Programme details
| Programme length | Start | End | Price | Age on departure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFS year programme (academic year) | September 2009 | July 2010 | $11,550 + $700 visa | 15 - 18 |
| AFS Intensive Programme (up to 3 months) | December 2008 | February 2009 | $6,750 + $700 visa | 15 - 18 |
Bullfighting and flamenco do not begin to summarise Spain’s rich complexity. The country has four languages, seven dialects and 17 political regions, each with its own government, budget, and cultural ministry. Spaniards, in fact, often feel deeper allegiance to their region’s cultural traditions, political issues, lifestyle and cuisine than they do to those of Spain as a whole. Spanish terrain is as varied as the country’s regional cultures from the Pyrenees mountains to Andalusian deserts to beaches. Spaniards are generally proud, dignified, generous, and happy in crowds, whether at festivals, strolling in plazas or cheering at soccer matches—as well as at bullfights.
Family life
As is the case throughout much of the world, Spanish families have undergone radical changes in recent years. Nevertheless, family is still the foundation of Spanish society. Traditionally, the mother manages the household while the father works outside the home, but more and more women now have jobs in addition to their domestic responsibilities.
Spanish families, including the extended family, tend to be close-knit, visiting each other frequently and sharing in large weekend gatherings. Parents will want to know when you go out and may give you a curfew that you will be expected to honor.
School life
Students may choose from three areas of study: science, humanities and technology. Science includes maths, physics, biology and chemistry. Subjects in the humanities include Spanish, literature, history, foreign language, philosophy and Latin. Technology includes industrial and engineering classes. You can obtain a transcript and/or certificate of attendance if you attend classes regularly, complete the work and pass the exams.
AFS Spain requires students to have high academic levels, pre-existing Spanish skills and it does not accept graduates (i.e. students who have finished year 13), vegetarians or smokers. On top of visa costs, a document translation fee of up to $500 may also apply.
