Are you ready to make your post–high school year unforgettable?

SAIIE’s Elite Rugby Gap Year in Seville offers more than just outstanding athletic training — it’s your chance to live, study, and compete in one of Europe’s most vibrant cities. If you're graduating high school (or completed Year 13), born in 2007-2009, and serious about rugby, this is your moment.

What Makes this Program Special

• Top-Tier Academics + High-Level Rugby
  Pair intense training (3-4 sessions per week) with language immersion and/or university-level coursework. Improve your Spanish, build global awareness, and continue your education while playing at an excellent academy.
  
  
• Play in Real Competition
  You’ll be placed on a Spanish Rugby 15 team in the El Real Ciencias Rugby Club, competing in tournaments, and growing your skills with weekly training. A fantastic way to stand out on and off the field. 
  
  
• Living Experience in Seville
  Stay with a Spanish host family, enjoy local life, culture, food, and weekend excursions — from Córdoba to Ronda, Italica and more — for a full, immersive gap year. It’s not just rugby; it’s the full experience. 

Important Details & Application Info

• Cycle Opens: September 15, 2025 — Fall 2026/27 applications begin then. 
• Cost & Duration: ~€11,995 for one semester; full academic year also available. Includes housing, meals, language classes or university courses, athletic training, on-site support, and more. 
• Requisites: High School Graduate or Year 13 done; must be actively playing rugby at school or club; submit coach letters, video proof of play/drills, etc. 

Who this Program is For

• Elite Players wanting to elevate their rugby game in a competitive European environment. 
• Students who value language development, cultural immersion, and academic growth.
• Those eager to build independence, international experience, and a stronger resume.
• Families seeking a gap year with structure, mentorship, and meaningful athletic challenge.

Immersive Spanish Experience

• Players wanting to elevate their rugby game in a competitive European environment.
• Students who value language development, cultural immersion, and academic growth.
• Those eager to build independence, international experience, and a stronger resume.
• Families seeking a gap year with structure, mentorship, and meaningful athletic challenge.

Why Choose SAIIE?

• Personalized Support: Small cohort sizes and 24/7 bilingual staff ensure you're guided every step of the way.

• Unmatched Location: Seville offers a perfect blend of rich history, stunning architecture, incredible cuisine, and a warm, welcoming culture—ideal for both athletes and explorers alike.

Ready to Apply?

Mark your calendar for September 15, 2025 — that’s when the Fall 2026/27 application window opens. Want more information in the meantime? Contact Program Manager Sean Chipres at seanrc@saiie.com or check out the full program page: https://saiie.com/gap-year-spain/rugby-elite-spain

Don’t let this year pass by “ordinary.” Make it elite. See you in Seville.

Conclusion
SAIIE's Elite Rugby Gap Year Program in Spain offers an exceptional opportunity to combine high-level athletic development with immersive study abroad experiences in one of Spain’s most charismatic cities. It’s not just a semester—it’s a season of personal and athletic transformation. Don’t let this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity pass you by!

Are you a high school volleyball player ready to take your game to the next level while living and studying abroad? SAIIE is excited to announce our inaugural Elite Women’s Volleyball Gap Year Program in Seville, Spain, for the 2026/27 academic year! This unique opportunity combines high-level athletic training, cultural immersion, and academic growth in one unforgettable experience.

What the Program Offers

• Elite Volleyball Training: Train and compete with One of the TOP Women's  Volleyball Team of southern Spain’s top clubs and home to one of the country’s largest volleyball academies. Players will develop technical skills, tactical knowledge, and gain international exposure.

• Academic Opportunities: Students can take university courses at the University of Seville or participate in intensive Spanish language classes at the SAIIE center, ensuring growth both on and off the court.

• Cultural Immersion: Live with a carefully selected Spanish host family and experience authentic Spanish life firsthand. From sharing meals to learning local customs, every day is an opportunity to broaden your perspective.

• International Experience: Immerse yourself in the rich history, architecture, and culture of Seville while training and studying. Explore the sun-drenched streets, visit famous landmarks, and connect with students from around the world.

• NCAA Compliant: The program is fully compliant with NCAA regulations, ensuring your collegiate eligibility is preserved.
  
  
  

Why Choose This Program

This gap year is more than just volleyball. It’s a chance to grow as an athlete, student, and global citizen. Picture yourself: stepping onto the court with teammates from a top Spanish club, exploring Seville’s historic squares, and experiencing the excitement of living abroad for the first time — all in a supportive, structured program designed to maximize both athletic and personal development.

Apply Now

Applications for the inaugural 2026/27 program are now open! Don’t miss this chance to train, study, and live in one of Spain’s most vibrant cities while advancing your volleyball career.

Learn more and apply here: SAIIE Elite Women’s Volleyball Gap Year Program

Questions? Contact Sean at seanrc@saiie.com for more information or to schedule a brief call.

Introduction:

Are you a college swimmer looking for a summer that combines elite-level training with an unforgettable international experience? SAIIE’s Elite Swimming + Study Summer Program in Seville, Spain offers student-athletes the perfect balance of competitive swimming, academic coursework, and cultural immersion. Whether you’re preparing for collegiate competition or looking to grow as an athlete, this program gives you the opportunity to train with some of Andalusian top swimmers while exploring one of Europe’s most vibrant cities.

High-Performance Swimming Experience

Our program partners with one of Andalusia’s top competitive swimming clubs, a team with an unmatched track record:

• 24 Andalusian Absolute Championship titles

• Pioneers in Spanish swimming, the only team from Andalusia to compete in the Honor Division of the Spanish Swimming Cup, featuring the country’s best male and female swimmers

As a participant, you’ll train in a high-performance environment, learning alongside elite athletes, gaining technical expertise, and developing the endurance required to excel at collegiate and professional levels.

Academic Experience at the University of Seville

Beyond swimming, students will have the unique opportunity to take courses at the University of Seville, one of Spain’s oldest and most respected universities. The program offers:

• UW-Lacrosse Credits and Transcript.

• Courses in: Art, Business, Sociology, Exercise and Sports Science and Spanish language

• A structured, supportive environment to balance athletics and academics

This combination ensures that your summer is both educational and athletically enriching, giving you a well-rounded experience abroad.

Cultural Immersion in Seville

Living in Seville provides more than just training; it’s an immersive cultural experience:

• Explore the city’s rich history, art, and architecture

• Learn the Spanish language in daily life

• Experience authentic Spanish cuisine and local traditions

• Interact with local athletes and students, broadening your global perspective

Program Logistics & Highlights

• Duration: 4 - 6 weeks

• Accommodations: Comfortable lodging with full board

• Training Facilities: Access to top swimming pools, strength & conditioning areas, and elite coaching staff

• Support: Daily supervision and guidance from SAIIE staff, ensuring a safe and structured experience

Who Should Apply?

This program is perfect for college swimmers in the U.S. who want to:

• Continue swimming at a competitive, high-performance level during the summer

• Gain international experience in a supportive environment

• Take academic courses at a prestigious Spanish university

• Explore life and culture in Seville, Spain

Applications & Contact Information

Applications for Summer 2026 are now open!

For more information or to start your application, contact Sean Chipres, Program Manager:
Email: seanrc@saiie.com

Learn more: Swimming Elite Program

Don’t miss the chance to train, study, and explore Spain this summer!

Study Abroad in Seville Summer 2026: Learn Flamenco Through Rhythm, Dance, Singing & Guitar

If you are looking for a summer study abroad program in Spain that combines academic credit, cultural immersion, and hands-on learning, the University of Seville’s Summer 2026 course Initiation to the Practice of Flamenco Through Rhythm, Dance, Singing and Guitar (3 credits) course is one of the most unique opportunities available.

Offered through SAIIE (Spanish-American Institute of International Education), this course allows U.S. college students to study flamenco in Seville—the birthplace of this world-renowned art form.

Why Study Flamenco in Seville?

Seville is one of the most culturally rich destinations for students interested in Spanish traditions, performing arts, and cultural studies. Known worldwide as the home of flamenco, Seville offers an unparalleled environment to learn about this art directly from local experts.

Students who study abroad in Seville experience:

• Authentic flamenco performances

• Andalusian traditions and music

• Historic neighborhoods filled with culture

• A vibrant student city atmosphere

Seville is the perfect place to explore both Spanish culture and academic interests during the summer.

About the Flamenco Summer Course (3 Credits)

This University of Seville course introduces students to the three essential components of flamenco:

1. Flamenco Dance (Baile)

Learn rhythm, posture, movement, and expressive techniques that define flamenco dance.

2. Flamenco Singing (Cante)

Explore vocal traditions, emotional expression, and rhythmic clapping (palmas), which form the core of flamenco’s musical structure.

3. Flamenco Guitar (Toque)

Understand flamenco guitar rhythms, strumming patterns, and improvisation techniques used in performance.

The course also dives into flamenco’s history and multicultural roots, shaped by Andalusian, Roma, Moorish, and Jewish influences.

Earn Academic Credit While Studying Abroad

Students earn 3 U.S. academic credits, certified through the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse—SAIIE’s official school of record. This ensures smooth credit transfer to your home institution.

This program is ideal for students studying:

• Spanish

• Music

• Dance

• Cultural studies

• Anthropology

• Performing arts

• Humanities

Cultural Immersion Beyond the Classroom

Studying flamenco in Seville means experiencing the art form throughout the city. Students may encounter live music in local tablaos, busy plazas, cultural centers, and seasonal events.

Many SAIIE students also enjoy seeing traditional flamenco dresses and Sevillian culture during events like the Feria de Abril, where locals gather in colorful casetas to dance, socialize, and celebrate Andalusian traditions.

Even though Feria takes place in April, the spirit of flamenco remains alive throughout the summer—making Seville the ideal setting for students who want to understand and experience Spanish culture firsthand.

Why Choose SAIIE for Your Summer Study Abroad in Spain?

SAIIE has over 40 years of experience providing study abroad programs in Seville. Students choose SAIIE because of:

• Strong partnerships with the University of Seville

• Supportive academic advising

• Cultural activities and excursions

• Small class sizes and personalized attention

• A focus on meaningful cultural immersion

Our mission is to help students live, learn, and grow in one of Spain’s most historic and inspiring cities.

How to Apply

Applications for Summer 2026 are now open.
Spaces are limited due to small class sizes, so early registration is recommended.

Please contact Alexis, at the International Education & Engagement office at UW-LaCrosse if you need any help during your application process to our study abroad program. Alexis will be happy to help you start an application to our summer 2026 program.

Alexis Bergstrom
International Program Manager (International Education & Engagement office at UW-LaCrosse)
Email: abergstrom@uwlax.edu

👉 Learn more bout the summer program on the SAIIE Summer website
or
👉 Contact SAIIE for any other questions at: seanrc@saiie.com