The Language Gap loves a different challenge, and a unique alignment in the heavens produced a great opportunity: combining Spanish learning with a great view of the total solar eclipse.
Photo: the moment of totality above buildings in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Ambrose L.
Ambrose (20) wanted to keep his Spanish going during his university holidays and is passionate about physics and all things astral! San Sebastián in the Basque Country, Spain, was a perfect location for him to be able to witness the 2026 total solar eclipse, just an easy bus ride to the totality. He stayed with friendly local hosts and made the most of a month to get to know the local area:
"I enjoyed the school's weekly language exchange which involved locals from San San Sebastian. We also had cultural activities in the afternoons and I enjoyed doing some surfing It was good to have the independence to do things on my own but also to have regular contact with Spanish-speakers outside the language school.
It was really exciting to see the eclipse; I took a bus to the nearby town of Vitoria-Gasteiz for the afternoon and I met a group of people who were also going for the same reason. It was a thrilling experience."
Photo: new friends viewing the eclipse on 12th August 2026; Ambrose L.
So how about 2027? The the longest total solar eclipse on easily accessible land in the 21st century will be visible on 2nd August 2027 from Spain, Tunisia, Morocco and the Arabian Peninsula; a longer one will not occur until June 3, 2114. For this exact date, you can book a Language Gap in the following locations with guaranteed accommodation and the experience of a lifetime:
- Tarifa, Spain - intensive 20 hour per week Spanish course with kitesurfing, windsurfing, yoga, horse riding, kids club (7-12 years); for 18+ and families with children, single rooms in shared apartment or home stay, €1130 per week
- Cádiz, Spain - summer camp for 13-17 year olds with 20 Spanish group lessons per week and surf instruction, social & cultural activities, homestay or residence accommodation, full board €1000 per week (also for families, adults and Erasmus+ programmes)
- Vejer de la Frontera, Spain - summer camp with or without volunteering programme for 14-17 year olds, adults and families. Teen camp from €950 for one week, homestay, full activity programme, homestay, full board (also for 18+ with intensive Spanish PLUS surfing, yoga, horseriding, golf, cookery, flamenco dancing and guitar and more from €600 per week, single room, half board
- Rabat, Morocco (Modern Standard Arabic) for adults, intensive MSA course + homestay accommodation, cultural activities and transfer to Tangier to see the totality, homestay or student residence accommodation, single room, B&B from €387 per week