Elite rugby 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 done with Year 13 (UK) / Born in 2007, 2008, or 2009
- RUGBY REQS.: Please see below >>
- LANG. REQS: No Prior Knowledge of Spanish is required
11,995€* See full breakdown >>
Continue your rugby career while studying abroad in Seville, Spain. Train and compete with one of Seville’s leading rugby clubs while earning university credit and experiencing Spanish culture. Students are placed in the club’s U18 or U23 academy teams based on their age, experience, and playing level, providing a high-performance environment both on and off the field.
High-Performance Training
- 3 team training sessions per week
- Technical, tactical, and match preparation
- Experienced coaching staff
Elite Academy Teams
- Join the club’s U18 or U23 academy team
- Placement based on age and playing level
- Fully integrated into the team’s training environment
Competitive Rugby
- Compete in official Spanish league matches
- Represent one of Seville’s leading rugby clubs
- Experience European club rugby
High-Performance Environment
- Club affiliated with Spain’s División de Honor
- One of the leading rugby programs in Andalucía
- Balance university studies with competitive rugby
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
This option includes official UWL academic credit and an official UWL 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
- High School Graduate or done with Year 13 (UK) / Born in 2007, 2008, or 2009
- Current varsity or club rugby experience
- Coach recommendation form from your current head rugby coach
- 2–3 videos of playing and drills sent to seanrc@saiie.com
- Completed student application form
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
+€1,500 per semester
- 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: €26,495 (up to 24 credits)
Academic credit is optional and available to eligible students.
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
Will I train with Spanish rugby players?
Yes. You will train and compete alongside Spanish rugby players as part of a local rugby club, giving you the opportunity to experience the Spanish rugby system and become fully integrated into the team’s environment.
What is the rugby experience like in Spain?
Spanish rugby provides a different experience from the U.S. college rugby system. You will be part of a local club environment, train with Spanish teammates and experience rugby both on and off the field as part of your cultural immersion in Spain.
What will my typical week look like?
Your week will combine rugby training, Spanish language study, academic coursework when applicable, cultural activities and independent time. Your rugby schedule will be coordinated with your academic schedule whenever possible.
Will rugby training be conducted in Spanish?
Yes. Training takes place in a Spanish-speaking environment with Spanish coaches and teammates. No prior Spanish knowledge is required, and the rugby program provides a natural opportunity to improve your Spanish through daily interaction with your team.
Can I continue playing college rugby in the U.S. after the program?
Students planning to compete for a college team in the U.S. should discuss their individual circumstances with their future college’s compliance office or the appropriate eligibility authority before participating in organized rugby competition in Spain. Eligibility can depend on the athlete’s individual circumstances and the type and timing of competition.
What should I bring to rugby training?
Bring your normal rugby training equipment, including rugby boots, training clothes, a mouthguard and any personal protective equipment you normally use. You should also bring a refillable water bottle and appropriate clothing for training in different weather conditions.
Can I play other sports or participate in other activities while in Seville?
Yes. Your Gap Year program includes opportunities to participate in cultural activities, excursions and other activities outside of your rugby training. You will also have free time to explore Seville and Spain independently.
Voices from Seville
Testimonials
Parents and student-athletes on training, language, and life with SAIIE.
Parents
Our son was lucky enough to find the SAIIE rugby Spanish program in Sevilla. He’s had an incredible year. The friends he has made, the camaraderie with his rugby teammates, and the experience of being in Sevilla have broadened his horizons and inspired him. The Spanish lessons and the ability to use what he learned in those lessons on a daily basis were phenomenal. With respect to the rugby, the quality of the Spanish rugby academy is very high and his immersion in game play (in Spanish) are building experiences that any athlete will recognize as a force multiplier to their skills.
Carlos Menacho
Students
Would highly recommend to any American rugby players, high level of rugby and great coaching staff along with low stress day to day life including school and other activities.
Lucas Menacho
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 Director of Program Development & Student Experience, Sean Chipres, at seanrc@saiie.com.