Choose your Summer 2026 Program!
| Discover the mystical beauty of Galicia while mastering Spanish through personalized instruction at the Lorca Institute in the heart of Santiago. From the granite-paved streets of the Old Town to the rugged Atlantic coastline, our program offers a safe, boutique immersion experience at the legendary finish line of the Camino de Santiago for high school students aged 14-18.
Experience authentic immersion in Santiago de Compostela, a UNESCO World Heritage city where medieval tradition meets a vibrant, modern energy. As the legendary finish line of the Camino de Santiago, this city offers a mystical backdrop for language mastery at the Lorca Institute, an authoritative center for instruction since 1993. Leveraging over 20 years of on-site expertise, Arcos Journeys Abroad curates a balanced itinerary of academic rigor and professional discovery. From witnessing the arrival of pilgrims in the Plaza del Obradoiro to exploring the ancient Roman Walls of Lugo and the Galician coast, every excursion is staff-led to ensure safety and deep educational context. We invite you to join our immersive program for a high-impact journey that significantly enhances your Spanish skills while providing a secure gateway into the Celtic soul of Northern Spain.
Program Location: Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Eligibility: 14-18 years of age
Group Size: 5-15 students
Focus: Spanish Immersion & Culture
Level of Spanish: Accommodates all Spanish levels
Accommodation: Homestay (2-3 students per home)
Arrival & Departure Airport: SCQ (Santiago–Rosalía de Castro Airport). Those students adding on the Camino de Santiago arrive to SCQ but depart from MAD (Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez).
Room & Board | Tuition | Onsite Director | Excursions | Cultural Activities | Airport Transfers | International Medical Insurance
Our Santiago schedule follows the academic rhythm of one of Europe’s most historic university cities, balanced by afternoon explorations of the lush Galician countryside and the mystical traditions of "Green Spain."
8:30 AM: Traditional Galician breakfast with your homestay
9:15 AM: Walk through the UNESCO historic center to the language academy
9:30 AM: Spanish Immersion classes at Lorca Institute
1:30 PM: Return to homestay for the main meal (La Comida) and Siesta
4:00 PM: Cultural Activity (Ex. Galician cooking class or cathedral rooftop tour)
6:30 PM: Group walk to the Plaza del Obradoiro to watch pilgrims arrive
8:30 PM: Light dinner (Cena) with homestay
11:00 PM: Curfew and evening reflection
Students master the Spanish language at the Lorca Institute, a boutique center founded in 1993 specializing in communicative mastery for high school learners. Located just steps from the historic Cathedral, the Institute features a high-support environment with small classes that utilize the city's granite plazas as living classrooms to build real-world confidence.
Classes run Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with a mid-morning break to recharge. Students enjoy small class sizes with a teacher-to-student ratio never exceeding 8 students per class.
2 weeks, 1 class (30 hours)
The Arcos curriculum comes to life through a diverse range of cultural activities and excursions that explore the mystical traditions of 'Green Spain.' We provide students with an authentic gateway into Galician heritage, from the legendary finish line of the Camino de Santiago to the rugged Atlantic cliffs of the 'End of the World.'
Lugo & the Camino de Santiago: Visit the village of Boente and hike a 5km section of the Camino Francés before exploring Lugo, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its perfectly preserved ancient Roman city walls.
A Coruña & Rías Altas: Discover the 'Crystal City' of A Coruña, featuring the iconic Tower of Hercules (the world’s oldest working lighthouse) and panoramic views of the historic castles along the Ría de Ferrol.
Ría de Arousa Catamaran Trip: Embark on a coastal journey through a marine park to see how local mussels are raised, followed by a tasting on board and an afternoon at the pristine beaches of Illa de Arousa.
Cathedral Rooftop Tour: Ascend to the upper levels of the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral for a unique perspective on its Romanesque and Baroque architecture and breathtaking views over the historic Old Town.
Galician Cooking Class: Take a piece of Spain home with you by learning to prepare the region’s world-famous northern cuisine, focusing on traditional recipes and local cooking traditions.
Guided City Scavenger Hunt: Navigate the granite-paved streets of the historic center, using your Spanish skills to decipher clues and discover hidden gems while interacting with the local community.
Recognized as one of Spain’s most pedestrian-friendly and welcoming cities, Santiago offers a safe, small-town atmosphere supported by our 20+ years of on-site expertise. Our veteran directors provide a 24/7 staff-led safety net—from vetted residential homestays to professional arrival protocols—ensuring students enjoy a secure and authentic journey into the heart of 'Green Spain.'
Our Santiago directors are experts in Galician history and student safety. With deep local roots and a passion for the 'Camino' spirit, they provide Arcos students with an expert gateway into the hidden corners of the Old Town and the rugged beauty of the Atlantic coast."
Experience true Galician hospitality through our carefully selected homestays located in the safe, granite-paved neighborhoods of Santiago de Compostela. Our host families provide a supportive 'home base' within a 15–25 minute walk of the Lorca Institute, offering students a front-row seat to the city's unique Celtic heritage. Students typically live with 2–3 roommates and enjoy three homemade meals daily, including regional favorites like empanada and caldo gallego. Every home is rigorously vetted for safety and comfort, providing a clean, welcoming environment where students can practice their Spanish while becoming part of an authentic Spanish family.
With over 20 years of experience managing international student travel, our headquarters team in Austin, Texas maintains a rigorous 24/7 safety net for every participant. Experienced on-site directors are available around the clock in case of emergency. Trained in comprehensive health and safety protocols, our headquarters and on-site leadership provide a direct line of communication for parents, ensuring expert guidance and support is always a phone call away.
Every student is covered by a premium international medical insurance policy with Cigna Global. We have established relationships with local hospitals such as Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago to ensure immediate care if needed.
Our headquarters team and on-site Program Directors provide a seamless, high-support arrival and departure experience at the Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ). From real-time flight monitoring and professional airport transfers to direct communication with parents upon arrival, every aspect of your transit is supervised by our veteran staff. We ensure a safe, coordinated journey from the moment you land in Galicia until your final departure home, providing the peace of mind that comes with 20+ years of logistical expertise.
A veteran guide and artist living in Spain since 2004, Helder brings a truly international perspective to our Santiago program. Fluent in five languages—English, Spanish, Portuguese, German, and French—he is a master at navigating the cultural nuances of the Iberian Peninsula while providing a high-support environment for our students. Helder’s deep connection to Galicia began with his first trek on the Camino de Santiago in 2006, an experience that inspired him to become a professional guide and author. He lives in the historic center of Santiago with his family, where he utilizes his local expertise to provide Arcos students with an authentic, safe gateway into the mystical traditions of 'Green Spain.'
"Santiago feels like a hidden gem. I loved that the Lorca Institute was so close to the Cathedral. We would finish Spanish class and immediately be in the heart of the historic center. My Spanish improved so quickly because the classes were so small and personalized. Between the rooftop tours of the Cathedral and the weekend trips to the coast, every day felt like a new adventure in a part of Spain I never knew was so green and beautiful." — Nava, 11th Grade, Lincoln High School, Seattle, WA
"Walking a section of the Camino de Santiago was an experience I’ll never forget. Seeing the pilgrims arrive at the plaza while we were out for our afternoon activities gave the city such a cool, international energy. My host family was incredible; they made me feel like part of the house and taught me so much about Galician food. It was the perfect balance of challenging academics in the morning and exploring in the afternoon." — Ari, 10th Grade, Newton South High School, Newton, MA
"If you want a program where you actually get to know the city and the people, choose Santiago. The scavenger hunt through the granite streets was so much fun and forced us to use our Spanish in the real world. I also loved the boat trip through the Ría de Arousa—tasting fresh mussels right on the catamaran was such a highlight. The Arcos directors really know the best local spots and made sure we felt safe and included the entire time." — Fiona, 12th Grade, Asheville High School, Asheville, NC
Often called 'The Emerald of Spain,' Santiago is known for its lush green landscapes, Celtic heritage, and granite architecture. It offers a cooler, more temperate climate and a unique mystical atmosphere compared to the Mediterranean south.
Absolutely. Santiago is a highly walkable, UNESCO World Heritage city where the language academy and homestays are integrated into the safe, social fabric of the historic center.
Absolutely. While Galicia has its own beautiful regional language, Santiago is a major university city where Spanish is spoken fluently by everyone. Our host families and instructors at the Lorca Institute focus exclusively on Spanish immersion with our students; however, being in Santiago provides the added cultural benefit of hearing Gallego in the streets, offering a deeper understanding of Spain’s rich linguistic diversity without ever hindering your primary language goals.
