- Spain
- Granada
- Madrid
- Santiago
About Program
Choose from a variety of incredible experiences that Spain has to offer through Arcos Journeys Abroad. Hike the Camino de Santiago, the ancient pilgrimage path over a thousand years old, and traverse some of Spain’s most striking landscapes. Study Spanish at the 500 year-old University of Granada. Experience the diversity of outdoor activities in the Granada region such as hiking, mountain biking, and canyoneering. Attend soccer camp and improve your skills. Visit Spain’s tropical coastline and enjoy a traditional paella on the beach. Participate in art workshops in Granada delving into the rich artistic traditions influenced by the Moors, Jews, and Christians. Experience the passion of a flamenco performance in a Gypsy cave. And, of course, tour the world-renowned Alhambra palace!
Video and Photos
Program Highlights
- Explore the Alhambra, the ancient palace of the Moorish sultans
- Study Spanish at the 500 year old University of Granada and earn college credit.
- Hike in the Sierra Nevada, the tallest mountains on the Iberian peninsula
- Enjoy a traditional paella at Nerja beach on Spain’s tropical coastline
- Pass through ancient villages while hiking the Camino de Santiago
Popular Programs
Experience the natural beauty and history of northern Spain while hiking this pilgrim’s path. Visit ancient churches and monasteries and stay in guest houses, typical to the route. Hike village to village across breathtaking landscapes. The walk ends at the impressive cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, the final resting place of St. James the apostle. Fall into sync with mind, body, and spirit on this journey of a lifetime.
Participate in pure outdoor adventure in southern Spain! Summit the Mulhacén, Southern Europe’s tallest peak with views of Africa. Sea kayak in the clear waters of the Mediterranean and enjoy a traditional paella lunch on the beach. Go canyoneering in the narrow slot canyons of the spring-fed Rio Verde. Mountain bike through centuries-old olive orchards. Experience the architectural beauty and wonder of the Alhambra, the ancient palace of the Moorish sultans.
Improve your soccer skills in Granada, Spain this summer! Home to a first division team, Granada has a wonderful tradition of soccer and sports. Participate in soccer training and scrimmages. Visit the spectacular tropical coastline for sea kayaking and beach soccer. Tour the exotic Moorish and Jewish districts of Granada and explore the passageways of the majestic Alhambra castle. Enjoy afternoon visits to a wellness center with a gym, indoor pool, and sauna.
Participate in art workshops learning techniques typical to Spain's Andalusia region such as marquetry, plaster, arabic calligraphy and stained glass. See real-life examples of what you create while exploring Granada and its hidden secrets. Travel to Malaga, a European art center, and visit the Picasso Museum. Swim in the clear waters of the Mediterranean and taste a traditional paella. Discover the hidden passageways of the Alhambra palace and find inspiration in the artistry of flamenco.
Study Spanish in Granada, one of Spain’s most beautiful and exotic cities. Take Spanish classes at the 500 year-old University of Granada. Live with a homestay and experience life like a local. Explore the historic neighborhoods such as the Albaicin, the old Moorish district and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Swim in the clear, azure waters of the Mediterranean. Hike in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Relax in the Arabic baths and attend a flamenco performance.
Response from Arcos Journeys Abroad
Thank you for sharing comments about your daughter’s experience. It sounds like Granada was not a good fit for her. Our program is one in which participants will be outside of their comfort zone. Our participants live and experience life just as locals do. This is part of the learning experience. This is not for everyone. In Europe, like most countries outside of the US, it is not common to have AC. We can make mention of this on our website. There is, however, AC at the University of Granada in every classroom. Our host families in Granada do have fans for student use and they are allowed to use them as much as they want. In Granada, there is often a split unit in the main living area - just not in all rooms (central AC is not common). Thank you for the homestay comments although all other participants who stayed with this host mother loved their experience there and these comments do not match our review of the conditions or dedication of this family to the program and our participants. We have discussed the fan usage comment as a team and decided that next summer before students arrive we will have an in-person meeting with the homestays just to remind them that participants are allowed to use fans in their rooms for as long as they wish as part of the homestay contract. Feedback, and the perception of parents, is always welcome, although it does not always match what we see or experience in-country. The description about shower use is uncharacteristic of this homestay, and any of the homestays. Water is a very precious resource in Southern Spain. It is a limited resource and an expensive one. Participants should understand that in arid regions of the world there are real concerns about its availability. It is possible participants could get a reminder after 5 minutes. Also, the bathroom is shared with the housemate(s) so each person must be respectful of their time so others can shower and use the bathroom. We will discuss shower usage at the pre-summer host family meeting to be on the same page.