The American College in Spain

The American College in Spain (ACS) is a university center providing foreign students with the opportunity to pass a university program of 1-2 courses in Spain followed by admission to a university in the US or Canada.

It is the first North American High School & University in Andalusia. Located in the town of Marbella (Málaga) since 2013.

The American College in Spain offers a curriculum based on the U.S. education system. The aim of the two-year program is to provide international students with deep basic knowledge. On the 1-2 course students pass several common subjects. Educational system is modular or credit, as is customary in the US. Students can graduate from Marbella with 2 years of high school (grades 7 and 8), 4 years of high school (grades 9-12), and then begin their first 2 years at university by completing general education courses, which is required by all US universities. After completing these 2 years of college, students receive an Associate of Arts Degree from Broward College, which is recognized and accepted worldwide.

After graduation from college, students can enroll in a selected institution in America for translation. Most universities in Spain accept graduates with credits for their loans. After completing a full cycle of study, students can earn a full bachelor's degree: 

• BA (Bachelor of Arts),
• BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration),
• BSc (Bachelor of Science).

You can go to college for several programs. The general subject course of university preparation in Spain allows later transfer to the faculties of the humanities, English and literature, computer science, journalism, international relations, economics, communications, marketing, management, business. Also programs for studying English, preparation for GED, SAT are offered.

During the first two years, students take core courses required at all North American universities. Choosing a future major during this period is not necessary – the decision is made in the third year of study.

The Associate of Arts Degree requires 60 credits in general education courses: communications, mathematics, social and behavioral sciences, humanities and natural sciences, and electives. In the first year, courses in oral communication and introduction to computer technology are required.

For students who combine their studies with professional or semi-professional athletics, the college offers an individualized class format and flexible scheduling, academic advising, and tutoring support to help athletes manage their time effectively.

The academic English language program, designed for international students, includes 18 classroom hours per week over 12–14 weeks, with classes taught by native-speaking instructors. The course is tailored to the student's level and is built around reading, writing, grammar, and speaking.

• High school: grades 9–12 under the American system,
• University programs: University Transfer Program (2 years in Marbella + 2 years at a U.S. or European university) and bachelor's degrees with Keiser University diplomas,
• Language and Culture Department: academic English, TOEFL preparation, language courses for adults,
• Sports programs: football academy and personalized athletic programs.

College graduates with an Associate of Arts Degree who transfer to the University of Cincinnati may receive a scholarship of up to $15,000 per year from the admissions office. The award is renewed for the entire duration of undergraduate study.

• Many students choose the college not only for its American curriculum, but also for the nearby soccer and golf fields,
• In the guaranteed admission program to Arizona State University, the student is assigned the year the agreement is signed, not the year of actual enrollment, and the prescribed courses must be completed within two years or sooner.

International students are not provided with housing. But the consultants of the college can help in the selection of accommodation options. In Marbella, apartments are popular. Accommodation is also available in hotels and host families.

Nutrition in the college is organized on a self-service basis. Near the educational building there are many shops, cafeterias, cafes and restaurants.

The extracurricular program is rich and varied. It includes recreational activities, cognitive walks and trips, sports. Conditions for the latter are created in conjunction with the club Manolo Santana (specialization - tennis). In the summer, foreign students of the college are offered martial arts sections, fitness classes, tennis. The winter sports program includes skiing in Sierra Nevada, snowboarding.

Daily routine

The schedule is determined by the specifics of the specific course program.

• The American College in Spain - the opportunity in one of the most beautiful tourist regions of sunny Spain to pass initial studying in the American university program. This is the greatest opportunity for further employment, career recognition. 
• The advantages of the American system: interactive classes, dynamic formats, internationally renowned and respected degrees, personalized classes, and dynamic combinations of learning and sports. 
• The college offers a wide range of preparatory courses. Programs of varying duration and intensity are geared towards those wishing to study in the United States.
• The training takes place in a comfortable environment. The modern material base makes it technologically.
• Programs differ in practical orientation and high degree of efficiency. College students adapt ito the American education system, acquiring the knowledge, skills, and experience of communication necessary for studying in the university.
• Highly qualified American teachers teach in the college. Most of them have academic degrees and titles.
• International environments is diverse and inclusive.
• 25 years of experience, more than 12,000 successful students and alumni. 

The American College in Spain is located in the heart of Puerto Banús. The academic building has 2 floors with lecture rooms, a conference hall, a computer center, student lounges, terrace and much more. Also, the college created all the conditions for the physical development of students.

The college is open all year round. For information on the dates of the courses you are interested in, please, contact SMAPSE manager.

Extras:

• Study materials 300 EUR
• Registration fee (for a programme/course) 150 EUR

Admission to the college takes place in several stages:

• Submitting the registration form with a complete set of documents,
• An in-person or online interview, along with testing to confirm English proficiency. Applicants without a language certificate take English and math tests at the college,
• Receiving a positive decision and payment instructions,
• Paying a deposit to reserve a place – after this, enrollment is considered complete, and the student receives official acceptance letters for the student visa application.

Smapse specialists will guide you through every stage of the admission process.

Credits earned at The American College in Spain are accepted by other institutions: American universities generally accept credits from accredited educational institutions provided the course was passed with a grade of C or higher. General education courses in the Associate of Arts Degree program must also be completed with a grade of C or higher.

When planning a transfer, the requirements of the receiving institution must be taken into account: some universities stipulate that a certain portion of coursework and the major's core requirements must be completed directly at the degree-granting institution, which limits the number of transferable credits.

To apply for a university program, one of the following documents is required:

• Spanish secondary school certificate,
• American high school diploma or GED with a GPA of at least 2.0,
• International diploma with 6 subjects passed.

International applicants must submit a certificate from one of the following language tests: TOEFL, an English language test, or Duolingo. All applicants must also have a score from one of the following tests: SAT, ACT, or Wonderlic, – if they do not have one, the test can be taken at the college itself.

Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English and mathematics: a placement test is administered prior to registration. Based on the results, those who need to strengthen their knowledge are assigned preparatory courses. The academic department conducts an interview with each prospective student to ensure that their interests and professional goals align with the college's mission and programs.

For provisional enrollment in the high school from another school, applicants must provide original certified school records from previous years, pay the records evaluation fee, and include a copy of their passport (for Spanish citizens and residents – DNI or NIE).

• Athletic scholarships at US universities – student-athletes continuing their education in the American system can receive scholarships that, depending on athletic performance, cover up to 100% of university expenses. The college supports soccer players throughout the recruitment process,
• Fast Track Program (GED + university program back-to-back) – a €1700 discount on the GED course fee and additional savings of up to €3000 when enrolling in the second year of a university program,
• Discount for families with two or more children – 10% off tuition,
• Early payment discount – 5% off the total cost when the full academic year is paid before the beginning of June.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision