Semester in Spain Announces New Partnership with Living & Learning International
An open letter from the International Director of Semester in Spain
October 22, 2025
Greetings from Semester in Spain,
For nearly five decades, Semester in Spain (SIS) has provided generations of students from Christian higher education institutions with academically rigorous courses, meaningful intercultural engagement, and opportunities for spiritual growth in the engaging context of Seville, Spain. After 47 years under the faithful leadership of Trinity Christian College, we are excited to announce a new chapter, as SIS becomes part of the Living & Learning International (L&LI) portfolio of programs, beginning with the Spring 2026 semester.
This change will ensure the program’s continued vitality and maintain what students and partner schools value about experiential learning with Semester in Spain.
Living & Learning International is a trusted organization committed to academically excellent global programs where students live in community, engage the challenges of the world, and learn to respond with a biblical Christian worldview. Living & Learning International is deeply committed to carrying forward the legacy of Semester in Spain into a new season. Their experience in delivering transformational, faith-integrated study abroad programs positions SIS to expand in reach and capacity, ensuring that students across the CCCU and beyond continue to benefit from the unique opportunities offered through Semester in Spain.
Together, we will remain attentive to the goals of our students and partner institutions to provide robust and meaningful Spanish language and cultural immersion in Christian community over fall, spring, and summer semesters.
We are deeply grateful to Trinity Christian College for its stewardship over the past 47 years and are excited to continue this mission with Living & Learning International into the future.
Sincerely,
Maria Hodapp
International Director, Semester in Spain
Living & Learning is Excited for the Next Chapter With Semester in Spain
Living & Learning International (L&LI) was founded in 2006 in Quito, Ecuador, built on a foundation of core values and a vision for transformative Christian education. With Trinity Christian College serving as the school of record, Phil and Elizabeth Payne shaped the early years of the organization—turning an emerging idea into a thriving global reality.
Since then, Living & Learning International has grown to offer semester and summer programs on three continents. While the scope and reach of the programs have expanded, the mission remains the same: to provide academically excellent global programs where students live in community, engage the challenges of the world, and learn to respond with a biblical Christian worldview.
Each L&LI program offers a distinct experience that combines rigorous academics, intentional community, and deep spiritual formation. Together, these elements cultivate students who are prepared to think critically, serve faithfully, and engage the world with wisdom and grace.
The Semester in Spain (SIS) program reflects these same values. With its legacy of academic excellence, cultural and language immersion, and spiritual depth, SIS has long provided students with opportunities to grow in their understanding of God, self, and others. Welcoming Semester in Spain into the Living & Learning network marks an exciting new chapter—one that strengthens the shared commitment to holistic education, rooted in faith and lived out across cultures.
“As Living and Learning continues to grow, we are so excited to add Seville, Spain, to our offerings of excellent locations that students can choose from. Semester in Spain has been positively impacting the lives of College students for nearly 5 decades, and we are thrilled to be able to build on this legacy.”
“Hola, soy Salvador Gallego y llevo más de 25 años como profesor de Español en Semester in Spain. Me encuentro muy ilusionado formando parte de este increíble equipo de Living & Learning. Sin duda, una nueva etapa para seguir “Viviendo y aprendiendo”… ¡Nos vemos pronto en SEVILLA!”
“Semester in Spain has been offering amazing Spanish immersion experiences for over 47 years. We are really excited about the new opportunities for growth with Living & Learning and look forward to many more years of helping students learn, thrive, explore, and experience life in Spain in a meaningful way.”
