Spain Gap Year Jobs, Programs & Trips

Spain is one of the most popular destinations in Europe and there are so many trips, jobs, volunteer projects and courses available to book all year round. From studying Spanish, to living and working in places like Madrid, Barcelona and Ibiza, to exploring the country on a backpacking adventure.

Paid Work, Volunteer Programs, Language Courses & Tours in Spain

Travel to Spain

Here are some of the reasons you will love travelling to Spain:

• The chance to learn more about the country and immerse yourself in the culture
• Try the tasty local food
• Enjoy warm weather
• Friendly people
• Watch live sports like football
• So many trips, programs and courses available

Spain Gap Year Ideas

Are you interested in the idea of spending a gap year in Spain? Good decision.

Spain offers a huge range of choice when it comes to gap year experiences, and you’ll easily be able to find something that suits your particular interests – all while enjoying the country’s glorious warm weather.

There are plenty of benefits to choosing to have your year here too. For one thing, it’s a short distance from other European destinations, so if something comes up and you need to get back quickly, it won’t be difficult to arrange transportation.

Here are some of the best things to do on a gap year in Spain:

• Study Spanish at a language school
• Travel and explore cities and islands, tours operate all year round
• Whale and dolphin conservation projects in places like Tenerife
• Find summer jobs on the amazing Spanish islands
• Live and work in Spain as an English language teacher
• Gain work experience on a structured intern program
• Learn to surf

Work in Spain

Working in Spain is a dream right? Well, we think so.

This is one of the most popular places for people seeking gap year jobs abroad and it is easy to see why. Local and international companies hire foreign staff and most positions do not require you to need speak Spanish, although this is an advantage especially when living in Spain.

There are lots of seasonal jobs which attract huge interest in places like Ibiza, Mallorca and the Balearic Islands – who wouldn’t want to spend summer on the beach in the sun!

Teach in Spain

Teaching English on a gap year in Spain is a very popular way to live in the country and get paid. Lots of local recruiters and language schools hire international staff to work in places like Madrid, Seville, Valencia and Barcelona. Usually you need to be aged 18+ have a TEFL certification.

Volunteer in Spain

Looking to do more than just sightseeing? Apply to volunteer in Spain and help worthwhile local causes. There are lots of gap year volunteering programs available to join all year round including helping animals, people and the environment.

Study in Spain

Whether you want to pursue your academic studies abroad or learn a language, Spain is the perfect destination to be a student.

Spanish is the third most spoken language in the world after Chinese and English, and speaking it can increase your job opportunities in the future. A stay in Spain is the best way to learn the language, and you can also find a fascinating country that has considerable artistic heritage, rich cultural and culinary traditions, as well as a pleasant climate, these all combine to make Spain one of the most visited countries in the world.

There are highly rated universities located throughout the country and a lot offer courses in English. If you would like to learn Spanish you can book courses with language schools in places like Madrid, Valencia, Alicante, Bilbao, Barcelona, Seville and Malaga – just to name a few popular locations.

Spain Adventure Tours

You could arrange a trip independently or book a tour, local and international travel companies offer a range of group tours to all the major tourist destinations. Some trips last a few days whilst others last weeks taking in so many locations. Tours are also a great way to meet other people and have a lot of fun.

Backpacking in Spain

So where should you go for your Spanish gap year? Here are our top picks:

Madrid
The Spanish capital is a fast, diverse and exciting destination, and it offers an excellent cultural and artistic heritage. Gap year options in Madrid include international studies courses and foreign language programmes, and there are a number of opportunities for volunteer work as well.

Seville
Situated in Andalusia on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, Seville is the cultural and financial heart of southern Spain. For centuries, it served as a major seaport, and it boasts a mixture of historic architecture from Roman, Islamic and Christian eras. Gap year opportunities include teaching English, working in a senior centre or helping to feed the homeless.

Barcelona
Spain’s second largest city and the capital of Catalonia, Barcelona offers a fabulous combination of bustling metropolis and beach paradise – with plenty of Gaudi’s architecture mixed in too. For gap year students, there’s also an excellent mix of options: take a language course, work on marine conservation projects or opt to help out in a social welfare project.

Malaga
Located in the beautiful Costa del Sol, Malaga offers gap year students the ideal combination of sunny beaches and educational opportunities. As well as the normal year out options of volunteer work or learning a language, possibilities in Malaga also include adrenaline-fuelled adventures, such as learning to surf or kiteboard.

Ibiza
While its reputation might be that of the Mediterranean’s party hotspot, Ibiza offers far more than beaches and bars. The third largest of the Balearics also boasts ancient landmarks and stunning natural scenery. Take up a job in a bar, club or hotel, volunteer to work in the local community or spend some time helping out at a local animal shelter.

Tenerife
As the capital of the Canary Islands, Santa Cruz has long been a favourite destination for holidaymakers, and it’s also growing in popularity for those seeking a unique gap year. Work in the hospitality industry at a resort, opt for an intensive scuba course or discover the unique ecosystems of the islands.

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