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SSA Newsletter

A bi-yearly Progress update

December 2024 | Study Abroad

Michelle Durán Ruiz CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER & ACADEMIC AFFAIRS DIRECTOR
Michelle Durán
CEO & Director of Academic Affairs

As we approach the end of this year, we’re excited to reflect on the progress we’ve made and share what’s coming in 2025. From new partnerships to exciting program launches, let’s celebrate our accomplishments and preview the future of SSA.

Industry News and Updates

  • Demand for Practical Programs in Spain
    At SSA we are finding that international students increasingly seek study programs combining academics with internships, service learning, and volunteer opportunities. Market data – from recent surveys by QS, IIE, NAFSA, and more – backs this up. 
  • University of Alicante’s New Ranking in the Top 10%
    The University of Alicante has broken into the top 10% of Study Abroad Aide’s world rankings for 2025. See Alicante programs.
  • Expanded Collaborations Between Barcelona and U.S. Universities
    New agreements with UPF, UAB, and Elisava in Barcelona are enabling smoother student mobility and credit transfers.

Participation and Collaboration

ACTFL conference attendance by SSA Education Abroad, November 2024
  • SSA recently attended ACTFL 2024, where our soccer program was a huge hit. If you’ve still not requested more information, read about it here.
  • The Forum on Education Abroad Sponsorship at Toronto 2025
    Next March, SSA will be a Bronze Sponsor at Toronto, hosting the welcoming reception cocktail and featuring a booth to engage attendees.
  • Student Engagement in Global Social Issues
    On November 25, SSA students will participate in the University of Alicante’s initiatives for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. As part of the “UA Active Against Gender Violence” theme, students will attend exhibitions, conferences, and workshops, gaining hands-on experience in community activism while deepening their understanding of global social issues. These activities highlight SSA’s ongoing commitment to fostering social responsibility and cultural awareness. Learn more here.

SSA News & Updates

  • SSA Scholarships
    Since 2001, SSA has awarded over $230,000 to 8-10 students per year. Merit-Based and Diversity scholarships are available for programs in Spain, Argentina, Cuba, Panama, and Puerto Rico, covering extra expenses. Encourage your students to apply: SSA Scholarships.
  • Explore Health and Culture Programs in Spain and Beyond
    Ask us about our customized programs blending healthcare and cultural immersion in vibrant destinations like Barcelona or Seville, Spain or San Juan, Puerto Rico.

    Students gain hands-on clinical experience or experience shadowing local medical professionals while enjoying enriching cultural activities. These programs offer unparalleled opportunities for professional development and intercultural exploration.

    Learn more and customize your program here!

  • New Soccer Initiative in Seville
    Ready for hands-on experiences in Seville? Our new soccer Initiative kicks off this summer alongside Sevilla FC Academy!
  • Educational Practicum Success in Seville
    This summer’s Practicum in Education saw participants fully integrate with SSA’s Centro Norteamericano in Seville, collaborating closely with local teachers to deliver a summer playschool.
  • New Gap Year Program
    We’ve launched an exciting Gap Year program for first-year students—perfect for high schools, students and families, and educational consultants. Check out the program!
  • New Student Portal
    Earlier this year SSA launched its new student portal with an improved student application experience.
  • Growing Demand for Custom Programs:
    Demand for SSA’s Custom Programs continues to grow, with nearly double the number of students set to travel in January and March 2025 compared to 2024. We’re particularly excited to highlight Panama City, Panama as a new CP location, with our first programs scheduled for Spring Break 2025, focusing on the Panama Canal and yoga!
    📩 Interested in creating a custom program or exploring new destinations like Panama City? Learn more here.

Professional Development & Insights

  • Upcoming Group Site Visit in Spain – March 2025
    Exciting news! Applications are now open for SSA’s exclusive multi-location site tour across Spain. Explore our March 2025 site tour.
  • Alicante July Workshop Recap
    July’s experiential learning workshop for Spanish teachers was a success, leaving educators inspired and armed with new methods. Sign up for our July 2025 edition now!
  • Partnering with APUNE on Visa Support
    Updates on new visa regulations and best practices were shared through our collaboration with APUNE, ensuring a smooth student transition.

Focus on Mental Health and Well-Being

  • Mental Health Week in Seville: 
    During a dedicated week, students participate in activities like yoga, mindfulness workshops, and a session led by a psychologist to promote mental well-being.
  • Dedicated Onsite Psychologists:
    SSA offers continuous mental health support with onsite psychologists. Students report positive outcomes and improved well-being.
  • Holistic Health Approach:
    Regular workshops focus on self-care, resilience, and fostering a supportive environment for students to thrive.

SSA Students focus on their mental health with local therapists

  • Global Inclusion Conference Attendance:
    SSA’s Nora Geer attended the Diversity Abroad Global Inclusion Conference in Washington, D.C. Key takeaways included actionable strategies to improve diversity in international education. Nora is excited to bring these insights to SSA as we aim to make our programs more accessible to students from all backgrounds.
    📩 Want to chat about diversity initiatives in education and SSA’s approach? Connect with Nora on LinkedIn to discuss how we’re embedding inclusion across our programs.

Student and Alumni Achievements

  • Meeting with Puerto Rico’s Secretario de Estado
    This semester, SSA students had the rare opportunity to meet with officials—offering first-hand learning about the island’s government.
  • Resident Director and Support Staff Availability:
    85.42% of students rated our Resident Directors and support staff as excellent or above average for availability to meet academic and personal needs.
  • Ability to Identify and Solve Problems:
    80.85% of students noted that SSA programs had a positive impact on their ability to identify and solve problems.
  • Boost in Self-Confidence and Self-Knowledge:
    95.92% of students reported a significant improvement in their self-confidence and self-knowledge as a result of SSA programs.
  • Increase in Independence:
    94.00% of students experienced greater independence through their participation in SSA programs.
  • Fostering Tolerance and Open-Mindedness:
    89.80% of students highlighted the positive impact SSA had on their tolerance and open-mindedness.
  • Relevance of Courses to Professional Goals:
    82.00% of participants rated the relevance of courses to their professional goals as excellent or above average.
  • Cultural Integration Impact:
    90.20% of students emphasized that SSA programs had a strong positive impact on their integration into the local culture.
  • Language Acquisition Improvement:
    92.16% of students reported significant gains in language acquisition, rating SSA’s impact in this area as excellent or above average.
  • Introducing our Alumni Success Stories feature—sharing inspirational journeys to motivate future generations. Connect with us to highlight your students’ achievements.

Marketing Outreach & Enhancement

  • Bringing Local Culture to Life
    Follow our latest Instagram Reels and student-led takeovers that capture the essence of local traditions like La Mercè and Sant Jordi.
  • From Cultural Immersion to Flamenco Fever on Instagram 🎶💃:
    Our students took a deep dive into the passionate world of Flamenco! From exploring fiery rhythms to mastering unique styles, they got hands-on with this incredible cultural heritage. Special thanks to @flamenco_vibes_bcn for leading the way and sharing their contagious energy! Check out the magic in our latest Instagram Reel. You don’t want to miss it! 🔥✨
Flamenco Vibes from SSA Students in Barcelona

Browse Our Programs

SSA stands out as a first-rate provider of authentic educational experiences in Spanish-speaking locales. Known for our tailored programs that plunge students into the language, SSA encourages deep academic and personal growth throughout both Spain and Latin America.

Whether it’s through custom faculty-led programs, specialized high school trips, or enriching semesters abroad, Spanish Studies Abroad ensures that every journey is not just a trip but a transformative adventure in learning. With a holistic approach to language fluency and cultural understanding, each SSA program is more than an education—it’s a gateway to a global future.

Follow us on LinkedIn for regular news updates! 👉

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