Have you thought about studying abroad this summer in order to earn AP Spanish credit?
Unfortunately, programs that claim to offer AP credit in exchange for enrollment in a high school summer program are misleading their consumers.
AP Spanish Class Credit Rules
The truth is that the only way to earn AP credit, in any course, is to learn the content and take the Advanced Placement Exam. These exams are given only on specific days each spring, and they must be proctored by certificated teachers in a controlled environment.
There is no way to earn AP credit on a summer program- but the right summer program can be a valuable learning experience and tool leading up to, or in support of, a specific course.
Supplement AP Spanish through Summer Study Abroad Programs
If you’re planning on taking AP Spanish, enrolling in a summer program that promotes Spanish language acquisition is incredibly beneficial in preparing you for the exam. You’ll learn and practice the language in an authentic setting, with native speakers, and come home with the skills you need to pass both the written and spoken portions of the AP exam!
And, with the right type of travel program, you’ll have an incredible time while you’re at it.
As a current AP Spanish student and a Global Leadership Adventures Costa Rica alumni I can speak from experience when I say traveling abroad helped me immensely when it came to my Spanish. If you are looking for a fun and philanthropic way to improve your Spanish while studying abroad, GLA is a perfect opportunity.
Being immersed in a Spanish speaking country is the best way to learn the language – which can unofficially help you for your AP Spanish exam, and greatly help with your own Spanish growth and fluency. For anyone who wants to gain experience in Spanish, traveling to a Spanish speaking country is more fulfilling then taking an AP Spanish class (although doing both is ideal!).
I am taking AP Spanish this year in High school and my speaking after the Guatemala Mayan Service and Language Adventure trip my spanish speaking was vastly better. There really is nothing like conversing with a native speaker without having English as a safenet. Definitely check out the language trips if you want a speaking heavy adventure.