Academic year in Spain for international students in Elche, Alicante

Yes. The recognition of the academic year in Spain is a straightforward process when completed correctly.

Students studying up to Year 3 of Compulsory Secondary Education (ESO) do not need to validate their studies. Validation is also not required for short-term programmes, such as a school term.

For Year 4 ESO students, validation is usually straightforward. The same applies to Bachillerato, although in this case it is important to select the appropriate subjects and pass them at the end of the academic year in Spain.

The Hispalang team will advise you throughout the entire process and help you choose the most suitable subjects to facilitate the recognition of your studies upon returning to your home country.

Yes, but only at the end of Bachillerato. In many countries, students take a national exam at the end of compulsory secondary education (around 15–16 years old) and another at the end of upper secondary education (17–18 years old). In Spain, however, only the latter exists, known as the Selectividad.

The Selectividad, also known as the University Entrance Exam (PAU), is only compulsory for students who have completed Bachillerato in Spain and wish to enter a Spanish university. The results of this exam, together with Bachillerato grades, determine university admission scores.

In boarding schools, yes. All students have supervised and compulsory study periods integrated into the daily routine.

In day schools, however, there are usually no compulsory study sessions outside school hours. Nevertheless, host families generally monitor students’ academic progress informally and pay attention to homework and study time. If any lack of effort or concerning performance is observed, they will inform the Hispalang team so that appropriate follow-up can be carried out.

Of course. We recommend that students have at least a basic level of Spanish before starting their academic year in Spain, as this will make their adaptation easier both inside and outside the classroom.

However, if additional support is needed, students can complement their learning with Spanish language support classes taught by native, qualified teachers at our Spanish school, Hispalang.

Yes. The school can be visited before the start of the academic year in Spain or, in some cases, during the first weeks after arrival.

However, it is not recommended that parents accompany the student to Spain. Experience shows that students adapt more quickly and naturally when they begin this new stage independently, supported from the outset by their host family, peers, and the local team.

Regarding the host family, visits may take place a few weeks after the programme has started. No visits are arranged prior to arrival or during the student’s first days, in order to support a gradual adaptation to the new environment.

First of all, it is important to allow the student a few days to adapt to their new environment, as this process takes time. We therefore recommend waiting at least 4–5 days before drawing conclusions about the placement or adaptation.

If, after this period, significant issues with the host family persist, the student should inform their local coordinator or the Hispalang team as soon as possible. We will then assess the situation and, if necessary, begin the process of finding a new host family.

Students staying with a host family have airport transfers included at the beginning and end of the academic year in Spain, provided their flights arrive or depart between 10:00 and 20:00.

An additional supplement will apply in the following cases:

• If the student returns home during holiday periods.
• If the flight arrives or departs outside the specified hours.
• If the programme is a boarding school placement.

For host family programmes, transfers are arranged by the host family. For boarding school programmes, transfers are organised by the Hispalang team.

As a general rule, communication with the host family is managed through the Hispalang team and local coordinators. This system helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures that all relevant information is shared clearly and efficiently.

We understand that families want to stay informed about their child’s experience, and our team maintains regular contact with both students and host families. We also provide updates on the programme and remain available to answer any questions or concerns.

During the first month, the tutor usually visits the student once a week to support their initial adaptation and follow-up. After this period, visits are generally reduced to every 2–3 weeks, depending on the student’s needs and individual circumstances.

These visits form part of the regular monitoring process. In case of any issue or urgent need, the tutor will intervene immediately to provide support and resolve the situation.

We recommend that students bring a moderate amount of cash for the first few days, enough to cover small initial expenses without carrying excessive amounts.

For the rest of the stay, it is usually best to manage money via a bank card with a weekly limit. This allows students to access cash safely and in a controlled way, withdrawing money when needed from ATMs.

During the Christmas and Easter holidays, most students return to their home countries to spend time with their families.

However, students who prefer to stay in Spain may do so by staying with a host family and paying the corresponding fee. For boarding school students, the school will arrange a host family during holiday periods to ensure accommodation and support.

Day school students staying with a host family will always have a single room.

In boarding schools, shared rooms are more common. However, this may vary depending on the school and the student’s age. Some schools offer single rooms, especially for older students such as those in Bachillerato.

This depends on the school. In most boarding schools, bed linen is usually provided, although this may vary between centres.

Towels, however, are rarely included, so students are advised to bring their own or purchase them upon arrival in Spain.

In general, boarding schools in Spain have their own laundry facilities. In most cases, staff take care of students’ laundry or explain how to use the facilities so that students can do it themselves.

In Spanish state schools, uniforms are not compulsory. Even when schools do have a uniform, it is usually optional.

In private schools and boarding schools, however, uniforms are generally compulsory and are not included in the programme price. At the time of enrolment, families will be informed about the required items and their cost.

No. In many schools, a specific sports uniform is not required, so students can wear their own sports clothing.

Where a specific sports kit is required by the school, it will be provided by the school itself, but it must be paid for separately.

Yes. Textbooks are included in the programme price. However, in case of loss or damage, the student will be required to cover the replacement cost.

No, school materials are not included in the programme price. Students may bring them from their home country or purchase them once in Spain.

No. In most cases it is not necessary. If the student requires one, the tutor will advise on how and where to obtain it, as well as the cost, but it must be paid for by the student.