Cádiz, Spain
Language & Culture
This program offers Spanish language students the opportunity to experience and explore the rich culture of Cádiz, Spain. It includes a three-week homestay during which students commit to living their lives in Spanish as they experience the challenges and joys of becoming a part of a Spanish family. With daily language and culture classes, students deepen their knowledge of Spanish history and culture, and improve their fluency in the Spanish language.
With its rich history and vibrant culture, Cádiz serves as an ideal location to develop language skills and deepen cultural competency. After three weeks immersed in the Spanish language and culture, students return home with an understanding of the culture and history of Cádiz, as well as with greater confidence and strength in their command of the Spanish language. This program is open to all current 9th, 10th and 11th grade Spanish language students, with a preference toward those enrolled in Spanish III or above who have demonstrated their commitment to the study of language and culture and who are committed to the study of Spanish upon their return.
Program Notes
- During this program students will be staying in a homestay as their primary accommodation. Students will be placed two to three students per homestay.
- As part of Deerfield’s commitment to face-to-face interactions, during certain times of the program students will be “unplugged” without access to cell phones.
- This program ends during the summer break. Families are responsible for transportation from the arrival U.S.-based airport at the end of the program to the student’s destination for the remainder of the break.
- Students and faculty leaders will update families and friends at home through our Notes From The Field blog.
Program Dates
May 26 – June 16, 2026
Program Eligibility
This program is open to current ninth, tenth, and eleventh grade students, with a preference toward those enrolled in Spanish III or above. Financial Aid is available to all qualifying students.
Please note that this program overlaps with the following:
- Rowing training season (May 28 – June 11)
- Rowing Nationals (June 12 – 15)
Students will need to have or obtain a Passport or Passport card for this program
Program Snapshot
Accommodations: Homestays
Meals: Meals with homestay families with DA group meals at restaurants and hotels
Activities: This program will include a high level of walking with various site visits and community-based activities.
Faculty program Leaders
Cheri Calcaterra
Estimated Cost: $8,500
All meals, transportation, accommodations, and activities during the program dates are included in the program fee.
2026 Preliminary Itinerary
*This itinerary is subject to change
The program begins with students settling into their host families in Cádiz and participating in an orientation that introduces them to the city, the MundoLengua team, and key safety practices. Over the following weeks, students will engage in Spanish language and culture classes each morning, totaling more than 30 hours of instruction, complemented by daily immersion with host families. Afternoons are filled with cultural activities such as guided city walks, museum and monument visits, cooking and dance workshops, and opportunities to explore Cádiz’s markets and historic sites. Students will also share unique group experiences like making paella, learning flamenco, painting workshops, and a sailing excursion at sunset in the Bay of Cádiz.
To expand their cultural understanding beyond Cádiz, the program includes several excursions to nearby towns and cities. Highlights include day trips to Vejer de la Frontera, Puerto de Santa María, Arcos de la Frontera, and Jerez de la Frontera, as well as a longer weekend excursion to Málaga to visit its museums, historic landmarks, and enjoy a flamenco show. Throughout the program, they will balance structured language learning with authentic cultural encounters, culminating in a farewell with host families before departure.
Health & Safety
We take student health and safety seriously. Please review the resources and information below as you consider applying for the program.
Travel Health & Risk Advisory
We encourage families to review the latest travel guidance for Spain:
Travel Medicine Advisory Letter
A letter from Dr. Bryant Benson provides important guidance on health preparations for travel. View Letter
Vaccination Guidance
No vaccinations are required for entry to Spain. However, we strongly recommend reviewing the CDC’s list of recommended vaccines and consulting your healthcare provider.
Travel Insurance
All students are covered by Deerfield Academy’s International SOS travel insurance policy while on the program.
Visa Information
Students and parents are directly responsible for the student’s immigration status and/or visa application process to comply with local laws for participation in this program. Deerfield Academy and the CSGC office are here to assist and can provide specific supplemental documentation as required for the application.