Elite water polo GAP year in Seville, Spain
- FALL: Sept. 17 – Dec. 12, 2026
- SPRING: End Jan. – Mid May, 2027
- GAP YEAR: Mid Sept., 2026 – Mid May, 2027
- ELG: High School Graduate or done with Year 13 (UK) / Born in 2007, 2008 or 2009
- WATER POLO REQS.: Please see below >>
- LANG. REQS: No Prior Knowledge of Spanish is required
11,995€* See full breakdown >>
Train with one of Seville’s leading water polo clubs while living in Spain. Designed for dedicated student-athletes, this program offers the opportunity to develop in a high-performance environment alongside experienced coaches and talented Spanish players.
Elite Team Placement
- Join the club’s U19 or Senior team, depending on your age and playing level.
- Train alongside talented Spanish athletes
- Fully integrated into the team’s training environment
High-Performance Training
- Water polo training sessions throughout the week
- 3–4 gym and strength & conditioning sessions weekly
- Technical, tactical, and physical development
- Experienced coaching staff
Competition Opportunities
- Compete in official Spanish water polo competitions
- Represent your Spanish club
- Gain valuable international playing experience
- Experience the intensity of Spanish club water polo
Elite Water Polo Club
- Train in a high-performance club environment
- Develop alongside competitive Spanish players
- Balance academics with elite sport
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 / Born in 2007, 2008 or 2009
- Current varsity or club water polo experience
- Coach recommendation form from your current head water polo 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
What level of water polo experience do I need?
Applicants should have current competitive water polo experience at the varsity or club level. Students should be prepared to train consistently, compete at a high level, and adapt to a new coaching and team environment.
Which team will I train and compete with?
Students aged 17–19 will be placed with the appropriate team based on their age, playing level, and the club’s competitive structure.
How often will I train?
Students train five times per week in the water with their Spanish team, in addition to approximately 3–4 gym and strength & conditioning sessions per week. Depending on the competition schedule, athletes may occasionally have two water-polo sessions in a single day.
What is the coaching like?
Students train with experienced coaches in a Spanish club environment, receiving technical, tactical, and physical instruction throughout the program.
Will I train with Spanish water polo players?
Yes. Students train alongside Spanish athletes as members of their local club environment, allowing them to experience the Spanish water polo system and become part of the team.
How demanding is the water polo program?
The program is designed for committed competitive athletes and requires consistent participation in both water polo and strength & conditioning training. Students should be prepared for a demanding training schedule while balancing their academic responsibilities.
Do I need to speak Spanish to participate?
No. No prior knowledge of Spanish is required. Training takes place primarily in Spanish, giving students an opportunity to develop their language skills while training with their teammates and coaches.
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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.