Elite rowing GAP year in Seville, Spain
- FALL: Sept. 17 – Dec. 12, 2026
- SPRING: Feb. 4 – May 13, 2027
- GAP YEAR: Sept. 17, 2026 – May 13, 2027
- ELG: High School Graduate or have completed Year 13 (UK)
- ROWING REQS.: Please see below >>
- LANG. REQS: No Prior Knowledge of Spanish is required
11,995€* See full breakdown >>
Continue your rowing career while studying abroad in Seville, Spain. Train with one of Spain’s most respected rowing clubs while earning university credit and experiencing Spanish culture. Whether you join for the summer or a semester, you’ll benefit from high-performance coaching and an authentic club environment.
High-Performance Training
- 5–6 on-water sessions per week
- 3–4 dryland strength & conditioning sessions
- Nationally certified coaches
Professional Facilities
- Full gym membership
- Rowing ergometers
- Weight room
Historic Spanish Club
- Decades of rowing tradition
- Olympic tradition
- Train alongside experienced Spanish rowers
Competition Opportunities
- Academic year students compete in Spanish regattas
- Become part of the club’s competitive squad
- Gain international racing experience
Academics
Choose one of the following academic options.
SAIIE Intensive Spanish Language
16 hours of Spanish instruction per week
- Beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.
- Small class sizes.
- Official SAIIE Certificate upon completion.
University of Seville
Study alongside international students.
- Courses taught in English and Spanish.
- Open to students from beginner to advanced Spanish levels.
- Students enroll in 3–5 university courses per semester.
- Minimum age: 18 years before the end of the semester.
UWL Academic Credit
Students may choose to earn official U.S. academic credit through the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse (UWL), SAIIE’s School of Record.
UWL Academic Credit:
- €1,500 additional per semester
- €2,450 additional for the full academic year
This option includes official UWL academic credit and transcript.
To inquire about UWL academic credit, please contact Resident Director Stuart Chipres at director@saiie.com.
Experience authentic Spanish culture by living with a carefully selected host family in Seville.
Program Highlights
Carefully Selected Host Families
- Welcoming Spanish families
- Carefully screened by SAIIE
- Authentic cultural immersion
Meals & Daily Living
- Most meals included
- Experience authentic Spanish cuisine
- Supportive family environment
Comfortable Accommodation
- Shared room with another SAIIE student
- Wi-Fi included
- Weekly laundry service
Convenient Location
- Most families located within a 15–45 minute walk of SAIIE
- Airport reception upon arrival
- On going support
Program Requirements
- Be a high School Graduate or have completed Year 13 (UK)
- Have previous varsity or club rowing experience
- Meet the age and eligibility requirements of the local rowing club
- Completed student application form
Rowing Evaluation
Applicants may be asked to provide:
- A current 2k Concept2 ergometer time
- 2–3 videos showing rowing technique and/or training
- A coach recommendation from their current or most recent head rowing coach
2k Ergometer Benchmarks
As a general guideline for competitive placement:
- Women: 7:30 or faster
- Men: 6:30 or faster
Athletes outside these benchmarks may still be considered depending on experience, age, technical ability, and club placement opportunities. Please contact Sean Chipres at seanrc@saiie.com with questions.
Program Dates
Fall Semester
September 17 – December 12, 2026
Winter Break
December 13, 2026 – February 3, 2027
The SAIIE Gap Year program is not in session during winter break. Housing, classes, athletic training, and program activities are not provided during this period.
Spring Semester
February 4 – May 13, 2027
Program Fees
Optional U.S. College Credit
Students may choose to earn official U.S. academic credit through the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse (UWL), SAIIE’s School of Record.
UWL Academic Credit:
- €1,500 additional per semester
- €2,450 additional for the full academic year
- Earn up to 12 U.S. academic credits per semester
- Receive an official University of Wisconsin–La Crosse transcript
- University of Wisconsin–La Crosse serves as SAIIE’s School of Record
- Credits are earned through eligible SAIIE academic coursework
Semester + Academic Credit: €13,495
Academic Year + Academic Credit: €25,945 (up to 24 credits)
Program Costs Include
- SAIIE program fees and student support services before, during, and after the program.
- Airport reception and transfer to the student’s Spanish host home on the arrival date.
- On-site orientation upon arrival.
- 24/7 bilingual on-site staff support throughout the program.
- Spanish host-family accommodation with most meals included: breakfast and lunch Monday–Friday, and dinner Sunday–Thursday.
- One load of laundry per week throughout the program.
- Program excursions and activities, including a weekend excursion and a day trip to Córdoba.
- Welcome and farewell meals.
- Spanish language program fees, including classes Monday–Thursday, or University of Seville program fees, depending on the student’s academic pathway.
- Athletic program fees, including coaching, training and access to program facilities.
- SAIIE Certificate certifying Spanish language study completed at the SAIIE Center.
- University of Seville grade report documenting courses completed, when participating in the University of Seville program.
Additional Out-of-Pocket Costs
- Passport
- CISI health and medical evacuation insurance (mandatory)
- Spanish visa for U.S. citizens (approximately $160)
- Round-trip airfare between the USA and Spain (approximately €600–€1,000)
- Meals not included with accommodation (approximately €600 per semester)
- International Student Identity Card (ISIC) (approximately €10–€20)
- Transportation to athletic practices (approximately €100 per semester)
- Personal expenses (approximately €1,000 per semester)
- Optional additional trips (approximately €700 per semester), including optional weekend trips to Morocco and Granada
- Optional co-curricular activities (approximately €500 per semester)
Application Deadlines
Fall Semester / Academic Year: April 1
Spring Semester: October 1
Applications may close earlier if the program reaches capacity.
Missed the deadline? Please contact Sean Chipres, Director of Program Development, to enquire about late application options. Contact us or email seanrc@saiie.com.
FAQ
How does the Spanish club system compare with college sports in the U.S.?
Unlike the U.S., where many high-level athletes compete through college teams, competitive sports in Spain are primarily organized through clubs. Top Spanish clubs can provide a highly competitive training and competition environment, giving student-athletes the opportunity to train at a high level while experiencing the Spanish sports system.
What level of rowing experience do I need?
The program is designed for experienced competitive rowers who are prepared for a demanding training environment. Applicants should have a strong background in competitive rowing and be comfortable training at a high level. Training placement and boat assignments are determined by the coaching staff based on the athlete’s experience, ability, and current performance.
Will I compete in rowing regattas in Spain?
Academic-year students will have the opportunity to compete in Spanish regattas as part of their rowing program. Semester students may also have opportunities to compete, depending on the timing of their program and the club’s competition schedule.
What boats might I row?
Depending on your training group and the club’s training and competition schedule, you may have opportunities to row 8s, 4s, pairs, singles, doubles, and quads. Boat assignments may vary throughout the season.
How intense is the rowing program?
The program is designed for competitive rowers and is physically demanding. Training combines on-water rowing, ergometer work, strength and conditioning, and recovery training. Training intensity varies throughout the season.
When are rowing practices?
Training generally takes place in the morning or afternoon/evening, depending on your academic schedule and the club’s training schedule. Your rowing schedule will be coordinated with your academic commitments whenever possible.
How often will I do strength and conditioning?
The program typically includes 3–4 strength and conditioning sessions per week, alongside on-water rowing sessions.
What other training will I do besides rowing?
Training may include ergometer work, strength training, and recovery cross-training, such as cycling. The exact combination of training varies throughout the season.
What is the coaching like?
You will train with experienced and qualified coaches in a Spanish-speaking rowing environment. Coaches provide technical instruction, training guidance, and feedback throughout the program.
Will I train with Spanish rowers?
Yes. You will train alongside Spanish rowers as part of a local club team, giving you the opportunity to experience the Spanish rowing system and become part of the club’s competitive environment.
Do I need to speak Spanish to participate?
No prior knowledge of Spanish is required. Training is conducted primarily in Spanish, providing an authentic opportunity to practice your language skills while training with your teammates and coaches.
What should I bring to rowing practice?
Bring your usual athletic training clothes, running shoes, a refillable water bottle, sunglasses, and sunscreen. You should also bring any personal rowing equipment you normally use.
Can I continue rowing competitively in the U.S. after the program?
Yes. Students planning to compete for an NCAA college should discuss their individual circumstances with their future college’s compliance office or the NCAA Eligibility Center before competing in organized regattas in Spain, as NCAA eligibility rules can depend on the athlete’s individual circumstances and the type and timing of competition.
What will my typical week look like?
Your week will combine rowing training, strength and conditioning, Spanish language study or study at the University of Seville, academic coursework when applicable, cultural activities, and independent time. Your rowing schedule will be coordinated with your academic schedule whenever possible.
Voices from Seville
Testimonials
Parents and student-athletes on training, language, and life with SAIIE.
Parents
The SAIIE rowing program was an amazing experience for my son. The college athletes were friendly and took him under their wing immediately and enthusiastically. The facilities are wonderful and there is no more beautiful place to row than one the river running through Seville. The SAIIE Spanish language emersion class was top notch as well. My son came home speaking Spanish and the instructor was fantastic! You will not get this type of language instruction anywhere else! High recommend A+++!!
Jessica Mirzaian
I could not be more pleased with the experience my son had with SAIIE in Sevilla. Sean and Stuart and team were on every detail, and communicated well with us throughout the three months. Even when my son fell ill for a few days, Sean reached out to let me know that he was in touch with him and his host mother, and that he would be looked after. The combination of high-level sports training and learning Spanish was an amazing fit for us, and very unique.
Jennifer Balbach
Students
My experience with SAIIE was fantastic. I came to Spain without knowing any Spanish and I am now leaving as a very proficient Spanish speaker. I loved my host family and all the food. The rowing team was so much fun and I became good friends with many of my teammates. The coach, David, was very knowledgeable and accommodating. Overall, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience!
Finn Balbach
More stories on @saiieathletics.
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APPLY NOW
To start your application to our program please complete the student form. For more information on the program please contact the Program Manager, Sean Chipres, at seanrc@saiie.com.