FARA International Soccer Study Abroad Programs - Alternatives to Youth Soccer Camps , Youth Boarding Soccer Camps, Youth Soccer Academies, Youth Soccer Camps, and Youth Soccer Team Tours Abroad.

... Moorish palaces, Dali, La Liga. All synonymous with the energetic, diverse and stylish country that is Spain. A year playing soccer in Spain is one you won't forget.

Lying on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe bordering Portugal and France, Spain is home to 39.2 million people. At the crossroads between Europe and Africa, Spain has been influenced by many dynamic cultures and civilizations, including the Greeks, the Romans, the Visigoths, the Moors, and the Carthaginians. The glorious sunshine which blankets the nation has long made it a paradise for sun seekers from chillier climates. Spain boasts historical pageantry of empire and conquistadors and has tremendous artistic legacy with painters like Goya, Picasso, and Dali. See a fiesta, soak in the Mediterranean sun… Spain will charm you time and again.

Students who choose an academic year or a semester program in Germany will live with a host family, attend a local public high school, and compete with a competitive Spanish soccer club.

For academic year and semester programs, students will attend a local high school with a wide range of coursework and curriculum. Classes are challenging with expectations of completion of coursework not only in, but outside the classroom. Students are required to take certain core courses, which generally include: Spanish language, Spanish literature, foreign language, philosophy, and physical education. Additionally, students may choose one optional area of study to broaden their curriculum including: arts, science or technology.

All classes will be conducted in Spanish. Exposure to Spanish in the classroom and in their daily life helps them to master and become fluent in their foreign language skills. You will have an added advantage over other foreign piers with additional exposure to the Spanish language through your soccer activities.

Home to some of the world's most beloved footballers including Raul, Ronaldiño, Figo, Ronaldo, and Beckam, Spain clearly is the dream destination of world footballers. With world class clubs including Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, Spain consistently dominates the most coveted European cup competitions.

With a rich history of professional and amateur football, Spain's extensive league system provides opportunities for all levels of players to compete and develop as players. Enjoying one of the most temperate European climates, Spanish football runs year round with quality field conditions even in the dead of winter.

While the Spanish style tends to be be more individualistic than their English and German neighbors, Spanish clubs from youth through professional have tremendous capability both tactically and technically. Training sessions are designed and orchestrated to fully develop the players' quickness of decision making while promoting their creativity and individualism.

FARA players are placed within a competitive Spanish football club fit to their level. Players are placed within an environment that will challenge the player and allow tremendous opportunity for development, while keeping in mind their physical strength and technical foundation.

While the siesta - an hour-long mid-afternoon break from work-is generally in decline, the typical rhythm of the day in Spain is now similar to the European norm. A paseo (stroll) in the early evening remains a common custom in many smaller cities and to some extent even in the larger ones; the dinner hour is the latest in Europe, typically about 10 p.m.

Family meals are an important aspect of Spanish culture. The main meal of the day comes in the afternoon which is a perfect time to share your experiences and practice your Spanish with your host family.

As you already know, Spain is home to some of the best soccer teams in the world, so you can expect to see soccer everywhere you turn… on T.V., in the stadiums, in the parks, in the newspapers. Other popular sports include swimming, tennis, and bullfighting.

Spaniards also support the performing and fine arts, having produced some of the world's top opera tenors Plácido Domingo and José Carreras, as well as the painters Picasso, and Dalí. Each Spanish region has its own folkloric dance, music and dress. The flamenco, one of the most famous Spanish dances, originated in Southern Spain.

IFX players are placed with carefully selected host families throughout Spain. Adjustment to host family life and Spanish culture will be assisted by a local representative.

In most cases, players are placed within public high schools. Attending private school is an option in some destinations, but the student will be responsible for an extra tuition that may be incurred, usually $400-$500 per month.

Application completed in Spanish
2 years of high school or equivalent Spanish language study preferred
Must be 15-18 years old. (Maximum age of 18.5 at start of program)
2.5 GPA or higher (on 4.0 scale)
A letter to your potential host family in Spanish
Flexible personality; desire to be challenged

LENGTH

DATES*

COST

DEADLINE

Academic Year mid Sept - mid June $14,850 March 31, 2007

Fall Semester mid Sept - late Jan $13,550 March 31, 2007

Spring Semester late Jan - mid-June $13,550 Oct 1, 2007

*All dates are approximations and vary from year to year

NOTE: The FARA IFX program to Spain has limited capacity, so students are encouraged to apply well in advance of the application deadlines.

Before arriving in Spain, students are required to obtain an Apostilled certificate of their most recent high school transcripts, and an Apostilled certificate of a photocopy of their passport.

In order to apply for a Spanish visa, students may be required to apply in person at one of the nine Spanish consulates in the United States. Depending on where you live, this may require travel. In order to find the Spanish consulate that covers your region in the United States, go to http://www.mae.es/embajadas/washington/es/home. It is also important to note that the visa application process can take up to 2 months to complete.

Round-trip airfare from a major international airport near your home (in the continental U.S.) including domestic and international flights
Airport transfers on arrival and departure
Homestay accommodation including meals with your host family
Placement in a local high school
Placement with a local competitive soccer club
Management of international soccer transfer
Procurement of Spanish player pass
Weekly soccer training
Participation in all soccer club tournaments, league matches, training camps, training sessions, etc.
Soccer league fees, travel expenses, & club gear (shoes not included).
Ongoing support of soccer program aspect
Post-program support for college recruitment process including letters of recommendation
Assistance with student visa application process
Student health and accident insurance
24-hour emergency assistance
Pre-departure orientations
Supervision, guidance, and support during the application process and throughout the program
FARA T-Shirt
Student Handbook

Passport and visa application fees as applicable
Personal expenses (e.g., toiletries, clothing, internet, calling card, activities)
School expenses (e.g., uniform/lunches, if required, supplies, bus pass)
Any other item not specified