIS Spain I program offers students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the Spanish language, culture, and history while studying advanced Spanish courses in one of the country’s most charming and historic cities: Segovia. To enhance the cultural experience, students will live with local host families, which provides them with an environment that will improve their language skills, immersing themselves in daily Spanish life and gain a deeper understanding of the local culture.
Segovia offers a weekly open-air market, picturesque plazas, cafes, and frequent musical and artistic events that serve as an ideal backdrop for cultural immersion. In Segovia, students can explore stunning landmarks, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site Roman aqueduct, the Alcázar, and the Gothic Cathedral. The program includes excursions and field trips to important historical and cultural sites in and around Segovia. The city’s proximity to Madrid, with its vast cultural offerings, makes this location ideal for experiencing multiple dimensions of Spanish life.
Note: Studying abroad likely is more physically strenuous than you are used to at home. KIIS study abroad programs typically involve approx. 5-10 miles of walking (approx. 10,000-20,000 steps) or the like in a day, including the possibility of walking, hiking, and climbing stairs in heat and humidity, over elevations at higher altitudes, and over rocky terrain. See Health & Wellness for more information.
All KIIS course credit is awarded by Western Kentucky University. Prior to your KIIS program, please speak with your home campus academic advisor and/or study abroad office to determine course equivalencies. Grades will be transferred to your home institution in mid-August after the completion of the program. Course offerings are subject to change according to enrollment. For more information, visit Transcripts & Grades.
Program Excursions
We begin our walking tour in Salamanca with two cathedrals next to the Río Tormes. Other highlights include the University, established in the thirteenth century, and the Plaza Mayor. The group enjoys free time to have lunch, go to the market, or visit the cathedral tower steps for incredible views before continuing to Avila. In Avila, we can savor Santa Teresa's egg yolks and walk on the fortified wall of this wondrous medieval city.
We visit the cathedral and learn about the architecture and artwork, including many works by El Greco. We then walk through the Jewish neighborhood, visiting the Santa María la Blanca Synagogue. During your free time, you can explore the city, learn about Damascene and Toledo’s steel, shop, and try the city’s specialty, marzipan.
We travel by public bus to Spain’s capital, Madrid, and learn about taking the subway to the city's center arriving at the Puerta del Sol. From there, we take a walking tour including the Palacio Real, Plaza Mayor, Prado Museum, and other key monuments, finishing at lunchtime.
We have a guided tour through the Alcázar of Segovia, where Queen Isabella was crowned in 1474. While in the Alcazar, you may also climb the tower of Juan Il for a beautiful view of the city of Segovia and its surrounding countryside.
We take a walking tour of this city situated in the region of Castilla y León. We will visit major landmarks, such as Plaza Mayor, Plaza de Zorrilla, Plaza del Viejo Coso, Pasaje Gutiérrez, and Playa de las Moreras while learning about local history, culture, and art, as well as life in the city.
What's Included
Program Cost: $4,595 + airfare
To help you budget, keep in mind that you are responsible for the cost of obtaining a passport ($145), personal expenses (approx. $400-$800 depending on your spending habits/optional independent travel preferences), any class readings/materials, and any fees from your college/university.
Although KIIS tries to foresee all possible expenses in formulating program fees, please note that dramatic fluctuations in foreign currency valuations and/or airline surcharges may affect the total cost of the program.
Student Voices
“During my time studing with KIIS in Segovia, Spain, every day was like waking up in a dream. Every day I was greeted by the sunrise and a warm breakfast from my Señora in my homestay before walking through the beautiful city of Segovia before starting class. I was fortunate enough to have a break between classes and the ability to take a coffee break with my friends at my favorite coffee shop. The experiences are ones that I am so glad to have. Not only did I strengthen my Spanish but I also made lifelong memories and connections.”
– Mikayla, Spain I
“My study abroad program through KIIS on Spain I was absolutely incredible. I learned so many lessons about not only traveling and planning, but also about myself. Going to a new country for a month and not being able to speak your native language is pretty wild, and it took some time getting used to speaking in Spanish often. Adjusting to a whole new schedule for eating, sleeping and school was not as easy as I predicted. However, the downsides to this trip pale in comparison to the positive experiences. I visited six different cities in Spain, ate foods I never expected to see on a plate, and formed genuine relationships with people from around the world. Study abroad may be a daunting concept for some, but I firmly believe that everyone should do it. You never know what you will learn, see and discover!”
– Amy, Spain I
“Staying with a host family really helped make my study abroad experience more enjoyable. My host mom showed me around town to help me get acquainted, told me about different events going on in town, introduced me to authentic cuisine, and took care of me like any mom would. Having her there throughout the trip helped calm my fears of living abroad and made it one of the most enjoyable experiences of my time in college.”
– Maegan, Spain I
“My favorite experience was getting lost in the Madrid airport after going to Italy for the long weekend. I was able to get around and ask questions without having to use my Spanish dictionary and it was one of the proudest moments.”
– Emily, Spain I
“The best part of my KIIS experience was being able to use the Spanish that I had learned in the classroom in real life hands on situations. The trip improved my confidence and skills in Spanish tremendously.”
– John, Spain I
“I had heard so many great stories about KIIS and started looking at the programs they had to offer. That is when I decided to go for it, and it was the best experience of my life. Spain has forever changed my life and opened up my eyes to the world. I became such an independent and confident person, and I am so grateful for the memories I made over the course of that month.”
– Vanessa, Spain I
Take Your Education Further
Description
Dates
May 30 – June 30, 2025
Subjects
Lower & Higher Intermediate Spanish, Spanish Culture (in English)
Deadlines
Dec. 1: Apply Early & Save $100
Feb. 5: Regular Deadline
Program Overview
The KIIS Spain I program offers students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the Spanish language, culture, and history while studying advanced Spanish courses in one of the country’s most charming and historic cities: Segovia. To enhance the cultural experience, students will live with local host families, which provides them with an environment that will improve their language skills, immersing themselves in daily Spanish life and gain a deeper understanding of the local culture.
Segovia offers a weekly open-air market, picturesque plazas, cafes, and frequent musical and artistic events that serve as an ideal backdrop for cultural immersion. In Segovia, students can explore stunning landmarks, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site Roman aqueduct, the Alcázar, and the Gothic Cathedral. The program includes excursions and field trips to important historical and cultural sites in and around Segovia. The city’s proximity to Madrid, with its vast cultural offerings, makes this location ideal for experiencing multiple dimensions of Spanish life.
Note: Studying abroad likely is more physically strenuous than you are used to at home. KIIS study abroad programs typically involve approx. 5-10 miles of walking (approx. 10,000-20,000 steps) or the like in a day, including the possibility of walking, hiking, and climbing stairs in heat and humidity, over elevations at higher altitudes, and over rocky terrain. See Health & Wellness for more information.
All KIIS course credit is awarded by Western Kentucky University. Prior to your KIIS program, please speak with your home campus academic advisor and/or study abroad office to determine course equivalencies. Grades will be transferred to your home institution in mid-August after the completion of the program. Course offerings are subject to change according to enrollment. For more information, visit Transcripts & Grades.
Program Excursions
We begin our walking tour in Salamanca with two cathedrals next to the Río Tormes. Other highlights include the University, established in the thirteenth century, and the Plaza Mayor. The group enjoys free time to have lunch, go to the market, or visit the cathedral tower steps for incredible views before continuing to Avila. In Avila, we can savor Santa Teresa's egg yolks and walk on the fortified wall of this wondrous medieval city.
We visit the cathedral and learn about the architecture and artwork, including many works by El Greco. We then walk through the Jewish neighborhood, visiting the Santa María la Blanca Synagogue. During your free time, you can explore the city, learn about Damascene and Toledo’s steel, shop, and try the city’s specialty, marzipan.
We travel by public bus to Spain’s capital, Madrid, and learn about taking the subway to the city's center arriving at the Puerta del Sol. From there, we take a walking tour including the Palacio Real, Plaza Mayor, Prado Museum, and other key monuments, finishing at lunchtime.
We have a guided tour through the Alcázar of Segovia, where Queen Isabella was crowned in 1474. While in the Alcazar, you may also climb the tower of Juan Il for a beautiful view of the city of Segovia and its surrounding countryside.
We take a walking tour of this city situated in the region of Castilla y León. We will visit major landmarks, such as Plaza Mayor, Plaza de Zorrilla, Plaza del Viejo Coso, Pasaje Gutiérrez, and Playa de las Moreras while learning about local history, culture, and art, as well as life in the city.
What's Included
Program Cost: $4,595 + airfare
To help you budget, keep in mind that you are responsible for the cost of obtaining a passport ($145), personal expenses (approx. $400-$800 depending on your spending habits/optional independent travel preferences), any class readings/materials, and any fees from your college/university.
Although KIIS tries to foresee all possible expenses in formulating program fees, please note that dramatic fluctuations in foreign currency valuations and/or airline surcharges may affect the total cost of the program.
Student Voices
“During my time studing with KIIS in Segovia, Spain, every day was like waking up in a dream. Every day I was greeted by the sunrise and a warm breakfast from my Señora in my homestay before walking through the beautiful city of Segovia before starting class. I was fortunate enough to have a break between classes and the ability to take a coffee break with my friends at my favorite coffee shop. The experiences are ones that I am so glad to have. Not only did I strengthen my Spanish but I also made lifelong memories and connections.”
– Mikayla, Spain I
“My study abroad program through KIIS on Spain I was absolutely incredible. I learned so many lessons about not only traveling and planning, but also about myself. Going to a new country for a month and not being able to speak your native language is pretty wild, and it took some time getting used to speaking in Spanish often. Adjusting to a whole new schedule for eating, sleeping and school was not as easy as I predicted. However, the downsides to this trip pale in comparison to the positive experiences. I visited six different cities in Spain, ate foods I never expected to see on a plate, and formed genuine relationships with people from around the world. Study abroad may be a daunting concept for some, but I firmly believe that everyone should do it. You never know what you will learn, see and discover!”
– Amy, Spain I
“Staying with a host family really helped make my study abroad experience more enjoyable. My host mom showed me around town to help me get acquainted, told me about different events going on in town, introduced me to authentic cuisine, and took care of me like any mom would. Having her there throughout the trip helped calm my fears of living abroad and made it one of the most enjoyable experiences of my time in college.”
– Maegan, Spain I
“My favorite experience was getting lost in the Madrid airport after going to Italy for the long weekend. I was able to get around and ask questions without having to use my Spanish dictionary and it was one of the proudest moments.”
– Emily, Spain I
“The best part of my KIIS experience was being able to use the Spanish that I had learned in the classroom in real life hands on situations. The trip improved my confidence and skills in Spanish tremendously.”
– John, Spain I
“I had heard so many great stories about KIIS and started looking at the programs they had to offer. That is when I decided to go for it, and it was the best experience of my life. Spain has forever changed my life and opened up my eyes to the world. I became such an independent and confident person, and I am so grateful for the memories I made over the course of that month.”
– Vanessa, Spain I
Take Your Education Further
Additional information
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