We are proud of our philosophy of maximizing student engagement through cross-cultural courses and activities.
Our US-based team will assist in the course selection and pre-departure process, while our Resident Directors offer you 24-hour on-site support while away.
We offer a variety of program models to suit student and institutional needs. Can’t find the right program for you? Tell us your needs and we’ll go the extra mile to adapt.
We work hard to maintain an innovative, dynamic, and broad curriculum for Spanish learners of all levels.
SSA provides learning experiences in Spanish-speaking countries, focused primarily on North American university-level students. Our history began in Seville, Spain in 1969, where we run the Center for Cross-Cultural Study in the historic, central area of the city.
Since then, we have expanded to other interesting cities including Alicante and Barcelona in Spain and Havana, Cuba; Córdoba and Patagonia in Argentina; and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
SSA has a U.S. headquarters in Amherst, Massachusetts, and staff around the continent to work with our university and college partners.
Students choose to study with SSA – in both English and Spanish – to develop language fluency, experience new cultures, and obtain university credit. For university students, we offer academic years, semesters, and short programs of 4 weeks in January, May, and summer months. Most of our students live with local families for a deep immersion in the culture as well as for language fluency.
In addition to our standard academic offerings, SSA supports many customized faculty-led learning programs, including faculty-led trips and study tours. As of September 2023, we are proud to announce the inclusion of Panama (Panama City & Boquete) as a new custom-program destination.
The application process is simple. These are the steps you need to follow:
Browse our website and meet with your advisor and the Education Abroad Office.
We offer study abroad terms in: Spain (Seville, Alicante, Barcelona), Argentina (Córdoba, Patagonia), Cuba (Havana), Puerto Rico (San Juan). You can also choose multiple locations.
You will want to select a program that best suits your goals: consider your current level of Spanish, major/minor, course offerings, etc.
Immerse yourself in Southern Spain’s culture – history, architecture, flamenco and tapas.
Surround yourself with big-city sophistication, culture, art, sports, culinary delights and a Mediterranean climate.
Enjoy an American-style university experience in this seaside, temperate paradise.
Study at the oldest university in Argentina while discovering the lifestyle of yerba mate, tango and gauchos.
Explore the Diversity of Life in Argentina’s Ecosystems from Cordova to Patagonia with a mix of theoretical and practical classes in this natural wonder.
Revel in the warmth of the hospitality and climate in this one-of-a-kind destination.
Dive into the culture and blue waters of the island’s largest city.
We have opportunities for high-school students too. Learn more
Download our student handbooks. They’re the complete guide on how to not only survive, but thrive on your stay abroad. Learn more
We’ve awarded scholarships to hundreds of students. See if you match the criteria. Learn more
Find out how to manage your all-important visa application. Learn more
Still have questions? Check out our complete FAQs where you’re sure to find the answer you’re looking for. Learn more
Find contact information for your university study abroad department. Learn more
Find out more about our programs by visiting our sites alongside other faculty, advisors and administrators. Learn more
Join some of the most famous universities across the United States by designing a customized program for your institution. Learn more
Are you a Spanish teacher looking to develop your linguistic skills? Check out our professional development programs. Learn more
The mission of SSA is to promote our students’ in-depth understanding of Spanish-speaking countries through specifically designed and academically rigorous university-level and cultural travel programs.
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