Elite women’s soccer 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
- SOCCER REQS.: Please see below >>
- LANG. REQS: No Prior Knowledge of Spanish is required
11,995€* See full breakdown >>
Women’s Soccer Program
Train and compete with one of Seville’s leading women’s soccer clubs while living in Spain. Designed for dedicated female players, this program provides the opportunity to develop in a competitive Spanish football environment alongside experienced coaches and local players.
Elite Team Experience
- Join a fully federated Spanish women’s club
- Train with the Juvenile (16–18) or Senior team (18+) based on age and playing level
- Fully integrated into the team’s training environment
High-Performance Training
- Three team training sessions per week
- Weekly fitness training
- Goalkeeper-specific training available
- Experienced Spanish coaching staff
Competition Opportunities
- Compete in official Spanish federation league matches
- Spanish federation player licence included
- Gain valuable international playing experience
Elite Women’s Club
- One of Seville’s leading women’s football clubs
- Strong player development pathway
- Collaborative history with Real Betis Balompié
- Competitive and supportive environment
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
- Varsity or club soccer experience before the program
- 2–3 videos of playing and drills sent to seanrc@saiie.com
- Coach recommendation form from your last head soccer coach
- Completed student application form
Questions? Contact Sean Chipres at seanrc@saiie.com.
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
Which team will I join?
Depending on your age and playing level, you will join either the club’s Juvenile team (ages 16–18) or Senior team (18+).
When do training sessions take place?
Training sessions generally take place in the evenings, typically around 8:00–9:30 p.m. The exact schedule may vary depending on the team and club schedule.
Will I train with Spanish players?
Yes. You will train and compete alongside local Spanish players as part of a Spanish women’s soccer club. This gives you the opportunity to experience the Spanish soccer system and become part of the team environment.
Do I need to speak Spanish to participate?
No. No prior knowledge of Spanish is required. You will train in a Spanish-speaking environment with Spanish coaches and teammates, giving you an excellent opportunity to improve your Spanish through your sport.
What type of soccer shoes should I bring?
You should bring soccer shoes suitable for artificial turf.
How do I get to soccer training?
Training facilities are generally accessible by bus or metro, depending on your host family’s location. SAIIE helps students navigate local transportation during orientation.
What will my typical week look like?
Your week will combine soccer training, fitness training, Spanish language study or courses at the University of Seville, academic coursework when applicable, cultural activities and independent time. Your soccer schedule will be coordinated with your academic schedule whenever possible.
Can I continue playing college soccer in the U.S. after the program?
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 participating in organized competition in Spain. NCAA eligibility can depend on the athlete’s individual circumstances and the type and timing of competition.
Photo Gallery
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.