Cultural Embrace's summer programs offer teenagers the chance to learn a foreign language, discover new cultural activities, make friends from all around the world, engage in service learning projects, and truly experience the local culture in an unique, international environment. We currently have two available cities in San Sebastian and Santander, Spain.

Participants will be with other high-school aged students, that share their same interests. Each group will be escorted by at least one American-based high school teacher, as well as local adult Spaniards supervision. Educational, cultural, and recreational activities will be prepared on a daily basis, as well as regular sight-seeing excursions and service projects. Meals and housing will be included in safe, conveniently located and carefully screened home-stays. Special dietary meals can be prepared on request. 

San Sebastian:
Located on the beach in the rolling hills of northern Spain, San Sebastian presents itself as an inviting, enchanting city where old and new meet. For years European families have traveled here to relax or surf on the city's pristine beaches. San Sebastian was founded in 1524, and the old town, "el casco antiguo," is built on a sandy isthmus connecting the mainland with the steep peninsular point of Monte Urgull Park. The park is encompassed by the 16th-century fortress of La Mota and makes for peaceful walks and provides breath taking views of the Cantabrian Sea. "La parte nueva," the new part, spreads inland along the banks of the river and is a hub for high end shopping and art galleries. The Palacio de Miramar, the Spanish royalty’s former summer residence, has been used for some years by the University of Basque Country as a small campus site in San Sebastian. The city serves as the capital of the Guipuzkoa province and has evolved into a culturally rich cosmopolitan destination that is ideal for Spanish language immersion.

Santander:
The province of Cantabria provides a distinguished setting for those wishing to learn the Spanish language. The stunning city of Santander, the capital, lies on the northern coast of the Bay of Biscay near the famous Picos de Europa mountain range. Santander enjoys a mild climate even during the summer months and attracts international visitors year round. A peninsula juts out into the Bay with a medieval castle that captures the eye. During the summer families and students flock to the beautiful beaches of Santander. In the summer the city of Santander truly comes alive with festivities, concerts, galleries, bull fights and many other cultural events. Santander’s intimate surroundings make for a picture perfect language immersion destination.
 

Discover the Similarities - Share the Differences!

A Summer in Spain Offers

• Learn Spanish in a multicultural, safe, healthy, and friendly environment with other students your age
• Experience Spanish culture and traditions with friendly and qualified supervision by native teachers, monitors and staff
• An opportunity to broaden your perspective and worldview
• An opportunity to participate in and learn Spanish cultural activities (e.g.: language, cooking, crafts)
• Discover Spain with memorable travel experiences and ways to see exotic sites you have always dreamed about 
• The ability to make lifelong friends from around the globe 
• A great way to develop and support your self-confidence and interpersonal skills 
 

Cultural Embrace Offers:

• Guaranteed Placement Prior to Departure
  Cultural Embrace pre-arranges your summer program before you leave home. In addition, we can pre-arrange internships, tours, volunteer and other activities that may interest you (e.g. arts & crafts, tours).
• 20 Spanish language lessons per week
  Spanish Grammar, Conversation, and Culture. Classes are taught Monday-Friday, 4 hours a day by teachers who hold advanced degrees teaching Spanish to foreigners. Classes are divided by skill level.
• Room & Meals
    Accommodations and meals are included by carefully selected and screened host families. Most meals on excursions are included too. Special dietary/allergy needs will be met upon request.
• Classroom Materials
  Study materials for class are provided (textbook/workbook and photocopies of exercises).  
• Social Activities and Excursions
  Social activities and excursions are available.  
• Travel Insurance:  Basic Major Medical Coverage 
  Our program includes a basic traveler's medical coverage. We highly recommend a more comprehensive plan, and offer optional policies at a discounted rate.
• Arrival Assistance 
  Airport pick-up and transfer are available.   
• Cultural Embrace Kit
  Useful tips, advice, and information to prepare you for the amazing adventure of traveling abroad.
• 24-Hours Full-time Representation & Supervision
  Cultural Embrace provides representation in the United States and Spain prior to, during, and after your placement. You will be escorted by at least one adult American and Spanish teacher/supervisor.
• Certificate & Academic Report
  Upon completion of the course, you will receive an accredited certificate and academic report necessary for accreditation.
   

Program Information:

San Sebastian :: June 25 - July 12, 2009
About the City: Located on the beach in the rolling hills of northern Spain, San Sebastian presents itself as an inviting, enchanting city where old and new meet. For years European families have traveled here to relax or surf on the city's pristine beaches. San Sebastian was founded in 1524, and the old town, "el casco antiguo," is built on a sandy isthmus connecting the mainland with the steep peninsular point of Monte Urgull Park. The park is encompassed by the 16th-century fortress of La Mota and makes for peaceful walks and provides breath taking views of the Cantabrian Sea. "La parte nueva," the new part, spreads inland along the banks of the river and is a hub for high end shopping and art galleries. The Palacio de Miramar, the Spanish royalty’s former summer residence, has been used for some years by the University of Basque Country as a small campus site in San Sebastian. The city serves as the capital of the Guipuzkoa province and has evolved into a culturally rich cosmopolitan destination that is ideal for Spanish language immersion.

Prerequisites: Must be completing grades 9-12 and have at least two years of high school Spanish or equivalent.

Local School Information: TANDEM-San Sebastian
Tandem San Sebastian is part of the TANDEM world organization of accredited language schools. They provide students with a diverse social program that complements their high standards of foreign language learning. Tandem is accredited by the Instituto Cervantes of the Universidad de Acala. Students will have access to free internet at the school.

Curriculum: Spanish Grammar, Conversation, and Culture. Classes are taught Monday-Friday, 4 hours a day, by teachers who hold advanced degrees in teaching Spanish to foreigners. Classes are with other program participants and are broken up by skill level.

Academic Credit: Students receive 40 contact hours on their transcript that they may use to petition for up to 4 hours of college credit.

Accommodations & Meals: Homestay families are carefully selected by the housing coordinator at Tandem as well as screened by Cultural Embrace’s local coordinator. The families are well experienced in hosting foreign students and are committed to help in learning the language, serving you great food, and adopting you into their way of life. Remember that families come in all shapes and sizes and an open mind to try new things is important.

Excursions: Visit historically famous and culturally rich cities, such as: Madrid, Segovia, Burgos, Bilbao, Biarritz, France, and Toledo. 

Social & Recreational Activities: Learn and improve your social and recreational skills, such as: salsa and merengue dance, cooking, sports, and more.

Resident Directors:
Ana Mendikute, TANDEM, San Sebastian, Spain
TBD, USA high school teacher(s)

San Sebastian Sample Itinerary

*Summer Month is 32 days in length and will repeat some excursions and activities but with the opportunity to participate in alternates.


Santander :: Summer 1: June 11-June 28; Summer 2: June 25-July 12; Full Summer: June 11-July 12
About the City: The province of Cantabria provides a distinguished setting for those wishing to learn the Spanish language. The stunning city of Santander, the capital, lies on the northern coast of the Bay of Biscay near the famous Picos de Europa mountain range. Santander enjoys a mild climate even during the summer months and attracts international visitors year round. A peninsula juts out into the Bay with a medieval castle that captures the eye. During the summer families and students flock to the beautiful beaches of Santander. In the summer the city of Santander truly comes alive with festivities, concerts, galleries, bull fights and many other cultural events. Santander’s intimate surroundings make for a picture perfect language immersion destination.

Prerequisites: Must be completing grades 9-12 and have at least two years of high school Spanish or equivalent.

Local School Information: Universidad de Cantabria
The University of Cantabria enjoys one of the most favorable staff to student ratios within Spain. According to the National Planning and Assessment Agency the University ranks third out of all Spanish universities in regards to quality and standards of research.  The University of Cantabria has offered summer courses in Spanish as a Foreign Language for well over two decades. Students will have access to the library facilities as well as to computers and internet. The UC gymnasium facilities are also available for student use upon request.

Curriculum: Spanish Grammar, Conversation, and Culture. Classes are taught Monday-Friday, 4 hours a day, by teachers who hold advanced degrees in teaching Spanish to foreigners. Classes are held with other program participants and are broken up by skill level.

Academic Credit: Students receive 40 contact hours (2 WK), or 80 contact hours (MONTH) on their transcript that they may petition for up to 2-4 hours of college credit.

Accommodations & Meals: Homestay families are carefully selected by the housing coordinator at Tandem as well as screened by Cultural Embrace’s local coordinator. The families are well experienced in hosting foreign students and are committed to help in learning the language, serving you great food, and adopting you into their way of life. Remember that families come in all shapes and sizes and an open mind to try new things is important.

Excursions: Visit historically famous and culturally rich cities, such as: Madrid, Segovia, Burgos, Bilbao, and Toledo. 

Social & Recreational Activities: Learn and improve your social and recreational skills, such as: salsa and merengue dance, cooking, sports, and more.

Santander Sample Itinerary:

*Prices subject to change based on currency exchange rates
**Can$, Aus$, Br£, Euros€ can be accepted with an additional service charge for currency conversion
***$200 Application Fee and international airfare are not included with price of program

1. Obtain the Cultural Classes Application Forms & Procedures documents in one of three ways:

(a) Download the forms:  Cultural Classes Form (PDF) and 2009 Junior's Summer in Spain Program Details

(b) Fill out an online application request form and the forms will be mailed to you within 7-10 days.

(c) Call Cultural Embrace at 1-512-469-9089 or 1-888-214-8570 (US toll-free) to have the forms mailed to you in 7-10 days. 

2. Read the instructions carefully and complete all forms.

3. Submit your completed application packet to:

CULTURAL EMBRACE
7201 Bill Hughes Road
Austin, TX 78745 USA

Completed packet should include:

• Cultural Classes Program Application
• Signed Cultural Classes Agreement
• Copy of your passport (information page only)
• Two 1½" x 2" official passport-size photos, signed on the back
• US$200 non-refundable application fee (not included with program fee)

Cultural Embrace requires an expedited application fee for those applying 12 weeks or less before the desired date of departure. Applications received 8-12 weeks prior to desired departure date will be charged $150. Applications received less than 8 weeks before the desired departure date will be charged $250.

For any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@culturalembrace.com or you can call us at 1-512-469-9089 or 1-888-214-8570 (US toll-free).