With a population of 40 million people, Spain is one of the leading nations of Europe. It is a key cultural and linguistic access point to the rest of the Spanish speaking world, making it strategically important to fulfilling the Great Commission.
Historically, Spain has been known as a Catholic nation. However, after three decades of postmodernism and post-Christian influence, Spain is now seeing the emergence of its first generation with absolutely no connection to the church, and no understanding of Christianity. Less than .05% of the country is Evangelical-Protestant. Most Spaniards see Christianity as oppressive and violent. And, their skepticism toward and rejection of Christianity is understandable considering they suffered under four decades of Fascist dictatorship that co-opted religion to control and manipulate. In reality the vast majority of Spaniards have never seen Christianity for what it really is: a relationship with Christ that changes lives and leads to love, justice and peace.
Spain is currently facing a crushing financial crisis and the breakdown of the traditional family structure. As students begin searching for answers, there is a growing openness to the gospel and a growing movement of passionate Christ-followers who want to incarnate the love of Christ and share the gospel with Spanish youth. We have an English club in the neighborhood of Zaidin where we practice, play and have fun using English. In this way we have the opportunity to use people´s interest in English to share the Gospel.
There are amazing opportunities in Granada to serve and reach Spanish high school stuents, and in doing so, help grow a flourishing national ministry. Perhaps God is calling you to invest in the lives of Spanish youth and help write a new chapter in the spiritual legacy of Spain.
You will be studying at the University of Granada. This institution is a fantastic place to study in Spain and has a number of quality study abroad programs associated with it.
Possible courses include Hispanic Studies, Business, Arabic studies, and of course, Spanish language. Check with your study abroad office for more information.
Dates vary depending on the study abroad program you select.
You will be working with a ministry called SHINE which reaches out to high school students in Granada. Spain has one of the lowest levels of English proficiency in Europe, but is making a concentrated effort to change that reality. So, SHINE has opportunities to serve students by helping them improve their English speaking abilities. You will serve alongside a team of Cru staff members and key student volunteers using English clubs to grow and expand the SHINE ministry in Granada’s high schools. You will also have opportunities to be involved in weekly and monthly SHINE activities, build relationships with Spanish youth and share the gospel with them. And, as you serve with SHINE, you can look forward to receiving receiving ministry training and personal development. Please expect to spend about ten hours per week engaging in missional activities.
You will livein on-campus housing, an apartment or homestay depending on which study abroad program you choose.
Actually, no. Although Spanish speaking ability is very helpful, your personal ministry will be based on helping high school students practice their English.
There are a number of good study abroad providers with programs at the University of Granada and costs vary depending on the option you select. We have a great working relationship with International Studies Abroad (ISA) in Spain and suggest you begin by checking out their programs in Granada. After a little research, visit your university’s study abroad office to discuss with an advisor which program is right for you.
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