Some of our most frequently asked questions
Check our Essential Eligibility Criteria here and find out if this is the program for you!
We welcome ages 18 to 25.
In Spain By Train, your program leader, Sagri, will be with you throughout the entire trip. However, the area guides vary from one region to the next, as our team is formed by local experts from different parts of the country.
On Future Leaders, your mentors will be assigned at the start of the program, Maryam, our program director, will be available to our gappers throughout the program.
Find out more on our Meet the Team page.
Group communication via an online Drive folder: for file sharing (schedule, content, blog, photos etc)
Weekly update email the first month, then bi-weekly threafter.
Individual communication via Private Whatsapp messaging / phone / email
U.S. citizens may enter Spain for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a visa (our program is 84 days long). Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay.
Arrival: Madrid airport & Departure: Barcelona airport
For both programs, you only need to arrange your flights to & from Spain. We look after every journey during the program.
In the Spain By Train program, we will mostly travel by train, taking advantage of the comfortable railway facilities in Spain: Spanish trains are comfortable, clean and spacious, with cafeteria and toilet facilities.
We would like you to. If there is an activity you are not comfortable with, we will of course try to find an alternative. For instance, if you are not fond of cycling (which we do for three days, during the Camino de Santiago), you can walk the route with one of our team members instead and our support van will collect you at the end of the day, so you can catch up with the rest of the group.
Yes, we do. We cater for gluten free, vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian and omnivore diets. You can specify your dietary requirements in your application form (including allergies and autoimmune diseases).
During your homestay in Madrid, you can choose to share the host family with another participant or be the only gapper in the home. You will be well connected to your peers' families too. All interns in Barcelona will live in the same accommodation.
In Madrid, Spanish Gap Year will be your headquarters, whilst in Barcelona, the Absolute Internship offices will be your headquarters.
The host company ensures that the student fits well into their organization and plan. The student also has a say in how they feel about the host company. Absolute Internship only sends student CVs to companies that we feel would be appropriate based on our knowledge.
Yes, we will be training the participants before their placement interviews as well as helping them develop their resumes and cover letters.
Yes, students must be able to work independently, be good at following instructions and be proactive.
No, we do not pay commission for US referrals.
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You can apply directly through our website (see Apply button on top navigation menu) or contact us by phone/email and we will forward all required documentation. The process consists of 3 steps:
Completion of application form
Signing program terms & program fee transfer
Pre-arrival interview for best host-gapper match
The number of participants is 12 max per group. We can run two groups of 12, so a total of 24 gappers per cohort. We like to keep our groups small, so everyone can get the most out of the experience.
Inclusion, equity and diversity are key elements of Spanish Gap Year programming. We continually strive to provide a safe and supportive environment for gappers of all identities, of all abilities and from all backgrounds.
Our programs strive to provide a positive space in which all participants are equal, valid and valued; seeing diversity and difference as positive tools for growth.
No you do not. We will be settled in each accommodation for at least a week and when we do move, our bags will travel in the luggage compartment. During our time in the Camino (when we cycle or walk the route) our support van will carry our luggage.
Yes. Our team will meet you at arrivals and accompany you to departures at the end of the program.
In Spain By Train, three daily meals are included in your program fee. If you wish to buy snacks for yourself, you will be able to do so on the go (we will always be near a store).
In Future Leaders, breakfast and dinner are included whilst staying in Madrid. In Barcelona, you will either have half board or shared kitchen accommodation.
Absolutely. We know our hosts first hand and we carry out background checks and home visits every year.
Yes, Absolute Internship vets the host companies throughout the year. Student evaluations are an important part of this process.
This depends on the host company workload. If possible, students will be paired with another gapper in the internship site.
The company supervisor will be responsible for day-to-day supervision and mentoring. Absolute Internship will check in on the student and company throughout the program.
No Spanish is required but students can have access to more internship opportunities if they know Spanish.
Yes, if they have the right mindset.
Absolutely. A member of our team will be available to you 24/7 in case of an emergency.
Our team will immediately action our Emergency Response Plan (ERP). All team members are trained to respond to emergencies and carry a copy of our ERP at all times. A copy of our ERP can be made available on request. Our Risk Management Plan can be viewed below.
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