Elite women’s volleyball 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
- VOLLEYBALL REQS.: Please see below >>
- LANG. REQS: No Prior Knowledge of Spanish is required
11,995€* See full breakdown >>
Train with one of Spain’s largest and most successful women’s volleyball clubs while living in Seville. Designed for dedicated student-athletes, this program provides a competitive training environment where players continue their development alongside Spanish athletes and experienced coaches.
High-Performance Training
- Three team training sessions per week
- Technical, tactical, and team development
- Experienced coaching staff
Elite Volleyball Club
- More than 800 players
- Over 50 competitive teams
- Home to a Superliga 2 women’s team
Team Placement
- Join the team that best matches your age and playing level
- Train alongside Spanish athletes
- Fully integrated into the club environment
Competition Opportunities
- Compete in official league matches
- Experience Spanish club volleyball
- Develop in one of Spain’s strongest volleyball environments
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 volleyball experience
- Coach recommendation form from your current head volleyball 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 volleyball players?
Yes. You will train alongside Spanish athletes as part of a local women’s volleyball club, giving you the opportunity to experience the Spanish club volleyball system and become part of the team environment.
Which team will I join?
You will be placed on the team that best matches your age and playing level. Depending on your age and experience, you may train with one of the club’s Juvenile (16-18 years old), Junior (18-20 years old), A, B or C teams.
How often will I train?
You will typically participate in three team training sessions per week. The exact schedule may vary depending on your team and the club’s training schedule.
When do training sessions take place?
Team training sessions are approximately 1.5 hours long. The exact schedule depends on your team and the club’s training schedule.
Will I train in Spanish?
Yes. You will train with Spanish players and coaches in a Spanish-speaking environment. No prior knowledge of Spanish is required, and training provides an excellent opportunity to practice Spanish through your sport.
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 volleyball 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 volleyball competition in Spain. NCAA eligibility can depend on the athlete’s individual circumstances and the type and timing of competition.
How far are the volleyball facilities from my accommodation?
Training facilities are generally accessible by public transportation, with travel times depending on your team’s facility and your host family’s location.
What should I bring to volleyball training?
Bring your usual volleyball training clothing, indoor volleyball shoes, knee pads if you normally use them, a refillable water bottle and any personal equipment you regularly use.
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.