Excursions & Cultural Visits

Cultural Reimbursement

Students receive reimbursement for half the cost of cultural events they attend individually (theater, film, museum visits, etc.), up to a maximum of 200 euros per student per semester.

Academic Excursions 

Some of our academic excursions are:

Galicia

A five-day orientation trip to the northwestern Spanish region of Galicia, which includes a hike on the Camino de Santiago, visiting the cities of Santiago de Compostela and Vigo, a vineyard and several coastal fishing villages.

Mallorca

A three-day weekend adventure on the island of Mallorca, located in the Mediterranean Sea, exploring Palma de Mallorca, discovering its majestic cathedral—featuring interiors designed by Antoni Gaudí—relaxing on beaches, taking a boat ride, and enjoying a scenic train journey.

Lanzarote, Islas Canarias

A three-day weekend on Lanzarote, one of Spain’s most stunning Canary Islands. Students will have the experience of visiting Timanfaya National Park, where the volcanic scenery feels almost otherworldly, and checking out wild black-sand beaches and unique lava formations. Along the way, they will dive into Lanzarote’s local culture, taste some incredible food, and get a real sense of how the island’s volcanic history shapes everything from the landscape to everyday life.

Valencia

A two-day weekend trip to Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city. The itinerary includes visits to the City of Arts and Sciences and Albufera National Park, a freshwater coastal wetland known for its rice fields and diverse ecosystems. Students will also enjoy tasting authentic “paella” in the region where the iconic dish originated.

País Vasco (Basque Country)

A three-day weekend trip to the Basque Country, located in the northeast of Spain, exploring the cities of San Sebastián and Bilbao, including a visit to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and scenic walking tours.

Sevilla, Córdoba and Granada

A five-day orientation trip to the region of Andalucía, visiting the cities of Granada, Córdoba and Sevilla. Visits include the Alhambra, the Mezquita in Córdoba and the Alcázar in Sevilla, and an olive oil farm and factory. Not to mention the many other gastronomic and cultural experiences that these cities have to offer.

Cultural Activities and Events 

Throughout the semester, HCAYS organizes many cultural activities and events to further enhance students’ lived and academic experience in Spain, including short trips to the medieval cities of Ávila, Segovia and Salamanca, panel discussions with Spanish and Latin American writers and film directors, cooking workshops, visits to museums, art galleries and historic neighborhoods of Madrid, among other activities.